NYS Music 20​11

Category: Reviews

  • CHAOTIC EMBRACE’s self titled EP is adrenaline fueled, powerful

    CHAOTIC EMBRACE’s self titled EP is adrenaline fueled, powerful

    Straight out of Watertown, NY comes a band full throttle and punching you right in the face with some wicked guitars, thumping bass, and adrenaline fueled skins. Chaotic Embrace brings the fury, knows what they like, and make no apologies about it. As the bands description section on Facebook states:

    “…blended with styles of metal and hard rock ranging from Sevendust, Tool, 40 Below Summer, Disturbed, and many more.”

    They go on to list more influences such as:

    “…. Nonpoint, A Perfect Circle, Rage Against The Machine, Bullet For My Valentine, Five Finger Death Punch, Deftones, Korn, Three Days Grace, Breaking Benjamin, Puddle Of Mudd, and much much more…”

    Fitting, because I can hear most of those influences in their five-song EP, these guys have a very cool vibe going on that is both talent and definitively radio friendly. I can embrace that after too many crap songs with some dude screaming like a wounded sea lion. Not Chaotic Embrace. This three piece unit can jam; they have plenty of power, then hit some cool bridges, and groove into something that gets the ladies hips moving. That, for this writer, is a bonus every time. They throw in the deep-seated growls where it matters as a point of emphasis and not as the focus.

    ‘Translation’ – the first tune hits all of those points perfectly. It’s one of those tunes that grab your attention and leaves you waiting for the explosions that feel like are just below the surface.

    ‘Stop the Lies’ – comes through next with a haunting sound, harmonics in all the right places and a definite Five Finger Death Punch vibe.

    ‘Jasmine’ – begins with a simple, yet evil little intro that jumps into an up-tempo staccato attack, never getting out of hand and fitting the song perfectly. These guys like the big sounding chords and tempo changes within the songs.

    ‘Harmonik’ – has me thinking both Sevendust and Disturbed right away, that deep chunk of the guitars and pounding drums.

    ‘Stifled’ – brings more of the same. The band has a sound and they go with it as well as anyone.

    The band sounds polished on the EP, they have a modern rock sound and vibe that you will hear on any modern rock radio station every day. I personally like it and look forward to catching them live to see if it holds up onstage. I did miss any guitar solo that stood out. That would be my only advice for them to add in somewhere in the music. I’ve heard a lot about this band and how hard they work, always playing. From what I saw they play in a lot of different places. That should be a lesson to those that seem to always be at the same bar, get out and spread the sound!

    For more information on Chaotic Embrace-
    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/chaoticembracenny
    -David Garlow

  • ENGLORIA’s “drive” EP is poised for greatness; road trip worthy

    ENGLORIA’s “drive” EP is poised for greatness; road trip worthy

    Albany, NY based Engloria is on a distinct path for greatness within the national music scene. Judging by the response to their current studio release, the Drive EP, the industry brass are poised for a major label bidding war.

    The songs on the Drive EP do not signal the re-invention of the wheel. You will hear the formulaic luster that catapulted the likes of artists like Chris Daughtry and The Goo Goo Dolls. These bands, like Engloria, share a similar style of writing up tempo and easily digestible power pop songs. Engloria  can also can pen a killer power ballad, another trait that the aforementioned bands did with excellence. In this genre of over saturation and cookie cutter-like production, this band will rise above. I say this because the band writes nothing but tight little nod your headers. It is jubilant music, even when the music signifies love lost. That is a skill learned through incessant songwriting. Creating a vibe of joy in heartache takes maximum effort. The ability to create that vibe makes the song, Made For You, a ready for radio hit. Up tempo material like the song, Drive, show the more aggressive side of their repertoire. It is radio anthem driven and sits alongside such as it’s parallel equal.

