Material: The Divined aren’t your run-of-the-mill, straight-ahead rock band. This high-octane group—borne out of a “cosmic” musical connection between singer Brett Copeland and guitarist Mitch Micoley—is all about the bigger picture. Despite only playing a handful of shows together, The Divined managed to land a coveted opening slot on The Whisky’s famed Ultimate Jam Night, which regularly features some of the city’s finest session and touring musicians.
Micoley remarked that he isn’t interested in slugging it out on the local band circuit with this outfit, and his plan is to fast track them right out of the gate. With an attitude like that, it’s entirely possible, especially considering that The Divined carry themselves like seasoned pros, and all the members have at one point or other been a part of successful bands.
Performance: Copeland’s energy, vocal execution and stage presence strangely echo that of Jim Morrison, and playing on The Whisky stage that The Doors cut their teeth on so many years ago just made it all the more fitting. He had all the right moves; flexing with the mic stand, peeling off his shirt to reveal a chiseled physique, and playing it up to the cameras as photographers snapped away. It’s everything you’d expect to see out of the frontman of a rock band, but without the pretention.
The Divined’s catchy melodies and adrenaline-pumping rhythms made even the most Hollywood arm-folders nod their heads, and they certainly aided in whetting the audience’s appetite for the entertainment to follow.
Musicianship: Despite it being only their third show together as a band, you’d swear The Divined have been playing together for years. Bassist Gabe Maska has energy for days, Micoley and guitarist, Joe Perez are perfectly in sync with drummer, Alen Toka, and Copeland oozes confidence and rock & roll swagger.
Summary: The Divined are downright fun, never once skimping on energy or melody. This band is doing all the right things, positioning themselves for a fruitful career as evidenced in their venue selections, promotional efforts and long-sightedness. If they continue on this road with that same fervor and tenacity, they’ll definitely find a home on the festival circuit and on rock radio. They’re not reinventing the wheel by any stretch; they’re a solid rock band with good songs and the drive to succeed.
Contact: [email protected]
Web: thedivined.com
Players: Brett Copeland, lead vocals; Mitch Micoley, guitar; Joe Perez, guitar; Gabe Maska, bass; Alen Toka, drums
