Band plays at local coffee shop, lack of space affects performance

By Jamie Teibel
Staff Writer

When the Prozak Kittens played Saturday at the Village Coffee Shop, band members compared themselves to the Smashing Pumpkins. Not quite. In fact, listening with closed eyes one might think the band sounded more like Weezer or the Foo Fighters.

The Kittens began entertaining the rain-soaked audience with an instrumental jam session, highlighted with an appearance by a laser gun.

The performance that followed produced songs with good beats and lyrics, but they were often difficult to understand. It could have been the confinement of the coffee shop, but the instruments sometimes overpowered lead singer Bo Ledman's voice.

The Kittens covered two Neil Young songs, one of which was "Keep on Rockin' in the Free World." Purists might have frowned upon this, but the Kittens would have made Young proud.

Bo sounded like Kurt Cobain, but at times, he came off as though he was trying too hard, screaming instead of singing. There were a few moments when Bo sang in his natural singing voice and it sounded good. If he would have sung that way the whole time, the lyrics would have been better understood.

While Bo sounded like Cobain, his brother David, guitarist, looked like him. His long, stringy blonde hair hung in his face as he thrashed his guitar aggressively. His playing was impressive but at times overpowering.

Jesse Charles, the drummer, played his part noisily and is a strong member; his skill helped the Kittens' songs sound professional and well-practiced.

Kerri Owens, bassist, wore purple pleather pants and a black tank with a picture of a cat's head and cross bones printed on it. Her clothing resembled a rock star's, but she didn't look very confident. Owen played her instrument well, only making one mistake at the end.

The Prozak Kittens are the kind of band that sets itself apart. It doesn't only perform cover songs, which proves its originality. The group needs to play at larger venues, skipping coffee shops to schedule performances that will complement its talent.

The band was solid, but for future performances, the sound managing needs improvement. Regardless, the next time the kittens perform on campus, catch the show.