Category: Features

Hearing Aide: The Motet’s Self-Titled Album

Fans have been patiently waiting for the new Motet album since last September when they expressed their excitement for it at The Catskill Chill Music Festival.

The wait is over and it was well worth it. The nine-piece funk band hailing from Boulder, Colorado has released their 7th album, The Motet, combining different layers of funk with disco, jazz and electronica making for an entertaining listen to get any party started. An album by any other name would still be as freaking sweet. Dave Watts, drummer and founder of The Motet said in an interview with The Marquee, “We decided just to call it The Motet. It’s kind of like a new beginning – like our debut CD,” citing lineup stability as the determining factor in the the title. The album is just under an hour long, with 55 glorious minutes of Motet music that showcases their growth as individuals and as an unstoppable funk machine in the span of nine tracks.

“Like We Own It” has electrifying keys from Joey Porter that gets you pumped up and ready to groove hard on that dance floor like it’s the 1980s. “123” has a standout bass rhythm that brings the funk with the horn section of Gabe Mervine on Trumpet and Matt Pitts on Tenor Sax kicking it to high gear and lyrics about the beauty of partying in their home state of CO. “Rynodub” is an all instrumental song with reggae flair and an eerie intergalactic vibe throughout the song with constant brass buildups and echoing percussion from Motet founder and leader, Dave Watts. “Closed Mouth Don’t get Fed” an upbeat melody with a strong and simple message that if you keep your mouth, ears and mind closed, you will not grow. Music is nourishing. Feed yourself right with The Motet.

“Extraordinary High” has a light dash of disco with a swirling groove of the soulful Kim Dawson on vocals. “Rich In People” is a sing along anthem with the in sync harmonies of rebellion lead by Jans Ingber, bizarre key loops and rocking guitar riffs from Ryan Jalbert and Dan Schwindt. “The Fountain” has a dirty bass groove from Garrett Sayers that flows throughout the all instrumental track with the help of a solid rhythm with haunting electronic twists. The feel good jam of “Knock It Down” takes a turn into a dark funk jam with thrilling and fading echoes. The album ends with “Keep On Don’t Stoppin” a back and forth game of tag between every instrument, where each musician has outbursts that take it up a notch with great timing resulting in a groovy climactic combo along with the fun loving vocoder/talkbox.

Key Tracks: Like We Own It, Rynodub, Keep on Don’t Stoppin

The album is available for free stream on Soundcloud and you can download some of their live performances for free on their website. Stay up to date with The Motet on Facebook and Twitter. Don’t miss The Motet when they head to Brooklyn Bowl in NYC on April 4th.

January 28, 2014
In Memoriam: Pete Seeger

Folk music legend and activist Pete Seeger died this morning at 94. An activist, teacher, singer and influence on generations of musicians, Seeger dedicated his life to music, playing a banjo that read “This machine surrounds hate and forces it to surrender”. He was pre-deceased by his wife of 60 years, Toshi Seeger.

A lifelong resident of New York, Pete Seeger learned folk music from his father, Charles Seeger, and in turn influenced musicians from Bob Dylan to Joan Baez and Bruce Springsteen to Tom Morello. His musical impact and influence is far-reaching and encompasses songs that few identify with Seeger, for other musicians made their name with his words – Dylan, The Byrds, and Peter, Paul and Mary, to name a few. Pete Seeger spent a lifetime writing and teaching music to anyone and everyone, always with a positive outlook on the future, instilling in all the hope and courage to do the right thing and stand up for one another.

Even at Seeger’s 90th birthday concert on May 3, 2009 at Madison Square Garden, he was still teaching music. With a star-studded lineup to play his songs and more, Seeger talked history while teaching the audience the harmony to “Amazing Grace”, guiding the crowd through extended verses of the American original.

