Rustbelt Rock Review

By: Z.M. Delgado

Volume #257: Holly’s 40th Birthday Bash featuring HAMS, Thunder Vest, Academy Order, The Bics and Eaten by Kittens.

September 19, 2026

The Five O'clock Lounge

Hello my friend and welcome to another mind boggling journey into the Cleveland underground, otherwise known as the Rustbelt Rock Review. This week I had the distinctive pleasure to attend a show that will no doubt be remembered in the Scene’s memory for many years to come. It all began for me around 6pm when my brother from another mother, Joha, scooped me up and we traveled westward. Our destination? The one and only Five O’clock Lounge. There we were set to to watch a thick bill of bands and more importantly to celebrate the birthday of our Scene’s Goth Queen, Holly. So we arrived on the Scene and immediately encountered Jimmy “The Dook” Fedor, my Co-host from Heavy on Cleveland. Together we headed over to the club where we were greeted by friends and familiar faces. The crowd was there early and the vibe was already exuding positivity. We made our way to the bar, where we ordered a round of drinks and posted up to catch the ongoing Guardians game. With the Guardo’s up considerably, we drifted to the back patio, out to the street and back again. At some point our Heavy on Cleveland collaborator, Jessica Mowrer of Stargazer Studios arrived and joined the posse. We chilled, we drank, we smoked and we waited for the show to begin. The flyer said 6:30, alas Five shows do their own things and in their own time. I don’t know what time the music finally started but it was much later than that, I can assure you. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining, I love the Five. I am merely stating, as a cautionary tale, that if you plan to see a show at The Five, be prepared for a late night. With all that being said, the music did eventually start and naturally we were down in front when it did.

First to the stage was Eaten by Kittens. This two piece Punk Rock band is made up of Guitar and Drums with both players sharing Vocal responsibilities. They had a fairly straight forward style; Punk with clean Vocals and solid Rock N’ Roll roots. Their riffs were solid, their tempos driving and the lyrics were entertaining. They kicked off the show with a little ditty called “Motherfuckers.” The crowd was into it immediately, dancing and rocking thoroughly. Amid the fun, black balloons bounced around the club and were volleyed by fans. As I said, their lyrical content was entertaining. They broke out fun cuts like “Punk Rock HOA” and “I’m in Love with a Zombie” as well as the tongue in cheek songs “Graveyard Retard” and “LGB QT.” I think they played a total of 11 songs, closing out with a cover of our national anthem… not really. They actually played the song that SHOULD be our national anthem, “America… Fuck Yeah!” from Team America: World Police. The fans loved it. Giving up a huge cheer and applying heavy applause, we said farewell to Eaten by Kittens and wished them well. We then returned to the bar and patio for some refreshment.

Second up was The Bics. This is a five piece act built from Guitar/Vocals, Guitar, Bass, Drums and Keyboards. They had a sound that was a mix between Olde tyme Rock N’ Roll, Hard Rock and Punk. There were definitely elements from all three disciplines in play here. The Vocals were clean, but sort of shouted so they had an emotional edge. The fun vibes continued on into this set and the crowd remained amped. Dill from HAMS was caught up in the spirit and started tearing up the dance floor. All around him others danced and moved to the music… which was most excellent. Midway through the set someone started blowing bubbles around the room. They floated and drifted as The Bics kicked out rhythms, bouncing Bass lines and at the heart of it all, the Keys. Yes, those keyboards were a very nice touch and they added an excellent flavor to the sauce. I think they played nine songs in total, closing out with a jam that featured their singer on the harmonica. It was a hell of a way to end a set. The fans loved it, and the room erupted in cheers. The Bics said goodnight and we headed out to the patio.

Eric Stevenson: The Official Tattoo Artist of Rustbelt Rock Reviews

Third up was Academy Order. First of all, it should be known, their singer was pulling double duty; acting as DJ for the nights festivities as well as performing. In from Nashville, Tennessee this is a three person Goth Rock Band. They are made up of a Vocalist, Keyboard/Vocals and a third individual who ran a laptop, administered samples and manned an electric Drum kit. Now I’m no expert on this style of music, but what I can say is this, they had a sound that was a lot like The Cure, but much heavier. They had elements that I’ve heard in Skinny Puppy as well, without the drug fueled madness. In fact, if you somehow went to exact middle point between The Cure and Skinny Puppy, I believe there you would find Academy Order. This band is a live force, who certainly knew how to perform. Their sound was tight and their stage presence was off the charts. They THREW DOWN. I cannot type that hard enough. This act was 100%, A+ graded for energy. They never stopped jumping, dancing, posing... Rocking and Rolling! I love it and I wasn’t alone. The fans were into it for sure, apply thorough applause at the end of each track. I believe they played around eight songs, closing with their single “The Devil Spoke.” When they finished the crowd exploded and sent Academy Order off into the night with much to be proud off.

