NYS Music 20​13

Tag: punk

  • Luck Of The Punk: An Upstate sit-down with Lucky33

    Listening to Lucky33 is like a day at the California beach. Sun shining, the salty sea breeze hitting you in the face, bombing down the concrete half-pipe and your hair whipping behind you.  Lucky33 is a four-piece punk band that hails from central New York, calling both Syracuse and Oswego home. They advertise a blend of old-school punk with an indie feel to create “our distinct sound.”  Upstate Metal’s own Steve Strader recently had the honor of chatting with the band’s bassist, Jared “Red”.

    So how long have you cats been around?

    “After a few line up changes, L33 as it is today has been together since April of 2011.”

    Any side projects or past projects?

    “Duff (lead guitarist) does all kinds of acoustic covers and posts them on YouTube and Facebook. One of his most popular ones is a Drake song. (Laughs). I’ve played in a bunch of bands. I’m much older than the other guys in the band. I started out in the ska/punk band Ill Nature, then the funkcore band Lost Soul Division in the ’90s and early 2000s. After that, I played in the metal band Adiel and most recently – before L33 – Damaged In Transit. While I was in DIT, I met Dustin while playing a show together at the Lost Horizon. He was in The Black Lockets. I eventually joined TBL while still in DIT, while they looked for a full time bass player. Shortly after that, Dustin left the Lockets and I left DIT. Dustin, Duff and Kyle all went to school together. They had started Lucky33 and I joined shortly after that.

    So what band is your favorite?

    “By far mine is L33, and I know the other guys agree! I’ve never been in a band with guys like this! We have great chemistry and energy. We get along great and we’re best buds outside of the band. The song writing is very easy and comes quick. Usually Duff writes something on the acoustic and brings it to us and we go from there. That kid can write a catchy song! After playing for over 15 years, I’m enjoying playing more than I ever have.”

    How’s the pro-bono new logo coming along?

    “(Laughs.) We got a few people making some. I was only half serious, [I did it} more to get people conversing with us.”

    How’s the Guitar Center “Get Out of the Garage” contest coming along?

    “It ended a while back, did it to get more exposure basically.”

    If L33 were to be sponsored by a guitar company who would it be?

    “Gibson, hands down.”

    Anything coming out of the L33 compound we should be looking forward to?

    “We’re going to start recording a full length [album] this winter, so keep a look out for that!  Hopefully some merch, once the logo is done. We’re gonna hit up the guys in SRT to do the shirts. Tons of shows for the New Year, I’d like to do a split EP with our bro’s in High Dive Horse.”

    Any last words?

    “You rock Stevo! Thanks for the interview and the support. See you in January for the Entropy show.”

    For more information on the band, go visit their Facebook account.

  • Gusto’s got somethin’ for you in “Packin Heat”

    I pride myself on being an objective critic.  This admirable characteristic of mine enables me to review metalcore bands and express to you their merits, without personally possessing the urge to run out and buy the CD for myself – just not my thing.  But, my thing is irrelevant to providing you a proper review.  Afterall, I have you in mind with every review and it’s my job – nay, it’s my duty – to assess each CD on every merit and shortcoming. It’s a daunting task, but I do it for you. You are welcome.

    But, sometimes I come across a CD I instantly like, and it makes it impossible for me to remain objective.  Such is the case with Gusto’s “Packin’ Heat.”

    Gusto is a three-piece, garage punk band out of Saratoga Springs, NY that’s just making it out in the world.  In fact, Josh Robin tells UpstateMetal how they all got together, signed a contract and recorded their debut album in one short weekend this past August.  Blessed with either luck, or good karma, Gusto has overcome obstacles the same way in which one would expect with their namesake. Prior to their first show in June, their drummer canceled due to scheduling conflicts. Zach Edwards stepped in on “an hour’s notice” but was unfamiliar with the band’s sound. Regardless, Robin said he “Killed it!” and was immediately signed as their regular drummer.

