Show Review: Des Rocs and the Dream Machine Tour.
written and photographed by Hunter Astrid.
more photos + the rest of the gallery can be found here.
Des Rocs -
Des Rocs is a music trio from Long Island, New York that is composed of frontman Daniel Rocco (vocals + guitar), bassist Eric Mendelsohn and drummer William Tully. They are a glam/hard/alternative rock band that’s been together since 2018. Before forming the group, Daniel Rocco was in a short lived duo titled Secret Weapons and had opened from bands like Fall out Boy, Weezer, and Panic! at the Disco. Rocco’s influences, which are noticeable in his sound, ranges from the likes of Muse to Queen, Elvis Presely to grandson, and more.
The childhood friends trio has released three Eps in successive years (2018, 2019 and 2020), and two full studio length albums - A Real Good Person in a Real Bad Place in 2021, as well as Dream Machine on August 25th of 2023. The new album features singles “Never Ending Moment,” “Nowhere Kid,” and “I am Lightning.” Des Rocs newest album was released with on the label Sumerian Records.
I have seen Des Rocs a total of three times since 2019 and there is no question about the groups talent and Rocco’s stage presence. I always know I’ll walk away more than satisfied and highly entertained. The music only gets better with every listen and every watching experience you have. Although the first album A Real Goos Person in a Real Bad Place has many great songs, Dream Machine just feels a lot more thought out and developed. The songs I saw performed during the concert instantly pulled me in and the second I got home I listened to the album in full. The title track “Dream Machine” is a perfect way to open up the album and show the listener a sneak peak of what to expect from the full album itself. By using “Dream Machine” as the opening song to the set for the show, the song really set a high bar for the rest of the set. And, of course, Des Rocs went far above that high bar. Like always, I had so much fun at the concert and quickly lost myself in the music. I will once again await his return to a city I am in.
MY FAVORITE SONG: “Dream Machine” off of Dream Machine (2023)
Starbenders -
Starbenders is a glam rock band from the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia that formed back in 2013. The band was created initially by vocalist and guitarist Kimi Shelter and bassist Aaron Lecesne. They were quickly joined by guitarist Kriss Tokaji and drummer Emily Moon. After the bands inception in 2013, they were signed to former Lady Gaga music director + guitarist Nico Constantine’s label, Institution Records.
The band’s first Ep was self-titled and released in 2014; eight years later in 2018 they released Julian and a year later in 2019 they released their third Ep titled Japanese Rooms (2019). The group also released a 7-inch in 2015 titled Powder. Starbenders have also released three studio length albums over the ten years of them being a band. These albums include Heavy Petting from 2016, Love Potions from 2020, and their newest release Take Back the Night in 2023 that includes the song “The Game.” Their most well known songs include “Holy Mother” and “Cover Me,” both off of their 2020 album Love Potions. The group has toured with the likes of Alice in Chains, Palaye Royale, Danny Worsnop from Asking Alexandria, as well as Jamie Bowers’ band Counterfeit. The band are known advocates and work with many charitable causes like Girls Rock Camp, Lost N Found Youth, and much more.
I had heard of Starbenders before, but I had never listened to them or had the pleasure of being able to see them live before this night. They instantly grabbed my attention and acquired a new fan. I seriously immediately fell in love with the music and vibes that are produced bu this band. Their outfits, hair and makeup were a pleasant flash to the past and reminded me much of the 70s and 80s rock music scene and style. And they all pull it off well. Kimi Shelter has said that they are trying to “honor the ghosts of rock’ n’ roll past” through their music, and I think they’re doing a wonderful job at doing that. Their music comes off as a modern twist to the iconic rock’ n’ roll sounds from the 70s and 80s with a sprinkle of witchy vibes and craft on top. I am most definitely looking forward to another chance to see them live soon.
MY FAVORITE SONG: “Cherry Wine” off of Take Back the Night (2023)
Christopher Shayne -
Christopher Shayne consists of the Shayne Gang, which includes members Christopher Shayne (vocals + guitar), Dave Lansing (guitar), Mark Blades (bass), and drummer Eric Bongiorno. They are apart of ARG Recording Studios. Their music is the type that comes from the deepest-rooted Southern rock traditions you could think of. The group has been described by asking the question “what would happen if ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd drove head first into a Cuisinart together without missing a beat,” and I would say that’s a pretty good description.
Christopher Shayne has released one full studio length album Turning Stones in 2016, but has released many singles and Eps since their inception. Known songs include “Niceride” (2021), “One More Round” (2022), “Give a Damn” off of Turning Stones (2016), and “Pour the Bottle” off of the Ep Ten High (2023). Their most release was on November 3rd of 2023 and it was of single “Never Fade Away.”
The sound and music of Christopher Shayne was more of a combination of classic rock and dad rock than the other two acts this night. Their deep-rooted rock sounds shone through in their songs and their set and it was a great way to start the night and amp up the crowd for an incredible rock show.
MY FAVORITE SONG: “One More Round” (2022)
