Music is truly life. Finding good music has become something of a passion. Finding these sounds though local bands is something that fills my time and provides for a lot of enjoyment for me and those around me. Big name bands are great fun, but when it comes down to every weekend blasts, it is amazing what local bands can do.
A hot cover band that is making its way around the nation is New Wave Nation. This band does a wide range of 1980’s music. While this would not seem like something worth mentioning but the band itself is so good that they sound as though they own the songs, rather than borrowing them from other bands.
Last time I saw them, they were at a small local bar that was known for amazing bands. Sherlock’s in Erie, Pa has done a wide range of bands on its small stage ranging from Mushroomhead to Seether and now New Wave Nation. The floor space for the band filled up just a fast for this local band as it did for the big name bands, a living testament as to the popularity of this band.
Luckily I was up front. From this vantage point I was able to watch the entire band, listen to the music and still interact with the crowd. I was not disappointed in the least, and I can be hard to please. The lead singer, Jay Secrest, grabbed the attention of the entire crowd with his amazing vocals and stage presents that unmatched by anyone else. His headstands and Michael Jackson like moves display his passion and his deep tones and high pitches show a range of voice that is surprising.
Jay Secrest is not the only singer in New Wave Nation. Wait until the Safety Dance comes up in the set lists. While this was never one of my favorite songs growing up, I will admit that when Randy Horn starts singing, even I can get excited. His rich, deep tones are simply amazing. They compliment his primary instrument, the base brilliantly. Every time the crowd hears him it is a shock to them and they erupt into dance and song with him.
The guitar player, Ken Harding handles all of their media exposure and carries the guitar solos brilliantly. His sharp lines and skill with the guitar makes it easy to listen to the music and get excited. He also sings back up to Jay and Randy, adding depth to the band. Not to forget the drummer, Michael Scott Nelson’s beat will continue to pound into your heart and body well after the songs have stopped. Each individual in the band alone is amazing, but together the effect is singular in its brilliance.