    The majority of their songs are short and quick paced, with light-hearted lyrics written by Robin. A favorite of mine would be “Gettin Old,” which at a little over four-and-a-half minutes, is the longest song in this ten-song collection. With lines like “Woke this morning and my back was sore/took some drugs for the pain/from a pillcase, not from a bag/I’m getting old,” it’s made me chuckle, as I can somewhat relate.  Of the ten, “Gettin Old” is the most polished.  I’ll admit to being immediately hooked in by the introductory guitar rift from “On and On”.  It’s hard not to bob your head to the beat of this catchy tune.

    Throughout the CD, Robin’s clear vocals is backed evenly and adequately by Edwards’ drums and Jason Brown’s bass (who also double times as the band’s producer).  Which, with Robin predominately on vocals, it makes for a two-piece band! Their collective sound reminds me a little of Blink 182 or Weezer, if only to distinguish them from a different sound, like The Dead Kennedys.  Packin’ Heat is garage punk at it’s most primitive.  The sound is not over-produced in the studio.  The band is not dealing with any heavy political statements, no obscure references to Margaret Thatcher, or stances against clubbing baby seals.  Gusto gives you a fast-paced beat, with easy lyrics on light-hearted subjects.  You turn them on – preferably loud – and get yourself moving.  This is a CD I plan on buying for once. If you have any appreciation for punk, you should find room to slip this one into your collection too.

    Go to www.Gustoband.com for more information.

    You can also buy “Packin Heat” here.

  • 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.

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    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

  • High Dive Horse Interview

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    When I put out a post that I was interested doing written interviews, one of the inquiries was from Tim Fields of High Dive Horse. I was excited about this, because I always enjoyed reading their Facebook posts and seeing their pictures with the horse head masks on. This was one of my favorite interviews because I love when a musician has a sense of humor.

    Steve Strader – First off how many members are there, four or five? Does it depend on the songs you guys play or just the availability of the group?

    Tim Fields – We currently have four members: myself (Tim Field) on drums, Adam Vlassis on bass, Drew Sweeney on guitar, and Chad Seyer on guitar/vocals. We are actually looking for a 5th member for lead vocals… Hint hint.

    SS – What was the inspiration behind your name? Is one of the members a jockey or involved in taking care of horses?

    TF – The inspiration behind our name was actually from the previous drummer of the group. He suggested the name and said we can say it is for protesting animal abuse, or something like that. And yeah, I think Adam likes horses. He is weird like that.

    SS – How did you guys come to form?  And when did the magic happen?

    TF – The band actually formed through a series of Craigslist ads. Adam always jokes about the first time he met Chad by saying “It was a successful Craigslist meeting because I didn’t get raped.” I think it has been over a year.

    SS – Who are some of your influences?

    TF – Influences range few and far between for our band. As for myself, I grew up on the “Wannabe Punk”, as the rest of the band calls it, consisting of Sum-41, Blink-182, and New Found Glory. However, I started to get into Metal and things like that. As of right now, my biggest influence is Nate Felty of Leylines, a local Syracuse band. Check them out. As for Adam, Chad, and Drew, they are all influenced by Lagwagon, Bad Religion, NOFX, Bad Astronaut, and Rise Against.

    SS – How is the success going for your street team? I mean the prizes you guys are offering: carrying your equipment around, a band member’s used bath towel… Who wouldn’t jump on that!

    TF – Our street team is so successful, it has five members: four of the band members and Chad’s cat, the panther. That’s about it. Who doesn’t want to rub my feet after a kick-ass show? Seriously.

    SS – On Valentine’s Day you said to expect big things soon; what kind of things can we expect in the near future?

    TF – The big things that are planned is the album, and we are going to begin playing shows again pretty soon, as the album is coming to a wrap.

    SS – I see that you guys like PBR! What words do you have for the hipster a**holes who hijacked the image of it?

    TF – To anyone who hurts PBR, you will die.

