This past Friday was the first Metalurgee Show of 2012. The show was advertised as Through the Thorns featuring Chuk Cooley with The Federation of Horsepower, Collapse and Next to Kin. But when I arrived, the place was packed and the School of Rock was blasting out Protest songs from different eras. I would guess that nothing Humbles the older musicians out there like hearing an 8 year old belt out War Pigs better than they do.

When they cleared the stage and most of the bar, Next to Kin kicked things off. This was my first experience with them and I liked them. They had a strong eighties hair band feel and sound to them. The set was perhaps a tad long, but nobody complained. As the Bars started filling back up, and after some confusion about who would play next, Collapse started setting up on stage.

I am not sure why Ronnie mentioned the rocky start, but I suspect he was slightly perturbed, because the performance was one of the best Collapse has done. The energy was astounding and crowd participation was amazing. They are always good, so to top the past shows I have seen is difficult, but they did it. This is not the first band I have seen do their best shows angry.

Chuk Cooley and his gang took some time to set up and finally got the show going, but it was after midnight. And we had the Federation to go as well. Their BIO reads, “Through the Thorns all met one stormy night in a Oklahoma storm cellar, when a F-5 tornado was rolling through their Tulsa town. To keep the people calm in that iron box in the ground they just happen to bring acoustic guitar’s and a snare drum with them, writing songs and playing them til the storm passed. When it was time to come out they found thorn bushes had been tangled up in front of the storm cellar door and they had to push through the thorns to get out. Thus THROUGH THE THORNS was born!”. The impression I have is the storm brought together quite an interesting group. Chuk just might have been a bit tipsy, but he did a great job on stage. The only request of myself and most of the audience was to continue the music, maybe talk a bit less….oh well, the show was fun.

The Federation of Horsepower Started very late, as in after 1 am, at least I believe that to be true. Gregg and the boys are fun off the stage and it has been a while since I have seen them play, they started the show with a tribute to Etta James and perhaps channeled her? They definitely stole the show with great stage and crowd control. The sound was better than ever. I know that seems like I am stroking someone, but in truth I am calling it like I saw it. I have a bit of love for rockabilly sound and I have always said I preferred the FOHP songs that leaned that way.

So to sum it up, Next to Kin, great sounding 80’s styled rock metal band. They were tight for a new band and will only get better the more they play. Collapse, best show I have seen them play and they are kickass every time I see them. Chuk Cooley, first time I have seen them, I am impressed and want to see them again, and finally Federation Of Horsepower, wasn’t expecting such a great show at 1 AM. It was a long night but a great night, Thank You Metalurgee for making it happen.

JD Enke
Project Backstage