BUCKCHERRY/REACH NYC/CHASER EIGHT – WALL STREET THEATER

On August 1, the hard hitting group, Buckcherry delivered a pulverizing set at the Wall Street Theater in Norwalk, Ct. Reach NYC and Chaser Eight handled support.

The night started with dinner with AMP photographer, Cassidy Ryan and Wall Street Theater publicity rep, Jeremy Edmond (who has subsequently left WST), discussing music and the art of photography. Since this was Cassidy’s first real photo shoot for AMP, it was great learning a little about her. As for Jeremy, he is a ball of fire and the conversation flowed well. We were all looking forward to an exciting evening.

Opening band, Chaser Eight, is a New Haven staple. They are constantly at one gig or another, headlining many of the local venues. The band is composed of Audra (Lead Vocals/Guitar), Brennan DeLernia (Bass), Ben Kubie (Drums) and Jess Wolfer (Backing Vocals). The newest edition to the fold is Max Cappello (Guitar) replacing founding member Pat Walsh who decided to relocate. Max is no stranger to AMP as he is Frank Viele’s (a favorite son) cousin and we’ve talked several times. He is an amazing musician and fits in perfectly with Chaser Eight. Besides Buckcherry, they have opened for the like of Panic In The Disco and The Dollyrots.

Tonight, Chaser Eight was on point. Every song they performed traveled well and totally engaged the audience. Their 9 song set was filled with songs from their 2023 EP, Wide Awake and their 2019 full length, Tell Me LIes. The first song out was “Playing With Fire” which showcases the band’s rocking side. The guitars were dramatically intense with an extended solo and the backbeat was punchy. Audra’s vocals soared with a vibrant flourish. It was an explosive start.

Photos Cassidy Ryan

Another melodic banger followed. “Say Whatever” is a beast of a song. The house was definitely grooving to the beat. “Zombie”, the Cranberries cover, went over well. “Before I Go”, “Go It Alone” and “Leave My Shadow” came next. “This Masquerade”, their huge hit off Wide Awake, had the crowd moving. The tune delivers vibrant vocals and a deliciously brazen vibe. Chased Eight finished with “The Bell Jar” which features their singular creativity. An excellent beginning to the festivities.

Reach NYC was up next. The group is an alt-metal ensemble that has recently been signed to Germany’s AFM Records. Formed on Long Island, NY in 1996, the band has seen some ups and down with Reach NYC going on hiatus in 2004. In the meantime, the band amassed a steady following and group of very influential friends including Papa Roach’s Jacoby Shaddix and Sonny Sandoval of P.O.D. Lead Vocalist, Rene Mata fell on hard times after the death of his dear associate, Chester Bennington of Linkin Park.

Photos Cassidy Ryan

In 2019, original drummer, Dante Renzi and Marcos Curiel (also from P.O.D.) coaxed Mata to reform the band which includes Nick Cavagnaro (Guitar) who is also an original member. The new lineup includes AJ Chiarella (Guitar/Vocals) and Tim Robbins (Bass). In 2020, Reach NYC released their EP appropriately entitled Back From The Dead. After signing with AFM, the band is currently recording their sophomore album with “Killing Time” dropping this past September as the first single.

Reach NYC had a dynamic 7 song set. The first tune out was their new single “Killing Time”which the room really enjoyed. Other highlights included “New Scar” and “Back From the Dead”. They closed out with a sparkling “6 Years” from their Back From the Dead EP. The track was fast and furious and an explosive ender. The only criticism is Mata’s vocals seemed slightly off. But everybody has a bad day. On a whole, Reach NYC offered impressive support.

Photos Cassidy Ryan

Buckcherry is an industry powerhouse. Their music is brazen and ferociously addictive. The band is from Anaheim and released two albums, Buckcherry (1999) and Time Bomb (2001) before dissolving in 2002. In 2004, original members Josh Todd and Keith Nelson reformed the band with a new lineup. Buckcherry‘s 2006 full length, 15, delivered two huge hits. “Crazy Bitch” and “Sorry” shot up the charts.

The current band consists of Todd (Lead Vocals), Stevie D (Lead/Rhythm Guitar), Kelly LeMieux (Bass), Francis Ruiz (Drums) and Billy Rowe (Rhythm/Lead Guitar). Buckcherry just released their tenth record, Vol. 10, this year. The album cranks with dramatic riffs and gnarly vocals. Buckcherry is still doling out fantastic music.

Buckcherry laid out a 14 song set with the first tune out, “Lit Up” energizing the crowd. Todd was full of fire and the two guitarists dispensed muscular riffs. LeMieux’s bass cranked with authority while Ruiz’s drums slammed with an audacious depth. The band followed with “So Hott” , “Somebody Fucked With Me”, “Out of Line” and “Ridin”. Each song spellbinding the crowd. “Summer of ’69”, a Bryan Adams cover, had the entire audience singing along.

Other tracks that stood out were “Let’s Get Wild”, “Good Time” and their monstrous ballad “Sorry”. Buckcherry closed out with a ruthless medley featuring such diverse songs as “Crazy Bitch”, “Sex Machine”, Bad Girls” and “Proud Mary”. A true triumph of sonic beauty. The group encored with “Shine Your Light” and a wild version of “Say Fuck It”.

It was a stupendous night of imposing music and I’m sure everyone left the Wall Street Theater with a smile.

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