NYS Music 20​12

Category: Reviews

  • The Heavy Pets Syracuse 4/12/12 Show Review

    The Heavy Pets dropped by Westcott Street in Syracuse this past Thursday and damn, it was a good time! With plenty of space to move around, the crowd took in a solid batch of jams by the 5-piece from Florida, enjoying the sunshine they brought with them. Unbeknownst to me, the group has ties to Syracuse University, so it was a twisted sort of homecoming for at least one of the band members. Go Orange!

    Since their formation in 2007, T.H.P. has released a total of 8 albums (4 studio and 4 Live,) so they have plenty of output to select from when heading into their shows. The band chose lively starter “3am” to get the performance in motion, and we were off on a jammed out journey.

    It was clear from the get-go that these guys are a very good band with a sincere passion for their craft… We need more groups like them coming around. Offering lots of mellow grooves and great tone, The Heavy Pets got right down to business. Throwing down some solid breaks and getting people ready to move, the band seems right at home onstage… No hesitation by the players at all. They could be playing for themselves or ten thousand people, but they seem very comfortable with their crowd and each other. Bonus points…  Singer/Guitar player Jeff Lloyd kind of resembles Dave Mustaine from a distance, though his pleasant personality and bright smile undoubtedly make him the better choice to have a drink with.

    To mix it up a bit, they brought in some definite funk on track two, “Monster Box.” With no hesitation, the bass player laid it right down, making the groove happen. With the rest of the group dialed right in, the cohesiveness of the unit remained for the duration of their performance. Throughout their 10-song set, The Heavy Pets featured plenty of tasty solos over some straight soulful grooves, highly danceable jams, and frantic rhythms.

    To veer off topic a bit, it is very good to know that wherever jam inspired music occurs these days, there will always be a tight-bodied glow stick girl in Ugg boots going off. And I still need an answer as to when in the hell hula-hoops got so popular?

    The Heavy Pets are yet another group that remind me how much music there is out there to explore. Though I’m a bit late in hearing this band, it is more of a relief to finally experience these guys than it is a bummer to know I am just finding out now.

    Lee Terrace

    4-piece group Lee Terrace provided the direct support. A very young looking band, their songs were diverse and unique, offering a wide range of influence and rhythmic texture. Incorporating jam, rock, and touches of punk and ska, their writing seems to be a free-for-all. With some dedicated woodshed time, I feel they have lots of potential to entertain.

    The first thing at struck me was the Bass player… The kid is solid. As primary singer, his higher range was complemented by the occasional harmony by the keyboard player, who exchanged microphone duties throughout the set.  The guitarist was also a good player, though I felt he scribbled out a majority of his solos rather hastily. The biggest detractor from the set was the drummer. I felt his approach was excessively showy, and he constantly nursed same fill over and over again. Hanging back a touch would greatly benefit the group as a whole. Good “House Of The Rising Sun” cover, fellas!

    Haewa

    Starting us off tonight was the young jam trip known as Haewa. Recommended to me by several people, I really dug what these guys were throwing down. Definitely inspired by jam bands, they group incorporates a decent blend of rock, funk, reggae, jam into the mix. I think they could make some nice waves if they keep up the good work.

    All of their songs were heavy on the groove, and they offered a nice pulse throughout their brief set. While the vocals were lacking at times, the kid’s guitar chops were right on, and he wasn’t afraid to show them off. The bass player was also solid as a rock, and worked a heavy bottom end into the mix. The drummer was a tad flubby, but he kept the groove moving along nicely throughout their set. Their incorporation of nice guitar effects, tasteful solos, and infrequent sampler usage filled up the room well.

    The group seems to be in the experimental stage, and, in my humble, they need to move around a bit more while they perform. But overall, it was a good showing by the trio. Check them out if you see them on a bill.

    http://www.theheavypets.com/

  • Suckers “Candy Salad” out today!

    Ohh Brooklyn… Your ability to churn out Indie bands is astonishing. Undoubtedly attempting to cater to the Bedford/Lorimer L stop crowd, Suckers have come up with 10 synthy, bouncy tracks certain to come as fast as they go, but with a smile. Don’t like my rationale? Write your own review. Hey, this is what happens when you give a metal-head an album of hipster music to review.

