Spahn Ranch
May 5, 1997
Planet Gong, Grand Rapids, MI

This concert was indeed a real treat for me! I got into Planet Gong early for the sound check and am I glad I did, because they warmed up the PA with Vortex (The Coiled One CD) and one new release off their Architechure CD and both songs just kicked. Matt Green, Athan Maroulis and Harry Lewis brought us over an hour of pure listening delight with songs from their past and present releases as mentioned above....

Planet Gong is a small coffee shop in NE Grand Rapids, MI. Not too many people attended the show, maybe 30, Your LOSS! And definately My gain for being there. The sound was Super, vocals by Athan were great! It was nice to hear a voice for a change without the blurring FX's of distortion that commonly joins Industrial Music. I admit that Spahn Ranch don't have much of a stage show, but if you want a stage show go see someone else like Gwar or ICP! I went to see Spahn Ranch for the music mainly, so their stage show and presence is of little detail to me, and i must say the trip up to Grand Rapids was well worth the drive that night to hear Spahn Ranch play (nearly an hour for me one way driving time). Those of you who think this tour *sucks*, i beg to differ with you if you are in fact attending to hear the music!

Some of the songs Spahn played from their new release "Architecture" included: Monochrome, a good blend of sound and drive that got me dancing right away, Black Skinned Blue Eyed Boys, a more melodic side of Spahn Ranch with a touch of slower changes intertwined, good vocals and very danceable. In the Aftermath, another strong track bringing forth the surround sound of EBM coupled with consistent synth drum beats on a back drop of rising and falling electronic riffs and drifts. Futurist Limited has a great tribal beat to it, void of lyrics for the most part, yet electronically satisfying for a good chill. Embodied: the familiar shuffling back sound, deep bass reverb instrumental with a tekno-drive. Vortex, from The Coiled One cd was simply refreshing to hear as was Locusts, both of which were a kick to hear them play live! Architecture shows a new side/direction yet continues the previous sounds of Spahn Ranch that won't disappoint you if you enjoyed their earlier work. It has an overall good sound, strong drumming (Harry), melodic yet hard hitting lyrics by Athan, and great programming by Matt. (Not to mention the band was very kind to us all, open and friendly!)

I strongly urge you to see them live on their current tour, and order Architecture and The Coiled One now! Special thanks to the crew at Planet Gong for bringing Spahn Ranch to Grand Rapids, Spahn Ranch for producing yet another Good chunk of their expertise in the music scene, and Cleopatra Records as well.