Hell-Kite (Ann Marie Philip) is from Tempe, Arizona, and at this time was on tour with Stephen Steinbrink (French Quarter). Both of them played with Ryland Bouchard on a few dates other than his last stop at the Artistery.

Hell-Kite’s tone reminded me of when I listened to Nirvana’s In Utero whilst in junior high. Then it was a dark tone that felt every so often that never had a soundtrack to it… In Utero was the soundtrack to that feeling… And Hell-Kite’s set brought that dark feeling back to me the same as I felt when I was younger. It was that coupled with the fact that the tone of Ann’s voice accentuated the feeling.

There’s a cover of a Sheryl Crow song in Hell-Kite’s song- I’m not going to give out which song it is-but I bring it up because I was a bit confused about it’s placement. I am a fan of Sheryl Crow’s older works and thought it was grand that Ann covered this song but also a bit confused… Whether or not her performing it was done out of humor, seriousness, or just because she enjoys performing that song. I recall detecting a sentiment from the crowd that felt like a confused mixture of that as well. I’m still not sure about it but I think I prefer not to be settled on one particular opinion regarding her playing that tune.

I feel like Hell-Kite would be great as a metal duo. Not too Metallica metal-esque not too droney… Kind of an in-between of the two- something fit to the already existing tempo of Hell-Kite. Heavy guitar mixed with a very heavy well fitted drummer and I feel like there would be a very powerful delivery. Think of if Earth was Ann’s backing band.

I haven’t had time to sit down and dissect the lyrics of Hell-Kite- that might come later- but they seem somewhat distressing in how they’re delivered. If I can’t get to the dissection in time, I would suggest it be something to do.

This recording is part of a four part live recording series featuring Emperor X, Stephen Steinbrink (French Quarter), and Ryland Bouchard (French Quarter).