Agile even in his 90’s, Seeger never showed signs of retiring or slowing down, even making an appearance at Farm Aid in September 2013 at Saratoga Performing Arts Center. A surprise appearance, Seeger sang “The Hammer Song” and “This Land is Your Land”, adding in a new verse: “New York is my home, New York is your home. From the Upstate mountains to the ocean foam. With all kinds of people, yes, we’re poly-grown (sic), New York was meant to be frack free”, keeping his environmental activism at the forefront of his life. Mixing politics with music might be risky for some, but for Seeger, it was a day at the office.

His left-leaning views brought the ire of Joseph McCarthy and the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) in the 1950’s, when Seeger refused to testify and answer questions on his alleged communist beliefs. Seeger did not flinch during the Red Scare, despite death threats to him and his family. What was an effort to overshadow his legacy and silence his voice were fuel to the fire that burned inside. In the decade that followed, Seeger’s songs became an anthem of the turbulent 1960’s, making him a harbinger of change. Never slowing down in his activism and music, he performed well into his 94th year.

In 2009, as I began work on a book on music festivals I made a list of musicians I wanted to seek out for their input on the oral history of festivals that were not part of historical records. I sought out Seeger, feeling he must have a trove of stories on past events and festivals that took place in the middle of the 20th Century. Upon discovering his mailing address, I wrote him the letter below. To my surprise, he replied! He wrote back,

“Pete – I know almost nothing about festivals except Newport 1959-1969. I’m also swamped with work. If you want to come to one of our little free waterfront festivals in Beacon I could spare a 1/2 hour. Try the Strawberry Festival June 14 or the Corn Fest August 9th. Hastily, old Pete”

Undeterred and excited to have a conversation started with Seeger, I wrote back and told him I would see him at the Strawberry Festival (you will never eat better Strawberry Shortcake). This time, he sent his form letter with a note “Pete – see you June 14. I’ll be there AM. After my “set” it’s too crowded. I go.”

His reply, while reassuring and led to a walking interview, isn’t what drew me in. It’s not every day you correspond with an historic musician. It was the middle paragraph where he encourages involvement and activism, quite convincingly.

“I urge you: Stay well. Keep involved. Don’t give up. The agricultral revolution took thousands of years. The industrial revolution took hundreds of years. The information revolution is taking only decades. If we use it, and the brains God gave us, who knows what miracles may take place. Some of them already have.”

Seeger’s legacy will live on for generations, through music, through the Clearwater, through activism and protest, and above all, through hope for a better tomorrow.

“People ask, is there one word that you have more faith in that any other word, and I’d say it’s participation. I feel that this takes on so many meanings. The composer John Philip Sousa said ‘What will happen to the America voice now that the phonograph has been invented? Women used to sing lullabies to their children.’ It’s been my life’s work, to get participation, whether it’s a union song, or a peace song, civil rights, or a woman’s movement or gay liberation. When you sing, you feel a kind of strength; you think, I’m not alone, there’s a whole bunch of us who feel this way. I’m just one person, but it’s almost my religion now to persuade people that even if it’s only you and three others, do something. You and one another, do something. If it’s only you, and you do a good job as a songwriter, people will sing it.” – excerpt from the well-written narrative of Seeger’s life, The Protest Singer (Wilkinson 2009), including his testimony before HUAC and how his father’s music shaped his life. A must read.

January 28, 2014
The Waiting Room Comes Alive with The Werks and Funktional Flow

It was cold night on Wednesday in downtown Buffalo, however this was not the scene at The Waiting Room, one of the hottest venues to catch a show. You could sense it in the air that there was going to be a sort of dance frenzy that would make it feel as if it was a summertime festival.

Funktional Flow started off the night, and for people who have not seen these guys in action you are completely missing out. Funktional Flow is a four-man group full of talent from Ben Whelan (Bass), Jeff Kuebler (guitar, vocals), Jim Edgar (drums) and Mike Szcepanik (guitar and vocals), who play well together and it shows on stage. Ben Whelan just enjoys to really lay down the groove, and that is very evident with his emotional playing. Mike Szcepanik is an unbelievable guitar player, and a real hidden gem in the Buffalo music scene. His guitar work on a cover of Phish’s “Slave To The Traffic Light” was on point and really tore the roof off with their rendition. Funktional Flow’s next show is in Oneonta, NY on January 30th at Black Oak Tavern.

