There were three bands playing Friday night at the Silver Dollar. And they all played, more or less, the same kind of rock. A throwback style reminiscent of the late 70's. Flutes, two sets of drummers, and long flowing hair was abound.

But when The Illuminati took the stage to end the show, it was clear they were in a class by themselves.

The Illuminati play rock in the purest sense. Three members, no fancy effects or tricks, just guitar bass and drums. As they put it "there is no gimmick. There is only the consuming roar of elegantly crafted rock music." But they infuse their songs with a great mix of Truck Drivin' Rock and melodic moments that keep them from being lumped in with other, more simple Black Sabbath type bands.

Sabbath they are not. They are way better.

You can check out some of their offerings from their latest album, On Borrowed Time, on their Myspace page (I recommend "Carte Noire"). Reviews have been praising the new album as "flawless". And while your humble writer would never use such terms, I will say its damn good.

Keep an eye out for future shows (nothing is listed on their site as of today). Nick Sewell (bass) also plays in the rock outfit Drunkula, who will be rockin' The Bovine Sex Club Friday, Jan. 26th.