NYS Music 20​13

Category: Regions

  • The John Scofield Überjam Band Thrills The Massry Center

    On a cold September Sunday evening, John Scofield brought his Überjam Band, consisting of Andy Hess, Tony Mason, and Avi Bortnick, to the Massry Center on the campus of The College of Saint Rose.  The small crowd was rewarded by a show they were in complete awe of, as all of the musicians were on fire the entire evening.  This band has been on the road for the majority of the summer and it showed in the way that all of the jamming seemed to come so easy.

    John Scofield was in great spirits all night, joking with the crowd between songs about the music, but also about the hit television series Breaking Bad, asking the crowd what they were doing at the concert and not watching the third to last show of the series, as he is a fan of the show as well.  He seemed to be awestruck by the rapturous response he got from the crowd after every song.  Andy’s bass playing all night was a magnificent constant thumping, while Tony’s drumming was a force to be reckoned with from the beginning of the first song until the end.  Avi’s guitar playing was tremendous, as were his loops that he set from a computer all evening.

    “Al Green Song” and “Curtis Knew” were beautiful pieces early on in the set that had wonderful solos from Scofield.  “Jungle Fiction” started off with some crazy loops and became more and more abstract as the song went on, with the rest of the music layered on top of them. “Monster Bootie” saw old hip hop breaks being used as the loops to be mixed with the rest of the music the band was playing and gave the song a different flavor from everything else played throughout the night.  The show was pure fire and the band could be seen having a great time throughout the performance.

  • The Rascals to Bring “Once Upon A Dream” to the Upstate Region This Fall

    Coming to the Upstate Region this fall is a show that is part concert and part Broadway production.  The The Rascals, the legendary group from the 60’s, will be coming to Binghamton, Rochester, Buffalo, Syracuse, and Albany during the third week of November.   The show, which is produced by Steven Van Zandt, goes through their tumultuous history with newsreels, old concert footage, and filmed segments playing behind the band both during and between songs.  Van Zandt had been trying to get the group back together for many years, but the members did not want to do it.  Finally, with this show, he convinced them to agree to come together and they have been playing shows since December 2012 when the show premiered at The Capitol Theatre. 1001456_10151628431272052_1554064091_n The group was a major force in the music scene in the 60s, starting out as The Young Rascals.  They were one of the few American Bands that thrived during the British Invasion.  Their brand of rock ranged from blue eyed soul to folk rock to protest songs, even dabbling in civil rights issues.  Some of their bigger hits include “Beautiful Morning”, “Good Lovin’”, and “Groovin”.  In the early 70’s they went their separate ways until they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for a one night only performance until now.  The original members, Felix Cavaliere, Gene Cornish, Eddie Brigati, and Dino Danelli, are all here for these shows and these are can’t-miss events.  The Rascals are back and they are ready to bring a spectacular show to the Upstate Region.  For more information on ticket availability check here.

    Upstate New York dates

    November 19 – Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena, Binghamton, NY

    November 20 – Auditorium Theatre, Rochester, NY

    November 22 – Shea’s Performing Arts Center, Buffalo, NY

    November 23 – Landmark Theatre – Syracuse, NY

    November 24 – Palace Theatre, Albany, NY

  • Syracuse University’s WERW Launches Semester with Performances from Bad Cello, The Bird Calls, Cult of the Crying Moon

    1375046_10151872238142884_1638297850_n As technology has developed and new methods of music listening have emerged, traditional radio has taken a hit in both popularity and listenership. For 26 years on the Syracuse University campus, however, WERW has consistently provided students with an outlet for music discovery. To celebrate another year of college radio on The Hill, WERW hosted a launch party on Saturday night for the Syracuse community to come enjoy performances from the area’s best musicians.

