By Bob Beucler
originally published: 02/09/2018
Spider Rockets brought its tight, punk-infused power rock to The Brighton Bar in Long Branch, NJ on Saturday, February 3rd, 2018, as part of a showcase of rock and metal acts hosted by New Jersey’s own champion of the scene, Don Jamieson of That Metal Show fame.
Spider Rockets is a classic four-piece line-up that blasted through its set with strong chops and dynamic stage presence. The group’s aggressive brand of power rock is fronted by Helena Cos, whose roaring vocals are full of passion and emotion. Her color palette is provided by guitarist Johnny Nap, bassist Jimmy Mui and drummer Dale Whitaker.
One can tell a lot about a player’s equipment of choice, and Nap’s rig is pure rock: a Gibson Les Paul through a Marshall half-stack. It screamed and his playing had a biting tone that was the gritty foil for Cos’ melodic vocals. Mui and Whitaker are perfect anchors for Cos and Nap: Mui being content to hang to his side of the stage and let Cos and Nap take the spotlight while he laid down thundering bass lines and provided backing vocals. Whitaker is an exceptional rock and metal drummer who kept it solid, choosing to cut loose when the songs called for it. There isn’t a weak player in Spider Rockets; all are essential to the sound and attitude that the band has. It’s obvious that the band had put a lot of work into its music and its set - Spider Rockets is polished and pro.
Spider Rockets: Helena Cos (vocals), Johnny Nap (guitar), Jimmy Mui (bass), Dale Whitaker (drums).
Text & photos by Bob Beucler. Bob is a lifelong a musician and fan of rock photography who lives in central New Jersey. You can see more of his photography at www.BobBeucler.com.
Advertise with New Jersey Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info
FEATURED EVENTS
WP Music Department Spring Show: Purcell's Dido and Aeneas & A British Musical Theatre Review
Saturday, April 20, 2024 @ 7:30pm
William Paterson University - Shea Auditorium
300 Pompton Rd, Wayne, NJ 07470
category: music
Click here for full description
Lisa Sherman’s Disco Connection
Saturday, April 20, 2024 @ 7:30pm
The Vogel
99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701
category: music
Click here for full description
Almost Queen with special guest Super TransAm
Saturday, April 20, 2024 @ 7:30pm
Count Basie Center for the Arts
99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701
category: music
Click here for full description
Click here for more events
Listings are available for $10 and included with our banner ad packages.
Click here for more info.
LATEST NEWS
87 Sussex to Celebrate Grand Opening with Performances by Candice Lee and Bennett Rhoad
(JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- New restaurant 87 Sussex will be celebrating their grand-opening all weekend long on Friday, April 26 and Saturday, April 27 starting at 5:00pm with music performances, spirit and wine tastings, giveaways, photo booth and so much more. A memorable culinary journey awaits at this new gourmet experience offering refined dining in the heart of Jersey City (87 Sussex Street) in the quaint neighborhood of Paulus Hook.
Westminster Conservatory of Music presents "Music for Two Pianos and Friends"
Experience Elvis's Skyrocket to Stardom at the Ocean County Library Lacey Branch
bergenPAC presents Broadway's Rock of Ages Band
Click here for more event previews
New Jersey Stage
© 2024 by Wine Time Media, LLC
PO Box 811, Belmar, NJ 07719
info@newjerseystage.com
Nobody covers the Arts
throughout the Garden State
like New Jersey Stage!
