Shining Path @ Trash Bar, Brooklyn
by
Janelle
August 19, 2005
Brooklyn, NY
Shining Path most likely is not a band with whom most are familiar - after all, Friday, August 19 was the four-piece's first public outing, featuring their new lead vocalist and new moniker, that is. Wasn't too long ago this tight punk band was basically nameless, playing sporadically with spur-of-the-moment names (so who knows if they'll stick to this present one) with out-of-control vocalist/performance artist extraordinaire Gerry Price, who, shall we say, let it all hang out - ahem - for the audience.
Now fine-tuned with a more stable line-up, consisting of bassist Iain Potts, guitarist Stu "Spasm" Grey, drummer Derek Finan, and aforementioned frontman Hayden Hatcher, the latest version of the band put on a mighty fine display for all in attendance. And there were a good number of people scattered about the small stage area following Blackout Shoppers' (the opening act of the night) highly-charged, maniacal, and just plain FUN set, as more people wandered in. Unfortunately, however, the crowd that had grown during the interim between bands, diminished whilst Shining Path rocked out. And, well, these defectors missed a rather impressive set of original tunes (and one cover of Hot Chocolate's "Every 1's a Winner") - not to mention one VERY disturbing "documentary" (?) being shown on the movie screen that descended upon the right of the stage after Blackout Shoppers stepped down.
Yes, this was one downfall of Shining Path's performance: the disconcerting footage of a cockroach duct-taped to a white slab and being prodded by silver tongs somewhat detracted from the band's set, as one, no matter how hard he/she tried, could not help glancing at (perhaps some were even TRANSFIXED by) the horrible act that occurred on-screen. Not to get into the ghastly details, let's just say it wasn't a pretty picture (to quote Social D), and, unlike his cockroach brethren, this little fellow won't be surviving the impending nuclear holocaust. But, on the other hand, this display could be construed as total punk rock, as it pushed the boundaries of decency and also made the affair more of a multi-art presentation.
But anyway... For a recently streamlined version of a band playing their first show (Hatcher came aboard early July), the men of Shining Path did an honorable job, as the tall and dramatic Hatcher proved a commanding frontman who seemed to be so into it he got lost in the soundscapes provided by his bandmates and on occasion danced in a seductive, druggy fashion. And the overall performance, calm demeanor, and undeniable chemistry between all onstage belied the short time this particular line-up's been together. Some of the highlights of the night had to be the third song in, the groove-laden "In Strictest Confidence", the mysterious-sounding, slower, darker - and hence wonderful - "Psychiatrist", and the subsequent "Murder Suicide (For You and Me)".
But more must be said about this enigmatic vocalist whom this reviewer had never heard/seen before. Having been told afore that he bears a bit of a resemblance in voice to legendary Buzzcocks vocalist/guitarist Pete Shelley - he of the high, quirky register - I had my doubts about what he'd sound like. Whereas Mr. Shelley sounds awesome, truly, how many men can pull off THAT kind of vocal tone and sound good?! Well, turns out Hatcher does have a bit of a Shelley tone and succeeds, as the style works for him and the band, thus allaying all anxiety and fear of what would be heard. Likewise, one could glean a bit of a glorious Rozz Williams (singer of early Christian Death - when they were actually GOOD) inflection in there as well, as his voice sometimes portrayed a disinterested, yet pleading and dramatic tone (if that makes any sense). Coupled with the quality punk rock replete with memorable riffs and a more than apt, steady rhythm section anchoring it all, Shining Path's future, if they keep it up, could possibly be just that: shining.