    After a short opening set from student DJ, Lex Z, Cult of the Crying Moon—sporting his Fender Stratocaster and his clear-framed glasses—took the stage amongst a living room full of SU’s most musically minded scholars. The solo act provided an energy that encouraged the venue’s inhabitants to continue the grooves they’d found during the preceding DJ set. With his candid songwriting, Cult of the Crying Moon exhibited a vocal range reminiscent of Roy Orbison.

    While Ben Bondy—the man behind Cult of The Crying Moon—can often be found playing in the garage rock three-piece, Friendless Bummer, the opportunity to catch a live performance from Ben’s most recent side project was one of the night’s most exciting aspects. Continuing the launch party’s theme of solo performers, another 1/3 of Friendless Bummer took the stage after Cult of the Crying Moon. The Bird Calls, an acoustic project created by SU senior, Sam Sadomsky shifted the show into a mellower feel with his Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen influenced tunes. Neglecting the age difference between himself and his influences, The Bird Calls’ lyricism incorporates a wisdom that exceeds his 21 years of life, and his Oberst-esque vocal styling and intricate picking patterns contribute to his folksy songwriting.

    Among a lineup of acts playing electric instruments, The Bird Calls’ provided a refreshing thirty minutes of acoustic listening. Ithaca-based electro-pop act, Bad Cello, headlined the evening’s bill. Accompanied by a slew of synthesizers and a sampling pad, the one-man-band also known as Zeno Pittarelli closed the night’s festivities with the most raucous performance of all. After playing several tracks from his debut Takes, Bad Cello performed material from his recently released EP, Finna.

    Ending the show with a bang, Bad Cello provided an excitement that will carry over into WERW’s presence on the SU campus throughout the entirety of the semester. Make sure to listen to WERW this fall and check out the station’s website for more information.

    WERW on Twitter, Facebook

  • Phish to Release a Classic Upstate New York Show: Niagara Falls 95

    Phish announced this past week that they will be officially releasing a great show from their 95 Fall Tour, better yet, one from Niagara Falls. This tour of course is one of the more well known tours in Phish’s history that saw the band play from October all the way through New Years Eve.  This tour is also special to the Capitol Region because on December 9 in Albany the band played one of their best versions of “You Enjoy Myself” ever.

    phish niagara falls 95

    The show in Niagara Falls took place on December 7th, two nights prior to that Albany show, and has first set highlights of a “Demand” “Rift” combo as well as a “Slave.”  The second set sees the opening “Split Open and Melt” get “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida” teases, an early version of “Taste” while it was still being called “Taste That Surrounds”, a “Reba” with no whistling, and a set ending “Mike’s Groove” that ended in a “Digital Delay Loop Jam.”  This is great news and we here at always love when an Upstate show gets an official release.  This is said to be released in November, right after they come through the Upstate Region this year on their highly anticipated Fall Tour.

    Thursday, 12/07/1995, Niagara Falls Convention Center, Niagara Falls, NY

    Set 1: The Old Home Place > The Curtain > AC/DC Bag, Demand > Rift, Slave to the Traffic Light, Guyute, Bouncing Around the Room, Possum, Hello My Baby

    Set 2: Split Open and Melt, Strange Design > Taste That Surrounds, Reba1, Julius, Sleeping Monkey > Sparkle > Mike’s Song -> Weekapaug Groove [2] -> Digital Delay Loop Jam, Amazing Grace

    Encore: Uncle Pen

    [1] No whistling
    [2] Unfinished

    Teases:
    “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida” tease in “Split Open and Melt”
    “Pop Goes the Weasel” tease in “Reba”

  • Review: Krockathon 18

    Krockathon 18 was held in the Chevy Court of the N.Y. State fairgrounds. The lineup for this show was just amazing! Sevendust, Skillet, Three Days Grace and Chevelle to name a few.

    Krock even tweaked some things to the venue so they could sell 500 more tickets. The show went pretty smoothly for the most part. The main drawbacks from the fans were that there was no tailgating allowed in the parking lot, and there were not enough beer and food vendor’s. They could have used about 30 more port-a-potties also.