    SS – The horse heads in your photo albums are very comical. What caused you to use these horse heads?  Is it just a gimmick to go along with you name? What’s the story behind it?

    TF-The horse heads we use in our pictures for Facebook is kind of a play on our name, of course. It is comical to have pictures of people doing stupid stuff in a horse mask, am I right?

    SS – How does it feel to not be nominated for a Sammy?

    TF – MAN, I cant BELIEVE we were not nominated for a SAMMY after only playing, what, like four shows? Haha!

    SS – Adam, if someone were to open your fridge what would they find?

    TF-If you opened Adam’s fridge, it would be lined with Tofu and vegan stuff. Extra firm too. Oh baby.

    SS – Tim mentioned your album will be coming out soon. What has the creative process been like? I saw on Facebook you had to do multiple takes on the drum tracking. What have been the highs and lows making it? Remember, don’t spare any gritty details either!

    TF – Oh boy, the album. Well, we are recording it and producing it through Boilerplate Records, as Chad owns part of it. We recorded guitars, bass, and vocals down in his basement, and then transferred the studio to my house for the drum recording – the worst part… Drums suck to record. But overall, it has been a very fun and creative process, but one I would not want to go through all the time. I can speak for everyone on that.

    SS – Anything to be seen or heard from High Dive Horse in the near or distant future?

    TF – Expect the album! Thanks for interviewing us!

    SS – The pleasure was all mine, looking forward to seeing you guys in the future!

    Give them a like on Facebook; there are a few tracks there for download. Then head over to the 315 Street Team page and give us a like. I have Video interviews on my YouTube channel which is located in the “About” section. Support the scene and if you see these guys are playing, go and wile out!

  • Start Making Sense: A Talking Heads Tribute at The Bayou in Albany, February 7th

    After what felt like eternity, Start Making Sense: A Talking Heads Tribute made their return to the Capital Region on Thursday, February 7th. The Bayou Café in Albany welcomed the musicians with open arms and fully packed the dance floor. Start Making Sense recreates the music of Talking Heads known for their funky and punk New Wave 80’s dance parties.

    The night opened up with “Thank You for Sending Me An Angel”, lots of whoops and hollers as the drums start to rally the crowd. One of the many things I love about the Talking Heads music is the constant roller coaster volume of the lyrics. Start Making Sense is always a loud show, with every word being screamed at the top of everyone’s lungs such as “Pulled Up” and “Slippery People.” At one moment, you are yelling and stomping, giving way to your rebellious urges. The next you are gently grooving to “And She Was” and being swayed by “Air.”

    Start Making Sense performs the vast music styling’s of the Talking Heads with skilled ease and pure appreciation.  Lead man Jon Braun recreating David Byrne is spot on, including his clothes, crazy facial expressions and legendary vocals. Braun and the band have great flow with their dance moves, always a crowd pleaser. Before set break, Braun announced how “Thankful and happy the band was to be back in Upstate New York” and listed a few of their upcoming shows.

    The crowd does its best to keep up with Start Making Sense’s nonstop fireball energy being hurled throughout the second set. It’s a treat to watch the musicians laughing to each other and having just as much fun as we are. I personally enjoyed the second set better because I knew more of the songs. “Nothing but Flowers” followed by “Cities” was the best way to resume the dance party. “Burning Down the House” was electrifying. The show ended with wild keyboard ranges from “Girlfriend Is Better” into a mellow yet enthusiastic “Crosseyed and Painless.” Start Making Sense will lightly tour around the east coast, making stops in Maine, Vermont and Delaware, before returning to their home state of Pennsylvania. As the lights came on and the band started to pack up, my friends and I already were planning our next show to see them.

