Scene of Action - Scene of Action

For a Wednesday night at 9:00, Bottom of the Hill was already filling up, whether for the UK's The Duke Spirit, or for the up and coming opener, Scene of Action, was yet to be seen. But it was certainly an unusually large number of hipsters for such a windy San Francisco evening, and a weeknight at that. When Scene of Action took the stage, a power rock trio from Oakland, it was obvious that even if the crowd hadn't come to see them, they were glad they did. With thick, layered guitars and throbbing bass lines, it's hard to believe that they're only a trio. While I usually have trouble connecting with music I've never listened to before, there was something compelling about these boys from the East Bay. Maybe it was the genuine joy the band seemed to get from playing, or the non-stop energy that rocked their set. Although their Myspace lists them as rock/alternative, they delved into a little electronica with their song "What's a Boy to Do," a slower, sexier number than the rest of their set with a heavy beat reminiscent of Nine Inch Nails. Their influences seem to be all over the map, with a few harder tracks with screaming vocals, and a dash of pop sensibility thrown in for good measure. It shouldn't work, but somehow they make it seem natural, with one song flowing into the next without missing a beat. And did I mention they gave away ice cream if you bought a CD. Definitely my kind of band and an awesome way to start the evening. Grace Blasco -StereoSubversion Magazine.

1) Daydream Stop Shock
2) Conscience Ache
3) Keeping Up
4) The Truth Is Out
5) Unbelievable