    First up was Stars In Stereo. They got the crowd going for this one. They did a decent cover of Aerosmith’s Dream On. Singer Bec Hollcraft seemed a little reserved at the beginning, but came into her own by the end. She could be a star someday. If I had to compare them to another band, I would have to say that they are like Paramore kicked up a notch.

    All the way from the UK, The Virginmary’s were up next. They were pretty good. I really never heard anything by them, but I really enjoyed their performance. They can definitely rock it live.

    This next band was just amazing live. Aranda, to me, is one of the bands on this bill that stole the show. The Aranda brothers, Dameon and Gabe, have some fun with each other using one guitar and holding it in different positions while the other brother plays it!!! Pretty cool $#!^. I highly recommend Aranda’s “Stop The World“cd. It is just hot from top to bottom. I would really like to see this band play a longer set.

    The next band on the bill was Red. Red had their Graffiti brick wall set up behind them, which I love as a backdrop. Michael Barnes vocals were just right on point. The Armstrong twins just know how to rock, and they have a ton of energy. I’ve seen Red live of couple of times now, and they just bring it to every show. They are also some of the coolest, most down to earth guys you can meet.

    Skillet, who just dropped their “Rise” cd, was next. Here is another band that just stole the show for me. Skillet live is just f’in awesome. Watching Jen Ledger on drums is insane. She just kicks so much @$$ up there. Skillet had their usual co2 pyro in front of the stage. Korey Cooper on guitar and keyboard is just amazing. Watching her rock out is just really fun to watch. The crowd was just nuts for Skillet and John Cooper had them wrapped around his finger. Jen also threw her drumsticks to a fan holding a sign asking her for them, which I though was classy move.

    Asking Alexandria were up next and the crowd loved them. I personally am not a huge fan of theirs, but they do put on a good live set.

    Flyleaf was set to play next. I am really not feeling Kristen May live. The band itself is OK but she is the $#!^’s. It seemed like every song was butchered by her, and it made me sick. I saw them the night before this show, and again I was not impressed.

    Another band I saw the night before was P.O.D. This is when the first of two rain showers started, and it lasted for most of P.O.D’s set. Every time I see this band they kick @$$! I love watching Sonny on stage because you can see how he just feels the lyrics he is singing.

    Well up next, according to front man Phillip LaBonte, is the hardest band on the show! All That Remains took the stage next and, like usual, they just killed it. I’ve seen this band a couple of times now, and I love them more and more.

    One of my favorite bands ever, Sevendust, is now ready to rock the stage. The topless women are now starting to come out in full force. Lajon is one of the best front men in the business to me. I love him on stage. His emotions bring my emotions out more. The whole band just rocks from start to finish. Lajon said halfway through, “We are not rockstars, we just love to play music.” One classy guy, and a very classy band. You’re all rockstars to me!

    I was standing next to a girl at this show who was there for this next band only. Chevelle took the stage and the crowd just loved them. They were really good and sounded awesome.

    Last up is Three Days Grace. The second rain fall is now starting. This is where the only snag took place as 3DG took forever to come out and delayed everyone in the rain for about an half hour. After chants of “WTF” and “this is B.S,” the show finally started. This was my second time seeing Matt sing for 3DG and he is really good. I think I liked him better the first time I saw him, though. The crowd was really over for them and even though it was down pouring rain, it was still awesome.

    What a great event Krockathon was. A couple of things that I would like to see added to next year’s event—besides more vendors and bathrooms—is a more of a festival experience. I think the bands should have been more hands on for the fans. Don’t get me wrong, some were, but not enough. I think if they set it up like Mayhem/Uproar and they had different tents for the different bands. The facility sure looked like they had enough room for it. One thing I didn’t get was the sticker that they passed out at the gate that was for random meet-n-greets with the bands, but I noticed that the Krock staff was also grabbing people who didn’t have stickers instead of the ones who did, which annoyed a lot of people who got there early to get one of the stickers.