The Werks headlined the evening and brought their “A” game. The tour started in Buffalo, but didn’t seem like their first show as they were firing on all cylinders. Hailing from Dayton, OH, they have been really heating up the Jam circuit and it really shows through their fanbase. Chris Houser (guitar and vocals), Rob Chafin (drums, vocals), Dino Dimitrouleas (bass) and Dan Shaw (keys, filling in for Norman Dimitrouleas) embrace their fans and their show feeds off the energy of the crowd. Houser is a very talented guitarist with a very laid back vibe. Houser brings the fans on a musical road trip with is extensive soloing, making him a real joy to watch and listen to on stage.

The Werks opened the Waiting Room show with “Guido”, which got the crowd moving and shaking from start to finish. When they played Deep Purple’s “Hush” the crowd was singing and dancing right along. I was personally happy to hear them play the fan favorite “Duck Farm” which I had on a daily rotation on my phone leading up to the show. Chafin on the kit with his side stage setup really brought the drums to the forefront during “Hard to Find > Drums > Hard to Find”. Dimitrouleas and Shaw bring a lot to the table and their interactions with the crowd really put a warm smile on your face. The Werks closed with “Burning Groove”, another fan favorite.

January 28, 2014
Hearing Aide: Hard Working Americans Self-Titled Debut Album
Hard Working Americans, a new collective of musicians out of Nashville, TN, released their self-titled debut this week on Melvin Records/Thirty Tigers. Led by singer-songwriter Todd Snider, the band captures 11 songs written by notable country, blues, and folk-rock musicians and reinvents them as their own. Joining Snider is an all-star group of like-minded individuals representing a spectrum of styles: Dave Schools – bass (Widespread Panic), Neal Casal – guitar (The Chris Robinson Brotherhood), Chad Staehly – keys (Great American Taxi), and Duane Trucks – drums (Col. Bruce Hampton’s School of Music and of the Trucks family lineage).

Hard Working Americans is a smart and well planned selection of songs for an album intended to capture the spirit of what the band’s name suggests. This album is reminiscent of Johnny Winter’s 2011 comeback release Roots where Johnny covers blues standards with an all-star lineup of guest musicians varying between each song.

The performance on six of the tracks retain much of the feel and emotion of the original performances, though the sound is often more robust with added instrumentation. The other five tracks are significantly reworked making Hard Working Americans’ performance of them their own.

“Blackland Farmer” is electrified from an acoustic country tune to one with a straight-ahead blues feel while retaining some of those country elements on slide guitar. A similar rework was done on “The Mountain Song” though retaining less of the original country version. “Stomp and Holler” is slowed down slightly from the rockabilly style of the original with a harmonica solo taking the lead rather than guitar. “Straight To Hell” is performed in a way that gives it much more emotion than the original recording, though both versions are equally appealing in their own ways. “Run A Mile” is much like the original; however a fun twist is added mid song with a brief hard hitting interlude before returning back to its starting pace.

Hard Working Americans is an enjoyable, well produced album to listen to from start to finish. A notable feature of the album is the sequencing of the songs which works to tell a story of the blue collar American. As a debut cover album, Hard Working Americans has established the band as a capable new collective of musicians with a solid chemistry. Though the band does not have original material recorded yet it is anticipated that, given the talent of the band, it would be well received by music fans. Hard Working Americans is touring in support of their debut album and it will be interesting to see what what they bring to the stage aside from this album.

