Outlett
Viper Room
West Hollywood

Web: www.outlett.net

The Players: Chastity Completo, vocals, percussion (djembe drum); Hos Miller, guitar; Justin “JJ” Jones, bass; Dave Lee, drums.
 
Material: L.A.-based Outlett performs commercially viable rock songs not unlike the Foo Fighters or Incubus. This group also captures a mysterious edge in its songs much like Alice in Chains. But, what really sets Outlett apart is its primitive, tribal and raw sound, courtesy of Chastity Completo, who plays a djembe drum as well as fronting with vocals. Especially distinguished for its power is “Walk Away,” which could find a place on rock radio.
 
Musicianship: All the members of Outlett are well rehearsed, solid and tight. Completo has remarkable control while singing –– even when she’s growling. Her voice has the vibrato of Gwen Stefani, only in a lower register. Her percussion work on the djembe is passionate and precise. Miller lays down fine guitar work co-mingling metal riffs with melodics by using harmonic effects that give the impression of dual guitars, thereby creating a thick sound in the stage mix. Bassist Jones and drummer Lee put forth energetic and aggressive rhythms that stand out on their own, as well as blending nicely with Miller’s guitar.

 
Performance: Outlett has the art of performing down to a science, most likely due to the group’s heavy presence in the club circuit. From the moment these musicians took the stage they had the packed house eating from their palms. Completo’s strong presentation was infectious, as she bared her heart with her voice, and her soul with every ferocious thump on her djembe. Miller, Jones and Lee also gave their all, and the audience showed massive appreciation with cheers and screams that continued until the curtain closed.

Summary:Outlett is a powerhouse band with strong and commercial material. The thought behind the name “Outlett” was to create music that would be an “outlet” for its listeners. Judging by the fans at this gig, that mission has been accomplished.

––Anne O’Neary, Music Connection Magazine