  • Review: Halestorm, Sick Puppies & 10 Years

    This show would have been better off as a two hour headline concert of Halestorm only! Halestorm invaded Upstate Concert Hall with Sick Puppies in Clifton Park, N.Y. Friday, August 9, 2013,  and that’s all who should have showed up for this show.

    The two opening acts added nothing to the show but boredom. I was trying not to fall asleep during the first band.

    7th Squeeze is the first band of the night, and nobody really cared that they were there. You could barely understand and hear lead vocalist, Nick. For some reason his mic was really low and, to me, he was trying to act like Lajon from Sevendust but came across more like Milli Vanilli.

    Highly Suspect were up next and, although they were better than the first band, the life was sucked out of the venue and everybody just wanted Halestorm to come on. Besides the first band putting everyone to sleep, the venue was overcrowded and really hot inside, and everyone just wanted Halestorm. I do give Highly Suspect credit as they did try hard to get the crowd back into the show and ready for Halestorm.

    Finally, Halestorm hit the stage to save the night. The crowd is just nuts now. The whole band seemed really pumped up for this show and had a lot of crazy energy. Joe was just insane on guitar. He was really feeling the mood and the crowd was eating it up. Lzzy was awesome and better than the first time I saw her perform. When she sat at the piano and played the song “Break In“ it was amazing. Halestorm sang all their hits and more. They even sang some of the tracks off their cover album, and Lzzy also paid tribute to Ronnie James Dio. Arejay has one of the best drum solos ever, and it’s a show of its own. He goes from regular drumsticks to bare fist. Then, when you think he’s done, he pulls out drumsticks the size of baseball bats and starts jamming with them to perfection!

    Even though Halestorm came on and saved this show with a great two-hour-long performance, this had to be one of the worst concerts I’ve been to this year, besides Bon Jovi.

    Even though I saw Sick Puppies exactly a week earlier at 95X Fest in Syracuse, N.Y., I was still pumped to see this show on a more intimate stage at Upstate Concert Hall in Clifton Park N.Y., Sunday, August 11, 2013.

    The opening band for the night were locals Fort Rooster. They were decent, but you can tell that they are very green still. They put on a good performance, though, and are pretty good musicians.

    10 Years is the second of three bands of the night and, as usual, they kicked @$$! Lead vocalist Jesse Hasek is f’in sick live. I love the way this guy sings. His style and voice are so unique it just takes you over. One of these days, though, Jesse is going to give himself whiplash with the head whip move he does. Jesse had a white cross painted on his face for this show. Jesse at the end of the set brought out a yellow blow up pool mattress and crowd surfed on it all the way to the merch table.

    This was my second time seeing this band live, and I can’t wait until the next time. Don’t miss these guys if they come around your town. Tons of energy from this band, which is what I like to see from a band live on stage.

    Sick Puppies closed out the show with another great performance. Yes, they were good a week earlier, but this was a lot better. These intimate venues are awesome for bands, and I think the bands put on better shows in these type of environments. Lead singer Shimon Moore is like a big kid on stage and loves to talk to the crowd a lot. He has so much energy and drive.  Speaking of energy, Emma Anzai is just all over the place on stage. Emma is so fun to watch play live, and not just because she’s hot, but because she kicks @$$. She is in her own world up there on stage, and it’s awesome to see. The band played all their hits and a lot of new tracks from their brand new cd “Connect”.

    This was a good show. 10 years and Sick Puppies are two bands that everyone should experience live at least once.

  • Review: Rockstar Mayhem Festival

    Saratoga Springs may be known for its natural springs or its historic racetrack, but it’s time to talk about the annual Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival that invaded the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) July 20, 2013. What a perfect day for an outdoor music festival.

