No Justice band keeps Manhattan crowd entertained with high energy show at Longhorns

By Frank Male

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Published: Monday, September 28, 2009

Updated: Monday, September 28, 2009

Nathaniel LaRue

Steve Rice, lead singer for the band, sings into the microphone last Thursday night as the band played their 3rd to last concert before recording in the studio.

Nathaniel LaRue

Cody Patton, lead guitarist for the band, sets up equipment on stage at Longhorns Thursday afternoon.

Nathaniel LaRue

The band No Justice, based out of Stillwater, Okla., played their first concert in five days at Longhorns Saloon last Thursday since playing in Gainesville, Texas at Shooters Bar and Grill.

No Justice blew through Manhattan for a live performance Thursday night, looking forward to a performance Friday night in the Windy City.
“It’s going to be a long drive to Chicago tomorrow, but right now Manhattan is all that matters,” said lead singer Steve Rice, during the performance before taking a shot.
The Stillwater, Okla., quintet certainly did its best to live in the moment with a show that was full of energy and vibe. In spite of having a unusually small crowd at Longhorns Saloon, the band kept spirits high. Nowhere was that more evident than in the band’s cover of Ryan Adams’ song “Shakedown On 9th Street,” a punchy tune more comfortable in front of mohawks than cowboy hats.
“Anyone who genuinely enjoys music will like our show ... there’s something in it for everyone,” Rice said of their live performances.
The band also broke out of the country mold with covers of Bruce Springsteen and Live. Most of the songs written by No Justice, however, showed heavy country influence. The mix gave audience members the opportunity to choose between focusing on the music or two-stepping on the dance floor, as several couples chose to do.
This tour is part of No Justice’s strategy to break out of the regional Red Dirt music market - Red Dirt being homegrown music from Oklahoma and Texas which falls somewhere in between country and southern rock. While the band performs 200 times each year, in seven years they have rarely left the Red Dirt circuit, often traveling only as far north as Manhattan.
The tour also introduces new band member Cody Patton on guitar and backing vocals.
“Cody’s added a bit more of an edge to our music with his guitar and help on vocals,” Rice said.
If the band did have a weak point, it would be that Rice’s voice lacked any exceptional quality. Of course, not all agree with that judgment.
“Their vocals were there,” said Matt Pachta, graduate student in agricultural economics.
Whether the vocals are Grammy quality or not, No Justice does not lack determination to grow. Band members all agree that the goal is to become a nationally-recognized act. No Justice is working on this by expanding the tour outside of Texas and Oklahoma, using Nashville contacts and releasing a new album in January.
“We’re looking to go into a more national record than local,” Rice said.
Much of becoming a major act is working with the Nashville music industry, something that Red Dirt acts tend to shy away from.
“They say you sell out going to Nashville ... I don’t believe that,” Rice said. “Nashville is a great tool, and the smart learn to use it.”
No Justice is a decent Stillwater outfit, but they have several things to work out before they can achieve greatness. The first issue is their genre dancing. A band that describes itself as “a blend of blues, rock, country and Americana” is a tough fit in Tennessee. Second, there are several acts in the Red Dirt music scene who are better placed or more talented. Ambition, though, is a start.
Also, No Justice has fun playing. It shows in the music and in the live shows. Rice showed he was excited to be playing, the two guitarists traded off on guitar licks while sporting huge grins and the group kept up playful banter the whole night. The fans could feel that vibe and were drawn into the music.
“Tons of fun,” said Stephanie Dlabal, senior in business, of the performance.
Whether No Justice finds a niche in Nashville, goes superstar or just continues to rock the Red Dirt scene, they will be excited to have a place to play to a crowd. A crowd can’t ask for much more.