Karen :Ponzio Photos
Dan Soto's Artificial Energy.
Two bands shook up Best Video this past Saturday night — one new to town and one very familiar with the local performance space. Missiles to Malta, hailing from Bethel, was playing its first show at the beloved Hamden haunt, while New Haven’s own Dan Soto’s Artificial Energy was back bringing its own unique brand of high-octane hits to friends old and new.
Missiles To Malta opened the show with the classic Stanley Kubrick film Dr. Strangelove playing behind them. The four members of the band — Devin O’Keeffe on vocals and guitar, Stephen Michaels on guitar, Pete Mulroy on bass, and John Murray on drums — dove right into their 10-song set with gusto. The driving guitars and heart-pounding rhythms infused their indie pop sound with a heavy dose of garage rock while O’Keeffe’s echoing vocals made songs such as “Second To None,” “Skyline,” and “Close Contact” haunting. Many in the audience, even those who were hearing them for the first time, were rocking right along with the band from the start.
According to O’Keeffe the band had only been playing together as a trio for about a year and “were lucky enough to meet Stephen. He fit in nicely.”
The band filled every inch of the performance space with their powerful sound and received plentiful applause from the audience. Members even offered free shirts, buttons, and stickers to the crowd afterward. Many went up to partake and to offer the band praise and thank them.
“We’ve never been to Best Video, so thanks for having us,” O’Keeffe said between songs.
“It’s the best!” an audience member shouted back. Many laughed in response.
And speaking of laughter, Dan Soto’s Artificial Energy came up to the stage next, bringing with them much jocularity along with a whole lot of rock ‘n’ roll. Artificial Energy had played its first show at Best Video back in August 2022 and many were eager to catch the band for the first time this time around. Soto, wearing a Best Video hat, immediately engaged with the audience during the sound check.
“Nice hat,” an audience member yelled out.
“Best Video has the best hats on earth,” Soto answered. “Since we’re stuck here on earth, get yourself a hat, man.”
The band — comprised of Soto on vocals and guitar, Gillian Basilicato on drums and vocals, and Cam Schmitt on bass — unleashed an eight-song set interspersed with playful exchanges among the three and with the audience, as well as commentary from Soto that was both hilarious and charming. This was a band that was having a blast.
“This is a song about reactions,” said Soto. “Thank you for yours.” That tune rocked out, but also dug into the blues. They followed up with “Roast My Head,” a highly danceable number that Soto noted he had made a video for last year with his brother, who he shouted out and was also at the show on this night.
Soto shouted out Basilicato for the next song, as she would be on lead vocals for it. “This is the one we can all get behind,” he said. “Think about your loved ones, your hated ones, and everyone in between.” Laughter ensued, and as Basilicato sang “Rocking all over the World” with Soto harmonizing along on the chorus and all three making their instruments sizzle, it seemed as if everyone in the room was smiling and nodding along. I predict this one will become a singalong at future shows.
Dan Soto knows movies.
Soto even talked up his favorite video store with commentary about a few films toward the end of the set. He held up DVDs such as That Darn Cat, A Bear Named Winnie, Dinotopia, and Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride (“this one baffles me” he noted). He also took that time to spread the good word about what the space has to offer, encouraging those who did not already have a membership to get one, calling Best a “wonderful magical place where many dreams can be revealed.”
They finished with two more songs, one about food (“Hot Dog”) and another, “Own My Soul,” that saw each musician giving it everything they had with a joyous power that felt like it made every DVD in the store shake. The response they received was just as joyous, and the energy they had created was anything but artificial.