    With 15 bands, autograph stations, all the free Rockstar drinks you can handle and the other free stuff they give away, it’s definitely worth the price of admission to this one-time-a-year event.

    This was my first time attending the Mayhem Festival and also my first time seeing some of these bands live, so I was kind of excited.

    Kicking things off on the Musician’s Institute (MI) stage was Thrown Into Exile. They opened the show with great energy and front man, Evan, was really good on the mic, and set the tone for the rest of the show. After their set make sure to drop by the MI tent and meet the band. Some really cool dudes there.

    Next up kicking things off on the Jagermeister stage was Huntress. Jill Janus is just awesome. Her facial expressions are just priceless. She’s a metal throwback for those of you who don’t like the current direction of this genre.

    Back on the MI stage was Attika 7. Not part of the original Mayhem lineup replacing Behemoth, Attika 7 still kicked some @$$. Former front man of Biohazard, Evan Seinfeld, was pretty funny when he asked the crowed if they have ever seen them before. He said “bull$#!^, we have never been here,” when the crowd responded with cheers of yes. Believe me, it was funny.

    Battlecross was up next on the Jager Stage. This was my second time seeing them perform, and they just keep getting better. Tons of energy and a great bunch of guys, so make sure you go and check them out at their merch tent after their set.

    Motionless In White were performing next on the MI stage and had the younger crowd eating out of their hands. A fan dressed like MIW was holding a sign wanting to be brought on stage because it was his birthday, and Chris not only had him come up on stage for the second to last song, but he even gave him a mic and they sang the song together. After the song, Chris said “ask and you shall receive.” I thought that was some pretty cool $#!^!

    Next up on the Jager stage was the Butcher Babies. Nothing like some hot @$$ rocking out! Tons of energy! Heidi and Carla had the crowd going nuts. This was my first time seeing BB, and I was not disappointed at all.

    Born Of Osiris was next on the MI stage. I personally am not familiar with this band, but the crowd liked them and I thought they were good.

    Job For A Cowboy is now up on the Jager stage.  They brought a whole different attitude to this show. They did nothing but kick @$$. I thought Jonny Davy was going to jump of the stage and into the pit he was so hyped.

    It’s time now for Emmure on the MI stage. Tons of energy and drive in their set. I don’t usually listen to them, but I enjoyed them live.

    Closing things on the Jagermeister stage is Machine Head. Machine Head was really over with the crowd. I only like a few of their songs, but they put on a great live set.

    Closing things on the Musician’s Institute stage was Children Of Bodem. They were over with the crowd as well. CoB is another band I don’t listen to that much, but I enjoyed their live set.

    First up on the main stage is Amon Amarth. I just love their Viking ship stage prop that they had on stage. Amon was pretty damn good and should have had another 15 minutes added to their set time. Here’s a question I have, though: how the hell does Johan not spill one drop of liquid out of his Roordahuizum drinking horn?

    Mastodon was next on the main stage. Now, I don’t know if the heat was finally getting to me or if I was having an energy drink crash but I wanted to fall asleep during their set. Don’t get me wrong, they are great musicians, I just didn’t feel their set at all. The black wig Brent Hinds was wearing was pretty funny though.

    Five Finger Death Punch now takes the main stage, and they just bring it like no one else can. This was my third time seeing 5FDP, and the only thing I did not like was that their set was not long enough. Ivan and the boys are just so good live. The crowd was nuts for them. Ivan wasn’t as energetic as I’ve seen him before, but he still kicked @$$.

    It’s now time for Rob Zombie to close the show out. This was my first time seeing Zombie live, and I must tell you that I cannot wait until I get to see him again. What a show Rob puts on. With all of the different props and costumes it’s a show within a show. John 5 has two of the most bad@$$ guitar’s I’ve ever seen. One was totally transparent with an anti-freeze looking liquid inside it and the other one was made up of a couple hundred white L.E.D lights. Rob even left the stage and ran a lap around the inside of amphitheater. This was a really good show all in all. F’in awesome job, Rockstar, I’ll see you next year.

