GIFT OF GAME AT THE TROCADERO

On Tuesday, Nov. 28, the Trocadero hosted a down-to-earth concert experience for loyal rock fans as the Gift of Game tour came to town.

Shuvel, Slaves on Dope and Crazy Town claimed responsibility for the wall shaking, floor rumbling, back-to-your-roots atmosphere of the show.

The dual vocal attack of the Wichita, Kan., quintet, Shuvel opened. Shuvel lashed into the crowd with tracks from their album Set it Off, often stage diving and slapping hands as they surfed their way back on stage.

After lengthy microphone checks, the ferocious Montreal foursome, Slaves on Dope took the stage. Led by the deep and unpredictable vocals of Jason Rockman, Slaves on Dope had a large following due to their exposure-gaining tours with the Ozzfest and Soulfly.

Slaves on Dope blasted out hits from their album Inches From The Mainline. The fervent tracks “Pushing Me” and “I Can’t Die” paved the way for the heavy title track “Inches From The Mainline,” which set the crowd ablaze. After a warming reaction, Rockman thanked the active crowd with a laughing response of “I love my fucking job!”

Before touching on the harsh track “Thanks for Nothing,” Rockman and the boys antagonized the few clinging to the walls to join in the active pit.

“Stick It Up” left the crowd wanting more and the boys delivered after touching on the election crisis, naming their Presidential choice: Ozzy Osbourne.

Concluding their set with “Leader of Losers,” Slaves on Dope advised fans with the rousing sing-a-long chorus: “Don’t Tell Me How to Live My Life!”

Following Slaves on Dope was the stylistic and explosive sound of the Los Angeles seven-man band Crazy Town. Having masterfully combined hip-hop’s insolent attitude with the firmness of rock-n-roll, Crazy Town is a band that is by far the definition of unique.

Plagued by sound problems during their set, Crazy Town managed to work through their anger for a successful night. The band performed their hard hometown ballad, “Hollywood Babylon,” in addition to great live performances of “Think Fast,” “Revolving Door” and “Black Cloud.”

The highlights of Crazy Town’s set were the performance of their single “Butterfly” and the 10 minutes spent arguing and cursing at the stage crew about the sound problems. For the loyal fans present, this show was one to be remembered.