The Knitting Factory North Hollywood, CA
Contact: [email protected]
Web: stinkinglizavetaofficial.bandcamp.com
Players: Yanni Papadopoulos, guitar; Alexi Papadopoulos, bass; Cheshire Agusta, drums
Material: Stinking Lizaveta is a very hard rock/metal/jazz band with an all-instrumental song list that captivates your attention right from the start. The tunes are very progressive, as in the style of Yes, but also very hard, loud and come complete with screaming guitars, a pulsating low end and thunderous drumbeats.
Musicianship: The musicianship is top-tier, Pennsylvanian goodness. A very impressive outing from all three members as they rocked out to a small but enthusiastic crowd. Agusta is a workhorse behind the kit as breaks, stops and breakdowns were no match for the all-consuming drummer. Keeping up with the Papadopoulos’ is no easy task and she proved to be worthy on each and every song. She is extremely intuitive and her reflexes proved to be among the best the Knitting Factory has seen in a long time.
Performance: Stinking Lizaveta was intriguing, to say the least. Searing guitars was the main course being served this evening and Chef Yanni is no slouch. Brilliant guitar play from start to finish as Alexi and Agusta, equally as brilliant, laid the foundation on which each song came to rest. Jumping into the crowd was the dessert, as Yanni was held back only by an instrument cable. He had everyone eating out of the palm of his hand by the time the set was over.
Summary: “Yes on steroids” is the best way to describe Stinking Lizaveta. With hints of Yes, Black Sabbath, Rush, Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple oozing out at all instances, the music is creative and pleasing to the ear for such a progressive outfit. “Electric Future” screamed Marrillion (an old folk/progressive band from England) as the tune captured the audience’s hearts and impressed them with outstanding tightness that only comes from countless hours of hard work. A 10 out of five stars for Stinking Lizaveta (yes, you read that right…These guys are awesome).
– Pierce Brochetti