Track Listing: (Original performer in parenthesis)
1. Blackland Farmer (Elizabeth Cook)
2. Another Train (Will Kimbrough)
3. Down To The Well (Kevin Gordon & Lucinda Williams)
4. The Mountain Song (Kieran Kane, Chad Jeffers, Sean Locke)
5. Stomp and Holler (Hayes Carll)
6. Straight To Hell (Drivin’ N’ Cryin’)
7. Welfare Music (The Bottle Rockets)
8. Mr. President (Have Pity On The Working Man) (Randy Newman)
9. Run A Mile (BR5-49)
10. I Don’t Have A Gun (Will Kimbrough & Tommy Womack)
11. Wrecking Ball (David Rawlings & Gillian Welch)
Key Tracks: Stomp and Holler, Straight To Hell, Run A Mile

Find out more about Hard Working Americans and details on how to get the album on their website and on Facebook.
January 27, 2014
Wild Adriatic Rocks The Hollow for Album Release Show

Wild Adriatic’s new album Big Suspicious was released on Saturday, January 18th in Albany and to celebrate, the band played an all-out rock and roll show to a sold out crowd at The Hollow Bar + Kitchen. The band was feeding off of the energy of the crowd for their hour and a half long set; bringing everything they had in their musical bag of tricks and more to the frenzied audience.

The evening started with The Black Fox River Project and their country-flavored rock tunes filling the venue with slide guitars and harmonies. Their music is better meant for summer time instead of the bitter cold winter that was taking place outside, but it made everyone inside the venue feel that much closer to the warmer weather to come. Their set ended with a great up-tempo rock number that had the crowd dancing for the first time of the evening, in what would become the norm for the remainder of the night.

Buffalo natives Aqueous were up next and came out of the gates swinging with funky laced rock that kept the crowd going for almost an hour straight. Dave Loss switched from his guitar to his keyboard throughout the entire set, showing great skills on both instruments, while Mike Gantzer ripped solos on his guitar continuously bringing many cheers from the crowd. Evan McPhaden and Nick Sonricker, on bass and drums respectively, held down the grooves for the other two to work over. Aqueous showed the crowd during their set why they are on the rise and ready for a huge year.

The jam-packed crowd seemed to get even thicker by the time Wild Adriatic took the stage. Travis Gray’s distinctly soaring vocals were perfect during the entire set, as was Rich Derbyshire’s superb bass playing, and Mateo Vosganian’s drum kit rattled all evening as he pounded endlessly. The band was joined by Pat Daley on keys during the set to celebrate his inclusion on the album. On a couple of songs the band was also joined by a three part horn section that added an extra element to the already amazing music being played.

Covering almost their entire album, as well as a cover of the classic “Shout”, Wild Adriatic played a show to remember to start off a year that will see them go all over the country and play South by Southwest. Their brand of rock and roll reverberates to the 70s bluesy garage era of music that comes out and takes your breath away from all the dancing that goes on. Ending on a cover of Led Zeppelin’s “Immigrant Song” many members of the audience climbed onto the stage to dance with the band as they tore through the number. The show was being filmed by the band and hopefully we will all get to relive the show again soon.

Setlist: Your Man, Mess Around, The Fool, Holding You, Trouble, Cooperstown, Tight Grip, Lose My Mind, Because of Me, Shout, 40 Days, Heavy Soul, Letter, Lonely, Woe, The Spark, Immigrant Song

January 27, 2014
Man Man set to Play The Haunt With Xenia Rubinos January 29

Man Man will be performing with Xenia Rubinos at Ithaca’s The Haunt on Wednesday January 29^th. Man Man is an energetic five-man crew that hails from Philadelphia. Since the band’s formation in 2003, they have been making music that cannot be contained by a single genre, but can only be categorized as experimental.

Man Man’s unique sound seems to have many influences and hints of 50’s rock & roll, psychedelic jam, Russian folk, and something that’s completely their own. Focused around leader singer and pianist Honus Honus, the band’s music uses instruments ranging from spoons to Chinese funeral horns. Their fifth and most recent album On Oni Pond, released in 2013, exhibits a new or possibly just another side of Man Man that seems more mellow and soulful.

Man Man’s upcoming show is part of their countrywide tour with Xenia Rubinos, an equally unique group that has combined rock, funk, soul, and Latin music in a way that has never been done before. Last year the band released their debut album, Magic Trix, and has been quickly gaining popularity. Man Man and Xenia Rubinos should combine for an amazing and exceptional show that Ithacans are bound to love. The performance begins at 9 pm and will cost $15 at the door.

