Still not old enough for his probably futile bid for the White House, Nasty is still in a metal band.
Luckily for Cape Girardeau metal fans, this is one of the best new groups around.

Drivin' Rain began recently after a long hiatus from the metal scene for Nasty after the break-up of Beggar's Jury (almost immediately following the release of their album, Just Because We Can). After short stints in the Christian goup Witness the Band, and as a side-man of sorts in Southern Illinois' Nasty Granny, Nasty began his search for like-minded members to put together what he hoped would be "the most visible, high-energy hard rock band the club circuit has seen in years." It looks as if the band could become just that. Importing Illinois musicians Bradman, Joe Degrave, and Arick Reeder, Nasty quickly formed Outlaw Serenade.  After a name change to Drivin' Rain, the band hooked up with management and began short regional tours.

The group centers their covers around late eighties metal such as Guns N' Roses and Judas Priest, but also makes successful forays into newer, grungier material such as Alice in Chains and Live.  The group promises that originals and a demo are in the works.

Dutton is one of the most powerful drummers around, utilizing over-the-top fills which should destroy most kits.  Guitarist Reeder is also quite a find, using blinding fret-speed more than anything else to complete the metal sound of the group. Bassist Degrave anchors the groove in an almost nonchalant way.  It's good that he concentrates on the groove, as Nasty has a voice that only dogs can sometimes hear.  With an incredible range, Nasty's scream/sing performances are, for some, an acquired taste, but they should be admired for their technical aspects if one doesn't enjoy the music itself.  Imagine a gravelly-voiced Mariah Carey hitting the metal scene, and you'll begin to understand what the vocals sound like.  Completing the sound is something most metal bands of the area avoid: background vocals.  On tunes like Collective Soul's "Shine," Drivin' Rain uses three-part harmonies that many rock/pop combos forget exist, or shy away from.

Overall, anyone interested in the metal of the last three decades should check out these guys' great show.  You can (and should) look for them to play at Players or the Papa Bear in Cape Girardeau, Missouri soon.

Timexx