Not my year by Suicide City

Defined by the band members as dark, turbulent, romantic, and despair SC has already found itself a home in my heart.

It has taken roughly 24 hours before I could even gather the words properly together to describe the intensity of Suicide City. Even now I have little faith that this review can truly express just a pulse of their energy.

The stage is set; the location is The Saint night club in Asbury Park NJ. A crowd of people wait anxiously to bare witness to the debut of a perfect collaboration of talents. Formed of ex Kittie Bassist Jennifer Arroyo, Biohazards Billy Graziadei (guitar, vocals), AJ Marchetta (guitar), Dan Lamagna (drums) and Karl Bernholtz (vocals) this city is one you will never want to leave.

This energy I speak of can be seen all around from the "physical" stage presence of Karl Bernholtz, who at times reminds me of a young Mick Jagger, mixed with a scoop of Iggy Pop based on his body moments. His voice is as well unique and can only be described as pure and raw all at once.

Jennifer Arroyo as always holds her own with her glowing passion and love for music as she moves rhythmically with every note leaving you breathless. This goddess of bass never ceases to amaze me. Her voice flows melodically intertwining with Bernholtz and Graziadei to make one of the most incredible vocal impressions of all times.

What can be said about the talents of producer, engineer, guitarist and vocalist Billy Graziadei that haven't already been said before? Watching him play makes you want to pick up a guitar and learn to play a note , test your vocals and learn to sing or just grab a white button up and cover it in blood. Thanks for the set list Billy, you own!

AJ Marchetta is as well filled with the ability to please the crowd as he gets up close and personal with everyone he sees just to remind you that he fucking owns you. The sound of AJ's guitar along with Billy's reminds you that when you work together the sounds you can create are monumental.

Look at Suicide City and you shall find its flesh, feel Suicide City and you shall find its veins, hear Suicide City and you will find its heartbeat being pounded out by the drum sticks of Dan Lamagna. Fierce, energetic and powerful are only the basics for explaining this mans talent.

The set was flawless, playing fan favorite "Undone" giving the crowd a chance to scream out loud with the band. Among the songs played (Diemonds, Marching Backwards, Not My Year, She Waits, Give me your Pity & Diluted) we found ourselves in complete darkness followed by bright blue for a musical treat, "I hope you guy's liked the Crow!" a perfect opening for a SC version of the Cure's "Burn". I almost found myself breaking out my lighter but was left motionless in a state of euphoria as I listened.

A trip to Suicide City is in fact what a music lover needs in their lives. Original, Fierce, Sexy, melodic, dark, bright & beautiful are the only words I am left with.

Average Customer Review: 5