There is one type of band I totally do not understand - cover bands. I cannot explain it, since a lot of music is not played by those who composed it - starting from classical music to literally any contemporary pop act. Yet, for rock and metal bands somehow original versions are mostly always better than any cover acts. Well, except Venom, - anyone who plays it does it better in any and every aspect.

But I fell for it - after checking a fabulous live gig recording, I decided to give our locals, Frogleap, a chance. Frog Leap has a completely fabulous lineup which makes them reach the radars, so it was a relatively big venue hosting them.

The beginning is promising: Mickael Jackson, Linkin Park, Limp Bizkit, Slipknot played for the audience that is getting increasingly drunk this Thursday during the one and a half hours between the doors and the main act. Someone with a monkey mask gets onstage to dance a bit to some of the hits, when Romeo and Juliet intro starts.

With a step-in guitarist, the setlist starts with melodies everyone is singing along to. Drums, vocals and back track are very prominent. Truls Haugen from Norwegian Dream Theater, fantastic Circus Maximus, is on drums and backing vocals, - and he is one of the brightest spots of the gig. Rabea Massaad could not join the tour, so Phil (unfortunately I am not sure who this guy is) is stepping in, and, although the rhythm guitar is not too prominent in the mix where I stand, the solos are just unearthly great! The dude learned 17 songs in a very short time, and he is fantastic. Sweet Home Alabama is the second song and gorgeous vocals of Hannah Boulton are in.

From time to time the vocalist Leo Moracchioli takes on the guitar duties too, two guitars sound much better. At some point Leo asks if people need to go to work tomorrow. The audience says “yeah” to whatever Leo or Hannah say.

Sweet Home unleashes redneck madness, people surrounding me are all doing the fourth or fifth beer and cannot neither control themselves, nor care about the personal space of others, - it is a village party, beer is flying and tomorrow those who are not unemployed will have a hard day.

It is the first date of the tour, so some things feel a bit rusty. Come Together goes great, but Africa goes as a too sophisticated treat for the audience.

What I like is how the lights evolve song to song, dynamic mixing (though I also hear vocals in the back track) and charisma, but something is missing. Row Row Row Your Boat is ok-ish, but I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) sounds a bit faceless.


Well, I acknowledge the craftsmanship, this is just not my thing. For a cover band, it is very hyped, but I cannot get the same feeling of nostalgia. I decided to give a cover act two chances - and it was both the first one and the last one.