NYS Music 20​13

Category: Reviews

  • Trivium and DevilDriver Slayed on Black Friday

    An Upstate Concert Hall crowd of 300-plus decided taking in a show – instead of shopping and burning off Thanksgiving food throughout all of Albany – was the appropriate thing to do on Black Friday. Trivium headlined a 60-minute set to promote their new album Vengeance Falls with DevilDriver co-headlining a 60-minute set of their own to promote Winter Kills – In my opinion  one of the best metal releases of 2013.

    Fans were also treated to a killer 30-minute set from After The Burial and a small set from Thy Will Be Done, who’s garnering recognition from the likes of Metallica, Shadows Fall, and DevilDriver.

    Reminiscent of Lamb of God, Thy Will Be Done’s sound is thrashy and groovy, with a wee-bit of metalcore thrown in. Unfortunately, the early crowd comprised of only a third of the ultimate total.  Nonetheless, I got the vibe that the crowd really dug them. These rockers out of Providence, R.I. moved through their set quicker than I would have hoped. However, they’re a relatively new band that doesn’t have a huge catalog to go through.  Still, as they promote their new EP Temple they’re receiving exposure both on the road, as well as plenty of air play on Liquid Metal (Sirus/XM). They will be a dominant force in Metal very soon. When I spoke to frontman, Jay Costa, he expressed how much fun they have had while on tour.

    ​After The Burial graced the stage with a 30-minute set. This was my first taste of this prog-death metal group out of Minneapolis, M.N., and I was really impressed. They have a flavor to them. They were the first band to get the crowd jumping. Very energetic. They treated the Clifton Park fans to four songs off of their upcoming album, Wolves Within, due sometime this month.

    The “California Groove Machine” was up next.

    After what seemed to be a long wait (well for me anyways because I am a die hard fan) DevilDriver came and wiped the floor with the crowd. My only complaint would be that the band was so loud on most songs it was hard to hear Dez’s vocals. I’ve seen DevilDriver play at Upstate Music Hall twice in the past. Back in 2011 opening for Danzig, and last year opening for Gwar. This time it seemed they had a slightly longer set and a bigger light show than they have in the past. Opening with “End of the Line”, DevilDriver’s set consisted of a few songs from their early collection like “I Could Care Less” and “Clouds Over California” but most of their set had a lot of material from their new album Winter Kills.

    Here’s what made the whole night memorable: Midway through the set you had a small group chanting out song names, which – let’s just say, Dez did not take kindly to that.  Anyone who knows the history of Dez on stage, whether it’s from Coal Chamber or DevilDriver, knows his reputation for his aggressive stage persona. Calling out the group, Dez yelled, “We play whatever fucking song we want!”

    (Laugh.) Some people never learn.

    Which then led to a rant about people who are not open to other genres of music. Which served as an appropriate segue to an Awolnation cover of “Sail.” Totally blew my mind when they played that. Throughout the entire set, body surfers were nonstop and the energy was very high. Security at Upstate Music Hall had their hands full. DevilDriver is the kind of band that would start a moshpit in a nursing home.
    ​So after a full hour set from DevilDriver, Trivium gave the crowd an extra jolt of adrenaline. This was my third time seeing Trivium. I caught them during the mess that was Trespass America tour when it stopped at Oswego Speedway last summer, and few years back during Mayhem Fest. But this time it was a totally different setting.

    To be able to see Trivium at such an intimate venue like Upstate Music Hall made it so much better than the typical outdoor arenas. Another thing I find fascinating about Trivium is they’re a relatively young band with a catalogue of songs a decade deep, and they show no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Trivium started their set with “Throes of Perdition” and “Down from the Sky” familiar to UFC fans as the introductory music for Mauricio “Shogun” Rau. Their sound was flawless. Props to the sound guy. Everything was clean sounding. Also all those guys have great chemistry on stage. You can tell they absolutely love what they do. They continued to play a couple more of Shogun before taking it back a almost decade ago by playing “A Gunshot to the Head of Trepidation” which I will say was the highlight of the set. Finally, they closed it out with “In Waves” and “Pull Harder on the Strings of Your Martyr.”

