by John Johnson, Photos by Chaz Dykes of Chaz D Photography
On a sweltering Tuesday night in downtown St. Pete, Jannus Live provided the perfect open-air backdrop for a night of heavy guitars and moody melodies. With a congregation of mostly middle aged dudes in black tee shirts, it was obvious that they came to relive the 90’s grunge vibe, even on a weeknight. Sparta, the post-hardcore trio out of San Antonio, set the tone with a tight, urgent vibe that almost felt like I was reliving a gig in Ybor City circa 1997. The boys from Texas replaced Filter as supporting act due to lead singer Richard Patrick’s disc replacement surgery. Sparta’s low-key, often droning energy worked well in the Florida heat, and the aforementioned mob swayed ever so slowly, so as not to sweat any more than they already were. Though certainly not a household name, Sparta (and it’s best to scream it like Gerard Butler from the film 300, I did a few times) may have earned more than one or two new fans with their performance. Although starting promptly at 8, the completion of their short set seemed to be welcomed. Not for lack of ability or talent, but more for the anticipation of the headliner the throng had come to witness.
When Jerry Cantrell took the stage, the vibe shifted into something both nostalgic and commanding. The Alice in Chains guitarist and vocalist led his band through a set that balanced his solo catalog with the unmistakable dark, brooding sound that made his main band legendary. Having seen Alice In Chains with Layne Staley, the charismatic singer passed in 2002, it was clear to me that the bands sound must assuredly have been formulated by Cantrell. I say this, not to take anything away from Staley, his voice and range were otherworldly, but because it seemed as though I was at an Alice In Chains show, but Stayley was not. Cantrell’s voice harmonized along with the vocals of rhythm guitarist Zach Throne perfectly, while bassist and drummer Roy Mayorga recreated that familiar punch that is so recognizable with Alice tunes. The long haired, slender musician from Washington state began the set with the first track, “Vilified”, off his latest release I Want Blood. The crowd sang along to the few AiC classics, including “Them Bones”, “Rain When I die”, the definitive “Man in the Box” and set closer (and personal fave) “Would?”. The latter showcased Mayorga’s beastly talents, dominating his kit during that songs closing 30 seconds. Although those engrained thrashers were what most came to witness, the assembled also leaned into his newer material, which carried the same weight and emotional grit as Chains stuff. Cantrell’s guitar tone was massive, cutting through the thick air with precision and that unmistakable wah wah echoed in the Florida night sky. His voice—steady and haunted—gave the evening its defining moments, especially on encore ending “Rooster”. Jannus Live, with its packed courtyard and live oak lurching overhead, became the perfect setting for an intimate yet powerful night of rock.
Now, Go Out and See, Hear and Feel Live Music.
