Kill The Peace

Last night I went out to see Kill The Peace play at the 1011. I had just read an interview they did for Edge Magazine and sorely disappointed with the article. The band had a lot of say about who they are as a band and what it means to be in a band to them. Too bad for horrible writing. Anyway Seeing Kill the Peace took them down from the pedestal I had them on. I heard good things about them and loved their political agenda. I feel if you write meaningful lyrics and want music with a message perhaps have people hear your lyrics.

They gave me the same sound over and over again. I know they can produce audible lyrics but they'd rather not. I couldn't feel any energy with what they were trying to give me. It felt like other "hardcore" bands I've seen in the area, why do you tell me what your song is about if I can't understand your lyrics. idgi. They were an obvious open for the band that followed, Edhochuli, who undoubtedly stole the show from Kill the Peace. Their female lead is cute and shy but produces a sound that scares some people and annoys others. She is defiantly the image of what she represents a political, diy, hardcore singer girly girl in short shorts and a tank top but honestly I'm not impressed.

I thought every song pretty much sounded the same as the last and that's not just her fault. I remember in high school people would come out to see a band with a girl in it just to see if she was any good. and usually they didn't measure up. I see this band as a family and they won't change their sister of a singer. She does deliver what this band represents and wants to be. It's just kill the peace isn't my cup of tea.

Jai Roots & the Herb-n-Café Project

8 O’clock @ the Main Plaza in the downtown area of our great city, was the time Jai Roots and the Herb-n-Cafe project , a silly play on words, performed this last Saturday. A Latin reggae band in San Antonio seems appropriate for this city, actually necessary. There were multiple songs played that made me wish my parents were there to witness, the typical Hispanic tourist couple.

The strong Latin beats and Spanish salsa flair made ME want to get up and dance! I can only imagine how the people on the river walk would’ve reacted. This band integrates popular Spanish songs, some upbeat others traditional with original reggae creations. Songs of inspiration and love were what these reggae songs entailed, love for music, the human race, culture and roots while alternating from English to Spanish then back again.
The eccentric 8 piece band was well rehearsed and full of energy and performed for 2 hours. This was defiantly a family oriented band that included friends and family members from the crowd into the songs. When I walked up there were already a crowd of men, women and children engrossed in the music. Men in their sixties, women in their twenties, children from age 5 and up, couples, parents with their teens, quite a diverse age range!

The band started off with a strong salsa influenced song and with the singer’s raspy voice I was a bit reserved and unsure about how I felt about his vocals, but they grew on me. The dynamic changed when he switched to reggae, his voice was ideal, Bob Marley was the most obvious influence for him in terms of voice training. Their female vocalist was highlighted in their rendition of a traditional Brazilian song. I felt drawn to her, inspired by her energy, voice, and obvious talent. My attention was also drawn to their charming trumpeter; he was not over powering and did not try to steal the show but a wonderful complement to the aesthetic of the band. Bongos, bass guitar, trumpet, drums, vocals and additional percussion including maracas made up this ensemble but they were not limited to just these members when friends and family came to change up the lineup or assist with the original.

They will be playing Reggae Fest at the Reggae Bar on October 16th , which will probably have them rely on their more Bob Marley inspired songs. Although his Hispanic culture will not be lost, his songs of La Raza and one race are strong and prt of their reacquiring message.

Reggae Bar
2016 Austin Hwy,
San Antonio, TX

JJ Lopez/Tuckers

I don’t usually review DJ’s but I feel it’s time to broaden my reviews and make an exception. Now, I have seen JJ Lopez spin a few times and I can form a proper opinion. I have only seen him spin at Tucker’s Kozy Korner off East Houston Street. I used to frequent this place and would catch him spin on random days. He is known for his old school funk and R&B rhythms. Having such a genre of soul and funk has landed him with quite a diverse crowd and reaction. I have been there to see one couple dance to a song then sit down, a lone dancer, to a complete packed dance floor. When I went this passed Friday the latter was the case, the floor was completely packed with kids dancing to songs their parents grew up listening to. Or at least that was my case; I knew these songs because my mom would play them all the time. There were solo dancers and couples but being part of the crowd is captivating enough for everyone to be okay with dancing alone. rhythm

JJ participates with a group called Super Soul Shakedown and spins every first and third Friday of the month. Or so I’ve heard. He has a very Chicago style about him, I don’t really know what that means but I sense Chicago on him whenever I see him. I just think that guy must be from Chicago, even though he probably is not. Anyway there is a show on the 16th with Super Soul Shakedown featuring T Bird and the Breaks. It’s going to be at Sam’s Burger Joint for $5.

And just for giggles.