Hard rockers
Planeside have been slowly picking up momentum and accolades from peers and fans, and it's easy to see why. The rhythm section of Craig Sala (drums) and Ken Hirasaki (bass) has been at it since the boys' teenaged years with Joni's Butterfly, a New England band whose name was borrowed from an electric sex toy. Once the Butterfly's batteries ran out, former roadie Dave Harris joined as singer and guitarist, and the three were rechristened with a far less suggestive moniker. Still, Planeside excels at being tight, loud, and powerful, tempering its grungy, arena-metal influences so that they never overwhelm. This sound was powerful enough that deceased Who bassist John "Never Leaving Las Vegas" Entwistle took 'em on tour for a spell. Their second full-length,
Milk, is on the way in March, so now's your chance to get off with them at either of their two South Florida shows.
Planeside performs with Two Story Double Wide at 9 p.m. Saturday, February 4, at the Poor House, 110 SW Third Ave., Fort Lauderdale. The show is free. Call 954-522-5145. The band also appears with the Heartattacks and Beat Beat Beat at 10 p.m. Friday, February 10, at Churchill's Hideaway, 5501 NW Second Ave., Miami. Tickets cost $8. Call 305-757-1807.