'Oh, lavababy!'

JENN ACKERMAN / staff photographer Lead singer of lavababy, Robyn Banx, fronted the New York City based, five-piece pop-rock group as they rocked Highlawn Pavilion Tuesday night.

Highlawn Pavilion proved to be hotter than usual Tuesday night due to the presence of lavababy, a New York City based, five-piece rock-pop group, who performed as part of a promotional event for Sun Splash Tours, a company that sells Spring Break packages to college students.

Robyn Banx, lead vocals and guitar, "Jen-Jen" Salzman, vocals and keyboard, Miss Brown, drums, Peter Cole, bass, and Marc Piouanetti, guitar, make up the awesome quintet. The group recently signed to Liquid 8 Records and released their debut album, "Big Muff," with the BMG-distributed label.

Backed by an eclectic group of musical influences, lavababy's inspiration ranges from the likes of the Ramones and Metallica to 80s-influenced pop such as Madonna.

"I just try to rock as hard as I can," Piouanetti said, whose performance on the guitar spoke for itself as he rocked out on several solos throughout the performance.

The powerful vocals of Banx — think Madonna meets Sheryl Crow — backed by melodic pop-rock tunes, give lavababy a sound similar to that of Luscious Jackson or Veruca Salt.

Radio-friendly songs such as "Sex Junkie," "If I Didn't Have U" and "Brand New Mood" help to showcase a sound of "the very best of grrrl-power and energetic ‘dude-rock' all rolled into one," as described by their Web site at www.lavababy.com. A collaborative effort, lavababy's song writing was witty, smart and a breath of fresh air compared to current trite and bubble gum-pop drool.

Tuesday's show at Highlawn marked yet another stop on a tour of college crowds for lavababy. The lack of a strong turnout due to a performance time set before the student crowd tends to pour in on a Tuesday night did not prevent lavababy from impressing those who were present with their energized stage presence.

Lavababy has played all over the NYC rock club circuit of the Lower East Side, first performing at NYC's infamous Arlene's Grocery. They also have performed at well-known clubs in the area, such as Luna Lounge and Don Hills.

The band finally will play at Continental, the legendary rock club and home to the Ramones Nov. 2 at a show sponsored by CMJ Music Journal.

"We're the most un-New York, New York band," Cole said, referring to the band's goal to spread out nationally.

However, lavababy already has received much recognition, highlighted in regional and national publications such as "The Village Voice" and Billboard.

Perhaps one of the greatest things going for lavababy is their down-to-earth, go-all-out attitude.
"We're having a great time and it's awesome to be on the road," Miss Brown said.