MAMMOTH WVH/NITA STRAUSS – TOAD'S PLACE – NEW HAVEN

MAMMOTH WVH/NITA STRAUSS – TOAD'S PLACE – NEW HAVEN

By Ralph Beauchamp

Mammoth WVH and Nita Strauss play a sold out show at the iconic Toad's Place in New Haven.

The first thing I noticed upon entering the infamous Toad's Place is the number of people gathering around for this highly anticipated spectacle. Mammoth WVH and Nita Strauss had created such an electric buzz days before the show because of their dynamic music and incredible guitar licks that everyone was waiting for. Toad's is a small venue, but the excitement generated could fill Madison Square Garden. I'm not big on crowds so I stayed close to the soundboard and back bar which still offered a fantastic view of the stage.

First up was Nita Strauss and the band consisting of Johnny Young (Guitar), Josh Villalta (Drums), Christopher Dean (Bass), Katt Scarlett (Keys) and Kasey Karlsen (Guest Vocalist). Her nine-song set was full of intense guitar riffs and incredible solos. Strauss' intensity is unmatched. It easily controls the attention and attention of the audience. Her musicianship is through the roof and she is an incredible shredder. Her stints in Alice Cooper's band are legendary. As a solo artist, her music is sharp and aggressive. Her riffs are solid and her songs are sonic fury.

Strauss opened with “Summer Song” from her 2023 album, The Call of the Void. The song is both cinematic and aggressive. Her guitar wails as she flies across the stage. He is in complete control. The ferocity continued with four songs from her 2018 debut full-length, Controlled chaos. 'Our Most Desperate Hour' meets 'Mariana Trench' and 'Alegria'. “The Quest” followed with a short but powerful drum solo from Strauss' fiance Villalta.

Photos by Holly Roy Photography

The final leg of the set featured four tracks from The Call of the Void. Guest vocalist Kasey Karlsen of the band Deadlands appeared to accompany Strauss. “The Wolf You Feed” started the frenzy. Karlsen's vocals went well with Strauss' powerful guitar licks. “Through the Noise” and “Dead Inside” followed. Once again, Karlsen's voice matched the fervor of the band. Strauss closed with her smash hit, “Victorious” which completely thrilled the room.

Throughout her performance, Strauss interacted well with the audience. At one point she expressed her gratitude for being on this tour and playing Toad's. He said “I may be from LA but we've all heard of the legendary Toad's and it's an honor to play here”. She was charismatic and charming. It was an absolutely perfect start to the evening.

Just Mammoth WVH hit the stage, a huge roar erupted from the room. Wolfgang Van Halen was the real attraction of the night. Except, Van Halen, the ensemble consists of Jon Jourdan (guitar), Ronnie Ficarro (bass) and Garrett Whitlock (drums). Conspicuously absent was Frank Sidoris who is currently on tour with Slash with Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators. The fifteen songs on tonight's set list were split equally Mammoth II (2023) and Van Halen's first release Mammoth WVH (2021).

Opening with “I'm Alright” by Mammoth II it was a plus. The melody is lively and carries a deep charge. Melodic vocals and cheeky textures bring out the best in the audience. They were rocking from the start. Plus the guitar solo ripped. “Correctly?” came next and the energy went into overdrive. Wolfgang and the band was killing it. “Epiphany”, “Miles Above Me” and “Like A Pastime” followed.

Wolfgang he seemed genuinely surprised at the number of people in the venue. He couldn't believe he was exhausted and felt overwhelmed. I really felt his gratitude, but he should recognize how much his music affects his fans. She is such a positive role model.

The band hit 'Horribly Right', 'Optimist' and 'Stone' before Wolfgang slow down a bit. Playing the inspired solo 'Distance' on an acoustic guitar, he had the crowd in awe-struck silence. Mammoth WVH closed with four explosive rails. “Think It Over” led into “Mammoth”, “You're to Blame” and a monstrous version of “Take A Bow”. But the house would not leave him Wolfgang so easy. Nobody moved. They craved more.

The encore was ruthlessly promotional. Wolfgangit is a great success Mammoth II, “Another Holiday at the End of the World” clearly kicked ass. The whole complex was on fire. The vocals were strong and the groove hit Toad to the core. The audience was in a deep hypnotic state. The last song, “Don't Back Down” was killed. The beat was crushing and the guitars blasted out huge anthemic riffs.

This was an unforgettable night. I do not think Mammoth WVH will be playing a lot more at clubs like Toad's. They are destined for bigger and better. Plus, Nita Strauss was just amazing. A great night with great music.

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