19/5/2008 - Part 4. Zen Motel @ Bar Monsta

Subject	Bar Monsta 19th May (Part 4) Zen Motel
PostedDate	5/19/2008
	So, onto the last band on the bill at Bar Monsta - the always rocking Zen Motel.  These guys never fail to deliver the goods. Although all the other bands tonight have been good, Zen Motel have the best songs and are well deserved headliners. Bass slinger and frontman Lee Wray has developed a commanding stage presence over the years and has that confidence that comes from experience and knowing you have a bunch of great songs to fire out at your audience. Lead guitarist Alex also steps up to the mark to take lead vocals on 'So Selfish Too'. This band never fail to play with spirit and snarling attitude.  And unlike many bands, they have the material to back it up - this lot easily out-sleaze most of the self styled 'sleaze rock' bands on the the circuit with out even trying to be a 'sleaze' band. Zen Motel's lyrics are actually far more dark, twisted, sordid, and downright dirty than their peers - genuinely sleazy without having to resort to a tacky image and looking/acting like '80s throwbacks. Zen Motel just look and sound like 'Zen Motel' - there is enough substance here (no pun intended) for this band to stand on their own merits, without trying to look or sound like anyone else - they know they are good enough not to have to.

PS: This once cool little venue is mow known as 'Camden Rock'. Avoid.