Run for Cover - 2003
by Jay Amabile
www.theaquarian.com

For my first mission, I trekked over to Pub 46 in Clifton on Wednesday, Dec. 10. I've heard so much about Wednesday nights there that I had to check it out. I didn't expect much of a crowd for a rainy Wednesday night, but damn the place was packed! I found that these folks weren't paying any attention to the big screen tvs. Nor were they pondering if that guy's shirt was made of 100 percent cashmere. All eyes were on the exuberant, lively band that rocked the stage called Blasted who churn out the rock at Pub 46 every Wednesday night.

Blasted, comprised of six members ripped into their set without hesitation. Kara Lynn, the enticing blonde lead demonstrated that she wasn't just a pretty face when she blew the crowd away with No Doubt's "Just a Girl". From the start, Blasted emerged with a sonic and polished sound which set the tone for the rest of the show. While Kara (bare midriff and all!) looks up to Gwen Stefani, her vocals and stage presence are extremely versatile, and not limited to only No Doubt tunes. Kara's voice sounded light years ahead of Courtney Love on Hole's "Make Me Over." Going from wailing to grungy, Kara then softened her voice for Cheap Trick's "I want you to want me," making it apparent that this girl can do it all. She jumped around having fun the whole night and her singing remained impeccable.

Typically, Blasted showcase two lead singers. Kara and Ryan alternate vocals, but this week Ryan was on vacation. I witnessed Ryan's vocal attack previously at Poor Billy's in Woodbridge. He is a showman with a distinct voice that fits the band like a pair of spandex pants. For this show, Brian from Size Matters stepped in for him. Brian fared pretty well except for flubbing the beginning lyrics to Weezer's "Hash Pipe." In his defense, I don't even think Rivers knows the words to that song.

It was a fine surprise to see that local legend J-3 ([formerly with] 3-Piece, and Tommy Lee) is the new bass player for Blasted. He was having a "blast" as he showed that his skills are unrivaled and his style is nothing ordinary. Keeping it together tight on the drums was DJ--so intense on the kit that (*warning* Britney reference) he was "in the Zone"! Johnny on guitar was totally rock and roll, playing with one hand while getting his cigarette lit from an audience member. RAWK! Finally, Matty on the keyboard added authenticity, giving the songs a fuller, streamlined sound.

I enjoyed that the band was truly having a great time on stage with s--t eating grins on their faces. The fun was contagious. I highly recommend checking out BLASTED, a kick-ass band performing flawless rock renditions of [hits; from] 80's classics, to Disturbed and even The Donnas. They cover it all, and it's a HUGE party where everyone is getting BLASTED.