  • Review: Carnival Of Madness

    Monster Energy Drink’s Carnival of Madness is finally here, and what a tour it is. With a lineup that consists of Shinedown, Papa Roach, Skillet, In This Moment and We As Human, I think this tour should be renamed Carnival of Bad@$$! Held at the Constellation Performing Arts Center in Canandaigua, N.Y., you could not ask for a more beautiful day for a rock show.

    Walking into the venue, everybody was super stoked when we noticed that Papa Roach was in fact there. With all the things going on with Jacoby’s vocals and tour cancelations because of these issues, no one was sure if they were going to make it. Sevendust started the tour, and this is the first show Papa Roach was slated to play on. Rumors even had Avenged Sevenfold replacing them on this show, so with that added to all the vocal issues and the Carnival of Madness Facebook stating that Papa Roach would be there, nobody for sure knew what to expect.

    First up on the Carnival of Madness stage was We As Human. XM Octane has been playing their single “Strike Back,” which is a great song, so I was curious to see these guys live. Justin Cordle was just awesome on vocals. They did a great job getting the crowd ready for the rest of the show.

    In This Moment was up next. Maria and the boys always put on a great energy filled set. Maria is probably one of the only performers I can tolerate standing in one spot for the whole show. This is the first time I got to see Maria with backup dancers, which was pretty cool. The only thing I wish that was different is that they would play some more of their older stuff as well. Oh, well, maybe in November when I see them again on the Hell Pop Tour. In This Moment Also signed autographs in the Monster Energy Drink tent after their set.

    Christian rockers Skillet were slated in the third spot for this show. I really love this band live. I know some people think John Cooper can get a little preachy at times, but if you really listen they are just heartfelt stories he shares. Skillet brought all their props for this one. Yes, they had their usual CO2 blasters, but they also had a stage length l.e.d video wall in the background and two moving platforms next to drummer Jen Ledger that various band members would take turns riding up and down. This band has so much energy live it’s amazing. John was doing this crazy dance that looked like he is having a seizure. Jen literally was rocking the stage, her drums were on as you can see it move back and forth. Korey has an awesome stage presence and newcomer Seth looked like he has been rocking with Skillet for years. I had the chance to meet the band before the show and they are really awesome to shoot the $#!^ with. Jon was kidding with everyone, and Jen is just so nice and polite.

    Jacoby Shaddix of Papa Roach could be seen watching Skillet’s performance from the side of the stage. Barry Kerch of Shinedown was also seen watching Skillet from the other side of the stage.

    Just when you thought the crowd could not get any more pumped up, Papa Roach hit the stage. These guys brought the f’in house down. Jacoby was just on fire and sounded awesome. I could have watched them play all night. Energy turned up to max. They sang a good variety of old and new tracks. Jacoby even did a lap through the crowd during one song.

    Papa Roach also signed autographs under the Monster Energy Drink tent while We As Human were performing at the beginning of the event.

    Every time I see this next band I am never disappointed. Shinedown is the headliner of the Carnival of Madness tour, and this band always brings a show with them. Shinedown is one of the best live bands you could ever see. Flames, sparklers, pyro and fireworks. They also had a Gypsy/Circus troupe that were performing tricks as you walked into the venue, and also joined Shinedown on stage and performed tricks with fire as the boys played. Brent Smith is just vocally amazing live. He really knows how to take over everyone in the venues emotions. Amazing singer. Amazing talker. Amazing performer.  Zack and Eric just have so much energy moving around on stage. They make you want to go up on stage and start jamming with them. Barry is just kick @$$ on the drums. Thanks, bro, for giving me your drumstick after the show!

    This is an amazing tour that every rock fan must see. I drove over three hours to see this event, and it was more than worth it. Monster hit a homerun with this lineup, and I can’t wait to see what they come up with next year.