    Overall it was a fantastic show. Shame on anyone who didn’t bother going because every band delivered. We are obviously approaching a slower touring season so I suggest getting to any metal show that’s out there right now and be sure to pick up all the new albums from Thy Will Be Done, After The Burial, DevilDriver, and Trivium.

    Stay metal.

  • All the Fun and All the Thanks at Valentine’s Final Funsgiving

    Valentine’s of Albany hosted the 6th annual B3nson Funsgiving event for the last time on Saturday, November 22nd. The night consisted of seven diverse Upstate New York bands, alternating on the stages of the two story venue with familiar faces around every corner. With Valentine’s set to close and relocate by the end of this year, it was only proper to gather with friends to make a few more memories at the music hall and beer joint one last time.

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    Hammer Hawk was the first on the lineup, a trio of musical muscle who greeted the venue with edgy rock angst. Bear Grass had a consistent growing sound with pleasant echoes of Indie folk throughout the set. Lead female singer, Katie Hammon, is a great compliment to the harmonies of the five piece band as their music was an easy listen with relaxing melodies and joyous tempos. Rival Galaxies was an intergalactic experience with their high energy robotic futuristic rock and one of the highlights of the night. Rival Galaxies has a familiar sound to Daft Punk, especially with their disco dueling keyboards. Confetti rained down on the audience along with the steady beats, mighty guitar riffs and lyrics being sang via megaphone.

    The Parlor performed some of the best dance music with their Indie Jazz sound complete with a solid horn section and funky bass line. The Parlor introduced new songs to the crowd with vocalist Jen O’Connor singing soft lyrics to Eric Krans’ smooth guitar licks. The carefree duo of Scientific Maps joked with the audience that it’s been years since they’ve practiced but you wouldn’t have known without them saying so. Aaron Smith plays with a nerdy and slightly rebellious grandeur as he strums with a carefree tone.

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    The night ended with the annual Beard contest with categories for both men and women, making for some interesting facial hair and accessories. Sgt Dunbar and the Hobo Banned was unofficially the winner of the best/most beards in a band category. They have a gypsy sound with the accordion and powerful guitar strumming, giving off a sincere bohemian madness that they crowd couldn’t get enough of. Barons in the Attic concluded the event with their usual wild and riot starting music, making for a serious floor shaking set. Valentine’s has given the B3nson Funsgiving family a place to call home for the past few years and for that, we are all grateful. Be sure to visit Valentines before it’s too late!

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    wants to hear what your favorite memories are from any of the past B3nson’s Funsgiving’s at Valentine’s. Please comment below for your chance to win a poster from this year’s Funsgiving with signatures from members of each band! A winner will be chosen on December 20th.

  • Thanks be for Timbre Coup and Solaris at Red Square

    The jamtronica trio Solaris finally returned to Albany on Thanksgiving Ever, after a summer full of festivals and shows all over the East Coast. The boys hit Red Square with a blast of energetic beats and melodies to a small dedicated crowd.

    Their sound gives you the feeling as if you are soaring through outer space with the top down in a Jaguar F-TYPE as you blast a fusion of  rock n roll, 80s techno and metal at top volume. They are one of the few bands where you can appreciate their sound individually and in unison as it makes for an unforgettable show every time. One of the highlights of the night was when guitarist Dan Gerken from Timbre Coup joined them on stage, adding raw attitude and explosive dance party. Solaris has big shows lined up in their hometown of Ithaca, including opening for the international dance punk band, !!! (Chk Chk Chk) on Saturday, December 14th at the Haunt and ringing in the New Year at The Gates December 31st.

