The planets align for a night of heavy rock laced with psychedelia featuring Winds Of Neptune and Angel of Mars at Bowlero in Royal Oak.
Winds Of Neptune with Angel Of Mars at Bowlero
Entering Bowlero in Royal Oak felt like stepping back in time. Radiating a strong 70s vibe, the Bowlero lounge feels like it was part of the set for The Big Lebowski. The bar is long and narrow. Plastic orange chairs are situated around nightclub tables with a small couch near the stage area. Perfect setting for a night of riff-laden jams from Winds Of Neptune and Angel Of Mars. Many others must have felt the compelling call of the almighty riff as the bar was packed.
Angel Of Mars
First up were the mystical doom merchants Angel Of Mars. Their music conjures visions of the interstellar void as well as the magic of being. Each time I’m witness to this band, I come away bathed in awe and inspiration. On top of the brilliant percussion, transcendent rhythms, and sonorous riffs are the fabulous vocal harmonies. I’d been aware of them in prior encounters, but for some reason, they resonated deeply on this occasion. While all the tunes in their set were excellent, my favorite is “Solar Flare.” Those chord changes in the chorus are glorious.
Winds Of Neptune
The word “awesome” is typically overused, but in the case of Winds Of Neptune, it fits perfectly. I am in awe of the music this band creates. Their new self-titled album is overflowing with prodigious rock that capitalizes on superior songwriting and a dynamic performance. Getting another chance to check this band out live is bliss.
They kicked things off with the feral mid-tempo rocker “U.S.L.” and never looked back. Mike Alonso’s propulsive drums hammered home the Sabbath-ian “Gas Giant.” Ross Westerbur adds counterpoint with his nibble bass lines and soaring vocals. This leaves the riff master, Kevin Roberts, to stun us with powerful chords, spot-on double stops, and blistering solos.
Much of Winds Of Neptune’s set consisted mainly of tunes from their new album, including the driving “La Cacciata” and the fist-clenching “Faun’s Rhyme”. They closed out their set with a new tune (at least to me) called “The Orb,” which radiated with spectral heaviness.
Pictures
There are more photos of Angel Of Mars and Winds Of Neptune at Bowlero in Royal Oak in our galleries.
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