    The time is now to check these guys out. I have always found it fun to watch the success of a band ready to break out. With an increasing amount of airplay on terrestrial and internet radio sources, the public has definitely put the label of “Most Likely To Succeed,” next to their names. More than likely, with an exclamation point. Engloria’s increased pattern of spreading out within the touring game is paying dividends. That point is on display in New York City, where they are slowly building a mini empire of new fans.

    I highly recommend this band when you are preparing to take your next substantial road trip. Bring a copy of the aptly titled Drive EP. It just night make your day.

    James Stewart – Vocals, Guitar, Keys
    Devon Scott – Guitar, Vocals
    Michael Gleason – Bass
    Brandon Stewart – Drums

    More information on Engloria-
    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/engloriamusic

    -Erik Jensen

  • LIE CAPTIVE’s “The Hopeless North” is lyrically driven, a must have

    LIE CAPTIVE’s “The Hopeless North” is lyrically driven, a must have

    All is fair in love and small town alienation! This is a message that rings clear on Lie Captive new full length release, “The Hopeless North.” In Lie Captive, Plattsburgh, NY has a future national export with the power of a jet propeller. The drive and fury of this 3 piece band from the North Country is on par and in tune with the crushing sounds of Thursday and The Get Up Kids. The lyrical content is just as blistering. Take hold of  the vocal gang attack of Tyler Oliver and Chris Parmelee. It is the secret ingredient in this hardcore jambalaya.  With the release of “The Hopeless North,” on Death To False Hope Records, the rest of the country is getting a chance to hear this first hand.

    Although all lyrics are open to interpretation, you can not overlook the themes of townie based mediocrity that surface here. It is also apparent that Lie Captive are not down with the mundane trappings of that “life moves at a slow pace” vibe. Between the vicious interludes of freight train like precision, the band delivers tiny doses of their rage against the redundancy machine. In the song, Weight of Meager Pay, the band references, “Ignorant fools and shady bars.“ When you juxtapose that against the title of the song, it signals an ultra wise observation that screams, ‘we live in isolated every town America.’ Although the band may not realize it, the social commentary that they bring forth here is something that many need to absorb. This rings true for the many that live in the epicenters of self defeat by self obliteration. They do not stop there. On the song Lit Screen Commodity, the band rages, “This is the disingenuous era.” The band clearly has so much to say, and a surplus of venom behind the approach involved. One of my favorite lyrical rants on this record is in the song, The Vast Dreams of Simple Minds. “You run from honesty like a fucking disease,” is a classic new era slogan for the self oppressed world at large.

    I have been able to sample many records from Upstate metal and hardcore bands this year. “The Hopeless North,” is a time capsule of thoughts and velocity that can not be overlooked by those seeking to find great new music. The future of this band looks extremely bright. In a world of fake convictions and dim hope, the truth can set you free. And on this record, the band attacks the fabric of our world of ho-hum fabrication. Go get em’ Lie Captive!

    For more information on Lie Captive-
    Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/liecaptive
    http://deathtofalsehoperecords.com

    -Erik Jensen

  • LIFE IN YOUR WAY “Kingdoms” is inspirational, musically excellent

    LIFE IN YOUR WAY “Kingdoms” is inspirational, musically excellent

    I have to tell you, I was not familiar with the band Life In Your Way before being told to check them out by an associate. My views on faith and religion definitely vary quite highly to someone who may be considered a practicing Christian. As a matter of fact, I am quite ambivalent to the role of faith in the realm of music in general. So to say I was a skeptic before my first listens, would be a vast understatement. This highly energetic and devoutly spiritual metal band hailing from Hartford, CT., proved that my skepticism was all for not.

    The story behind the recording of this record is a great one indeed. After being on hiatus for close to three years, the band announced they would re-group and record a new album. Three days after launching  a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for the album, Life In Your Way reached their goal of $12,500. In return, the band made the album free for download. This is very inspirational in itself, and has come to show the DIY success that can be achieved with today‘s self marketing process.