    After Solaris’ long opening set, Timbre Coup took their turn and played well into the night. A regular treat in Albany, Timbre Coup gave a powerful performance on Thanksgiving Eve, heavy on improvisation. After a hypnotic synth jam and “55” to open the show, fan favorites “August” and “June” came early in the two hour set, with Matt Pickering’s vocals on “June” a fine pairing with the entrancing beat had a 1980s Nintendo game feel via Andrew Chamberlain, while Steve Mink, guitarist for Digital Dharma, sat in. The heavy improv night was rounded out with two of the band’s more popular improve vehicles – ‘How to Fly a Kite’ and ‘Arnold Schwarzenegger’. Timbre Coup show the influence of prog-rock bands like Umphrey’s McGee, but convert this into their own sound, a defining characteristic of the rising tide of bands making their own mark on the scene. Satisfied and hungry for turkey, the crowd dispersed back to their families, another Thanksgiving Eve of partying and dancing at Red Square in the books.

  • Hearing Aide: John Medeski’s ‘A Different Time’

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    As a member of the avant-garde jazz trio, Medeski Martin & Wood, John Medeski’s experience as a musician is largely defined by his groove-based keyboard work. Originating in New York City, MMW has stood out as one of jazz’s most talented, innovative acts over the past twenty years. The group’s discography represents a range in style and genre achieved by incredible musicianship, and John Medeski’s influence as a keyboardist has made MMW’s work so consistently creative.

    A Different Time marks Medeski’s debut appearance as a solo recording artist. Released by Okeh Records, a recently revived jazz imprint on Sony Masterworks, the album features the unequivocal combination of Medeski and a 1924 Gaveau piano. A Different Time is the product of a season spent in Upstate New York’s Hudson Valley, where Medeski recorded the album in a 19th-century church-turned recording studio known as Waterfront Studios. Throughout the album’s nine tracks, Medeski explores a style of music characteristic of an earlier, more modestly ambitious time period.

    Medeski has described the album as “meditative” and “contemplative.” In its opening, self-titled track, sparse melodies and alluring structures induce a sense of calm while provoking a level of insight generally brought about by weighty lyricism. Medeski’s work communicates sentiments in its composition; A Different Time is a compilation of poetic music. Concluding with two improvised tracks, “Lacrima” and “Otis,” the album is a clear illustration of Medeski’s talent, a progression in his career as a musician.

    Key Tracks: A Different Time, I’m Falling In Love Again, Lacrima

  • Watertown is blown away by Halestorm

    The Grammy award-winning band, Halestorm, came to Watertown, N.Y. this past Saturday (November 30th) and rocked the thousands in attendance at Jefferson Community College.

    Opening for Halestorm was local legends, Lake Effect Mud, promoting their album, Eyes Open Wide. They wasted no time in showing us why this small town band belongs on stage with big names like Halestorm.

    Lead vocalist, Jason Johnson, commanded attention from his audience with a powerful voice. He kept the energy alive and engaged the whole room. The fans loved him. Johnson’s vocals, combined with the incredible talent of Bryant Pignone, Kyle Pignone, and Jessie Hall, made Lake Effect Mud an unstoppable force. Personally, I can not wait to see what is next for them.

    Halestorm followed in the wake of Lake Effect Mud’s energy. I had previously heard nothing but wonderful things about Halestorm in concert, but even then I had no idea for what I was in store.

    The rockers from Pennsylvania opened the show with a few high energy songs like “Mz Hyde.” Immediately we can see what a powerhouse Lzzy Hale is. Between her vocals and incredible energy she is captivating. Joe Hottinger and Josh Smith compliment Lzzy very well with amazing talent and energy. Then we have Arejay Hale on the drums. I have found in many bands the drummer just fades into the background, not really seen, but not Hale. He is as much a part of the show as Lzzy is up front and center. You can see he really enjoys what he is doing, and we enjoy watching him do it. They continue the show with hits like “Dirty Work” and “Familiar Taste of Poison.” Then the guys exit the stage leaving Lzzy alone on the keyboards. She begins to play “Break In”, her voice is beautiful and haunting. Lzzy ends the song and we move onto Arejay’s drum solo.

    For five minutes you can’t look away as he plays his drums with a variety of tools – sticks, large sticks, and then just his hands; he doesn’t just play the drums, he puts on a show! If you don’t enjoy watching this man perform you are not paying attention. The band returned to the stage and closed the show with their hit “I Get Off.”

