Detroit Chic braves a night of brutal metal, beautiful girls, and bully cops.

Having long heard positive things about the (almost) all girl metal act Mary Shaw, I was excited to do some coverage for Detroit Chic of the band, at last.  Mary Shaw was playing at the Modern Exchange in Southgate, a venue which by day is a clothing shop in the front, and also sells local artists cds.  Located just off exit 40 of I-75, the Modern Exchange is a hotbed for local talent.  Behind the small shop, it holds the venue -- a massive standing room and a large stage.  The place is decorated with local art giving it a stylish feel.  

(All pictures by Jason Mick and Detroit Chic) 

CD Review: The Reptilian-- We Have Become EP
Detroit Chic Rating: **** (4)/5
Based Out Of: Kalamazoo, Michigan
Songs: 4

Track Titles/Run Lengths (Total Length: 16:40)
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1. The One Thing I Could Never Stomach About Santa Carla Was All The Damn Vampires; 4:26
2. I Sure Hope Ving Rhames Isn't In This One; 4:09
3. Neptune or Mars...or Neptune;  3:11
4. Lets Slip Away Under Cover Of Afternoon In The Biggest Car In The County; 4:54

(All pictures courtesy of The Reptilian)

Last Saturday a group of some of Detroit's most talented local acts assembled, surprisingly, at T.N.T.'s bar in Clinton Township (about 30 minutes west of Troy/Rochester).  Detroit Chic was on scene to cover Spades Alone, Dryvel, CBJ, and Projekt Gift in their romp through an energetic night of music.  The bands each showcased unique talent and promise and did not disappoint.

The show, sadly, was the farewell show for Oxford rockers Spades Alone, who are relocating to Las Vegas, hoping to get a break in the Vegas/California area.  While it will be sad to see them go, it was great to get a chance to see them put on one more dynamic show, reminding those who came of how they earned the label of one of Detroit's hottest up and coming acts.  The other bands-- Dryvel, CBJ, and Projekt Gift-- were a treat as well, and really rose to the occasion.  Truly, it was a night of outstanding local rock, enough to make Detroit Chic proud!

(All pictures by Jason Mick/Detroit Chic)

On the first Friday night of April, the basement of 902 Davis St. was packed with dozens of music fans.  Some, like us at Detroit Chic had travelled from far away.  Others were locals, soaking in the music.  Regardless of where you were from, though, soon everyone shared the commonality of being blown away by a night of energized rock.

The basement show featured only one local Kalamazoo band, this time-- the headlining act, The Reptilian.  Victor! Fixed the Sund, though was from Grand Rapids, so still a Michigan band.  Also featured was Native, a band from Valpo in Indiana, which formed from former members of Effect Affect and Oh London, and Civil Hands, the opening act from Columbus, Indiana.  Each band played a unique set, but the overall feeling for the evening was a progressive ambient hardcore feel, which at times featured shades of punk, pop rock, or heavier metal.

Having been witness to the show and been moved by the music, one thing seems clear-- the verdict is back and the Kalamazoo scene certainly seems strong.

(All pictures by Jason Mick/Detroit Chic)