    “Kingdoms,” is a concept record broken down into three separate EP‘s, The Kingdom of Man, The Kingdom of Darkness, and the Kingdom of God. All of these different pieces have a profoundly unique message to convey without pushing the agenda of religion on you. The Kingdom of Man is rooted in themes about overcoming challenges in the face of adversity. We as listeners can all relate to the universal obstacles put in front of us, and this first EP drives that home. When singer Josh Kellam delivers a verse like “ Open my eyes to the truth behind this all. This is still breaking me down and I am powerless to change it,” I can relate. I am sure all of you can relate to this on some level as well. The second EP, The Kingdom of Darkness, is my favorite segment of the bunch. I was truly intrigued by all of the songs in this set, but blown away by Buried Idols. This cautionary tale of living life on the edge is accentuated by lyrics that howl with disdain. It is tough to not hear the urgency in “You’ve got yourself wrapped around this. It will dig your grave.” Even more chaos is invoked when Kellam asks, “Will the heart become so callused from self-deceit?” These are strong words of doubt that conflict with some one on a righteous path. The final installment of EP’s is The Kingdom of God. In this last segment of songs, self correction and “being saved,” is the topic of choice. Although I respect what has been laid down here, themes of salvation through a higher being are introduced. This is where the record got a tad uncomfortable for me. I can respect everyone’s opinion of faith, but just not in a preachy way. Luckily, the band does not come off as the type that aims to do this on any level. They are simply proclaiming what they believe to be the truth.

    “Kingdoms,” is a great set of songs that is sensational on a musical level. They are progressive, technically astounding, and diverse in harmonic excellence. Lyrically, these songs are universally inspirational regardless of your notions on religion. I strongly urge you to check out this disc with an open mind and heart!

    The Kingdom of Man
    01. Forever
    02. Blind in Retrospect
    03. Growth in Passion
    04. Forsaken Me

    The Kingdom of Darkness
    05. Ruler of the Air
    06. Take Notes
    07. Swarm
    08. Buried Idols

    The Kingdom of God
    09. Induction
    10. Who I Am
    11. Like a River
    12. The Healer
    13. The Ascension

    For more information on Life In Your Way:
    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Life-in-Your-Way/191947100829132
    Website:http://www.lifeinyourway.net
    Twitter:http://www.twitter.com/LifeInYourWayCT

    You can download the digital “Kingdoms” for free here: http://comeandlive.com/kingdoms-life-in-your-way/
    You can also purchase the 3 disc set through Life In Your Way’s online store on Facebook.

    [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMKFzKFClCE&w=420&h=315]

    -Erik Jensen

  • ONE LAST SHOT “What are you worth” EP is clever and tastefully wielded

    ONE LAST SHOT “What are you worth” EP is clever and tastefully wielded

    One can only hope that all those with the pleasure of hearing One Last Shot E.P. “What Are You Worth” (summer 2011) will have a formidable palette for punk and hardcore bands spanning all the way from the mid-eighties until today. These guys seem to have made it their mission to cleverly pull undertones from several influential bands spanning the era. This Syracuse, NY four-piece serves up raw, unrelenting vocals that set a sinister and almost sarcastic feel reminiscent of Daryl Palumbo circa early Glassjaw, though they tend to stay within an apparent “safe range” in pitch. Much of the dynamic lost by this, however, is compensated by a tastefully wielded modern high range scream, adding to a handful of climactic song endings and scathing transitions. The E.P. seems lyrically astute and addresses a fair span relevant topics for modern punk; from politics and interpersonal relationships to social disparity and violence in youth culture on the track “Homecoming Homicide”, arguably the most memorable and ferocious track on the record, followed by the infectious “Calling All Creeps”.

