Review by: Elle Tourjman | Photographs By: Nadine Swiger

Framing Hanley ripped up the stage in Clifton Park’s Northern Lights with their unique blend of radio friendly tunes combined with an emo ambiance, nicely showcasing their true musical talent. While their famous cover of the Lil Wayne song “Lollipop” ranked #5 among Rolling Stone’s list of 100 best songs for 2008, this group is not just another “Lollipop” band. Beneath all the tasty riffs and juicy beats lies some cold truth and hard substance locked inside punchy lyrics. When you take a closer look at Framing HanIey you may be surprised by the bands’ sheer force of will and dedication to their art. In their song “Count Me In,” off their debut album “The Moment” you can almost taste the bitterness of betrayal when they sing “Count me in and I’ll be the one to take the knife out of your spine ‘Cause I know you’d be the first to bury the blade deeper into mine”. In “Hear Me Now,” there is an in-your-face quality to the music that made me wish all their songs had such poignancy and power pushing and churning like a boiling pot of liquid inside that well-oiled music machinery that is Framing Hanley. If they keep pushing themselves in this direction this band is poised to take a big leap from mainstream right into the music hall of fame. Keep watching for it. This band has more surprises in store for everyone.

Next up was Las Vegas rockers, Adelitas Way. They are one of those bands that kills it every time they hit the stage. Lead vocalist Rick Dejesus has the magnetic quality that all Rockstars seem to be born with. Comfortable in his own skin, he knows his vocal range and carries his notes nicely while simultaneously displaying great showmanship onstage. Heavy and fast fret play, along with a fist-pumpin’ beat soon had the crowd whipped into a playful frenzy. Adelitas Way has their sound and stage presence down to a science and they know how to get the crowd moving just as easily as they can ooze out the Rockstar charm. You can’t help but be drawn into the infectious energy this band churns out almost effortlessly. With songs like “Scream” and “Invincible” off their first self titled album “Adelitas Way” and “Sick” the newest single off their next album coming out this June, the only problem you will have with this band is choosing just one favorite song. “Home School Valedictorian” is hitting stores this June so watch for it! Its sure to blow your mind.

Finishing off the steamy night was the Sydney Australian rock trio band Sick Puppies. The Australian edition of Rolling Stones called this group the most dynamic new band in the country (of Australia). Even if you have not heard of Sick Puppies before, you may have seen their groundbreaking “Free Hugs” video on you tube. The emotional clip which has had over 67 million views since it started streaming shows the true story about a man who walks around with a billboard that reads “Free Hugs”. The band formed in 1997 and consists of vocalist and guitarist Shimon Moore, bassist Emma Anzai and drummer Mark Goodwin. They are each talented musicians and their music reflects their easy comradery. Mixing melancholy with triumphant beats and guitar swaths that will blast your senses, their music will take your senses away. One of my favorite songs of the night, “Anywhere But Here,” off their album “Dressed Up As Life,” combines heartfelt pain with exhaustive exultation in an artful blend of lyrics that mourns while it celebrates the meaning of life. While you may not see anyone in this band creating distracting diversions or headbanging onstage, there certainly is no lack in showmanship. Let their pure, shining talent speak for itself. They have an almost graceful style of music that will not beat you senseless but casts a spell that is undeniable and irresistible. Seeing Sick Puppies live performance is a treat for the senses and their music will leave you feeling transcended. Their newest album “Polar Opposite” was just released in March 2011, so be sure to check it out!

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PHOTO GALLERIES:

* FRAMING HANLEY :: PHOTO GALLERY

* ADELITAS WAY :: PHOTO GALLERY

* SICK PUPPIES :: PHOTO GALLERY

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For more information on:

FRAMING HANLEY : framinghanley.net

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ADELITAS WAY : adelitaswaymusic.net

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SICK PUPPIES : sickpuppies.net

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