    But in all seriousness, Suckers’ “Candy Salad,” out on Frenchkiss Records,  is a solid record, chock full of catchy melodies and warm feelings. The singer’s voice fits perfectly within the context of the tunes and what they are trying to do, and the tracks all blend together nicely. After a weekend’s worth of listens, I am now a fan of the album and band.

    Between the heavy reverb and spacey, atmospheric flow throughout, “Candy Salad” will certainly captivate the intent listener… Lots of friendly jams! I particularly enjoyed the Beach Boys-esque vocal harmony in “Figure It Out,” the happy-go-lucky whistle-a-long of “Chinese Braille.” There is a bit of guitar noodling that clutters up the sound at times, but I won’t hold that against the group… After all, it’s Indie Rock.

    The musicianship and weaving grooves will have every American Apparel wearing scenester swaying and whistling along, Pabst in hand. Bonus points for “Lydia,” a guaranteed bet to get the crowd singing along during the chorus… Excellent song!

    A word of advice… Listen to this album while doing something else. Drinking, dancing, cleaning, writing term papers… Anything other than just listening to the record on its own. “Candy Salad” is an excellent catalyst for activity, and sitting alone at a Barnes and Noble sipping an iced coffee is better left for The Beatles.

  • Americana in Albany: The Avett Brothers and Eastbound Jesus

    Albany’s best kept secret, Eastbound Jesus, started a rainy and windy day playing a free show at Jillians of Albany for a packed house prior to The Avett Brothers taking the stage a few blocks north at The Palace Theater on Sunday April 22nd. The fans that came looking for free music and respite from the rain got both, with the local flavor of EBJ warming the crowd up for two hours with foot tappin’, dancefloor stompin’ and some of the most energetic music that a band can pour onto an audience. Playing Nine Pound Hammer and referring to it as a staple of all bluegrass bands brought a bit of the group’s roots out into the set and reminded some in the audience of the traditional music they continue. A few dancin’ music tunes drew the seated from the audience to the stage and delved into a classic version of Dylan’s Maggie’s Farm. The music and style of EBJ is a little more Greensky Bluegrass and Railroad Earth than more traditional acts, leading to a larger audience in due time. The night was capped off with The Ballad of Eastbound Jesus, a single among many contenders throughout the night. My first Eastbound Jesus reaffirmed all that I had heard, and this band has a great future coming to them.

    After dinner and an early show, we walked up to The Palace for The Avett Brothers show. Two first time bands in one night and already I was sold on one. My experience with the Avetts was limited to their albums which I found enjoyable but without hearing them live the jury was out for the time being. The Avetts wound up giving a stand out amazing performance that showed why they are part of the bluegrass renaissance in America. The audience was predominantly made up of post-college and thirty-something women with their boyfriends in tow when a gaggle of girls wasn’t with them. After a few songs I was taken by the energy of the group and the music – it was summer time poolside happy hour music, tailor made for a good time, like Will You Return, which was touching and upbeat and had a great line ‘Why can’t you see yourself as beautiful as I see you?’

    Event poster, edition of 100

    Scott Avett performs with the intensity of Yonder Mountain String Band’s Jeff Austin and mentioned that they played The Lark (Tavern) on their first tour ten years ago. January Wedding was a sweet soft song off their latest album I and Love and You then the band took a moment to allow Scott a solo, followed by this brother Seth on guitar. Seth spoke about William Kennedy (to loud cheers), as he had been reading Billy Phelan’s Greatest Game and said he had been ‘coming to Albany in my head for quite a while’ and that it was nice to be here. The full band came back to the stage for At the Beach and the crowd sang along with glee to this and many songs. The title track to their latest album I and Love and You was soft but a great start to the album upon another listen after the show. Kick Drum Heart serves to be the band’s signature song, eliciting audience response with clapping and intensity from the musicians. A multi-song encore was capped nicely by Talk on Indolence, another invigorating song with rapid fire lyrics and sing along lyrics.

    As bands like The Avett Brothers and Eastbound Jesus continue to play to broad audiences, folk and bluegrass-based bands will continue to break into mainstream music and bring the roots of American music to new life.

  • Trampled By Turtles “Stars and Satellites” Album Review.