    The guitar work stays within the “book 1, page 1” 3-4 chord realm of generic punk, though they maintain a delightfully dark and brooding tonal aura in the vein of late-nineties New England Hardcore such as Blood For Blood, with a nostalgic tinge of So.-Cal. Punk. The drum parts are appropriate but wildly predictable at times, and something is definitely left to be desired tonally, a common qualm I often have with more straight-forward punk/rock/blankcore bands. A few generic hardcore breakdowns offer a change up from the steady-rolling punk feel that dominates the five songs, though they stick out as being a bit out of place and played out in their phrasing.

    While One Last Shot have crafted a clever batch of solid songs with “What Are You Worth”, ultimately they will have to spend a considerable amount of time crafting their technical abilities and investing in adequate equipment if they hope to compete in the national D.I.Y. punk circuit of today.

    Track listing:
    1. Very Much Alive
    2. Homecoming Homicide
    3. The Real Scarecrow
    4. Calling All Creeps
    5. Broken Dolls

    For more information on One Last Shot:
    http://www.facebook.com/onelastshot

    -Chris Parmelee

  • Around The World and Back “Big Beat” is intoxicating and magnetically hypnotic

    Around The World and Back “Big Beat” is intoxicating and magnetically hypnotic

    Every now and then, I am sent a CD that is highly recommended by my peers. In many cases, I have to truly dig in to find the greatness that I am being alerted to. 75% of the time, expectations fall short! With that being said,  I was given the CD, “Big Beat,” by Around The World and Back. This album is one that had me floored. The unprecedented songwriting abilities of this Albany, NY, band are poignant in screaming aloud, “Sign us, we are the real deal.”

    “Big Beat,” is the kind of record that many national acts aim to make, but fall flat on their face. The band succeeds in an effortless vision to take influences that are stapled to their sleeve, and turn them into something that is highly refreshing and reminiscent. In other statements about the band’s sound, reviewers have contrasted the guitar ambience of ATWAB to that of early U2. While this is absolutely true and impossible to refute, I hear sounds of grandiosity that easily point to other bands that could be of great influence. Pearl Jam, Coldplay, and most notably My Morning Jacket could easily be some of those who are admired here.

    The guitar sound on this record is incendiary in it’s approach. On tracks such as Slave and Underneath The Sun, the axe work of Bryan Shortell and Marco Testa is intoxicating and magnetically hypnotic. Equally as impressive is the vocal prowess of this band. Once again, the duties of singing are handled by both Shortell and Testa. The melodic and harmonic intricacies that the band are shooting for, are head and shoulders among some of their friends in the musical community. Other great tracks that are worth multiple listens immediately, include Old Man, Rehab, and Words In My Head.

    Simply stated, it is impossible for me to believe that this band is not receiving regular airplay on national radio. It is only a matter of time before they are given the opportunity to soar on the national level. Around The World and Back is a highly sophisticated song writing machine that is in the Waiting Room of bands needing the big break. I am not happy that they are waiting for that break! I have a feeling many of you will feel the same way after your first listen.

    Track Listing:

    Old Man
    Alone
    Slave
    Underneath The Sun
    Lie To Your Mother
    Words In My Head
    Overexpose
    Eighteen
    Rehab
    Long Verse

    For more information on Around The World and Back visit them on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AroundtheWorldandBack

    -Erik Jensen

  • Mastodon’s “The Hunter” is refined; spectacular.

    Mastodon’s “The Hunter” is refined; spectacular.

    Gotta give love to the Rochester boys gone big time! Brann Dailor and Bill Kelliher were in one of the finest bands in the history of the Upstate metal music scene, Lethargy. In the 90’s, that band along with their peers in Big Hair, Bughouse, Hate Machine, and Cheese, created quite a stir in Upstate and beyond. Most of these bands were prog-like in nature, heavy in sound, and as creative as anything being punched out on the national music scene. It is to no one’s surprise that someone would have to blow up on the national scene in this talented group of artists. Bill and Brann’s time in Lethargy ended in 1999. This was followed by relocation to Atlanta, and Mastodon was born! The rest is history as this sludgy prog rock juggernaut has been recognized as one of the best of it’s time. The accolades include a grammy nomination for Colony of Birchmen off their ridiculously sick album, Blood Mountain.

