Soaking In The Music - Sponge

A Review by Phil Denson

In 1994 Detroit grunge rockers Sponge burst on to the national scene with their debut album, the platinum-selling Rotting Pi-ata. Three albums, several hits and a slowing career have followed. With the coming of rap-metal came the slow death of alternative. Fortunately for those of us that aren't ready to embrace the fusion of pissed off rappers with pissed off rockers, Sponge plays on.

It's December 8th and I'm at Pop's in East St. Louis. I'm staring at the stage, waiting, wondering and wishing...the lights dim, fog fills the stage and then it happens, the band begins, the lights come up and there they stand, Sponge!

Opening the set with the hard driving "My Purity," lead singer Vinnie Dombroski takes over the crowd effortlessly. Without missing a note the band slips into "Wax Ecstatic." The next two hours stoke, provoke and titillate the senses. Classic Sponge tunes "Molly," "Plowed," and "Have You Seen Mary" delighted all in the audience, but it was the unexpected that caught my attention. Covering Lou Reed's "Take A Walk On The Wild Side" and Elvis Presley's "Suspicious Minds" would seem a stretch for this hard hitting rock band...not so. Vinnie had no problem wooing the crowd with these classics, promoting a sing along with both. The audience complied. My most enjoyable memory of the evening was a raucous version of "Go Speed Racer." Combined with Vinnie's six inch spiked hairdo and an English accent, the song came across as a souped up punk version of the Saturday morning cartoon's theme song. Other favorites this night included "Drag Queens of Memphus," "Rotting Pinata," "Polyanna" and "Live Here Without You."

The band seemed to sincerely enjoy themselves, giving their all, Sponge's stage presence is undeniable...these guys are ROCK STARS! I talked with Vinnie after the show. They have a new album slated for release in 2002 and with the album will come a new tour. I highly recommend Sponge's music and I must say that the show at Pop's was one of the best concerts I've ever witnessed. If you're an angry young person that is teetering on the world of hate and destruction then you might want to stick to the fashionably trendy rap-metal. However, if you're interested in hard driving rock and roll with a twist, try soaking up some Sponge.

POP'S NIGHTCLUB

1403 Mississippi Ave.

Sauget, IL

Located only 2 minutes from downtown St. Louis (an easy drive from Cape), Pop's is a great venue to catch a show. They are literally open 24/7 and boast live music every night at midnight. Three separate bars are spaced throughout the club serving up your favorite beverages and better-than-average bar food. They have an ample dance floor and an abundance of pool tables.

For the past 20 years, Pop's has hosted local and national artists such as Nickelback, David Lee Roth, Slipknot, Crazy Town and Shooting Star just to name a few. Here's a list of upcoming shows:

January 14 - Hatebreed with guests, Poison the Well and Sworn Enemy

January 18 - Bruce Willis with special guest, Ivan Neville

January 19 - J.D. Blackfoot

February 26 - O.A.R. (Of a Revolution)

Tickets are available through Ticketmaster (314) 421-4400 at Pop's.

Visit Pop's online at: www.poprocks.com