Nebula rocks the earth and sky
Written by Cara Wednesday, 12 August 2009 01:35
Some people were born with a silver spoon in their mouths, but I think my spoon was made of metal and a bit of stoner rock. Somethings in life are said to happen for a reason, though I don't believe this, last Monday the coincidences were in my favor. Curled up with my laptop as usual, I receive a call from a drunken friend who "just want(ed) to go home (urg)." He was at Three Kings Tavern, 60 South Broadway and attempting to be a good friend, I hopped in a cab to get him. Five minutes later I arrived and found another friend who had already helped him into a cab. Relieved he was en route, I asked the door guy what the show was and he replied nonchalantly, "Nebula, and some other band is finishing up." I make my way up and Black Lamb is putting on a rocking show and I was bummed I missed Kingdom of Magic's always buzzing experience. Shortly thereafter Nebula took the stage and enjoying the up and down bass that no one can resist softly bouncing or rocking out to.
That said, who is Nebula? The question is not as easily answered, but it begins with the departure of Eddie Glass and Ruben Romano from Fu Manchu in 1997. Their music is also not easily defined, perhaps alternative/stoner rock, with both metal and punk influences from the 1970's (Fu-Manchu.com). Glass and Romano's new project, Nebula began with some of the characteristics of Fu Manchu, a culmination of the sub-genres of rock and heavy metal. Monday, I could even pick up hints of blues rock, along the heavy baselines and low-tuned guitars of the great 70's rockers and metal heads. Fu Manchu gained new members in 1997 and still tours today at large venues, with advertising budgets and big bands, while Nebula has stayed under the radar at large. Several months ago I joined about 15 others at an amazing performance at the Larimer Lounge, providing for an intimate and epic experience.
Being a fan of the band, one might think I would have heard about the show at Three Kings, and I didn't because Nebula keeps it that way. They still largely have the persona of a garage band and their music reflects a true devotion to their sound, not to money or fame. This resistance to selling out is as becoming as the bouncing beer in my hand as I enjoyed the product of these circumstances wholeheartedly and will have listen to word of mouth for the next time they visit Denver.