    Fast forward to 2011! After the release of their four previous albums which had a flair for jammed out progressions and conceptualized themes, the band decided to focus their attention on a different plan of attack. Gone are the 13 minute epics that would jam out into the galaxy. As a matter of fact, nothing here goes over the 6 minute mark. It does not mean the band has lost it’s knack for intensely complicated and intense arrangement, it is just in a smaller package. It is not so much a new direction as it is a refining of the song writing process in general. Obviously being a skeptic as I am, I was afraid that this album would not be able to stand up to the best in their catalog. Silly me! This album has helped me refine my approach on passing judgement on something before it is even heard.

    The tracks here are killer. Black Tongue starts off this album with a bang, and is followed by the melodic chorus of Curl of The Burl, which may just be the best rock track of the year, period! Other great tracks include Blasteroid, Spectrelight, and the The Hunter!

    If you feel like the gruff edges have been shined off the sound of Mastodon, you are quite correct. The unusual grouping of Mike Elizondo with this band has resulted in a focus on overall musicianship and song structuring. For those not familiar with Elizondo, he has produced an awful lot of hip hop acts including Eminem and 50 Cent. You will get none of that here though! You get less sludge and more melodic blasts of heaviness. A quite spectacular result overall.

    At the end of this year, you will see this album on many critic’s top 10 lists. Quite simply, it is that good!

    Mastadon The Hunter Track listing:

    Black Tongue
    Curl Of The Burl
    Blasteroid
    Stargasm
    Octopus Has No Friends
    All The Heavy Lifting
    The Hunter
    Dry BoneValley
    Thickening
    Creature Lives
    Spectrelight
    Bedazzled Fingernails
    The Sparrow

    This album is available on Itunes, as well as through the bands website.

    -Erik Jensen

  • A Super Gnarly Christmas: Volume II sure to get your nog flowing

    A Super Gnarly Christmas: Volume II sure to get your nog flowing

    Like supporting local artists in Upstate NY? Dig Christmas music with a twist? Need a stocking stuffer for someone who does? Here ya go.

    “A Super Gnarly Christmas: Volume Two” was slated to hit local shelves on Black Friday. Offering 22 tracks by 22 artists. Alongside  6 commercials by Arison Cain, Rob LaVine, and Adam Hunt, which make up the “DemonDS” tracks. All of which are from the Upstate area, the comp seeks to give area listeners a wide variety of holiday inspired original music, as well as a handful of cleverly re-imagined cover tunes.

    Though you may want to give it a serious listen for content before playing it at grandma’s house.

    As Corey Putney (the idea guy behind Super Gnarly’s resurrection) puts it “The album is dirty, fun, festive, offensive, and beautiful. It’s a blend of each and every genre in a way that just makes sense, and I hope that everyone enjoys listening to it as much as all of us had making it.”

    In keeping with the holiday spirit, one can always expect a wide variety of Christmas music compilations to flood the market, agonizingly hoping to move each and every unit prior to Christmas eve so remaining copies don’t go into the local $1 bin at the gas station on the 26th.

    That being said, instead of dropping cash on yet another copy of “Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer” while secretly saying to yourself “Bitch shoulda ducked,” check out some local up and comers instead.

    The idea of a band whose name is Bruce Campbell, covering Latin Xmas classic “Feliz Navidad,” makes this listen practically mandatory. Load up the Boomstick and grab a copy while you can.

