STORMKRO at The Rock By Mr. Music I have for almost a year been a fan of a band called STORMKRO. They're a progressive instrument oriented group with seering melodies and intense rhythms. I went to see them in July at The Rock in Canoga. I've been to this night club a few times in the past. It was not a pleasant experience. The club was moderately full. I'd say an average weekend night in Los Angeles. I saw the band before Stormkro and the band after. I was embarrassed for all of the bands. At no time during the night could any of the singing be heard. Feeble attempts were made during Stormkro's session to bring up the vocals but then the blasting guitars were brought up as well. I hate to write a piece that is anything less than 100% positive. But I was so disappointed in this poor display of club management that I will certainly think twice before patronizing this establishment again. The artists before Stormkro sounded like a band from Seattle. The club was quite full of their excited friends. As their set progressed (as was the case with all of the bands) many people looked confused then disappointed and then started to file out one by one. I would like to have heard this band again when I could hear them. It was impossible to buy a beverage at The Rock that night. The bartender seemed more concerned by everything else except selling liquor. STORMKRO took the stage in their always professional manner. I like these kids because I loved the high performance music of the late seventies and it's hard to find bands around with that smooth sound anymore. Imagine what it must be like to play your songs on a stage knowing that your audience can't hear your singing and now knowing what can be done about it. After they had finished I heard both bands and friends stating that it would be their last visit to The Rock. The group after Stormkro was a fun party time rock and roll band. These poor fellows really got the worst for it all. By the time they had started to perform the sound had gotten so bad that my head was starting to pound. Thankfully they were cut short although I'm sure it was a tough break for those guys. I would also enjoy the opportunity to see this band again when they had a satisfying sound mix. This band (called Rat something) really got the worst of it. After their shortened set, the sound person asked the audience if they wanted one more. The bands' friends cheered optimistically. The group stated another song. Then the bartender (same one who I never could get to give me a drink) ran up to the stage yelling and jumped around a little. The band stopped playing mid song. On any other night I probably would have been amused and mildly aroused by the four inches of posterior flesh protruding from her shorts. But tonight I just felt sad for this band. I don't know what that whole business was about. But it was just another display of a poorly run establishment. Another band got ready to play but I had to leave. My only hope is that all of these bands have a better show next time and that The Rock hires someone competent staff that can run this beautiful club like the show house the it has the potential to become.