    Watertown experienced a night of music we wont soon forget. If you are a metal fan, or even just love live music, these are the bands to see. What an incredible night.

  • The Rascals Brought Broadway to The Palace Theatre

    The Rascals pulled into The Palace Theatre on Sunday, November 24th with their beautifully orchestrated Broadway concert to an ecstatic crowd to end their four night run of Upstate New York cities.  Playing 31 songs over a span of over two hours, the band showed why they were one of the most influential bands of the 1960s.DSC05558 (1) copy

    “Once Upon A Dream” is not your usual concert.  Throughout the show, the history of the band is told on a gigantic video screen between songs by both the band and actors playing younger versions of the band.  To be able to see all of these hits and get the group’s history all at once is amazing.  Little Steven, best known as one of the guitarists in The E Street Band, helped bring the group back together for this show.  It had been his dream for years to see these four great musicians play together again.  He is also a history buff when it comes to music, so he made sure that the two were paired together, and it really could not have been better.

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    The show was split into two sets with the first set getting more of the history of the band from song to song.  By the end of the set the band is getting into the big hits, playing “I Ain’t Gonna Eat Out My Heart Anymore” right into “Good Lovin’ ” to close out the show.  The audience showed their appreciation for Felix Cavaliere, Eddie Brigati, Dino Danelli, and Gene Cornish, giving the group a standing ovation at the conclusion of the set as well as at the beginning of the second one.DSC05681 (1) copy

    The second set saw less video interruption and more musical performance.  A major highlight was “How Can I Be Sure” which let Eddie shine on lead vocals.  He looked to have been taken aback by the ovation from the crowd.  Each member had a chance to shine with Gene doing great guitar work all night, Dino pounding on the drums like a machine, and Felix sounding great vocally and laying down perfection on the keys.  They all seemed very excited to be in Albany as they got quite the ovation after their last song “People Got to Be Free (reprise).”  They thanked everyone, including those who help put the show on, and then sent the crowd home with “See” capping off a great evening.

    The show was supposed to return to Broadway in a few weeks, but it has been cancelled.  The band is hoping to reschedule it sometime next year.  Once the dates are announced, you would be wise to make sure you get tickets as this show is not to be missed.  They may be getting up there in age, but the music is still vibrant and the band is in high spirits throughout the show.

    Setlist: Set 1 – It’s Wonderful, I’ve Been Lonely Too Long, What is the Reason, You Better Run, Carry Me Back, Slow Down, Mickey’s Monkey>Turn On Your Lovelight>Mickey’s Monkey (Reprise), Come On Up, Baby Let’s Wait, Too Many Fish in the Sea, If You Knew, Hold On, I Ain’t Gonna Eat Out My Heart Anymore, Good Lovin’

    Set 2 – Good Lovin’ (Reprise), Love is a Beautiful Thing, Groovin’, Do You Feel It, Away Away, It’s a Beautiful Morning, Sueno, Find Somebody, A Girl Like You, It’s Love, How Can I Be Sure, People Got to Be Free, Heaven, A Ray of Hope, People Got to Be Free (Reprise)

    Encore – See

  • Southern Rock legends .38 Special Blows Away The Showroom at Turning Stone

    When .38 Special performed at Turning Stone’s Showroom on November 14, I remembered what made them great when their songs aired on the radio in the 1980’s. Their heartfelt lyrics powered by strong vocals on top of plain-old, good-quality Southern style rock is pretty much the definition of .38 Special. No surprises there – they lived up to expectations.

    What was surprising was the energy that went into their performance. .38 Special was formed the same year I was born. So, when I see performers who were in their peak when I was an infant, I’m pretty impressed when they rock it out. These guys took very few breaks all night, and the music may have stopped two or three times at most during their set. The sound simply rolled, Southern style, from one song to another.