    I am really beginning to dive into bluegrass music these days. Something about its sound and flow is so pure and honest. Even the saddest of tracks can take you to a far away place where things are going to wind up ok in the end. Trampled By Turtles, a 5 piece from Minnesota, formed in 2003, and have been making some excellent headway for themselves in the music game. In addition to a stellar performance in Austin during SXSW that drew rave reviews, the group has played a host of huge festivals in the past. This year, they are slated to perform at Bonnaroo, All Good, and Sasquatch, in addition to their headlining dates coming our way in a few weeks.

    It’s no wonder… After listening to their new album, “Starts and Satellites,” I literally had to stop myself from applauding in public at the end of my first listen. The band’s sixth album since 2004, “Stars and Satellites” offers 11 super solid tracks, all recorded in a log home in Duluth. Some of the tracks are very rhythmic and pulsing, others are quite easygoing and subtle. All are fantastic!

    Opening with “Midnight on the Interstate” and closing with “The Calm and the Crying Wind,” both mellower tracks, Tracks like “Sorry” and “Walt Whitman” are quick and bouncy. “Risk” has a fun, almost comical delivery, with a dark edge to it. The album is laid out very well, and will captivate any listener who pays attention.

    The banjo player picks like a wild man during many of the tracks, and the mandolin and fiddle provide excellent rhythmic and melodic contrast. The bass lines flow easily throughout the songs, and the vocal harmonies are right on, complimenting Dave Simonett’s leads and acoustic strumming beautifully.

    If you are looking for a great album of Bluegrassy Folk tunes, look no further than Trampled By Turtles. And if you can’t get enough of the record, make sure to catch them in Syracuse when they play The Westcott Theatre on April 19th. I’ll be there!

    The entire album is currently available for streaming at their website. Check it out!!!

    http://trampledbyturtles.com/

  • Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds at The Putnam Den

    Arleigh Kincheloe and her band of eight Dirty Birds returned to The Putnam Den on Friday the 13th after a successful Kickstarter campaign for a new tour bus, which was parked on display outside, new digs for a band that has grown immensely in the past three years. Having seen them for the first time in late 2010, they stole the show, opening for The Radiators and continued to spread their wings and tour coast to coast, garnering a following in the process. With steady stage presence by Arleigh and tighter grooves, the band played songs old and new, including tunes from their new album Pound of Dirt, notably ‘Too Much’ with harmonica from Jackson Kincheloe sounded more Popper than Musselwhite while having a kind similarity to the Stones’ Heartbreaker.

    [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7cCPMnvksY]

    Covers of Fat Bottom Girls and Cripple Creek were incredible (with a pseudo Saratoga reference of bets of win and show) but the highlight was Dirt, the album’s title song. Arleigh sang with the Southern (not-Scott) Joplin-esque funk with early Grace Potter vocals and the grittyness of Aguilera. The encore of Vices is always welcome, bringing with it a beat akin to Blondie’s The Tide is High. The night even attracted a full wedding party who got into the show before their (sigh) local DJ played till 4am.

    After the show, Arleigh commented the growth of the Sister Sparrow crowd upstate over the past couple years. “It seems like the crowd grows significantly each time we play upstate. It’s sweet they came to see us and are singing along in the back, it’s kinda wonderful. It feels like home, coming from Brooklyn, and we like New York.” Their summer is quite busy with trips to New Orleans Jazz Fest, Summercamp, Mountain Jam, Bonnaroo (twice), Teullride Jazz Fest and many more plus a western tour slotted fro July. In their new van, they can see the country in style and fan out across the country, blending funk and soul with amazing vocals.

  • The Return of Conehead Buddha

    Kicking off a weekend of celebration for Albany promoter Greg Bell who commemorates 20 years of bringing the best of live music to Albany, classic jamband and homegrown talent Conehead Buddha took to the stage of Valentine’s for the first time in six years. Featuring Ben Carle of Moon Boot Lover fame on bass, the eight piece band induced the packed upstairs crowd into a sweaty dancing herd, hands in the air in exultation to the music.

