The Bentmen are the most entertaining live act in Boston, and quite possibly the whole Northeast. If you live anywhere near Boston and you haven't gone to one of their shows yet, you have problems. In a world full of reality TV and voyeuristic everything, the Bentmen prove that there is still a place for artists who perform like giant, cracked-out, toddler clowns. To experience a Bentmen show is like swimming naked in a big pool of gummy candy, it's oddly disturbing and far too much fun to be healthy. Each show is an unforgettable experience that you will forever carry, whether you want to or not. The Bentmen have worked hard to break down all barriers and have brought aerosol shaving products to their rightful place; coating their fans. If you haven't seen the Bentmen yet, enjoy your normal life while it lasts, because after you enter the Church of Bent you'll never be the same. If you're looking to have your mind blown into tiny little feather-covered pieces, look no further than the Bentmen. Now on to the review…

On the night of November 16, 2001, a handful of "patients" at the maximum security mental institution of underground Boston, MA managed to escape and proceeded to let loose their dementia upon an unsuspecting world. They were later apprehended at the Paradise Rock Club after playing what had to have been one of the most original shows ever. Make no mistakes about it, the Bentmen are amazing (and crazy to boot!). The Paradise was harboring roughly 170 fans when the purveyors of extreme magic and goofiness took the stage. Kicking of the set with a very nice, dark pagan intro, the Bentmen wasted no time rushing straight into what may be their trademark song, Immaculate Contraption. It took all of about two minutes for the crowd to get totally into it and audience members quickly began to assail the band with all sorts of substances, from beer to silly string. Of course, nice people that they are, the Bentmen kindly returned the favor, showering the crowd with water, silly string, shaving gel, shaving cream and even some pretty red paint. As the night went on things got crazier and crazier, the crowd, hyped up on juju fruits and lollipops (courtesy of Bentmen) was still going strong through the middle of the set. After assaulting the crowd with an early trio of favorite songs (Sunshine, Flatfoot, Holy Man) the Bentmen moved into some new territory and peroformeded the track Dance of the Astro- Zombies from the forthcoming film, Attack(?) Of the Astro-Zombies. This was truly a treat for the loyal crowd that had shown up despite the fact that the show was only given 10 days of promotion prior to it actually occurring. Finishing the set off with tracks that included the legendary Magic Room, Bloody Benders and Stress For Success the Bentmen left the crowd happy, sticky and with a little less confidence that anyone who needs mental help can get it in a timely manner.

From a strictly musical standpoint, the band was astounding. Even while being attacked with all forms of goo none of the musicians ever made a noteworthy error. The transitions between songs were impeccably executed, with some songs initially sounding like a continuation of the one before it. All the rhythms were tight and that added greatly to the overall effect of the show. The absence of any real musical errors let the audience concentrate upon the second vital part of any Bentmen show, the visuals.

Clad in a variety of costumes ranging from one-piece penguin-print pajamas to nightgown/corset crossbreeds, the Bentmen are definitely an unmistakable band of loonies. By combining this image with some of the craziest stage antics ever seen, the Bentmen create a distinct show that should keep audiences begging for more for years to come. Besides, if there is another band out there that can incorporate a 12" tall, dancing toy of James Brown as a wearable prop, I'd like to see them. Regardless of the smallish size of the crowd, it was a stellar show that was undeniably enjoyed by all in attendance. Chalk up yet another victory for the gods of all things wacky.