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Saigon Kick
built 290 days ago
Saigon Kick's biggest problem musically and visually, was not knowing whether they wanted to be Jane's Addiction or Def Leppard. The band tries desperately to please everyone and though they obviously fail, their 1991 eponymous debut still features very inspired songwriting and some amazing chops from guitarist Jason Bieler. In short, the record offers everything from U2-styled, socially-conscious rock ("Colors" to "Come Take Me Now"), raucous punk ("What do You Do," "Acid Rain"), ponderous pop ballads ("Love of God"), and even a couple of hilarious pop ditties: the neurotic "My Life" and the homo-erotic "Down by the Ocean." Mostly... the group shells out numerous heavy metal varieties, including classics ("Coming Home," "Ugly"), a "bad pop MTV submission" ("What You Say"), and even some Eastern-flavored, trance metal ("New World"). Whew! ~ Ed Rivadavia, All Music Guide
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Saigon Kick’s ultimate downfall was their all-over-the-map diversity, but on The Lizard they struck a perfect balance that they would never reach again. “Hostile Youth,” (see past Video Of the Day feature) “Freedom,” “All Alright” and the title-track deliver crushing Skid Row-esque metal riffage, while “Feel the Same Way” and second single “All I Want” are closer to the alternative rock template that had already begun dominating the airwaves in 1992. Throughout, the Kick deliver their trademark layered vocal harmonies, adding a unique texture to what might otherwise be a slightly above-average effort. After The Lizard and its subsequent touring cycle, vocalist Matt Kramer left the band and guitarist Jason Beiler took over all production and vocal duties; the band would never be the same.
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During the early 90's, Saigon Kick rose to the charts with their hit,” Love Is OnThe Way". Drummer Phil Varone, who hailed from Florida at the time, seemed to be on top of the world. He was playing music he loved, and touring the country. Success all seemed to come very easy to Phil, at a very young age. Then egos started to clash, Saigon Kick disbanded and the music scene that once loved metal, turned to Grunge.
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Hard rockers Saigon Kick formed in Miami in 1988 with a lineup including Matt Kramer, Jason Bieler, Tom DeFile and Phil Varone. The band played around the region, and signed with Third Stone/Atlantic in 1990. Saigon Kick's self-titled debut LP did okay, but the following year's album, The Lizard, broke the band with the number-12 single "Love Is on the Way". Just months after the group's success, Tom DeFile left, later to be replaced by Chris McLernon for 1993's Water. The album proved disappointing, and Saigon Kick -- still immensely popular in Asia -- found themselves without an American contract in 1994. The band's fourth album, Devil in the Details (1995) was finally released in America by CMC International. Bastrds followed in 1999.
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Notes: At this show, DT "co-headlined" with Saigon Kick. Arguments had ensued as to who would play first. DT ended up playing first since Saigon Kick had a hit at the time. Ironically, after DT finished their set, the whole audience left (except roughly 20 people) so SK never bothered playing. Mike was not positive that this was the setlist.
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One thing you can say about Saigon Kick is they have great music and harmonies. The production is incredible, the sound is full and rich and, even though there are many layers to a song, it's never too much.
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Saigon Kick