    Setlist:

    Set 1: Thank You For Sending Me an Angel, Pulled Up, Slippery People, And She Was, Air, Uh Oh Love Comes to Town, Psycho Killer, Drugs, Born Under Punches, Animals, Found A Job, Mind, What A Day That Was, Naïve Melody

    Set 2: Nothing But Flowers, Cities, Life During Wartime, Not In Love, Stay Hungry, Big Business/I Zimbra, Once In A Lifetime, Making Flippy Floppy, Burning Down the House, Girlfriend Is Better, Crosseyed and Painless

  • Big D and the Kids Table at Putnam Den, January 5th

    Going backstage to hang out with a band is always interesting.  You are never quite sure what you are going to get.  With Big D and the Kids Table it was a bunch of guys on couches and chairs around a table of fried chicken and Jameson Irish Whiskey.  That part was actually pretty normal.  What was strange was the conversation involving a viral video of Sonseed’s “Jesus is a Friend of Mine.”  Between watching the video on the iPad that was being passed around, to plans on redoing it as a ska or punk number, or finding a remake that another band did to mock the original.  Now the mystery of what happens back in the green room is gone forever.

    On the stage was completely different from a laid back, tongue in cheek conversation about a cheesy song.  What happened on stage was energetic, chasmatic, enthusiantic, and down-right fantastic.  The doors opened to the Putnam Den at 8pm and by 9pm the first of two opening bands, Sugar Eater, was met by over 100 fans. Sugar Eater is a Saratoga-based punk trio that have been playing together for 10 years.  They sounded great and to see an opening band surrounded by dozens of dancing, frantic lunatics by the stage as early as 9pm was an encouraging sign of what was ahead.  The most refreshing thing about Sugar Eater is that they have no sub-genre. They are PUNK. Simple, kick ass, grind it out, explosive, PUNK.  They will unfortunately be losing their bassist to the west coast, but I am hoping that they come back later this year with the same attitude and sound.  It will be a show that should not be missed.

    Next up was Rhodeachusetts-based Brunt of It, to say they were a traditional ska band would do them a great disservice.  Brunt of It could have been the headliner of any show in the capital region Saturday night and the cover charge would have been justified.  They are a big sounding ska band with an in-your-face punk attitude.  When the promoter thought of the line-up of how to get from Sugar Eater to Big D – Brunt of It was the perfect connecting piece.  Brunt of It’s vocals were what every band wants but few have – fast, furious and concise.  The horns section was outrageous and the bass and drums did not give you the choice -if you had a pulse you were dancing.  As to the dozens of people at the stage for Sugar Eater, add a couple more dozen lunatics to the bunch to imagine the dance floor at the Den.

    Big D and the Kids Table have been around for 17 years playing live nearly 200 times a year and supporting bands such as as Less Than Jake, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Dropkick Murphys, Mustard Plug, Rancid, Reel Big Fish, and Anti-Flag.  They had a headlining national tour in 2007.  They know their way around a stage and Saturday night at the Putnam Den was absolutely no different.  David McWane’s Boston bad boy charm combined with Ryan O’Connor’s deadly sax invaded Saratoga Springs.  While I was suspected the ska/punk feel that Big D has been known for overly the past decade and a half I was not entirely disappointed to find it replaced with a new twist to Dub Step.  The kids in the audience stomped and strutted and twirled with delight at the never-ending barrage of upbeat tempo with enough brass to tie the songs together. The show had seemingly everything.  There was even a break in the middle of the long set for a young concert goer to ask his girlfriend to marry him.  According to the band this is the third time that someone proposed at the Big D show.

    For the first weekend of the year, Putnam Den started out with a bang.  Would there have been more people there when Skidmore was in session? Or a little more after the New Year recovery?  We will never know.  We do know that live music is alive and well in Saratoga Springs and can be found every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.  No matter what your taste, keep an eye out for upcoming shows on the NYS Music site.

    Big D and the Kids Table – http://bigdandthekidstable.com/
    Brunt of It –      http://www.facebook.com/bruntofit
    Sugar Eater –     http://www.facebook.com/Sugar-Eater
    Putnam Den –     http://putnamden.com/