The Answer at the Hard Rock Cafe

Dynamic and energetic are just a few words that I can use to describe the rockers from Belfast Ireland. The Answer was in Atlanta this past weekend. They are currently the opening act for AC/DC’s “Black Ice” Tour, but found time to perform before a smaller, more intimate crowd at the Hard Rock Café.

The Answer consists of Vocalist Cormac Neeson, Guitarist Paul Mahon, Bassist Michael Waters and Drummer James Heatley.

The band, with unbelievable swagger, performed songs from their latest album “Everyday Demons”, which was released in March 2009. Frontman Cormac Neeson delivered each and every song with insane energy and zest. And his spot on vocals were accompanied by the elaborate guitar work of Paul Mahon, which was laced here and there with intricate blues inspired riffs, but never came across as busy or convoluted. Every member of the band had a job to do and did it incredibly well.

Neeson is a natural performer. He’s charismatic and engaging even while flailing about like Joe Crocker. Not to mention that he has incredible natural range.

The band, reminiscent of The Black Crowes, has been together for at least 10 years and put on a spirited classic rock n’ roll show. In fact, at one point while watching him onstage, I couldn’t help but to think that if this had been the 70’s that you’d be watching this band onstage at Woodstock.

They ran through several hard hitting, blues house inspired tracks such as “Too Far Gone” and Why’d You Change Your Mind” with no sight of slowing down.  At one point Neeson left the stage and armed with his microphone, began singing from the middle of the crowd.  There was never a dull moment during their performance.

After finishing up the set, which included an impromptu “Irish Blues” song where Neeson had the crowd sing the lyrics back to him, the band left the stage, only to come back and finish up the night with a three song encore.

So, if you love classic rock n’ roll without all the filers and byproducts and you’re longing for natural talent instead of the studio manufactured artist you hear on most radio stations then you will love The Answer.

Sin Lucas, Editor/Senior Contributor

Related posts:

1. Soulbread and The Marty Manous Band at the Hard Rock Cafe
2. The Answer @ the Hard Rock 10/24
3. The Silver Tongue Showcase Nov 21st at the Hard Rock Cafe