    Shannon Lynch, one of the founders of the jamband shared her thoughts on the reuniting after many years off: “The band has put a lot of time into really being prepared to come back and hit hard. I feel good about how the band sounds with our new drummer Tom Goss.” Listening to the show and having just seen Strangefolk perform for the first time (as the original quartet) since 2000, the benefit to practice is evident, and the time spent working on their music paid off throughout the night. Practice makes reunion tighter.

    Their ska/reggae sound wrapped in a jamband that plays for quality, not quantity, was augmented by the horn trio of Shannon Lynch, Terry Lynch and Shaun Bazylewicz, blaring their upbeat and energetic sound through the crowd while the bass/drum interplay at times gave some African vibe to exquisite funk, particularly on Hey Jody and Wear You Down. The second set included Vinnie, SWM, Wear You Down, My Way, Bobby Brooks, Must be You, Shades, Hey Jody, My Side of the Story, Sights->Psycho Killer->Sights with an encore of Johnny and his Fighting Boys with a Get Up Stand Up section. During Sights the band took off and eventually fell into a cover of Talking Heads’ Psycho Killer, setting the fuse of the crowd off in the process.

    Not surprisingly, the crowd was loud and dancing, akin to a Mighty Mighty Bosstones show, thriving, swaying and jumping with more energy as the night progressed. Dave Geoghegan from Dr. Jah and the Love Prophets, when asked what it was like to see Conehead Buddha, a group who, like many bands that came through Albany, opened up for you Dr. Jah in their early years noted “It’s cool because their music has really evolved. Some of their horn songs are so big, I feel like I’m at a stage show and the guys are really kicking it out now.”

    While this was a reunion night, it was also a celebration. Promoter Greg Bell marked 20 years of bringing the best live music to Albany and did so by reuniting one of the bands he helped bring to the big time, along with the likes of moe., Moonboot Lover, Ominous Seapods and numerous others. Greg pumped up crowd before the sets and again before the encore, keeping the crowd’s momentum electric until the last note was played. Shannon Lynch shared her thoughts: “Greg Bell has been very supportive of all the awesome bands whether they draw people or not. He knows who the good musicians are and has supported the scene; any (music) scene that exists in Albany right now is because of him. He’s been great to us and we’re very happy to be here for him.” Likewise, Dave Geoghegan looked back on the twenty years of the Albany music scene that Greg has presided over and remarked “There’s been a resurgence lately, with the Dirty Paris guys and Timbre Coup, it’s a kinda new scene and I think it’s really cool. We get to play with a bunch of them and the old school reggaes mixed with the new. I think it’s still a vibrant music scene.” As long as Greg Bell continues to promote show, Albany will continue to be the epicenter of live music in Upstate New York.

  • Rock n’ Roll Resort 2 : A Psybient Review

    What do you get when you take a classic full service hotel nestled in the Catskill Mountains of New York and fill it with three days worth of electronic music and psychedelic madness?  What you have is Rock n’ Roll Resort 2: A Psybient Soiree, a true three day festival that features music from start to finish. Heads of all shapes and sizes filled Kutsher’s Resort in scenic Monticello, NY during the last weekend of March 2012 and had a great time doing so.

    Promoted and produced seamlessly by Wicked Cool Productions, this event not only featured incredible live music, it provided a relaxed and comfortable setting in which to appreciate all types of visual art. Alex Grey paintings served as backdrops for some acts and other stages implemented amazing visual graphics in the background.  Thanks to this and other features the timeless hotel had to offer, the sights were almost as amazing as the sounds.

    The hotel itself is something out of a time warp from the 1940s. The floors are lined with carpeting that hasn’t been seen in decades.  Entire hallways (doors included) are made of glass and classic style lounge chairs fill every corner.  The bedrooms themselves featured moldings on the walls and a style that was truly ahead of its time… when Eisenhower was president.  Yet somehow, all this did was add to the charm of the hotel that surrounds a gorgeous, small lake seemingly ripped out of a Rockwell painting.  The old school resort setting was a throwback that seemed to evoke the spirit of a range of different movies.  From ‘Dirty Dancing’ to ‘Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas’, the hotel was different things to different people. Rick Lowenberg of Brothers Past remarked the hotel had a feel of “something post-apocalyptic with 1200 zombies running around like something out of 28 Days Later.”

