We were hours away from the start of Daylight Savings Time in early March of 2024 when Strange Lucy and Hellen Bach played a double bill at Legends Roadhouse, and it couldn’t have been a more appropriate show — if social media buzz is any indication, it’s been a dark winter for everyone, and this show felt like the return of light.
Strange Lucy opened this show but they’re interchangeable with Hellen Bach where billing is concerned. Both bands are in the top echelon of cover bands in Wichita Falls, and they’ve swapped positions on the bill on many occasions. Bandleader Greg Casillas put on his usual powerhouse vocal performance at a time when he was working extra-hard at his 9-to-5 filling-in for his boss who had a medical procedure (get well soon, Donnie).
Strange Lucy put on a set with crowd favorites from bands like Puddle of Mudd, Breaking Benjamin, Pantera and more, all augmented by the versatile and incendiary guitar work of lead guitarist Ron Weaver. Despite the fiery six-string theatrics, however, a personal favorite selection is Strange Lucy’s cover of Prince’s Purple Rain, and the crowd seemed to agree.
The rest of Strange Lucy cannot be undersold — each member contributes valuably to the overall sound. Rhythm guitarist Jason Deemer adds flavor and fullness to the mix, and I was particularly impressed with his contribution to Strange Lucy’s rendition of Rage Against the Machine’s “Bulls on Parade.” Likewise, John McGowan’s bass work is solid and, at times, the busy exercise of a skilled musician.
One thing that stuck out to me at this particular Strange Lucy performance was the backing vocal work of drummer Dan Chilenski. I have seen Strange Lucy on a number of occasions, and it can be hard to capture a good shot of Dan behind an impressive kit, but trust me when I say, you will hear him all night. I have been remiss in not mentioning his vocal work before.
In sum, Strange Lucy is a show not to be missed if you have the chance.
Following a brief intermission, headliner Hellen Bach took the stage and lit it up in their customary fashion, with a night of singalong songs led by the talented Larissa Brown.
Larissa put on another flawless performance, as she always seems to do. I never hear a stray note from her, and she makes it seem effortless. With the plentiful jokes she adds between songs, a set from Hellen Bach is always moving with very little downtime, and it’s a great time for the crowd.
You can’t help but be impressed with the rest of Larissa’s band, and I’ve written about each of them before — the versatility of Randy Man on guitar, frequently called upon to perform parts played by the original artist on a different instrument for example. What were originally keyboard parts and turntable parts come out of Randy’s six-string with impressive skill. Shane Perry’s bass talent is undeniable when Hellen Bach performs selections like Muse’ Hysteria, and anybody who’s seen the band play knows that drummer Chris “Animal” Hunt is the most entertaining drummer in our city with his non-stop antics behind the kit.
I am never disappointed with Hellen Bach’s show, and this show with Strange Lucy was a perfect way to welcome the return of daylight.
Have you seen Strange Lucy and/or Hellen Bach? Tell us about it in the comments.
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