January 27, 2014
Break Science Kicks Off “Seven Bridges Tour” On the Right Foot, January 22

The Hollow was alive with energy in the early hours of Wednesday night for Break Science with special guest Paul Basic on January 22nd. Paul Basic took the stage first with a seemingly packed house full of adoring fans.

The crowd was flooded with fans plastered in “Pretty Lights Fam” pins, hats and shirts and it was certainly evident that these artists have a significant amount of love and respect within the music scene. The moment Basic began to play it was evident why he had attracted so much hype straight out of the gate. His music fused hip hop, dub step, glitch-hop, funk, hard samples and a variety of different techniques and genres to create a unique sound that fits perfectly within the various artists that combine to make up the Pretty Lights music label. Basic played in a band with both Pretty Light’s Derek Vincent Smith and Michael Menert. Eventually the three went on their separate ways and it wasn’t until years later that they synced back up to create the music they play today. Basic played many songs off his LP Transient Horizons and put on an overall excellent performance and showed an astounding amount of talent for an up and coming DJ.

Break Science came on shortly after Paul Basic left the stage and delivered a performance with such a ridiculous amount of energy and intensity. Borahm Lee and Adam Deitch unite to make such a new and different sound with such epic complexities. The samples they utilize encompass the old school, underground Brooklyn music scene layered with a new current sound that seems almost impossible to blend so perfectly. When asked about the influences of the samples they choose and music they play, Deitch spoke about the influences his father, who is also a musician, had on his musical palette. Artists like Aretha Franklin, Earth, Wind and Fire, Stevie Wonder, etc. were just some of the artists that he wanted to bring into his work to introduce to his fans. He stated, “I grew up on Funk, I got into hip-hop as a teen, and right now it’s about electronic is now.” It is evident that both Lee and Deitch are both extremely passionate about the music they create, and because of that drive they are given the platform to perform with such intensity.

When asked about playing New York, which is both Lee and Deitch’s home state, they both spoke so highly Albany and the devotion all of their fans have for the music they create. Both artists were surprised that even with the freezing cold weather of upstate, the turnout was phenomenal and the energy was at a high. Due to the layout of the Hollow this was also a much more intimate experience for both the fans and the artists. It is obvious that both Break Science and Paul Basic have a lot of love in the Albany music scene and they will be looking forward to their return.

January 27, 2014
An Upstate look at Rochester’s AFR

There’s a rumbling coming from Western New York as of late; or so it seems from the perspective of the editor’s desk here at Upstate Metal, as we’ve had our eyes forcibly opened ala Clockwork Orange to the music scene out of Rochester, New York.

The epicenter is discernablly originated from underneath whichever stage AFR plays. The heavy metal group phones out from the 585 Area Code, and in the short time since they formed in April of 2012, they’ve fostered a following with an enormous fan base – geographically speaking.

AFR comes off as an eclectic sounding band, listing a broad focus of infuences that range from Dream Theatre to Lamb of God. Signed by Buffalo’s Dead Trash Mob records, the boys like to describe their sound as, “if Pantera and Lamb Of God had a baby.”

Upstate Metal recently had the opportunity of communicating with the band’s bassist, Todd Church. Church is the neophyte of the band, stepping on board with AFR last October. As with many local rockers, Church has a day job to pay the bills. Only, as you’ll quickly learn, his day job is almost as interesting as his nighttime persona. We talk to him about that, and more, plus what fans should expect from the band in the next few months.

Hallisey: You joined the band in October of last year, right? Tell me a little bit about how you joined the crew, and what kind of struggles do you have being with a band that’s already struck out on its own before you came along?

Church: Actually the band was advertising on Craig’s list back in the summer of 2013 and during that time I went to see one of their shows to check them out and was really impressed with the show and the music. After the show, I met up with the guys and hit it off pretty good. The transition from me learning the songs and doing my first show was literally two weeks when the lead singer Alan called me up and asked me to play that coming weekend show at the Montage Music Hall in Rochester, NY. Sometime in September. Surprisingly it went really well with the short time I had to learn their set list.

