It has been a ride full of highs, lows, and everything in between for American Hard Rock veterans Saliva. Making a name for themselves back in 2001 with their major label debut Every Six Seconds, the band went on to achieve a series of successes, releasing chart topping singles, and receiving a Grammy Nomination for best Hard Rock song in 2002. Looking to expand their sound with each passing album, the foundation of has always remained steady with a thick riff, heavy guitar tone and powerful vocals. After the departure of vocalist Josey Scott in 2011, many wondered if it would be the end of the band, but anyone who has followed them knows they have a resilience that simply does not fade into the darkness. Recruiting former Burn Season drummer Bobby Amaru as their new lead voice, Saliva have been making believers out of long-time and new followers. In 2014 the band re-released their 2013 digital album In it to Win It on new label Rum Bum Records, re-titling it Rise Up, and have since taken to the road to support the new material. Back in the saddle this fall, the Tennesseans stopped at The Emporium in Patchogue, NY on Wednesday, November 12th with national support from The Everyday Loser, Bad Seed Rising, and Future Leaders of the World. Regardless of it being a mid-week event, Rock fans showed up for the exciting lineup of acts that was sure to put them on the right side of the hump.
Beginning the evening off right was Southern Indiana’s The Everyday Losers. Founded in 2008, The Everyday Losers bring an Alternative Rock sound with a hard edge. Consisting of brothers Dylan Seidel and Tyler Seidel, both on guitars and vocals, bassist Danny Norton, and drummer Damian Baker, the band took to the stage with a mix of confidence and energetic songs. Performing a set of songs from their debut, Revel in the Chaos, including single “You’ve Got War” and “Hate You,” they put on an extremely impressive display. Tyler laid down some wicked guitar solos falling to his knees at times, losing himself in the music. Their grunge influenced sound would please fans of Smile Empty Soul, Seether, and Alice in Chains a great deal. Check out this band and be one of the first to say they knew about The Everyday Losers before they hit it big.
Next up were promising Maryland adolescents Bad Seed Rising. Ranging from ten to fifteen years of age, these kids have been making their way across the USA spreading the word that age is just a number, and proving that they know how to Rock with the big boys. Performing with the likes of Three Doors Down and Pop Evil, and appearing at M3 Festival, Bad Seed Rising have the chops of veterans, even though they only began two years ago. Now signed to Roadrunner Records, they released their debut EP Charm City back in April, and the crowd at The Emporium was treated to a a nice mix of their original tunes such as “Hey Kid.” Vocalist/guitarist Francheska, like a classic front woman, enticed the room in between songs, pumping her fist in the air, as guitarist Mason, bassist Louey, and drummer Iron Aiden provided a solid rhythm section through other tracks like “Timebomb.” This band has tremendous talent and has not even cracked the surface of what they can do, so look out for Bad Seed Rising.
Keeping the momentum flowing was Nashville, Tennessee’s Future Leaders of The World, aka F.L.O.W.. Put together back in 2002 by vocalist/guitarist Phil Taylor, the band has undergone some changes over the years, including a relocation, but they have withstood it all. Having established themselves on major bills in the past, including stints with Shinedown, Seether, and Chevelle, the band is ready to return with their new album Reveal via Pavement Records in March of 2015. Featuring a supporting cast of lead guitarist Ian Severson, bassist Jarred Mosley, and drummer Russell Bullock, the band took the audience at The Emporium by storm with a great set of passionate, dark, and moody Hard Rock. With Taylor crooning vivid notes reminiscent of some of Alternative Rock’s most recognized vocalists including Kurt Cobain and Scott Weiland, among others, it was exciting to watch him as he released sincere feelings. Allowing each moment to breathe, without forcing themselves out in an unnatural way, the band made it easy for the audience to get lost in songs like “Let Me Out” and “Not Forsaken.” Inviting fans to come closer to the stage to dig into each and every tune, Future Leaders of the World were nothing less than spectacular. The Hard Rock world should be grateful to see this band actively touring once again.
With the audience gathered close and tight near the stage, The Emporium was filled out quite nicely as the evening’s main attraction, Saliva, was about to take the stage. Coming out with guns blazing, the razor sharp guitar work of Wayne Swinny, the thumping bass of Dave Novotny, and the drums of Paul Crobsy, Saliva made it clear that this was going to be a Rock-n-Roll show of the highest order. As Amaru moved around the stage, he showed he belonged there playing hits like “Ladies and Gentlemen” and “Superstar,” to which people were pumping their fists and singing along. As the band proclaimed the best parties are thrown on Wednesdays, by the looks of the enthusiasm on the floor, that statement was true as more classic Saliva songs flowed like water. The band dedicated “Survival of the “Sickest” to all the Harley Davidson riders, and soon after came “All Because of You” and the new anthem “Rise Up.”
Thrusting forward with the force of a band on a mission, Saliva gave this room everything they could ask for and more. Between mixing in fan favorites not heard in some time to playing their hits like “Always” and Click Click Boom,” to rattling out a generous offering of their newer songs written with Amaru at the helm, it was a complete set with Amaru dominating each and every song as if it were his own. With stage presence and excellent pipes, this guy is the real deal, and Saliva fans need not fret that the guys chose the wrong singer to lead them. As the night concluded with “Your Disease,” the audience chanted to the words and applauded in appreciation for the efforts of Saliva. Taking time to meet fans and thank them for the support, Saliva were the perfect cure for the mid-week blues with their high octane performance and approachability . See it, believe it, and remember it: true Rock-n-Roll never dies.
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