Bad Religion, Miss Derringer, Del Toro :
House of Blues San Diego
March 8th 2008

There is nothing better than spending a Saturday night amongst music lovers in a well known venue like the House Of Blues.  Well that was the case, on this March 8th. Crowd slowly made their way in to watch opening band Del Toro. From their bandana wearing lead singer to their almost confused looking bass player, Del Toro showed that they can write a song just like the next man.

Nothing too catchy except for "Kill Devil Rum". A nice little jam with a bass intro and a nice guitar solo. All in all, Del Toro has some of that surf, classic rock sound that some might find amusing other than a red bandana.

After a quick break, Miss Derringer took the stage.  The band quickly catches everyone's eye with some costuming and go go dancers called the Ghost Army.  Fronted by Liz McGrath on vocals, Miss Derringer displays not only an interesting show for the eyes, but also a nice blend of old sounding surf music and 60's girl groups. Cant help but nodding your head every now and then. The guitar tones portrayed by non pick playing Morgan Slade and almost creepy looking Lightning Bill Woodcock on guitars, makes you feel like you are at a 60's dance party looking for somebody to dance with. "Black Tears" and "Better Run Away From Me" were two of the highlights from the set list. Thanks to Ms. Mcgrath's  innocently sounding spoken introduction to each song, the titles were not hard to forget. Miss Derringer provides a good show both visual and musical.

A good half hour later, Bad Religion finally takes the stage. A masters at their craft, they do not let down. Playing songs like "Los Angeles is Burning" and "Punk Rock Song", Religion is a force to be reckoned with. Yet at times, some of the songs begin to sound like the last. Seems like blasphemy to say such things of a band that has brought punk rock to where it is today but it is true. There is only so many fast drumbeats and three chord songs an average person can take but it is Bad Religion and no words can ever destroy the reputation of such a huge name in the punk rock world.

-Cesar Ramirez
           


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