Hallisey: You’re a chemist, scientist? Is being a musician your alter ego?

Church: Definitely, I’m an Environmental Scientist these days; listening to a little Lamb of God or Pantera while working away! It’s always been kind of a joke in just about all the bands I’ve been in over the years. I would tell people I’m a scientist and everyone would be like, yeah right!

Hallisey: I don’t assume you’re cooking meth in an RV out in the New Mexico desert, am I right?

Church: Laughs. No! I’m pretty much tied to a computer these days. I currently work as a consultant providing chemistry/biology technical support to project teams and field sampling teams globally.

Hallisey: Is rock and roll a dream or a pastime for you? Do you see professional aspirations conflicting with your music?

Church: I never did or will quit the dream! I’ve been a musician most of my life starting in my elementary band playing the trombone. I’ve played in metal bands for long time. At one point in my life toured with my metal band throughout Michigan whom is still together but under different name now. Fortunately my job is pretty demanding but also flexible as well so seems to work out good. It would definitely be an easy decision on which way to go if the opportunity and money was right!

Hallisey: Speaking of music, how involved are you in the song writing?

Church: I’m at a point now with AFR that I am contributing to the music writing process with our upcoming EP that we have been working on. Each of us encourage each other to help with the writing process so it’s actually a fun and rewarding process.

Hallisey: Where do you draw your inspiration from?

Church: As with most musicians and artists alike, inspiration comes from the soul. We all have a history whether good or bad, and being able to convey it to the music is incredibly fulfilling.

Hallisey: Who are your idols, and what characteristics do you try to take from them into your own play?

Church: I have been a huge fan of music in general as long as I can remember listening to my parents old Motown and classic rock records growing up. After being introduced to Geezer Butler of Black Sabbath, I knew that is what I wanted to do! Throughout the years, I would have to say Steve Harris from Iron Maiden as well as Cliff Burton, Jason Newsted and Robert Trujillo were also huge influences on me as well. Robert is a madman to watch play!

Hallisey: I often hear musicians today speak of being involved in a battle to revitalize rock and roll. How do you feel being a part of such a scene where pop culture seems to have left it behind?

Church: I definitely have witnessed that over the years. Not only with music but even dealing with venues/clubs who have completely changed their lineup due to low attendance with the Rock culture and changing over to country music in hopes to draw more crowds. I’m not sure if that has changed today, but believe the metal/rock scene is just as strong today. I’ve always been involved with original bands and finding venues and getting large crowds to come see you has always been challenging.

We have been blessed with great venues and fans across upstate New York and don’t really feel that there is a battle at all and that there is always a place for metal.

Hallisey: What do you bring to the table for the band, that makes this band shine?

Church: When I first saw AFR play live, I felt a connection with the music and vibe instantly. I’d like to think I bring a prominent and heavy but unique sound quality that I believe will compliment what is already a powerful sound.

Hallisey: What does the band bring to the table for metal, to help metal make a comeback?

Church: Since I’ve been in upstate NY I have seen a lot of great cover and original bands. I think AFR stands out from the crowd with the some familiarity of the their sound but yet uniqueness which I see draws listeners interested from the first note until the last. Its been a great experience this far and looking forward to the future of this band.

Hallisey: You guys are working on a new EP, how far along are you with that?

Church: Yeah, we have been working really hard on our new upcoming EP since late November early December and pretty excited about. We have a few songs that are completed now but we wanted to spend the time to give our fans more than just a single release or two. It’s definitely going to have a new heavy feel but keep true to our roots.

Hallisey: When can we expect a release?

Church: Our first EP, A Hero to Villains, which was released in 2012 under the Buffalo, NY record label Dead Trash Mob Records, has had a really good response and we’re expecting to release our new upcoming EP late spring/early summer 2014.

Hallisey: A radio show in Germany knows about you guys. How does that happen, and does that obligate you guys to cover a David Hasselhoff tune or two?