    The other impressive thing was that these guys were happy on stage. More than once I saw a look of ecstasy on Don Barnes’ face during a particularly intense guitar riff. All the members of the band seemed to enjoy themselves; they offered genuine smiles to each other while performing and attempted sincere connections with the crowd. It was clear that the members of .38 Special were at home, at peace, and totally content on stage.

    Although they are currently (and likely permanently) performing without founding member Donnie Van Zant, I still felt that their music was very much together: the band worked well off each other. True to Southern Rock, the lack of competing instruments and vocals makes everything just flow together.

    As usual, the Showroom’s classy atmosphere allowed for great seating with a good view of the stage. This venue can handle a wide variety of performances, and while I love dramatic performances, what was refreshing about .38 Special was that their show was all about the music. I suppose that is what has kept this group together for 40 years.

  • Conehead Buddha and Funktapuss Lay it on Thick in Buffalo

    Funktapuss-ConeheadBuddhaA little cold weather and snow has never gotten in the way of a Buffalonian’s plans. On Saturday, November 23rd, the city experienced the first bitter cold temperatures of the year, but that didn’t stop the funk fanatics of the Queen City. Conehead Buddha and Funktapuss were in town and Nietzsche’s was packed with eager fans that fought the elements just to check these two out.

    With Conehead headlining the show, Funktapuss kicked things off with their soulful/bluesy style of funk. The five-piece from Cape Cod opened their set with a new song titled, “Unmistaken Reality.” While it started off like a slow rolling funk current, it really opened up as Ryan Tivey took the night’s first solo on sax and got the crowd buzzing. The end of the song had a heavy feel to it, similar to Lettuce’s brand of funk, and will keep me Googling the song name waiting for its official release. The band kept the pace after that, but really hit their stride on an old school/new school, back to back, funk history lesson. The guys took on a classic, covering Stevie Wonder’s “Higher Ground”. Lead singer Latez Crawley’s voice shined with a couple of fans drawing comparisons to James Brown. From there, they went into a cover of the Lettuce song, “Do It Like You Do”, showcasing the bands tight control of rhythm and wrapping up the history lesson.

    As the set progressed, the band played songs off of their self-titled album as well as some other fitting covers. Brian Vanderbeek’s virtuosic bass opening to “Shakey Ground” was Wooten-esque and only reinforced why this guy should be known worldwide for what he can do with his instrument. It would be an insult to say he’s one of the best up and coming bassists as his skills are on par with all of the top names we’re familiar with. The band kept the funk pumping all night, only stopping briefly in between songs to really pack their set. Besides the opener, the group played two other new songs, “February” and “Soul Specific”. The three new songs as a whole were delivered with rhythmic precision and illustrated how Funktapuss is continuing to evolve their sound. Whereas their first album rode the soulful side of funk, the new album might see them kicking things up a gear as the three newbies on Saturday were simply incessant. To cap off their set, the group threw in one last cover, Tower of Power’s “What Is Hip”. This is a staple of theirs and the group absolutely nails it every time. Brian Vanderbeek’s heavy bass on the closer really drove the set home and had the entire crowd dancing to the throwback. With the band still relatively new, there was a resounding buzz in the crowd preceding the performance, wondering who these guys were and where they came from. This band is due to break out anytime now, and with every show it seems they’re gaining more and more momentum.

    Setlist: Unmistaken Reality > I Got to Groove > I Know > Higher Ground > Do It Like You Do > Lesson > Shakey Ground > Threadin’ the Needle > The Truth > Go If You’re Gone > February > Night Life > Soul Specific > What Is Hip

