live @ the Garage 7.8.2000
The last time a band from Charlottesville, Virginia made it big---The Dave Matthews Band, who will be headlining a show at RFK Stadium later this summer ---they made it REALLY big. Another Charlottesville-based outfit---Earth To Andy--- also has it’s sights set on the big-time, and during their set at the Garage Saturday night, the quartet flexed the kind of hard rock muscle that indicated they have what it takes to expand their fanbase numbers from thousands to millions, too.
2000 has been a good year for ETA: their major label debut, “Chronicle Kings” has sold respectably, and they played some high-profile gigs with established loud rockers like Tonic and Stone Temple Pilots. Certainly the boys have the rock star moves down pat, and led by tan singer/guitarist Andy--- whose look has evolved into a cross between Brian Setzer and Jeff Spicoli--- they hurled themselves about the stage joyfully whole attacking heavy, melodic songs like “Biting At My Heels” and “The Buffalo”.
The rhythm tandem of bassist Chris Reardon and muscular drummer Kevin Murphy rumbled along with their usual efficiency, while guitarist Tony Lopacinski made his solos sting despite grappling with a finger injury.
ETA has evolved its smart and catchy heavy rock sound to a razor sharp level and renditions of “Smoke Ring” and “Sometimes” were bracing. Perhaps the highlight of the evening was a new song, “Lies and Alibis” that featured the group’s distinctive background singing alongside a swelling Andy melody; more proof that in the hard rock field, Earth to Andy are on a singular and stimulating orbit.
Washington Post, July 2000
