Accell-4

The Woggles • Accell-4 
• The Thingz 
May 19, 2000 @ Club Mesa, Costa Mesa, CA
By: Frank Rizzo
Pics by: Scott Wulfestieg

Another fine evening at Club Mesa, but tonight we celebrate. Celebrate what? The Birthday of Craig. For those that don't know, Craig is is the man who turned Club Mesa around from a so-so club to a monster fest of only the best bands that come through Costa Mesa. Happy Birthday Craig and thanks for all you have given to the music community!

Now, let me tell you something, shows I like going to the most are the ones where I have never heard of the bands that are performing. Nothing like catching brand new talent before some corporate asshole gets the best of them! Tonight was one of those nights. First up was a band that goes by the name of "The Thingz". This trio consists of two guys and, I'll say it again, another quality I love about few bands, a chick. With both male and female vocals this band reminded me of  like an early version of X. This band got things started old-school style. Although their music made you want to get on your feet and shake your ass, the band as a whole performed as if they had just woke up or were getting ready to fall asleep. I know that might sound harsh but there is nothing worse than a great sounding band that just can't get in the groove. But hey, maybe the had just gotten off a world tour or something. Anyway, besides the sedate performance, this band would be a must in any punk asses CD collection. 

Now, straight from Motor City Japan, Accell-4 was up next. Like something right out of a Japanamation flick Accell-4 started their set of with kung-fu theater style music blaring over the P.A. while the band took stance and stared down the crowd for a good minute! I thought at any moment they were going to jump off the stage Bruce Lee style and kick the shit our of all of us! But they didn't. Instead they simultaneously turned around, grabbed their instruments and shredded out some of the hardest  licks I have heard in a while. "These guys fucking rock!"  I thought as Accell-4 tore it up Electric Frankenstein style. All dressed in leather, they looked as if they were a three piece Ramones with an Asian twist. Even though most of their lyrics are in Japanese, this band impressed me with their energy and flair! Strong, blood riddling guitar licks and mind thumping bass makes Accell-4 stand out from most bands I have seen. Then when I thought things couldn't get any better, the singer/guitar player sprayed some toxins on his arm and made one lucky audience member set him on fire! That's right, that sick bastard played a good 15 seconds with his arm completely in flames! Don't believe me? Click Here. If you want to see a new band and want to make sure you get your moneys worth, go see Accell-4 before they leave back to Japan!

Now from somewhere a bit closer, Athens GA, The Woggles set up their gear for some butt-wiggling sorcery! And I say that because when you hear these journeymen start jamming, a mystical force comes over you that makes you want to boogie! The Professor of Rock 'n' Roll, A.K.A the front man, got down with his bad self as if he had just watched a 24 hour marathon of Saturday Night Fever. Man did he have the moves down! With obvious inspiration from melding mid 60s styled pop/rock, instrumental surf, rockabilly, 50s R&B, and blues, The Woggles are like a cross between Reverend Horton Heat, Dick Dale and John Travolta! The Woggles mixture of magic potions is guaranteed to deliver a diet of aural nourishment that provides soul satisfaction! Do yourself a favor and see these guys live.

Frank Rizzo