Sunset Strip

Taking advantage of the resurgence of the “Big-Hair” metal scene, "Sunset Strip" is quickly emerging as one of the premier acts in town. Playing at Club Vegas ( 445 South 400 West. A private club for members) every Thursday, the show is impressive on several fronts. But the bottom line is these guys flat out rock!

Named after the famous L.A. hub which spawned the likes of Guns N’ Roses, Motley Crue and Van Halen, this band puts on a show worthy of its pedigree. If you’re looking for an over the top, spandex-wearin’, poofy wig sporting, Milli-Vanilli-esque sing-a-long show with lots of flash but little substance, you won’t get it here.

Don’t get me wrong; the show itself is an impressive spectacle befitting of the genre, complete with a dazzling light display, sirens and the obligatory fog. But the real show begins once the music starts.

Led by Matt Wilson on vocals, "Sunset Strip" covers a broad spectrum of 80’s era favorites. Not content to just stick to the clichéd hits, you are likely to hear everything from Poison and Bon Jovi to Metallica and Iron Maiden. Wilson’s impossibly high range allows him to pull off the vocal theatrics of bands like Slaughter, Firehouse and Skid Row (A feat that other acts dare not attempt). He is also not afraid to show his sensitive side with an occasional ballad.

Wilson’s supporting cast is equally impressive: Led by Mike Thiriot on lead guitar, Ryan Phillips on rhythm guitars and keyboards, Tom Browning on bass and Doug Vernieu on drums. Because they are a true 5-piece band, complete with a dual-guitar attack and an array of keyboards, “Sunset Strip” does not rely on pre-recorded backing tracks to fill out their songs, and this adds greatly to the live show--what you see is what you get.

Thiriot flawlessly recreates all of the shredding solos, while Browning and Vernieu hold down the rhythm section with well practiced theatrical stage presence. Phillips plays guitar or keyboards (or both), and everyone in this band SINGS! Pulling off multi-part harmonies is another strength that sets them apart.

If you’re tired of the same old act and want to see a band that truly encompasses the entire “Big-Hair” metal scene, head over to Club Vegas on a Thursday. You won’t be disappointed.

Colby Thompson, Rock Press Review

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