Unlike many bass players, World Gone Mad‘s Guy Bechter (pictured second from left) doesn’t hide in the shadows onstage. As the self-described “driving force of the band,” he flaunts his bass-in-your-face attitude. “I put on my own show inside the band’s shows,” he says. “Without losing touch of the music.”
Formed nearly six years ago, the quartet abides by an insurance contract that stipulates that they must eat right, exercise, and stay off drugs. The regimen has produced high-energy gigs and CDs that have left some fans calling their sound “a fine line between metal and pop rock.” “We play metal, modern, and radio-type rock and ballads,” says Bechter. “Sometimes [it’s] all mixed together inside one song.” World Gone Mad is at Tha Bing (1955 Triplett Boulevard in Akron) at 11:30 p.m. Saturday. Admission is $5; call 330-798-0544. — Cris Glaser
Droog Music Decadent leads an annual goth fest.
FRI 10/29
Here’s a reminder to all of Decadent’s “droogies”: Dress to impress for the electronic rockers’ Night Gallery IV: Muses, Monsters, and Madness on Friday. The masquerade ball “should inspire some [creative costumes] in those who decide to wander out for our little event,” says the band’s David K. Performing with Decadent are Morticia’s Chair, Missile Command, and Knowing Finkla. A side room will feature spoken-word performances and an art exhibit, featuring work by several local artists. “If you don’t like what’s in one [room], you can go to the second for something else,” says David. “When that doesn’t work, there’s always the bar.” Night Gallery IV starts at 9 p.m. at the Phantasy Nite Club, 11802 Detroit Avenue in Lakewood. Tickets are $5 if you’re over 21, $8 if you’re 18 to 20; call 216-228-6300. — Cris Glaser
A Little Dabbs’ll Do Ya
FRI 10/29
Singer-songwriter Trent Dabbs is a bona fide southern man. He was born in Mississippi, lives in Nashville, and on his debut album, Quite Often, writes and sings about his family, friends, and lovers. Yet the loops and spare arrangements put him more in league with adventurous alt-country popsters than rigid redneck rockers (he recently opened for R.E.M. in his hometown). His lazy twang is appealing, and the songs are sharp. Dabbs is at the Lime Spider (207 South Main Street in Akron) at 7 p.m. Friday. Tickets are $5 (21 and over) and $10, available by calling 866-468-3401. — Michael Gallucci
This article appears in Oct 27 – Nov 2, 2004.