It’s interesting...I think the first time I became aware of Skitzo Calypso was several years ago, when i saw them opening for some hair band that probably only had like 3 of the original members, and I remember seeing Skitzo Calypso and I thought, wow, this band has some great hooks, lotsa’ energy, attitude, and I really remember walking away thinking, dammit, that was one of the better local bands I’ve seen in a long time! Since that point, there’s been a few line-up changes in the band, but the core of the sound and stage presence is still lead singer Brad Cox with his interestingly sly stage presence that’s always a little different each time you see him perform, and guitar wiz Bryan Holmes, who I swear reminds me of Steve Stevens from Billy Idol’s band soooo much..he not only looks kinda like him, but he plays just as good if not better!
SKITZO CALYPSO
12/21/07
Recher Theatre
Towson, MarylandSKITZO CALYPSO are:
Brad Cox - Vocals/Rhythm Guitar
Bryan Holmes - Lead Guitar
Gary Holmes - Drums
Patrick Jenkins - Bass Guitar
Chris O'Rourke - Rhythm/Lead Guitar
It’s interesting...I think the first time I became aware of Skitzo Calypso was several years ago, when i saw them opening for some hair band that probably only had like 3 of the original members, and I remember seeing Skitzo Calypso and I thought, wow, this band has some great hooks, lotsa’ energy, attitude, and I really remember walking away thinking, dammit, that was one of the better local bands I’ve seen in a long time! Since that point, there’s been a few line-up changes in the band, but the core of the sound and stage presence is still lead singer Brad Cox with his interestingly sly stage presence that’s always a little different each time you see him perform, and guitar wiz Bryan Holmes, who I swear reminds me of Steve Stevens from Billy Idol’s band soooo much..he not only looks kinda like him, but he plays just as good if not better!
The current line-up of Skitzo Calypso has a new guitarist in Chris O’Rourke, who used to run the bands sound, but he was a natural fit for the bands stage show, so now when you see the band, Brad is a full-on front man!
The Skitzo Calypso crowd was out and in full force to support the boys at this show, and the band played for around an hour, covering all the bases, and they even played a new song! If you’ve never seen Skitzo Calypso play their cover of “Welcome to the Jungle” by Guns N Roses, I realize it’s a cover song, but dammit, Skitzo owns that song when they play it! Brad has his AXL imitations down, Bryan has the Slash riffs, and it’s one of the finest covers I think I’ve ever heard a local band play..ever! I realize though, that there are the people who think playing a cover in a set is not cool, but come on, it’s always fun to hear a cover played, especially when it’s done well, and I think it really compliments the rest of their entirely original set!
I’m always impressed with the amount of professionalism and how much the Skitzo guys always put into their show...you can tell when things are finely tuned, and this show was a prime example how serious Brad and the guys take things when they perform...it was a stellar show and the band rocked from the beginning till the end!
for more info on the band, check out www.myspace.com/skitzocalypso