Pop Break Live: Nita Strauss at Debonair Music Hall in Teaneck, New Jersey
Words by Rob Crowther IV/Photo Contributions by Kate Ortiz & Michael Camp
Somebody warn the Ninja Turtles, because The Shredder just ran through this town! That’s right. Hurricane Nita and company took Debonair Music Hall in Teaneck, NJ by storm on Tuesday night (May 21). The Alice Cooper guitarist and Guitar World’s #1 Ranked Female Guitar Player brought intensity, charisma, and a whole lot of face melting solos to the venue in support of her album, Controlled Chaos.
Controlled Chaos is a banger and this live show could not have been a better representation of that. From the very first note, you were in awe. Strauss’ mastery of her instrument is more than apparent. Not only do her fingers fly up and down the fret boards like it’s second nature, but her technical prowess is on point. When she’s not thrashing around the stage, she’s maintaining eye contact with her audience. Not once did Nita need to look down at her fret board.
Impressive is an understatement.
The band wowed the crowd with a bulk of songs from Controlled Chaos, including fave, “Mariana Trench” which was recently Featured in WWE NXT. The band recently released a video for this one and it is phenomenal. If there was a ever a music video to capture the essence of a Nita Strauss show, this is it. It includes everything from the on stage performance, to signing autographs- to fan Q & A sessions. And that is exactly what you’re going to encounter on this tour.
As for the rest of the set, it included a few sing alongs and covers from Alice Cooper and Iron Maiden — fitting since Strauss was formerly a part of the Iron Maidens. Keyboardist Katt Scarlett impressed as she doubled as a lead vocalist when necessary. Drummer/Booking Agent Josh Villalta also had some tricks up his sleeves with some stick flips and even muting cymbals with his head. The guy went full speed double bass for nearly an hour, and my wrists hurt just watching him pound the skins. Honestly, the whole band was great. Every single track was amazing and even somewhat symphonic.
Pre-show, Strauss held a VIP session for fans to come in early for autographs, pics, and a Q & A session. If that wasn’t enough, Nita stayed after the show to meet every single fan that came through, and was more than happy to take selfies with everyone. To me that is everything. You’re in awe after seeing one of the best guitar players on the planet, and she is going to take the time to thank YOU for supporting her. Strauss is like school in September — nothing but class.
If you’re looking for a straight up rock show with an intimate setting, I cannot recommend this tour enough. The entire band is fantastic both on and off the stage. Just a fair warning to the audience members in the first few rows – you will get wet!! (Thanks to thrashing wet hair and Triple H-esque water spitting) Do yourself a favor, and see Nita & Co. up close and personal NOW. There is no doubt in my mind that this is still only the beginning. As they often say in NXT, “The Future is Now.”
Controlled Chaos is available now on Itunes, Spotify, Amazon Music and more!!
For more Nita Strauss Tour Dates, click here.
