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Sayreville Locals Blend Prog and Alternative Rock
No More Pain - Main Street Theater, Sayreville, NJ
- April 29, 2012
By Phil Rainone
Usually known for their professional community plays, The
Main Street Theater has been branching out with improv shows
(Death by Improv), and recently with bands. On this night,
No More Pain took the stage to a packed house. Heavy on originals,
with some of the coolest obscure covers, they cooked up tasty
jams for over three hours.
Relying mainly on the theater’s lighting, and an interesting
light show of their own, they connected with the audience
right from the first note. This was basically a hometown show,
with lots of friends and relatives in the audience. From start
to finish the crowd and the band connected time and time again.
No More Pain’s brand of progressive rock which at times
leaned toward alt rock, in the hands of this talented foursome
was given a fresh, vibrate, reading that I haven’t seen
for a while. Throughout the evening they played most of their
new album including, “Dismantled & Twisted,”
“So They Say,” “Never Free,” “Mad,”
and “Killing Me.” The usual themes of life, love,
betrayal, politics, New World Order, and human kindness were
abundant, but No More Pain adds their youthful views, without
the cynicism. What makes these songs ring true is that this
is their beliefs, their lives, and it’s doesn’t
get any more soul-stirring than that.
 A
unique use of hooky power-chording, a distinctively clear
rhythm section, a combination of technology (Matt’s
use of a laptop enhanced his keyboard playing, but wasn’t
overbearing), combined with a voice that at times could rage
with youth, or could be warm-hearted and loving.
Power/control/release would be the three main operative words
that I would use to describe No More Pain’s playing
and stage presence. They seemed to have found a way to keep
their audience locked in without having to resort to any flashy,
unnecessary shock imagery. Unencumbered as if they were in
a small studio, they played with articulation, fun, and a
good sense of humor.
For over three hours they played with only a twenty minute
break in-between sets. Their first set was filled with originals,
and during their second set they spaced their originals with
covers of some of the bands that inspired them to start their
own band. Pink Floyd (“Dogs,” “Meddle”),
King Crimson (“21st Century Schizoid Man”), and
a few others were devilishly fun! What was unique about the
covers was that No More Pain unearthed the songs original
rawness, and brought it to another level. On “21st Century
Schizoid Man” they added a jam toward the end that evolved
into “Heart of the Sunrise,” a classic Yes song,
than back again to King Crimson, which was a cool tribute
their influences. I think someday future bands may be paying
tribute to No More Pain.
They say that you have your whole life to write your first
album, and less than a year to write your second.-For a young
band in their early twenties, No More Pain are focused and
professional, yet, they still retain their youthful exuberance,
balancing the three with the ease of a seasoned band.
No More Pain has a new album just out called Debate and
Rhyme. You can get it and info on the band’s shows,
etc., at nomorepainmusic.com
No More Pain is: Mike Roman-guitar /vocals; Jay Weinstein-bass;
Matt McDermott-keyboards/vocals; Dan Ramone-drums/vocals/guitar/glockenspiel
For more info on Main Street Theater, visit smstc.org
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