You know what they say: Familiarity breeds creativity. Just witness the aptly named Hot Streak, the supercharged follow-up to the self-titled rabidly rocking 2013 debut of the three-piece musical dynamo known as The Winery Dogs. Hot Streak shows the powerfully pedigreed trio’s initial burst of collective chemistry was no accident, from the sturm und headbang of “Captain Love” to the propulsive uplifting vibe of “The Bridge” to the introspective acoustic harmonic convergence of “Fire.” If these three Dogs thought they captured lightning in a supper dish the first time around, Hot Streak barks ups the aural ante into exciting new territory. “We elevated the band to the next level,” says vocalist/guitarist Richie Kotzen. “I wasn’t nervous about it at all. There’s always that worry with a follow-up record when you have a first one that’s so well received, but I believed in it from Day 1. I knew in my heart if we made a record that wasn’t as good as the first one that we wouldn’t release it, but I know I did my best on every song. I also like the fact that there’s a commonality between the first and second records — and there’s also an evolution too, as we’ve dug a little deeper.” Adds drummer Mike Portnoy, “The mission of this band is to write catchy songs, and not have the musicianship overpower them. That’s the icing on the cake — but the cake itself is always the song and the vocals. Every song on this album is memorable and catchy, and you’ll wake up whistling them all the next day.” For a drummer accustomed to having superstar status in the progressive music realm, Portnoy feels he’s done some of his best work with The Winery Dogs. “It’s been refreshing to play music that’s so easily digestible all across the board by any listener, whether they be a metal fan, a prog fan, or a classic rock fan,” he admits. “I think The Winery Dogs have something to offer for everybody.”
Show time: 8:00 PM, doors 7:00 PM
Tickets: $45
Advance tickets: www.ticketfly.com
