Thin Ice Rips It at The Sand Shaker
With so many fine rock acts performing in Pensacola, sometimes its hard to pick just one....or two...or, well, you get the point! Please, read on!
D-Lady and myself were excited on a Friday night in July. Thin Ice was playing at the sand shaker on Pensacola Beach, and we were about to embark on a night of hard core rock and roll! We connected with some band buddies and headed to the beach! When we arrived, Thin Ice was well into their first set.
Now, I have to tell you that I really had no expectations, as up to this event, I had never heard Thin Ice play. When we rounded the corner of The Shaker we were immediately blown away by what we witnessed! Five young men full of high powered energy jamming hard through a wall of sound hitting us like a Florida panhandle hurricane!
The music was loud and in your face...and ears. But even given that, I immediately fell into the groove being played and got into it. I could tell we were in for quite a night indeed! As we walked up to find a table, Thin Ice broke into their offering of "Pride and Joy", one of D-Lady and The Beatmans favorite dance numbers, and dance we did for sure!
Thin Ice has two albums in release at present. The first, "Far Removed", and their recently released "Sunflower Grunge" available on Apple Music is a collection of their original numbers. If harder rock is your genre, I highly suggest you check these guys out.
Now, lets meet the band, shall we? Ok, here goes...
Lets begin with Kenny Ball, the lead singer and front for the group. This man can sing! Kenny's vocals are a powerful force to be reckoned with to be sure! Always on key, Kenny exhibits what a good front man/singer should be. Full of high energy stage presence, Kenny knows to connect with the crowd as he often stands on his monitor at the very edge of the stage, right in the front and in the faces of the blown away audience paying very close attention! His charisma and demeanor exude excitement, as I personally witnessed faces glued to the stage in wide open wondering what was to happen next! Oh, and did I mention...THE MAN CAN SING!
Lucas Bass rhythm guitar photo by Rich NaVarre
Next, may I introduce Lucas Bass, the rhythm guitar player. Lucas impressed me with not only his ability to stay in the pocket and in sync with his bassman and drummer, but he also plays his own lead stylings that remind me of the early days of The Doobie Brothers, The Eagles and others that keep the groove moving and people on the dance floor!
Talon Wood on lead guitar photo by Rich NaVarre
Talon Wood, the lead guitarist showed the crowd how to play hard rock lead lics. Not only does Talon play mean leads and riffs, he's also a consummate entertainer and showman! It amazes me sometimes when I watch a lead man not only playing polyrhythmic runs, but doing so while jumping around and spinning a huge head of superb hair! I so enjoyed when Talon appeared to be reaching nirvana while ripping wild lics with his eyes closed? The man knows his instrument...intimately!
Kyle Dinnes on bas guitar photos by Rich NaVarre
Ok...now THIS guy....wow! I've played with many bassmen in my time however Kyle Dinnes blew me away with his hardcore bass guitar. Solid, none more solid, in the pocket bottom end if I've ever heard it! Up, and down the bass he did run, all while spinning and whipping his hair around like he was in Pantera, or Metallica! I thought at times he might get dizzy and fall down but...no sir, Kyle kept his cool and never missed a note that I could detect. Would indeed love joining this talented bass player sometime under other circumstances, we could kick it heavy!
James Smith on drums photo by Rich NaVarre
Now, as anyone who has read ANY of my many past reviews knows, its time to talk about The Beatmans most favorite band member...the drummer. In this case, this particular drummer just happens to be Mr. James Smith!
Of course as soon as I entered the room, my eyes fixed upon the very first thing I look for, the drum kit! I can certainly appreciate James's beautiful 5 piece with an array of high quality cymbals. Even though I had never heard James play, as soon as I saw his drums, the way they where set up, the height of his cymbals, the snare.. I was anticipating a demonstration of time keeping, pocket playing and tasty fills.....needless to say, I wasn't disappointed.
Most drummers I review have no idea how intently I study their technique, timing and chops. I truly admire a drummer with drive, style and presence and James Smith is certainly a member of THAT club! James moves drumsticks around like they are practically air. He's fast, but accurate and on time. It was a pure joy watching James play...thanks for the drum lesson sir!
Be sure to catch Thin Ice at a venue near you. They are available for private and corporate parties and meetings. Venues are booking this fine, five member, firebrand band all up and down the coast, so go see a show, support your local music scene, The Beatman guarantees you will not be disappointed!
Thank you for taking time to read this review, you can read many others by myself and other members of our dedicated staff in our band review section. Please share this review with your friends, family and fellow players. It means a lot to know people are reading our write ups and reviews. Let us know who to write about next! we wish to hear from you!
This, is your man about town, Rich "Beatman" NaVarre wishing you the very best of life, love and the pursuit of live music............................KTB!
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Moth Edge