    Each night of the festival featured a different theme to dictate costumes or appearances.  Some chose to follow this, but it definitely seemed like the minority of attendees and was not mandatory by any means. Friday night’s theme was “Video Game Characters”.  Predictably, many Super Mario Brothers and mushroom-based costumes made appearances.  The day’s slate of music kicked off with Horizon Wireless playing in the Soiree Lounge, located just next to the main lobby. A true benefit of a festival of this nature was not having to move far to hear great music.

    After the Nadis Warriors opened up the Launch Pad, one of the two main music rooms that had the look and feel of a Vegas lounge, it was Jeff Bujak’s turn to keep the music going.  The first of his three sets of the weekend was billed as ‘Silent Bujak’ and it featured about 100 headphones for people to use and control the volume as they saw fit. This is a type of performance that is becoming more and more popular in the festival setting, especially for late night sets when sound ordinances may come into play.  Bujak had a great time playing for everyone and seemed to enjoy the small festival setting this weekend presented and the close-knit feel that was present. “As an artist I love that and I’m able to play my best set”, Bujak commented, “and I’m able to give a little more and do a little more.”

    Friday night’s headliner was the one and only Simon Posford whose Hallucinogen and Shpongle sets took the night to a whole new level.  A master of psychedelic trance music, Posford kept dancers in the Stardust room bobbing and weaving all night long.  This was the other large lounge-type room main acts used for the weekend.  It not only featured an accessible dance floor, but sitting booths and stadium seating in the back as well.  Space was never an issue all weekend – a must for the avid dancer.  There was plenty of room to be had and people could sit, stand or even lay down if they chose.

    While Posford was working his magic that night, so too were Alex and Allyson Grey. This husband and wife duo collaborated on paintings done to the side of the stage that just jumped right off the canvas.  They also performed during Ott’s set the following night.  So if amazing psytrance beats and infectious grooves weren’t sufficient enough, all you had to do was look around for other artistic masterpieces being formed.

    Music continued all through the night as Lespecial performed the first of their two late night sets of the weekend.  This trio did a fantastic job of keeping the late night energy flowing while laying down some pretty unique grooves.  They were followed by Psylab, a real solid act that seems to be an electronica festival staple, before Digital Storm welcomed the Saturday morning sunrise.

    After a short night’s sleep and some much needed coffee, Saturday kicked into high gear with Dirty Paris’ afternoon set. This Albany based group meshes intense jam rock with a type of acid jazz that’s rich and full of texture.  It was surprising to see this group in an early setting like this but they were well received all the same.

    Saturday brought with it “The Masquerade” theme. Those who didn’t take advantage of the afternoon’s mask painting or jewelry workshops went back to the Stardust lounge where Viral Sound threw down.  This four-piece band kept the energy high and the room dancing and was truly one of the surprise highlights of the weekend.

    After a quick detour to check out the Cosmic Dust Bunnies, a great band name whose music is no joke, it was finally time for Brothers Past. It was a true joy to see this band again and they seem to be better than ever.  Soulful vocal harmonies combined with a tight electronic sound created in front of video screens showing incredible imagery made for two of the better sets all weekend. The band, which also played at the previous Rock n’ Roll Resort in November, seemed to enjoy the surroundings just as much as everyone else.  When asked if they would return next year if invited, guitarist Tom Hamilton said they would but, “only if they have it here again.”

    Soon after, it was time for Conspirator to take the stage.  This Disco Biscuits side project brings almost as much energy and high-voltage as the real deal.  They too were supplemented by intense visuals being projected on screens throughout the room that truly added to the experience. Bassist Marc Brownstein and keyboardist Aron Magner are well known entities in the scene, but the true heat emanated from the drum kit and KJ Sawka who seemed to toy with the beats and tempo changes.  He displayed a ferocious aggression on the drums that was also technically sound and just fun to watch. Conspirator’s set also saw random teases of the Yes classic, “Owner of a Lonely Heart” thrown in for good measure.

    Ott was responsible for Saturday night’s big psytrance DJ set and he delivered as always.  Afterwards, it was the first of two sets during the weekend for another up and coming band, Dopapod. This quartet thrives on creating a style of music that’s fun to listen to while not limiting itself to one genre or style. They kept things up-tempo for the most part and had a fun time doing so.  Towards the end of their set, keyboardist Eli Winderman remarked, “This place makes me want to eat some matza ball soup” and everyone knew exactly what he was talking about.

