Rhino Bucket
The Viper Room
West Hollywood
Contact:Acetate Records, 323-655-1202
Web:www.rhinobucket.com
The Players: Georg Dolivo, lead vocals, rhythm guitar; Brian Forsythe, lead guitar; Reeve Downs, bass, vocals; Jackie Enx, drums.
Material: L.A.-based Rhino Bucket delivers rust-proof 70's riff-rock with an authenticity that only seasoned vets can muster. These former regulars on MTV's Headbanger's Ball have recently reformed for another go around after a 12-year hiatus. This act's music is hook-heavy ball-busting classic rock guaranteed to release a radical dose of rebellion in even the most subdued. Rhino Bucket makes no apologies for dousing its audience with three-chord boogies a la AC/DC. Some might argue that the song structures are too predictable to be relevant, but the pacing is so fast and the antics so frenetic that the audience doesn't have time to ponder that possibility.
Musicianship: Fire breathing lead screamer Dolivo does an excellent job of channeling Bon Scott with vocals that are ragged and raw. You may not know what he's singing about, even if you listen closely, but you do know it's naughty. Forsythe plays lead guitar with a savage intensity, while Enx, who left the band as a man but recently returned as a woman, provides righteous skin pounding.
Performance: Rhino Bucket's rowdy and raucous performance kept the crowd pumped all night long. Like a vintage muscle car, these guys were timed to perfection. And, speaking of muscles, if you were unaware that she used to be a he, you may be amazed by the size of the drummer's arms and the ferocity of her beats. Despite a ton of spectacle, the one to really watch was bass player Downes who was utterly involved in every moment and gave a highly entertaining, no-holds-barred performance.
Summary: Having toured with the likes of the Black Crowes and Debbie Harry, these ol' road dogs know how to command a stage and handle a crowd. Though the music may appeal to the gut more than the intellect, Rhino Bucket's manic energy and classic sound combine for an outstanding live show.
—Lisa Elaine Scott