Thu 7/10 @ 8:30PM
Vanity Crash’s career has been a roller coaster ride, to say the least. The theatrical band, heavily influenced by the early ’70s glitter rock era of David Bowie, grew out of Cleveland Public Theatre’s 2002 production of Hedwig and the Angry Inch in which the founding members appeared.
Originally fronted by actor/singer Dan Folino, who played Hedwig, the band was on hold for several years when his acting career took him out of town. Last fall, the group released a narrative album titled Yours, Justice, about a man who goes on a killing spree after his fiancée cheats on him.
That album proved to be the riveting front man’s swan song with the group, as he recently departed to focus on other projects. But Vanity Crash quickly regrouped, adding guitarist Sean Michael to the lineup (band leader/guitarist Dennis Yurich and drummer Jason Giaco), and landed on their feet.
They’re already releasing another album, a five-song EP titled Rock N Roll Junkie. This one has no theme beyond straightforward rock and roll. It includes a bluesy rocker called “Never Coming Up” and a striking cover of the Zombie’s “She’s Not There.” But the music’s still inflected with the dashing glitter rock riffs that have fueled the band since its inception.
They’ll introduce the album at a release show at the Beachland Tavern. The evening is also a record release show for former Clevelander Allison Bencar, who moved to Nashville three years ago. The Americana-style CD First Call is her debut album.
Admission is $8 in advance, $10 day of show.