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Saucer

There's a lot of music out there that I like, but not much that distinguishes itself from one another. I can't listen to the radio anymore and figure out which bands play what. Case in point: I purchased a Puddle of Mudd CD. I like the CD, but I thought to myself, 'I should've just dug out an old Alice in Chains CD, satisfied my craving, and saved the 15 bucks.'

The Saucer CD, Invasion of Saucer, is a departure from the same ol'-same ol'. It's not so much an addition to the current wave of music as much as it's a step back to the basics of straight-ahead hard rock. The band is comprised of some heavy hitters. Bruce Castleberry, formally with Vallejo, establishes the foundation of each song with solid, sometimes pounding chords. George Devore, of George Devore and the Roam fame, adds powerful vocals that will easily distinguish Saucer from the rest of the crowd. Xavier Muriel, former drummer for Cadillac Voodoo Choir, and Nate Hickman, former bass player for Steam Roller, complete the ensemble.

Side Show, the first track on Invasion of Saucer establishes the fact that this is no CD for wusses. Without seeing the band, you imagine that the singer is some grizzly, tattoo clad biker belting out the lyrics as hard as he can. You can imagine the guitarist pouring his soul into the work. The drummer's pounding away. And the bass player is bobbing back in forth pushing the song forward. In reality, the band has a stronger presence than that imagined. They have managed to bring back some of the theatrics into their shows. In addition to the music, audiences are being treated to an unforgettable stage show.

You Belong has started to receive some radio play on KLBJ. No doubt it will only be the beginning. With songs like In/Out and Huskau that suck the listener in, it's only a matter of time before they see the radio play that they deserve. In/Out is one of those songs where you really notice the presence of each individual band member. Huskau's rhythm and unusual nature set it apart from the other songs on the CD. The CD is rounded out by well-constructed pieces like Addiction and Wrenching.

Typically, when I listen to a CD a few times, I naturally gravitate to a couple of favorites. Invasion of Saucer has left me a little puzzled. My favorite song seems to be whichever one I'm listening to. I don't have that nagging voice in the back of my head waiting to get to the next song. I just become absorbed in each track. I'm disappointed that each song ends, but still excited to hear the next track. If you are a serious rocker, I strongly advise you to get your hands on Saucer's CD. If you're brave enough, I encourage you to see them live.

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