    Sunday’s theme was “Pajama Party”, giving everyone an excuse to walk around in pajamas or sleep wear if they chose.  Many took advantage of this, but there also seemed to be fewer people around this day.  This was likely due to people either leaving early to get back for Monday (a non-holiday) or just being flat out exhausted from an intense 48 hours of non-stop music.  Between less people being present and many festival-goers walking around in pajamas, Sunday really did have a more relaxed vibe to it.

    Dopapod was able to leave their stage set up from the previous night and delivered another raging set in the afternoon. They kept the fun going later that day too, as their scheduled meet and greet somehow turned into a group sing-a-long of the R. Kelly classic “I Believe I Can Fly”.  This band had a lot of fun all weekend and seems poised to become a major factor in the jam/electronica music scene.

    Sunday was highlighted by another stellar Brothers Past set followed by a Conspirator set that seemed to tie a bow around a weekend of truly phenomenal music.  Conspirator’s set featured more impressive drumming from Sawka and intricate guitar licks laid down by guitarist Chris Michetti.  A highlight was a truly riveting version of ‘Orchestra Theme’ that had elements of funk, dubstep and everything in between.  Afterwards, a beaming Shannon Plaquet of Wicked Cool Productions took to the mic to thank them and everyone else that attended this weekend.  He also reminded folks that even after this, the festival was not over yet.

    BangBang performed a set that kept people moving even at 1 a.m. on a Monday morning.  The last song featured a sit-in with Eli from Dopapod as well, further putting this band’s stamp on the weekend. Afterwards, Lespecial delivered another engaging late night set and the music literally went all night well into Monday.  As stated, this is a true three-day festival that delivered on its promise of non-stop music and fun.

    Between the retro-scenery, incredible live music and relaxed communal atmosphere, Rock n’ Roll Resort 2 was a special weekend indeed.  It’s highly recommended for anyone who enjoys this type of music to grab a bunch of friends, fill a hotel room and take part in this unique experience.  The groundwork has been laid and this festival could very well reach another level after a successful weekend like this.  Don’t miss out!

  • REVIEW: Autopsy “All Tomorrow’s Funerals”

    REVIEW: Autopsy “All Tomorrow’s Funerals”

    From 1987 through 1995, it would be difficult to find a more pronounced and influential Death Metal band than Autopsy. During this time, the group paved the way for the medium, influencing many groups who became prominent members of the Death Metal community.

    Though they took a very long break from performing (15 years from 1995-2010), Autopsy made a welcome and triumphant come back. Their latest record is true to form, and long time enthusiasts of the group will undoubtedly be pleased with “All Tomorrow’s Funerals.” The release offers 21 tracks of old world US Death Metal to satiate the palate of even the staunchest metal consumers.

    Though the vocal effects are a bit much, and the guitar solos aren’t what they could be, “All Tomorrow’s Funerals” continues to represent Death Metal’s finer qualities.  The music is a bit more loose and not as technically precise or challenging as some of the current Death Metal acts, but Autopsy’s charm is their ability to stay true to form and relevant when so many have come and gone.

    In my opinion, this album is best suited for true fans already familiar with Autopsy’s body of work, or those looking to expand their horizons and get back to the roots of their chosen genre from a present-day perspective.

    -Greg Allis

  • REVIEW: COMMON ENEMY “As the World Burns”

    REVIEW: COMMON ENEMY “As the World Burns”

    As the World Burns, the 5th full length offering from Reading, Pa’s ever vigilant Common Enemy shows no signs of slowing down and indeed finds the band even more the master of their excellent brand of thrashy punk rock than they were on Living the Dream. And that’s saying a lot. The 16 concise, angry, and dare I say slightly more serious songs located within this album are  a needed dose of thrash in a boring music world filled with ten million bands in their little sister’s pants that all seem to be playing the same eight minute long song. I honestly can’t find a more apt simile for this release than from the words of the band themselves in the album description: “pure post-apocalyptic chaos, and good times to be had with friends while sitting back and watching it all burn.”

