Freaking Out In A Kosmic Daydream

Story & photos by Phil Rainone

Kosmic Daydream / Rachel - Buddies Tavern, Parlin, NJ - April 26, 2007

This was one of those really cool shows that it's hard to tell the headliner from the opener, which is always a win/win as they "suits" up in corporate always say!

Kosmic Daydream (kosmicdaydream.com) opened the show with some supreme mojo. The instro-mental "Here I Am" had a wickedly fun vibe (like the rest of their set), as the band Jimmi Dylan- Guitar, Adam Hirschman- bass/ vocals, and Jose Cruz- drums, blasted back to the future with some amazing 60's psychedelic mojo (think bands like The Jefferson Airplane, Moby Grape, and even a little of that heavy, heavy monster sound of Blue Cheer). It was like deja vu all over again (thanks Yogi)!

And then to top it all off, out pops Jeniffer De Los Santos. Man, if she didn't have some of Jim Morrison's mojo going for her. The band was now complete!Jeniffer's alleycat-in-heat vocals, and serpentine-like body language emphasized the band's heavy, fluid psychedelic sound.

Jimmi's flying V guitar shredded on tunes like "Vamp," "Jaded" and "Naked Truth," as the rhythm section (Adam & Jose) locked in, and turned the crowd inside out, especially with their cover of The Clash's "European Homes." Toward the end of their set Jimmi broke out the bow and did a couple of numbers that were Jimmy Page-worthy. I think Kosmic Daydream has come up with a new genre - Neo-Psychedelic!!

They also have a live CD out that really reflects what's going in their show. They're working on a new studio album that should hopefully be out this year.

I only caught about half of Rachel's set because I had to check out another band (like I've said before, the So. Amboy/ Sayreville area is becoming a really
fertile musical scene).


The last time I saw her, Rachel had opened the Christmas Dogs of War show last December at Buddies. Back than her solo acoustic set galvanized the crowd, and energized everyone's spirits for Mike Grau's annual charity fund raiser. This time around, Rachel played with Mike Grau on bass, and Joe Sardoni on drums.

Rachel has that deep, penetrating vocal and stage presence like early Melissa
Ethridge ("Bring Me Some Water"/ "Similar Features"- era.)

She has that special talent where, the moment when you make contact between the artist and the audience the music becomes more about gathering, sharing, and expressing. It's a total experience!

Rachel is one of those people who you get this kind of vibe from that being on stage is one of the best things in the world! A true artist.

Taken for Granted Dept: I almost forgot to mention that these shows at Buddies Tavern have NO COVER CHARGE! Also, this coming Saturday, May 5th, is Lazlo's (from Blowup Radio) Birthday Party! Stop by, buy Lazlo a drink and maybe he'll tell you his real name! Oh yeah, and you'll also see some really cool bands for FREE!! You can find directions and show listings at Buddie's MySpace page.