The Rock and Roll Bass Guitar is very obviously an East Lansing-based band.
Anybody who has ever driven on MSU's campus can completely relate to the seventh song on their debut album, frankly titled, "F--k you MSU parking motherf--ker."
The lyrics to the 44 second-long track are just two lines:
"F--k you MSU parking patrol/$25 can't stop rock 'n' roll."
And the rest of "Co-Enzymes, You Bitch!" seldom disappoints.
The Rock and Roll Bass Guitar is comprised of three MSU students, a bass guitar and some drums. That's right, no six-string.
Aaron Saul, also known as Cancer-boy, who plays bass for multiple Mid-Michigan rock bands, including The Avenues, The Hot Flashez and The Tourettes Ponies, makes this band stand out. His bass playing stretches from punk, to rock 'n' roll and into hardcore. "Rock 'n' Roll Pt. 18" is an incredibly catchy tune. Saul's bassline sets up the entire addictive quality of this tune.
Drummer Jerry Trent, aka John Duffy, brings the tempo up with fast-paced beats. This song is purely rock, as are most songs whose title and lyrics rely on the word "rock."
"Ladies and gentlemen, it was once said that rock was dead, but people, we have been given a reason, we have been given a choice, we have been given a role, and that role's name is The Rock and Roll Bass Guitar."
Listening to "Quatro-Gordo" is even better than visiting homestarrunner.com. The slow, heavy bass notes follow a hilarious intro from vocalist Larry Trent, aka Kiel Phegley.
Phegley has a fantastic voice - powerful yet still fun to listen to. His vocals go from a James Hetfield-like growl on "Biting the Explosive Bullet" to a full out punk holler and opera-like shrill on "Hot Beef Explosion Roll" and even a little whiny on a few others.
The only qualm I have with this album is that I was so pleased by The Rock and Roll Bass Guitar's unique style, until I came upon the tune called "Kristen Burris."
While not a bad song, it sounds a lot like what all the other East Lansing self-righteous indie rockers are doing. There's a lot of hype built up for this band, based on the band's live shows, in which the three members wear painted-on green shirts.
Check this crazy out at Mac's Bar, 2700 E. Michigan Ave., on Aug. 19.
