Since I had some free time this past Thursday night, I decided to head out to the G St. Pub, in Davis. For most of you, the thought of driving into Davis is not a happy one, but the G St. Pub usually offers great shows with small crowds.

On this particular evening, Infinite Martini and Rock the Light, both from Sacramento, made the trek out to Davis to open up for a band I?m not going to mention. Let?s just say I?ve reviewed them before and I?m not going to review them again.

Infinite Martini is a traditional three-piece band with a definite pop-rock sound. You can pick out the influences of the Police, U2 and the Spin Doctors. Their music is heavily influenced by the music of the 1980s and early 1990s.

Normally, I?m turned off if a band only has three musicians. I think a band functions better when it has at least four members: lead guitarist, rhythm guitarist, bassist and drummer. However, Infinite Martini?s vocalist and guitarist, Jay Shaner, does a fine job of playing both lead and rhythm guitar for the band.

Infinite Martini?s talent is really showcased in their song “Annabell.” The song has heavy drums and bass, which is typical with most of their songs, and a fast-paced movement.

This song is also an example of the subtle punk influences in their music and their energy on-stage. The trio seemed very much into their performances, which always adds a certain amount of emotion to a show.

But, at times, there can be too much of a good thing. As was the case for the second band, Rock the Light.

Now, this is only my second column, and I?ve yet to give someone a bad review so I?ll preface it with this: I didn?t like this band, but that doesn?t mean that you won?t.

Initially, I was intrigued by Rock the Light. The lead singer was dressed entirely in white denim and the band members all played their instruments really well. But as the show went on, I became less and less interested. Like a bad movie, I couldn?t wait for it to be over.

What probably turned me off to Rock the Light was the incoherence of the vocalist and his general attitude during the show. He spent such a considerable amount of time mocking the audience for not getting into the music that, by the end of the show, the bar was nearly empty, with the exception of four hardcore fans at the front of the stage and myself.

The worst thing to do at a show in Davis is to tell the audience you think Davis sucks. That?ll make them leave for sure. So I?ll leave you with this: If you?re into hardcore, pointlessly in-your-face noise, then check these guys out. Otherwise, skip ?em. If you prefer more traditional rock and roll music, save your money and stay at home.

Do you have questions or comments about the column? Do you think my picture sucks? Email me and let me know.

————————Upcoming Shows:

Infinite Martini:

Sept. 14 at Hotel Utah in San Francisco

Sept. 21 at The Blue Lamp in Sacramento

Sept. 29 at The True Love Coffeehouse in Sacramento.

Songs are available at mp3.com.

Rock the Light:

No set dates, but the lead singer?s other band “Knock-Knock” is playing at Old Ironsides in Sacramento on Sept. 27.