    Track listing:

    DEMONDS “GHOSTS ON FILM (INTRODUCTION)”
    BRUCE CAMPBELL “FELIZ NAVIDAD”
    LEO LEMAY “ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOU”
    [YOURNAMEHERE] “BLUE CHRISTMAS”
    LANDSLIDE VICTORY “DECK THE HALLS”
    APACHE CHIEF “AN UPSTATE CHRISTMAS”
    DEMONDS “THE LAND OF MISFIT SEXTOYS”
    SHAWN VANBROCKLIN “SANTA BABY”
    WOOF NASTY “CAROL OF THE BELLS”
    AARON ADAIR “HAPPY CHRISTMAS (WAR IS OVER)
    BABY BLUE BIRD ”BABY, IT’S COLD OUTSIDE”
    COREY PUTNEY “BABY PLEASE COME HOME”
    DEMONDS “WOMP & CIRCUMSTANCE”
    JESSE TAYLOR “I WON’T BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS”
    ADAM MCANULTY “YOU & ME”
    DAMIEN MORROW “HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS”
    SETH EGGLESTON “YULE SHOOT YOUR EYE OUT”
    FOLDING HOMES “HOLIDAZE”
    DEMONDS “BLACK MASS APPEAL”
    AFTER THE AVALANCHE “LAST CHRISTMAS”
    MATTY C BEATS “O HOLY NIGHT”
    DREW B CROHNS “AULD LANG SYNE”
    PRANCER & THE VIXENS “RUDOLPH THE RED NOSED REINDEER”
    DEEP REST “WHEN CHRISTMAS COMES YOU’LL DO CHRISTMAS THINGS WITH CHRISTIANS AND YOUR COUSIN CHRISTIAN”
    DEMONDS “THE REASON FOR THE SEASON”
    JAZZTIME STARLIGHT CHRISTMAS ORCHESTRA ENSEMBLE “EVERYBODY SHAKE YOUR HANDS (IT’S TIME FOR CHRISTMAS)”
    DUSTIN NICHOLSON “TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS”
    DEMONDS “STREET NAMES (EPILOGUE)”

    For more information, and to keep up to date on release news visit: http://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Super-Gnarly-Christmas-Volume-Two

    -Greg Allis

  • Borderline Suicide

    Borderline Suicide

    Borderline Suicide

    Borderline Suicide – Many bands have wallowed in obscurity while having the talent to break out into the music business.  Bands have come and gone only leaving remnants of songs and albums in the past.  Too many times we have seen good bands die without proper recognition.  With the release of  “Gone Forever”  by Borderline Suicide in September 2011, we have yet another piece of evidence that incredible musicianship can be found on the outside of confines a label instills.  This album rips through your heart with thrashing guitars, emotional lyrics, and a sound all of its own.  Borderline Suicide has managed to put together an independent album that sets the standards high within the underground. As I listened to each track I was amazed to find out that this release was the first ever for this band from Fulton, New York.  Each song seems to take the listener on an emotional roller coaster starting with, Take It All the Way to Dead Alone.  Most songs on the album stay fresh with a multitude of tempo changes and dramatic breakdowns.  The production of the album could have been better with the backup vocals but overall was solid.  Each song featured harmonizing guitars and vocals that told a story of struggle and pain.  My favorite songs on the album are No One Can See the Light and Punch ‘Em.  Punch ‘Em features the tempo changes that build up to dramatic breakdowns in the song while No One Can See the Light keeps the energy flowing for the listener.  I would highly recommend this album to anyone who enjoys metal music!  The album is priced at $10 each and is available at Soundgarden in Syracuse and Bodified in Oswego, NY.  Albums are also available directly from the band itself on Facebook.

    -Rob Born

  • Rock n Roll Resort v1.5 @ Hudson Valley Resort and Spa – 11/25-27/11

    Rock n Roll Resort v1.5 @ Hudson Valley Resort and Spa – 11/25-27/11

    Having attended the first Rock n Roll Resort in April of this year, I knew what to expect: a large, 1950s era Catskill hotel, with great rooms, a spa, Shakedown Street vendors in the lobby, music going for nearly the entire weekend in four different rooms and a festival feel to the entire event. A festival in a hotel. I went knowing what to expect and walked out amazed at how this second installment of Rock n Roll Resort v1.5 went smoother, had a buzz about the entire weekend that I didn’t notice the first time around, and found more musicians sitting in with other bands and mingling with fans in a very casual manner. As Ryan Montbleau said during the Nephrok All-Stars Superjam featuring 15 musicians, around 2am on Sunday morning, “This is Jamcruise-esque.”

