Sunday, April 19, 2009

GMPD turns Cedars into a 'Dreamscape'

By Sarah Poulton

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Friday night's GMPD show at Cedars Lounge was the second stop on what Gil Mantera and The Ultimate Donny are calling the "Ohio Trifecta."

In front of a packed house, the brothers, with drummer A.E. Paterra, gave GMPD fans what they expect and love: a high-energy show with solid dance beats and grown men dancing on stage in tight, spandex underwear. The home-town release of their third CD, "Dreamscape" proved to be a successful show, as concert-goers couldn't move an inch without bumping into a fan.

Though GMPD has already done a "Dreamscape" tour, the band members felt the release wouldn't be official until they made stops at three very important cities: Cleveland, Youngstown and Columbus.

"People are psyched to see us," Gil says. "There's a good sound system, and of course, it's home."

At first listen, "Dreamscape" seems to be a sign of maturity for the band. The vocals are much milder than in their second album, "Bloodsongs," and the album seems to be a bit more focused in terms of overall sound. But seeing the band live in all its glory makes you realize that they still perform in the same, initially shocking style that made you fall in love with them.

At the show, GMPD played a fair amount of songs from "Dreamscape" as well as an array of hits from "Bloodsongs." As a surprise, the band brought back "Blame it on Rosanne" from their first CD, "Once Triangular."

They kicked off the weekend Thursday at the Beachland Ballroom in Cleveland. Saturday, they complete the trifecta with a stop at Skully's Music Diner in Columbus. As of now, "Dreamscape" is only available at live performances, and at purEUPHONIC.com.