Beyond the vocals, the musical talent within Badfish is arguably better then that of Sublime. Instrumental variety allows them to perform long medleys that evolve out of hit songs like Garden Grove. By weaving their way in and out of both the popular and lesser known songs in Sublime’s catalogue, the group was able to extend their set without sounding atonal. These medleys also provided the band members with a few places to display their talents.
Acting as the crowd enthusiast and provider of all studio sounds, Ben Chomp put forth an energetic performance on the keys, trumpet and guitar. Although his stage presence was a distraction at times – recreating the Sublime experience almost requires some form of frivolous jumping around to engage the audience. Adding to the hype was Scott Begin. Drummers specializing in up-tempo Ska are musical Olympians, and Begin is no slouch. When provided with the opportunity to fill the room, Begin easily broke form and pounded the skins until the crowd roared. Joel Hanks wasn’t offered as many openings to woo the audience on bass but he kept the crew on board throughout the night – especially during the radio staple Wrong Way and sped-up fan favorite Saw Red.
It’s tough to create a standard to rate a cover band because music has always been meant to be interpreted by the ears it falls upon. Sublime was a bit of an anomaly, they were the center of a hard partying scene and their music was more of a soundtrack then a popular movement.
For better or worse, it’s doubtful that anyone privileged enough to see Sublime live could close their eyes at a Badfish performance and confuse the two. However, the band provides fans both young and old to share in the live sound of a group that no longer exists. In that regard, Badfish successfully accomplishes what the best cover bands have always done: bridge the gap of circumstance.
2 Responses
kevin smallwood not only is your name cool but you have heart in your writing style. good job getting up to the baloney.