  • Putnam Den is Hosting the Official Farm Aid After-Party with The Infamous Stringdusters

    Infamous-String-550If you’re going to be in Saratoga for Farm Aid on Saturday, swing by Putnam Den afterwards for the official post-show with The Infamous Stringdusters.  Following what is going to be an amazing day of music, they will take the stage with their take on bluegrass for everyone who has not had their fill yet.  If you didn’t get tickets to Farm Aid itself, Putnam Den will also be hosting a viewing party starting at 5PM until the show is over for free.  Once the show is over  doors will be open for the 11PM show for those who want to see The Infamous Stringdusters and tickets for that are available now here.  Get them early as this will almost certainly sell-out.  This is a special treat for the area to have along with Farm Aid and The Stringdusters have said the audience should be ready for “a performance, not a show.”

    Fan and critical favorites The Infamous Stringdusters are considered as the premier live act amongst the current crop of newgrass (or alternative bluegrass) bands. Their shows offer a complex, distinctive, and groove-friendly sound on top of a traditional bluegrass foundation.  Comparisons range all over the musical map, from Earl Scruggs Revue to Nickel Creek to Old And In The Way to Leftover Salmon to too-common “if Phish played bluegrass” quotes.

    Bonus! This show will be sponsored by Brooklyn Brewery!

  • The Last Conspirators Album Review: A Celebration of Fury

    Upstate New York’s bad boys, The Last Conspirators have released their third album A Celebration of Fury, a follow up to their critically acclaimed Warparty and When It All Comes Down releases.  The punk rock and rollers are set to perform at this year’s Larkfest in Albany, the state’s largest one day street fair. Songwriter and front man Tim Livingston performed at the very first Larkfest with his pioneering Albany punk band, The Morons, and still continues to keep the edgy grunge scene alive today.

    fury_copy

    A Celebration of Fury consists of seven songs that get you amped up and angry, encouraging you to embrace the frustration that everyone can relate to in today’s world. It’s a wake up to society, giving the people a voice and relaying the message that “United We Stand”. The album goes through the multiple emotional levels of rebellion and protest, with powerful lyrics that make you question authority and classic punk angst that can start mosh pits in any location. The Last Conspirators have broken their silence and have encourage a musical political revolution, reminding the listener that they have the power for change. Their new album will be available for sale at Larkfest or on Compact Disc and as Digital Downloads from CD Baby, and also digitally on iTunes and Amazon.

    “Last Ones Standing” bring the listener back to their youth with lyrics full of wild rebellion and asks you to remember what it was we were rebelling against in the first place. Al Kash has a pounding drum rhythm that gets the heart racing and fired up. “Radio Warfare” has a desperado/outlaw feel from Terry Plunkett’s sliding and strumming steady guitar chords.  “Powerful Friends” has echoing cymbals and long lasting guitar riffs with Livingston singing about how change can happen but in the end, it’s all about who you know. “Somewhere Tonight in America” has the classic American defiant rock groove that people of any decade can relate to.  “No Time For Egos” has Livingston reminding the listener that we might not like each other, but it’s time to put our differences behind us and do what’s best for our future with lyrics such as, “divide and conquer we shall fall, stand our ground together with our backs against the wall.” “Desperate Skies” is one of the darker punk songs on the album with deep bass playing from Bisanz and for the first time lyrics of loneliness. Throughout the album, there is a theme for the masses to join together for change, but it is in this song that we hear words of personal desperation and fear. The last song, “A Celebration of Fury” has a dramatic ending of harsh whispers and heavy drum beats with the repeating line, “Time to celebrate the fury of our power.”

    The Last Conspirators are bassist Nick Bisanz, guitarist Terry Plunkett, drummer Al Kash and lead vocalist Tim Livingston.

    Key Tracks: Somewhere Tonight in America, Desperate Skies, A Celebration of Fury