Fourth up to the stage was Pittsburgh, PA’s Thunder Vest. This is a five man Punk Rock wrecking crew that I have been long overdue in checking out. Made up of Vocals, Two Guitars/Backing Vocals, Bass/Backing Vocals and Drums, they took to the stage in force. This band’s legend in Cleveland has been steadily growing in recent years and I was stoked to finally bear witness to an act that has come so highly recommended. They exploded with a hard driving Punk Rock sound. Their Vocals were clean and their Drummer was like a mechanical nightmare machine: precise and devastating. They had great Guitar work, a plucky Bass tone and strong backing Vocals that filled out the sound. Immediately the floor was alive with dancing, which quickly gave way to some light moshing. The light moshing got heavier, and heavier until I decided to slide myself up against the wall to avoid getting flattened. The energy was off the charts from note one and Thunder Vest didn’t let up, not for one instant. They rolled on like a runaway truck, their music smashing into the crowd with concussive force. The fans fed off the energy in kind and the action on the floor increased. It was a maelstrom of good vibrations, no question. I believe they played 12 songs, including a killer about Johnny Lawrence were they repeatedly ordered the listeners to “sweep the leg!” Thunder Vest killed it, they pummeled, they destroyed. I had high expectations and they lived up to them and then some. The crowd screamed in exhausted appreciation. Thunder Vest was finished, so it was back to patio for me and the crew to refuel on last time before the final set.

Closing out the show was Cleveland's Rock N’ Roll juggernauts HAMS. This is a five man steamroller of a band in made up of Vocals, two Guitars, Bass and Drums. We filed in early and caught soundcheck, (where they performed “Comeback”) after that we waited a few as they got their proverbial shit together. When they finally did, we were in for a doozie. The boys came out with all the energy and power that they have come to be known for. With their Pig and Wolf Masks in place they assaulted the Five without mercy. They began with a series of cover songs, including The Beastie Boys “Fight for Your Right to Party,” AC/DC’s “Dirty Deeds” and The Misfits “Saturday Night.” They ran through five of these covers before stopping the show for an interlude. It was then that Scene history was made when Dill put down his guitar, got down on one knee and proposed to Holly! They look of amorous shock on her face was priceless. Naturally she said yes, the happy couple collapsed to the stage in each others arms, and the crowd went wild.

After a minute or two for things to transpire Holly returned to the crowd, Dill picked his ax back up and the show resumed. HAMS then did what they do best, that is to say, they absolutely Rocked the Five. Dropping cuts like “Oh Yeah,” “Riot,” “Debbie” and “Bad Things” they brought their best to the stage and the fans went bananas. Singing along and dancing we moved to the music and HAMS brought it all home. Closing out with “Bad Moon Rising” they shut down the show with absolute power. We cheered and screamed and applauded and… well we made a lot of noise! We said farewell to HAMS and to the show and to the evening.

Heavy on Cleveland: Northeast Ohio’s #1 Entertainment Podcast

Joha and I said our goodbyes and split with all haste. It was late and we had a long ride back to the East side. On the ride home, as always I reflected on the nights show. I was fully satisfied with the music, we had a nice lineup and every band brought it. I was ecstatic for Holly and Dill! They are a great couple and I wish them nothing but the best as they move into the next chapter of their lives together. Congratulations you crazy kids! On that note I believe I shall close this edition of the RbRR. Thanks for reading. As always, bang you head, hoist your horns and always wear your earplugs.

Until next time, Rock on, Rustbelt,

-Z.M. Delgado

Rustbelt Rock Review

Rustbeltrockreview.com

9/23/2026

Vol #257: Holly’s 40th Birthday Bash

Volume #256: Rob Zombie & Marilyn Manson