New Hampshire’s premiere AC/DC tribute band Problem Child drew a large crowd to the Village Trestle in Goffstown, New Hampshire last night. Problem Child spent almost three solid hours driving the crowd from rapt attention to enthusiasm to couples slow dancing to closing number “Ride On.”
Problem Child is a hard driving tribute band that slams out the AC/DC sound like they were born to. Singer Dave The Wave(Yep, that’s his handle) utilized his evil sounding Bon Scott like timbre to nail the sound in every song. Lead guitarist Rick Caikauskas captured all of those frenetic, high-pitched intervals of notes that spiral in whatever direction the song calls for. Rhythm guitarist Gary “Gringo” Vigneault whipped up a huge crunchy sound that meshed impressively with the lead while keeping the songs marching forward with his heavy chord work. Bass player Jay Guild laid down a solid yet flexible low end through out the evening, and drummer Kenny Joyal pounded the skins with precision.
The most intriguing thing about Problem Child was their attention to detail. They made an effort to leave no stone unturned in their quest to arrive at the AC/DC sound. Problem Child even played lesser known gems like “Down Payment Blues” and “I’m A Rocker” as well the songs we all know from the radio. The band acknowledged a serviceman in the room and dedicated “War Machine” to everybody in the United States military.
“Girls Got Rhythm” had the requisite mean vocal, driving rhythm, and dizzying lead guitar notes. Lead and rhythm guitar meshed to make for some hard rock cleverness. “The Jack” featured slabs of rhythm guitar, bass, and drums as the blues foundation. That paved the way for singer Dave The Wave to do his evil vocal. The lead guitar came spiraling in amidst the hard rock drive, and it was a thing of beauty.
Problem Child’s number one fan, Dennis, was in the room having himself a grand old time. Dennis is one of those fans who goes crazy with the energy of a band, getting other people excited too. Fans like Dennis certainly make the rocking world go round.
“Dirty Deeds” was a hard charging groove managed by the “Gringo” rhythm guitar work. Dave The Wave nailed the evil timbre in the chorus You actually felt that this singer, like the hit man in the song, was going to go kill someone. A fantastic lead guitar phrase spun like an aural whirlpool, pulling listeners in with attention getting twists. Drummer Kenny Joyal, a steady hand throughout the night, really pumped up “Dirty Deeds” with his palpable smacks and driving thunder beat.
“TNT” went over big from it’s opening chant “Oui. Oui. Oui” to the driving groove of the rhythm section. Anthem-like song “Let There Be Rock” was another off the charts crowd pleasure. Problem Child had a lot of kick ass feistiness going on. Bass and drums built a huge arc and the guitar scaled it with abandon.
“If You Want Blood(You’ve Got It” was a full frontal rock assault. Problem Child play with a take no prisoners attitude. They are a no frills act. They hit every note perfectly, but they never tried to make it pretty. The really cool thing about them was their stage presence. These guys look like they could be dangerous.
This tribute band delivered their theme song “Problem Child” in all of its wild catchiness. The simple chorus, loud and hearty, became another anthem-chant for kids from the wrong side of the track. Those kids might be bad news, but they sure are a blast to hang out with. Singer Dave The Wave didn’t just sing the words. He roared them in a Bon Scott manner that ended some verses with a shriek, making it gritty, real, and downright authentic.
A familiar, driving chord progression pulled everybody into the classic AC/DC hit “Highway To Hell.” This was the ultimate party tune when it first came out, and it remains a top party tune to this day. Problem Child knew how to take the high octane song for a spin. The rhythm section drove it home like an 18-wheeler while singer and lead guitarist made a lot of wild sounds on top of the groove. Everyone got featured in this band: “Walk All Over You” found lead guitar man Rick Caikauskas playing laser sharp guitar lines.
Guest singer Kitty Soler of Snakebite was a force of nature on “Whole Lotta Rosie” and let’s not forget all the good guitar work in it. “Have A Drink On Me,” it should be noted, unfurled with crackling rhythm guitar.
“Jail Break” featured bad ass harmony vocals. When the singer, drummer, and bass player sing together, get the hell out of their way. They’re fearsome and mighty when they combine. “Touch Too Much” found Problem Child’s Dave The Wave using his wild vocal to dress down a woman from hell. The band easily glided from one section of this song to another. “Thunderstruck” was another crowd pleasure marked by its intervals of guitar notes and frenetic vocalizations.
“Ride On,” which had numerous couples slow dancing,” was supposed to be Problem Child’s last song. But the audience screamed for one more. They were obliged with “Rock And Roll Ain’t Noise Pollution.” The band slowly grinded the message home with their steady, slow burn smoldering guitars, bass, and drums groove.
Problem Child is a must see for any AC/DC fan. Diehards will be satisfied.