    As pointless as it is to draw comparisons with other bands on a 5th album, I get the same rush from this album that I get listening to Rich Kids on LSD. Immediately from the opening track Thrown Away, vocalist Gary sets the tone with his strong, pissed off delivery that will be his trademark throughout the album. The fun, irreverent songs I’ve come to expect from Common Enemy are here in abundance with songs like All I Want For Christmas Is A Bag Of Weed, as well as several songs that even touch serious social issues such as March Them Off To War (This Is Business): “Blasted by the mainstream media, we sit and mindlessly swallow every bit of shit they feed us. They tell us what to wear, what to eat, how to live and whose life has value. And if we can’t make the change, we’ve opened the door for the exploitation of the lower class everywhere.”

    With the majority of the songs clocking in at under two minutes, more guitar harmonies than ever and drum beats tighter than an exceptionally ugly altar boy at a church filled with picky priests, Common Enemy has somehow found a way to refine their noise even further while breathing fresh air into a sound that was already in no danger of growing stale. 2012 is promising to be great in the arena of new punk albums, and As The World Burns is already an early contender for album of the year. With a genuine love for their craft that is both transparent and what punk rock is all about as well as a relentless touring schedule that will most likely have Common Enemy playing near you before very long, you would be making a huge mistake to sleep on this band or this album. You can pick up copies of it now exclusively from the band themselves or Overdose On Records.

    For more info on this album:
    http://www.overdoseonrecords.com/

    To buy As The World Burns:
    http://www.overdoseonrecords.com/store

    -Brian Lawrence

  • Review: Binghamtronica Music and Arts Festival

    Solaris steals the show at 3rd annual festival – March 24th, 2012 – The electronic dance music scene thrived at SUNY Binghamton for third straight year, with the growing experience of the Binghamtronica Music and Arts Festival. Developed by Greg Sarafan and featuring acts including Archnemesis, Boombox, Horizon Wireless and Binghamton’s own Solaris, eight hours of grinding beats and intertwined bodies were found throughout the student union. Sarafan felt that the event “went really well, everyone had a great time and the night went off without a incident,” which, after being at the event for five hours, can be easily encored.

    Growing from the last year, the art inside was more widespread, with live painters and dancers, as well as an impressive décor. There was a great stage backdrop with arrows akin to ‘Dance Dance Revolution’ which were illuminated at times from a apropos light show. The active crowd, shifting to every bass thump and Voyager-esque drum beat, amidst a thick fog of fog and smoke, was rarely satiated, as college kids are wan to be. A young crowd with a slight tilt towards a majority of college girls, was gathered inside and out and security avoidant of interfering with the good time all were having. The young ragers in the crowd were respectful of the music and for the most part, here to dance. Throughout the night, roughly 400 entered the doors to the main room, amidst a cloud of smoke that set an inclusive club feel for the entire night, getting thicker as the evening progressed.

    Among the bands were Solaris, Horizon Wireless, Boombox and Archnemesis, all phenomenal electronic bands of varying ilks and sub-genres. For me, the highlight of the night was Solaris, a trio from Binghamton who are on the rise in Upstate New York. Featuring Jared Raphel on keys, Vince Naro on bass and Daniel Scott Lyons on drums, less than 15 minutes into their set were applying thick buttery beats and igniting the crowd. The music was simply intense and could wake Lazarus. I could easily say they are like The Disco Biscuits, due to their intense, tight jamming and transitions, but that would be an understatement. For 90 minutes, Solaris ventured through Not Waiting Long,
    Garage Band jam -> Smalls, Polar and THEM, all instrumental and each moving the crowd into a faster and growing frenzy. The crowd was enthralled, to say the least, gritty like organic peanut butter, pre-mix style.

    [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5QDTlVGMtI]

    A benefit to the event being held on a college campus is the ability to enjoy the aura of college life, including a chance to play billiards or go bowling while listening to music. Going late into the night, all that was needed at this show was a reliable location for food and drink nearby but that withstanding, I found the trip southwest for Binghamtronica to be ideal and a diamond in the rough for their small but alive music scene.

    As the festival grows, so will the audience, Sarafan hopes to make the event more dynamic, keep it student-centric and planning soon for the fourth installment with bigger bands, longer sets and more vending opportunities. It will be good to see an event of this caliber continue to grow and bring great bands to the Southern Tier of New York State.