Spotlight - Impulse

There's a lot of good music that's floating around out there and no matter how much time you spend out on the scene, you're never gonna be able to check it all out. But, that doesn't mean you can't learn about new bands while you're sitting at home on your computer. After all, you're reading this right now, aren't you?

Anyway, I made my way up to Crocodile Rock in Allentown not too long ago. It was my first time there and my reason for making the trip was to see Dokken...and to do an interview with former Europe guitarist John Norum. I got there early, had a few drinks, did the interview, no problem.

There were three opening bands and the first one to take the stage was Impulse. I knew nothing about this band, never heard their music before and, if it wasn't for this show, I wouldn't be telling you about them now.

When I go to see a new band, usually, I know something about who I'm going to see. But, in this case, with knowing nothing about the band, all I could really do was sit there and take it all in. It's hard to really get into a band when you know nothing about them and you're seeing them for the first time. There's nothing, shall we say, familiar that you can look for, if you know what I mean. But, I sat there watching this band and even though they have a different musical style, they reminded me a bit of Stept On. They had that same sort of energy that those guys have. They did seem a little nervous though. But, then again, who wouldn't be...after all, Dokken was coming up. The one thing that bothered me about this show was that Impulse, as well as the other two bands, seemed out of place at this show. I mean, you'd think you'd get a band or two that would compliment the style of music that Dokken would come out and do. Instead, it seemed like they got something totally different. Oh well, I guess I'll never understand the mind of a booking agent.

At the time of this writing, I'm waiting for some new material from Impulse. Got an e-mail the other day saying they've got some new stuff for me to check out. But, at the Dokken show, a copy of their debut CD, "One," was handed to me and once I gave it a listen, that's where the Stept On comparisons stopped. Impulse, at least on this recording, they sound like they're going in the alternative rock direction. There's a lot of potential here and they already have the knack for writing songs that stick with you the moment you hear them. A good example of that would be "Empty" and "Pull Me Through."

Bottom line is this...and, yes, I've said this before, but, it's not gonna hurt to say it again...this is a band that you should keep your eye on and catch them live if you can, you won't be disappointed.

On the web: http://www.impulseband.com