by Kasey Winsor

I was hangin at the Grotto located in Fort Worth off University Drive this past Friday to catch one of my favorite bands from Denton, Rip the System, a tribute to Rage Against the Machine.  This quartet puts on a really energetic show.  In fact I was outside “getting some fresh air” when I overheard someone yell at their friend “dude!  You gotta come in and check this band out!  They are actually really good!”  Indeed they are!  Besides the fact that these guys are extremely good at engaging the crowd, they are truly hilarious; when you’re not rockin out, you’re laughing your ass off.

They play all the best Rage songs, and by all means, they don’t leave you felling as though they’ve just sent RATM to the slaughter house like some of these cover bands do.  Last time I saw these guys, it was at Cool Beans in Denton playing roof top style.  They literally were ripping the house.  The entire roof was shaking so much that I thought we might all crash and burn; But what a way to go, eh?

I am aware that there is another Rage tribute band from Fort Worth, Prophets of Rage.  So guys, I think you better look out!  You’ve got some mad competition and now Rip the System’s fans have stretched to Fort Worth.  In fact, I’d like to see some kind of battle of the Rage Against the Machine band.

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There was another band in between these more experienced bands, Glassboy from Dallas.  I had a chance to talk with Will, the lead singer/guitar player before the show.  He stated that they were an indie/alternative band, which made me really excited, however, that genre can mean just about anything.  I would say it’s a bit heavier in sound.  I suspect Nirvana played an influential role in their music, maybe even a touch of A Perfect Circle.  He also said that this was only their 3rd show to play after taking a 5 year hiatus.  Playing shows takes some getting used to, but I'm optimistic that they are on their way.

If you have yet to see any of these bands play, you really should take the time to check them out.  You will meet some really cool people, and you might even discover your new favorite band.  Oh yes, and thank you Rip the System, and Glassboy for making the long drive to Fort Worth.  Better you guys than me!  I hate that 3 A.M. drive home!  Until Next time…