Band as sweet as honey

By Jina Tedmori
Daily Forty-Niner

While the stage at the University Student Union was small, the band Honey Bucket exuded enough energy to fill The Forum on Wednesday. And may in just a matter of time until they are playing there if the band has its way.

"I am a student here just like you guys," said Justin Palicki, the band's lead singer. "Not that it matters because I'm going to be a rock icon."

The band originated in Arizona and eventually moved to San Diego. Now attending Cal State Long Beach, Honey Bucket has come a long way since the band's formation in high school eight years ago.

Following the release of their third album, Boombox Hero, the four band members, Justin Palicki (lead vocals), Bryan Stratman (Keyboard), Huckleberry Hounddog (bass) and Jason Marlowe (drums), have worked hard to promote it and it showed with their live performance.
 
"They're animated and exciting," said Sean Ivcevic criminal justice major. "I'm not really into this kind of music but they are still enjoyable to watch."

Even people in The Nugget were rocking to the tunes.

"Money Back" was the song that received the most attention with its catchy chorus. Palicki encouraged people to sing along. But only a few of the stiff CSULB crowd actually complied.

The audience was rather spread out with some scattered across the stairs, others on the balcony but most were at the tables surrounding the North Patio.

Palicki did his best to energize the crowd, jumping all over the stage while Hounddog was sang back-up vocals.

"The singer is very enthusiastic," said Catherine Craft, a senior social work major. "They sound a little like the old Red Hot Chili Peppers."