SONIC MACHINE is the title of the CD by POWDER, the band that has all of L.A. talking. I saw them perform at The Long Beach Pride Festival (see Live review, SBM #3) and just couldn't believe my eyes, so I went to see them again at PLATINUM LIVE! in Studio City, California. This show was even more intense, because instead of a crowd of people resting their feet while celebrating their Pride, this audience was there for just one reason--to see POWDER And yes, the evening was a sonic triumph, full of lights and color and costumes and legs and, of course, fine music. Sonic music. This band makes NO DOUBT look like a church choir. But even then, I had to wonder, would it play in Peoria? In other words, would the music stand up without the stage extravaganza? After listening to this record I have to say Hell, yes!

This is a record that you'll want to put on when you're in the mood to kick up your adrenaline level a notch or two, or three or four. Perfect for listening to when it's late at night and you own the empty freeway that you're driving on. Ideal inspiration while shooting the half-pipe on your roller blades. It's even great while you're giving your crib the once over with a mop and the vacuum cleaner. Anytime you feel the need to release the Super Powers within, all you need is a little POWDER.

With the exception of WHAT IS AND WHAT SHOULD NEVER BE, an excellent cover of the Robert Plant/Jimmy Page classic, all the tracks are original compositions and perfectly executed by this incredible group of musicians. The rhythm section is expertly staffed, courtesy of J-Bo Dynamite on drums and Allan Hearn on bass. It's their task to sustain the momentum created by Phil X and his dynamic and frenetic guitar licks, and they do it admirably. Combined with state of the art sound effects, they provide an extreme wave of music that Ninette's searing vocals ride with ease. She keens along with the blistering pace of SONIC MACHINE, SEAT OF MY PANTS and NEED A LITTLE HELP. Her voice turns from lasciviously sultry on the Zeppelin classic into a turbo-charged, sonic version of Leslie Gore or Shelly Fabres, dripping with sweet honey on LOSING YOU. But she lets it all out on my personal favorite, RED, as does the rest of the band. This music is liberating in it's fantasy and intensity. I may be too old to make a cape from an old bath towel and leap from tall buildings, but the caption in the CD liner reads: "May the SUPER HERO powers be with you." With a little POWDER and their Sonic Machine, I'm ready to fly!

Discover the world of POWDER at their website: http://www.powdermusic.com

 You can check out the band, sample some tunes and even purchase this CD, this ticket to mars.

Review by Pat Benny