December 20th, 2002
Moodfrye, Up Syndrome, Stunt Monkey and Pulley
The Outhouse, Los Gatos

I was super-stoked to come back to the Outhouse as I hadn’t been in a long time. I was also stoked for the bands that were playing. I got to see Eric Fanali and he informed me that Moodfrye was not coming, as they were involved in a car accident. So HBA was kind enough to fill in for them. I had seen HBA at a backyard show once, and I enjoyed them then, but tonight I wasn’t really feeling them. I guess they didn’t have a lot of energy but I have to give it to them, but seeing as they probably were informed only a couple hours before they were to play, I guess they did a pretty good job. I give them 3 out of 5 stars. After HBA, we waited for like an hour for Up Syndrome to play. We waited through the entire set and then they called and said they had almost got into a car accident, but they still came and played for 15 minutes. They were awesome! Despite the short amount of time, they got the crowd really into it in seconds. They had a lot of energy and their songs were upbeat. It seemed like they were really into what they did, so that was rock. I would have to say that their set was one of the best I’ve seen and I’m defiantly planning on going to the next show of theirs I see. (I got their demo also, which is rockin, so expect a review soon!) They get 4 1/2 out of 5 stars. Stunt Monkey rocked my socks, as they almost always do. They have money now, so they’re back to throwing their ‘sugar-coated lard’ into the audience. They played some requests and seemed to be really in tune with the audience, so that’s always a plus. I would give them a 4 out of 5 stars. Pulley was on last. They were very energetic and they really seem to have a big following. A lot of the crowd was really into it and singing the lyrics and such, and there was even a pit started despite Eric’s “Dance Hot. Mosh Not.” Sign. I would defiantly like to see them again and pay closer attention. I think we left about halfway or so through their set, maybe like 3 songs before the end. I would give them 4 out of 5 stars. Overall the show was really awesome. I had a lot of fun and everyone seemed to be having a good time. Not a lot of people were outside at any time, most likely because of the cold. People were inside playing pool and sitting around between sets and socializing. It was a nice change; I think people should stay inside more often. Well kids, I’m off like a prom dress. Catch ya next time!

Mel-O-dy