The Last Season is a Bay Area hard rock band that rocks, and hard. A lot of energy is expended on stage as they jump around and make faces while the drummer keeps up a hurried tattoo, and their material is anything but boring. And despite the superfluous motion, the four-piece holds together really well and is certainly at least of semi-pro caliber. Reflecting the band's persona were its fans, who seemed to be the most vocal and demonstrative of the evening. The Last Season appreciated this and exchanged good-natured exchanges with its following. It was good, honest, fun rock 'n roll.

The Real is a power trio based in San Francisco, but whose members are originally from New England. The band plays a kind of technical rock music that is unique and immediately impressive. The group is very tight and each member's instrument shines through and has a very integral and tasty role.

The Real has managed to make technical compositions that aren't so for the sake of it and making them catchy. Each song stuck out clearly from one another and was played flawlessly. Personally, I couldn't take my eyes of the playing of drummer Alex Bowman, who, clearly a fan of Neil Peart's, elevates his job from timekeeper to one that contributes as much to the signature of the band as the guitarist. Bowman plays the drums melodically and tastefully, creatively using the entire kit, including the rims of the toms, in a way that is never the same way twice.

This is of course not to say that the other two members had nothing to offer. The talented five-string bassist, who did most of the vocals, had a charming and engaging, relaxed stage persona. His little anecdotes, entertaining interaction with the also talented guitarist and introduction to the cover of Black Sabbath's "Fairies Wear Boots" (which was spot on) were a good way for the audience to connect with the group. It was kind of funny and slightly awkward to see that the in-between song banter get cut short time and again as the businesslike drummer began playing the next song, forcing the two front men to shut up and get with the program.

It was a surprisingly excellent night. The two bands' styles were a good contrast to each other in making them stand out. I hope to see more of these two groups in the future.