On New Years Eve at Aftershock in Merriam, KS the band Psychostick came to town and was part of a 9 band throwdown that was very hard, heavy, and loud. 

For myself this was the first time seeing Psychostick live and in person.  I had heard about them, some of the anticts that they performed on stage, and how they drive the crowd with massive interaction.  Honestly some of the talk made me fear that with all the hype prior to going and actually seeing them that it might leave me in disappointment. 

Prior to the show starting I got to talk to all the guys.  For those that have seen Psychostick, they will tell you it is a fun show, very entertaining, and one that is not forgotten very soon.  I asked them about this and the response was the same from every person.  This is their personalities and not something that they work hard to think of things to do.  It is something that comes naturally and a way to further express who they are beyond just the music. 

When the show started I was impressed by the sheer chemistry that they showed on stage from the word go.  Every member was working on the same page, the breaks and timing of the entire set was spot on, and the energy coming from the stage directed at the crowd was at a level that I have not seen in a long time.  Their set was only 30 minutes the first time before they took a venue required break for 15 minutes or so and came back for almost another hour.  In most shows anytime you break the set with an intermission like that it kills the energy and the drive of both the band and fans that’s generated but Psychostick was able to come back onto stage and pick right up where they left off where it seemed that they had never stopped.

From songs to “I can only count to 4″ (a remake “Let the bodies hit the floor”), “Beer is Good”, and “Orgasm Equals Love” the night flowed seemlessly.  I found myself smiling throughout the entire set, and even in the “slow mosh pit” that Psychostick is known for.  The sound quality was amazing and I found myself not being able to resist becoming part of the interaction that Psychostick was throwing around like tacos.  Speaking of tacos, when the dozen or so that were thrown from the stage was launched into the crowd, I think one of our crew is still suffering from being pelted upside the head and as early as last evening he was still pulling lettuce out of his hair.  Hurt he was not but it was awesome to see.

Myself I am not a “metal head” and I stick to more of the mainstream rock type artists in my preference of music.  With that said, even after the hour and a half of performance time I felt sad when it came to an end.  The show was (and I can not say it enough) so energetic I did not notice that time pass.  The old saying of “leave them wanting more” in entertainment is so true and Psychostick does this without even trying, it is just who they are as people and as entertainers, not just musicians.

Overall the show was about as perfect as they come.  I have been thinking for over a week on what I would say was not right in my mind and I honestly can not think of anything.  All the hype and talk that people kept telling me prior to this show was spot on.  While words can not describe in any way how talented and fun Psychostick is, the next time they are in your town it is worth the entertainment dollar.  Even if you are not a fan of the type of music they play, the positive energy that flows through a crowd at a Psychostick show along with the interaction and the fun they present I feel safe to say you will not regret spending the $15 or $20 they usually bring per ticket.  It is more than worth it.

Frank Arena
Project Backstage