Review and Photography by JP Rawk
BETWEEN THE EYES! That is how you feel like you’ve been hit when attending a BROKEN BENEATH
show. Comprised of veteran rockers from the ashes of rather successful Baltimore-based bands TEN
BLADE and WAKE THE KING, the energy created is greater than the sum of the previous parts.
FISH HEAD CANTINA in the Baltimore scene, a venue that hosts many national acts, was the spot for
this decadent night of Rock ‘n’ Roll bliss. As I look back on the night, I believe I may have witnessed
the beginning of something big for our Baltimore Rock scene.
Given the opportunity as direct support for SALIVA, Broken Beneath had the opportunity to play for a
full house on this Saturday night. This should not be construed that only Saliva fans were in the house.
There were a multitude of fans of the current band, Ten Blade and Wake the King.
As things evolve for musicians, we are constantly reminded that whether major labels try to fit bands
into this mold or that mold, that we the people have a strong yearning for changes in format, yet find
ourselves inexplicably tied to our first love of the band. I am no different and find myself tied to the
sound I enjoyed from Ten Blade, while still looking for at least some shift and growth in the band’s
musical prowess.
The set was approximately 40 minutes
and was comprised of songs from the
previous bands, with a cover or two
thrown in, along with some new
material. The vocals provided by front
man RIO HIETT can be described as, as
hard-driving as you want when required,
but as heartfelt and committed to the
tender side when warranted. He is more
than capable and willing to sell himself
on each song, inflecting the emotion of
all--from the in-your-face tunes to the
ballads-- making an effortless transition
between them. The energy he created
on stage drew the crowd in, involved
them and held them for the duration of
the set--which I feel, is one of the main
responsibilities of the front man/woman
in any band.