Church: Well, if we end up touring Germany, we will be sure to call our ride “K.I.T.T.”! Laughs.

Today, it’s almost endless on how or where to advertise at a touch of a button. You can find out music on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, Facebook, Reverbnation and more. One of the best ways is always by word of mouth and the social networking apps like Facebook but of course, you still have to have a descent product so people do pass along. Its been great how our fan base has been growing and spreading to new fans worldwide, including Germany, in such a short amount of time.

For more band info, you can find us here:

www.facebook.com/AFRmetalrochester

www.reverbnation.com/artist/afrmetalrochester

AFR comprises of Alan Rohr (Vocals), Ledwing Hernandez (Guitars), Zach Sweedler (Guitars), Todd Church (Bass), and Brandon Lewis (Drums). (Photo Credit: Courtesy of AFR)

January 27, 2014
The David Mayfield Parade in Rochester Tonight!

A bluegrass background mixed with a punk-rock like attitude and a dash of a carnival side-show — The David Mayfield Parade is an experience one won’t soon forget.

Photo By: Impressions Concert Photography

You may have seen him recently with The Avett Brothers or Mumford & Sons. He sits in regularly with both bands, showcasing his unique style of guitar/mandolin playing and his natural charisma.

Tonight however, Rochester is in for a treat! The band will be playing at Abilene Bar & Lounge. They will be joined by special guests Kalob Griffin Band. Doors open at 7PM and the music starts at 9PM tickets are $15 at the door.

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January 25, 2014
Hearing Aide: Blue Falcon “First Flight”

John Viviani’s latest incarnation is Blue Falcon, the Rochester guitarist/singer/songwriter teams with drummer/vocalist Devon Trammel and bassist/vocalist Ben Stephanus. First Flight, their debut EP was released last August and continues to garner critical acclaim across the Northeast, and here’s some more!

After reviewing Filthy Funk for this publication I knew I’d keep track of what John was up to musically, I couldn’t have asked for a better direction for him to take as he spun it right into my wheelhouse. A product of the irrepressible Rochester scene, John’s place as a guitarist is already well documented, Devon and Ben are held to the same high expectations and they don’t disappoint for a moment here. Add producer and engineer to John’s credits along with the able hands and ears of Nick Murray on the mix, mastering by Brian Moore at Redbooth Recording.

“Slow Drag” is a great choice as opener with each instrumentalist having space to put an initial signature on the EP, from John’s crunchy rhythm line and outro solo, to Devon and Ben holding tight to, then whipping the reigns, layer on the vocals and “Slow Drag” comes out of the gate fast. They ease in some funk on “Tellin’ Lies” while holding to the theme of pop/rock until they break out into almost a surf-rock break under John’s solo. The recurring vocal layering is thick and biting, quite the contrast from the sweetness most executions like this get. They take a collective swipe at the bane of American life, entitlement, in “Growing Up American”. Machine gun lyrical bites taken from daily existence, forced along by an STP-like aural assault and the hypnotic line, “Growin’ up American, Thinkin’ you are better than, Growin’ up American”. “Internet Celebrity” thematically follows, reaching deep into the pop-rock groove, right down to the low-fi mix, sugary vocals and killer chorus, almost sounds Bram Tchaikovsky-ish. I really think they should have credited Elvis a little on the jacket, but the adulation is obvious and really well-done. The closer, “See Ya Self” wraps it up cleanly and leaves this listener waiting for the next cut.

I hear a little familiar harmonization from The Zombies latest release, specifically “If There Was Any Other Way”, I’m sure there’s a name for it, but I’m a listener, not a musician. Extremely high praise to Blue Falcon for that, there’s always something comforting about familiarity, it makes the music accessible on another level. Hopefully the band’s name isn’t derived from some of the definitions available, but if it did, it was for the better! Check them out at the link below and see them live when you can, rock isn’t dead quite yet.

You can find Blue Falcon on Bandcamp and Facebook.

Key Tracks: Growing Up American, Internet Celebrity

January 24, 2014