Music Connection Live concert review

Hostile Groove: High-end heavy metal rapcore that explodes upon impact

Hostile Groove
Coconut Teaszer
West Hollywood

Material: Combining hard and heavy guitar riffs with wicked screams and growls, Hostile Groove come packing heavy metal and they are not afraid to use it. Though diverse, their material is to a point from the first note to the last. Their sound consists mostly of heavy metal, and also contains elements of hardcore combined with today's rap rock. While this broadens the music's appeal, it tarnishes it's metal purity.

Musicianship: Simultaneously banging out intricate guitar riffs and screaming at the top of his lungs, McPherson presents himself as an accomplished musician. Combining this ability curdling screams and rap-inspired rambles, he also serves as a focal point of the group. Powerfully pounding his fivr string bass, Wright's inspiring bass lines compliment McPherson's lead like a tuned-down second guitar. Slamming his skins, Welby's erratic beats fill in the foundation like a frenzied Keith Moon.

Performance: Evident by their facial expressions and their lunging body movements, Hostile Groove threw themselves completely into their performance. Madly swinging his three-foot dreads and frequently provoking the crowd, McPherson won over the audience and maintained their attention throughout. Complimenting McPherson's over-the-top vigor, Wright's evil snarl and enthused backup vocals frequently drew all eyes to his side of the stage. Though their set was high energy, eliminating the between song chatter could make the songs one compact explosion of heavy metal mayhem.

Summary: With a polished musical product and the attitude and style to match, Hostile Groove are a hot commodity for labels looking for a band that is a bit left of the current metal scene. Concidering their variety of influences, they have the capacity to appeal to not only the Pantera and Metallica fans, but the Kid Rock and Limp Biscuit crowd as well. This commercial appeal, combined with a live performance that is rich in rage, puts Hostile Groove at the foreground of a vehement and volatile style.
--Scott Perham