LIVE! No-Re-Gretz

Artist: No-Re-Gretz

Link: https://www.facebook.com/pages/No-Re-Gretz/269635359812503

No-Re-Gretz as a band name is more than the “no regrets” mantra. It's also a warning you're about to get bitch-slapped by frontman, Chris Gretz.

There are carefully packaged rock stars (long/lean; neatly pressed/artfully rumpled); and then there are the Axl Roses and Chris Gretzes of the world – rock swagger to spare, until that tightly-wound rock energy unloads all over some unsuspecting photographer. Luckily, there would be no such incidents at a venue packed with the No-Re-Gretz faithful.

Gretz easily sells a set marked by seemingly disparate elements from metal-edged originals and covers (e.g. “House of the Rising Sun”) to southern rock. And though Gretz was blessed with a voice made for metal, he's also surprisingly soulful when he's strapping on an acoustic for the down-tempo arrangements. But it is quite the treat when he introduces the final song of the set by saying, “Here's a metal one for you called 'Man in the Casket.'” After that, it's all bouncing-off-the-walls-of-the-rubber-room to the maniacal howl of a caged beast – let, that fucker, out.

Gretz & Co. own every bit of the stage. Each nook and cranny of its monitor-built stage-front was filled with a No-Re-Gretz member sitting, standing, jumping off, or strolling in front of [with wireless guitars].

No-Re-Gretz is firing on all cylinders. Their fan base is vital and vibrant. They have an easy stage presence (not to mention gorgeous instruments and merchandise). And most importantly, No-Re-Gretz is a high energy stage show with metal-tinged hard rock sure to entertain. The audience was well-served last night.

*** The author of this review, Henry Collins, plays the dhaulli for the following band: http://youtu.be/tMS73-1kCr8