State of Shock

July 2007

The Roxy

 

A night at the Roxy…

 

On Tuesday night, the Vancouver based band State of Shock rocked the stage for their CD release party. After eight years, the band released their sophomore album “Life, Love and Lies”, the follow up to their 2004 debut album “Guilty by Association”.  The new record is slightly lighter, more pop oriented than their older material, but still maintains that rock ‘n’ roll element throughout the record.

 

            The night started with 2007 CFOX seeds contenders, Murray Atkinson, and Daniel Wesley both hitting the stage to warm up the rowdy crowd. Both bands are battling it out for the annual seeds competition, which State of Shock claimed victory to in 2004.

           

            The small dance floor of the Roxy in downtown Vancouver, was packed, with people climbing out of their bar stools, to get a better view. After a quick introduction from CFox’s program director, Dunner, the band kicked off their energetic set with “Life, love and lies”. Front man, Cam Melnky decked out in a vest and tie serenaded the females upfront, while belting out lyrics and working the crowd.  Johnny Philippon kept the beat going, pounding away on his drums. While, guitarists Jesse Wainwright, Simon Clow (Kadooh), and bassist Alison Toews brought their own, hitting big riffs and keeping the sound powering forward.  All three sung backing vocals and newest member Simon Clow’s voice fit flawlessly echoing back Cam in “Day After Day”.    

 

The band played the majority of their new record, but still threw in “I wish I never met you” off of their 2004 record, and even mixed in a cover of Aerosmith’s “Dream On”, which Cam pulled off pretty well, proving he’s got serious pipes. The band slowed it down with the sweet ballad “The Best I ever had”. The darker, harder song “Stupid” brought the energy level back up, getting the crowd jumping and singing along. To close the night the band played one of the catchiest songs I’ve ever heard, “Money Honey”.  Definitely a fan favorite, with almost everyone in the Roxy echoing back the lyrics, while Cam screamed shouts of “Louder! I can’t hear you!”

 

 State of Shock definitely has the pipes, talent, and stage presence to pull off an amazing live show. While, they were small on the chit chat with the audience they undeniably captured the attention of the crowd. Feeding off their energy, they put on a killer live set sounding bang on from the first song to the very last.  

 

            After their performance the five humble rock stars were found mingling throughout the crowds, receiving congratulations from friends, family, and fans. Fresh off the release of this album the band plans on hitting the road next week for a cross Canada tour with acts such as Nickelback, Puddle of Mud and Daughtry. Picking up fans along the way, its evident this little Vancouver gem is headed for sweet, much deserved success.