    Rock n Roll Resort v1.5Friday’s music included Zach Deputy playing his brand of funky sitdown soul, although the crowd was far from sitting down. A theme of cowboys and aliens brought the creative crowd out of the woodwork and led to some interesting interactions around the hotel. Ryan Montbleau Band moved the crowd as always with his crooners voice and soulful funk of the band. Deep Banana Blackout headlined and packed the crowd in for a proud set; I saw them in the late 1990s at Hungry Charlie’s in Syracuse and its great to see their sound return to the scene for festivals. Meandering back upstairs for a refresher, I heard someone yell out “Rock n Roll Resort is Jamcruise meets The Shining!” I haven’t been on Jamcruise, but if the music is even 10% as amazing as it, then yes, this is definitely true. Sadly, Scatman Crothers was not on the festival lineup.

    Late night went straight through till dawn and I spent a solid hour+ seeing Wyllys and Jha, featuring Original Wyllys and Jennifer Hartswick from the New York Hustler Ensemble. This was their first public performance as a duo, with Wyllys DJing and Jen on trumpet. It was a very unique and effective combo; together they breed unique dance beats with smooth airy funk that led to funky duets between them. Kung Fu rocked out till 330am while Brothers Past kept the Empire Lounge dancing till 5am.

    Saturday started out slow, for me at least, so I hit the Jacuzzi, steam room and sauna, all key to refreshing me after a long Friday of work, traveling, dancing and partying. The spa at Rock n Roll Resort is the secret benefit to the festival, and likely to spoil you for the weekend, but it is oh so worth it. Walking up to get food I heard an unexpected rendition of Pink Floyd’s ‘Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun’ from the lobby stage, a pretty cool bonus to the nature of the festival.

    Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds performed two strong sets, getting the early crowd moving. I caught up with Jen Hartswick to talk about her new album Ocean Floor, refueled before the nights music and caught a little more Zach Deputy while Montbleau sat in with Deep Banana Blackout on Stevie Wonder’s Sir Duke. The headliners for the weekend, Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk brought New Orleans to the Catskills, playing some of Papa Neville’s hits from The Meters, inviting the ladies in the audience up on stage with him for a memorable “You can make it if you try” while Jen Harstwick and the Deep Banana Blackout Horns for ‘Be Mine’.

    When the music at Rock n Roll Resort v1.5 seemed it couldn’t get any better, the Nephrok Allstar Jam led by Nephtaliem brought out a little bit of everything from the weekend to create the greatest dance party the Catskills has seen since April, if not the 1970s. Ivan and Tony Hall from Dumpstaphunk, Dirty Bird Horns, members of Spiritual Rez, Deep Banana Blackout, and many other musicians took the stage in rotating fashion, never stopping the music. After stepping off the stage after a lengthy “Thank You Falletinme Be Mice Elf Again”, Ivan Neville remarked ‘This is the sickest collection of musicians I’ve seen in a LONG while’.

    The energy from Nephrok Allstars carried over to the late-late night with a collection of bands that were perfect to bring the sun up. Seed was amazing again and really needs to start hitting Upstate New York; Brothers Past played a 4am set after Wyllys and Red Shift finished solo and dueling DJ sets, and Jeff Bujak included his electronica with the always amazing effect of Silent Disco to create Silent Bujak and carried the festival past dawn.

    Shannon Plaquet and Wicked Cool Productions are onto a gem in the Hudson Valley with a now twice a year festival. Another installment of Rock n Roll Resort comes in early spring. Stay tuned to www.rocknrollresort.com for updates and lineup announcements in a few weeks.