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Is this the lost Green Day album?
By Matt Kapko
Lumberjack News Editor
The Lumberjack
December 10, 2003
As we pulled off the 101 onto Sunset Boulevard, I quickly realized how much I missed this place. Two-and-a-half years behind the Redwood Curtain has taken its toll on my nightlife. I no longer care about the smog, traffic or fake people that fill these streets of Hollywood. A strong desire for music, over-priced drinks and fun-filled nights of yesteryear had brought my return, and nothing would stand in the way of that.
The Network’s first-ever gig at the Key Club was our destination, but not before a quick stop for rum and coke to pass the time prior to the show. As we swigged down the first drinks of the night in the parking garage, it was obvious that the wheels had been set turning.
Now, only an all-person potty break stood between us and the entertainment ahead. Like most shows, we discovered it wouldn’t be starting as early as advertised.
After waiting in line that unusually cold November night, we were soon set free from the sidewalk and followed the herd into the small, plush interior of the venue. One round of $9 Long Islands later we positioned ourselves no more than 20 meters from the stage.
This would be the first show by The Network, and the music playing prior to the opening bands was representative of the unique sound to come. Speculation had run about for weeks regarding the identity of this five-member band.
All signs and “inside sources” claim that Green Day and two members of Devo joined forces to experiment with a new noise. The oh-so-familiar vocals and song structure give strong credence to that idea, but the band and all other “official sources” continue to deny any relation.
As the band took the stage in their mask and costume bit, it was pretty clear that nothing would be certain without a visual confirmation. All gossip aside, the music was as innovative as it was fun to scream to.
The costumed figures could do no wrong as the periodic struts by model-types added stimulation. Belting their way through the set, the drinks went down like water. Meeting up with friends and enjoying such pure excitement couldn’t have been better executed.
The Network offers short songs reminiscent of that cocaine-laden decade past, but also the sound of music to come. Mixed with the vintage, synth sound of Devo and the melodic, three-chord hum of Green Day, songs emerge about drugs, money and “Hungry Hungry Models.”
I would strongly recommend this band to anyone with an ear for something new and different. Their debut album, “Money Money 2020,” is packaged with a five-track DVD that brings their odd mix of talent to full visual form. Girls stuffing bananas down their throats and animation sequences of the costumed five are just another pair of reasons to inquire who and what is really behind The Network.
Pull up www.TheNetworkBand.com for more info about this group of characters. For a quick fix you can download a free track of the band’s cover of The Misfits’ “Teenagers From Mars” on the news page.
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