    Conehead Buddha took the stage next to keep the crowd moving. There was a lot of anticipation for these guys, which wasn’t surprising though as their blend of influences results in a feel-good vibe that anyone could dance to. The appropriately titled, “Aint No Better Way,” was the perfect way to start off the set. The high energy of the song immediately had people smiling and grooving around the dance floor, setting the tone for the remainder of the night. The stage was just as packed as the dance floor with the eight-piece band settling in to Nietzsche’s cozy stage. As the Latin rhythms carried in “Cielo Drive,” more and more of the crowd began to join in, coaxed from the outskirts of the club. The show was in full swing now and it seemed like Conehead had full control over its momentum. Mid-set approached and the band slowed things down with “Fly on Your Bedroom Wall.” The reggae feel was the perfect break to all of the energy that preceded it. The highlight of the night though, was during their song “Rockets,” as guitarist Justin Cross came out of nowhere and electrified the crowd. Up to that point, he was just blending in and contributing to the great feel, knowing all along he was going to blind side everyone in attendance. The solo lasted almost four minutes and showcased his chops while proving he had the control to hide it up until that point. For any musician, it’s a skill to know when to take the lead, but even more of one to show restraint. His surprise attack easily topped the night and left the crowd begging for more. These guys have been around the block a few times and tricks like this only reinforce that. They closed the night with an encore of “Safety in Numbers”, leaving all sweating and looking forward to the cold air. The walk back to the car was a welcomed one and definitely not requiring the jacket in tow.

    Setlist: Aint No Better Way > Mind the Question > Cielo Drive > Forget Me Not > Fly on Your Bedroom Wall > Crumbs > My Way > Wear You Down > Rockets > Vinnie > My Side of the Story > Present Perfect > Shades of Green

    Encore: Safety in Numbers

  • Blues Traveler Brings Nostalgia and Fresh Jams to Upstate Concert Hall

    Blues Traveler brought an energetic and phenomenal show to Upstate Concert Hall on November 21, 2013. Blues Traveler has come back with a vengence, tossing away their reputation as a 90’s pop band and truly exploring their capabilities within their jams through each facet of their ensemble.

    John Popper has always brought a fresh and eccentric level of talent that extends the complexities of each song far beyond any 90’s pop band ever could. The band opened with an absolutely mind blowing take on the Charlie Daniels’ Band’s original “The Devil Went Down to Georgia.” John Popper mimicked the explosive fiddle solos with his collection of harmonicas which he played furiously along with the rest of the band.

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    The band played off of each other all night, slipping into more folky, slow jams and moving back into full on rock and roll solos carried by guitar. At one point they busted into a rendition of Sublime’s “What I Got” which had the packed venue singing and dancing with the classic tune. Of course the night was also filled with Blues Traveler’s classics such as “But Anyway,” “Hook” and “Run Around” all of which were almost perfectly performed and had the crowd dancing and singing along to every word. “But Anyway” held a mind-blowing drum solo that showed that the capabilities of Blues Traveler as a band were expansive. From start to finish, Blues Traveler kept the energy high and the crowd dancing. Upstate New York is definitely looking forward to the return of this timeless and talented band.

  • Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo Hit CNY with their Best Shot: A JTG Photo Gallery

    When Turning Stone announced that Pat Benatar was going to be in the Showroom in November, it was a guaranteed sold-out show.  The nearly yearly run through Upstate New York brought out droves of short-haired pixie cut women reliving their rebellious younger years through the musician that gave them the power to tell the world that collectively, “We Belong”.

    Pat Benatar and her husband (and business partner) for nearly 35 years, Neil “Spider” Giraldo, rocked the showroom despite being very sick.  Pat took short breaks to head toward the back of the stage to get a drink or clear her throat.  In the spotlight though you could barely tell that the legend was under the weather.  She gave it her all and the crowd was more than pleased.

    When Neil and Pat invited the crowd to ask questions, it gave Pat an opportunity to rest her voice as Spider answered most of the questions. From there she belted out some of her biggest hits, “We Belong” and the anti-child abuse anthem “Hell is for Children”.  With being sick, the crowd seemed surprised and so pleased that Pat did the whole set and didn’t cut anything short.  Amazing energy and a promise to return next year for a special 35th Anniversary tour – who could ask for anything more?

    Setlist: All Fired Up, Invincible, So Sincere, If You Think You Know How to Love Me (Smokie cover), River of Love, Promises in the Dark, Q&A, We Belong, Hell Is for Children, You Better Run, Hit Me with Your Best Shot, Love Is a Battlefield, Everybody Lay Down, Let’s Stay Together, Heartbreaker / Ring of Fire