Walt Disney did it. William Shakespeare did too. It’s taking the metal of another one’s work, and spinning it into your own gold. It’s the alchemy of the creative mind. It’s declaring the statement, “I can take your idea, and make it better.” Cry to the Blind, a five-piece heavy rock band out of Rochester, NY, declared such a statement last month after walking into Oblivion Studios to record an already established hit. One month and more than 90,000 YouTube views later, the band has itself, what a growing contingent of fans and followers think, is gold.
“The past month or so has been pretty weird,” said Jon Lamanna, the band’s lead singer. Back in December, the band loaded up a studio video of their recording of Miley Cyrus’ mega-hit, Wrecking Ball. The reception to their hard rock version has been nothing short of exceptional, first leading to play time on local radio stations, and precipitating to national attention on Nikki Sixx’s syndicated show, and now satellite radio. It wasn’t long before they obtained mechanical rights from the copyright owner to allow them to perform and sell their version of the song.
“The energy and the excitement level at our shows, and online, are at a level I’ve never seen before. People just seem like they really believe in us now.”
It’s really inspiring to see.”
Rochester’s Cry to the Blind is basking in the glow of newly found attention. (Photo Credit: CTTB/Facebook)
The band has released three CDs independently since 2009. They are a heavy, modern rock band, who market themselves as a “therapeutic release” for their fans. They like to promote a “positive spin on the negative energy that surrounds us every day,” as stated on their Facebook page.
Jon explained that the inspiration to record the song came from a simple turn of his car’s radio dial, as he started his commute to work one November morning.
“The first time I heard the song, I thought it would make a great rock song. We’ve never done a cover. [This was] just a random idea. I texted Jesse (Maty), our guitar player, and said, ‘hey, have you heard that Miley Cyrus song “Wrecking Ball? I think it would be awesome as a rock song.’ He was like, ‘yeah, why not? Let’s give it a shot.’ He wasn’t into it as much as I was. But, when I polled the other guys in the band, they were really excited about it. .. As soon as we started rehearsing it, it sounded phenomenal.”
They changed up the second verse to make it rhythmic and heavy, which was (the band’s drummer), Jay Talarico’s idea. Together with Ryan Mcfaul on guitars and Kory Maclauchlan on bass, Jon said, “I think that’s what makes the song stand out.”
Since Cyrus released the song last August, Wrecking Ball has topped the pop charts in 13 different countries, including the United States. There have been a number of different cover versions released, including that from Rumer Willis, the 25-year-old daughter of actors Demi Moore and Bruce Willis.
Today, up to 40 radio stations, including Sirius Octane, is playing their song, and the positive feedback just keeps building. Jon said that the band has yet to be signed by a label; however, he says people who they’ve spoken to in the past, are coming back to talk.
“[We’re] pretty confident that things are going to continue to snowball in a good direction for us.”
Cry to the Blind play next at The Montage Music Hall in Rochester, NY on Saturday, February 15.
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.
AFR comprises of Alan Rohr (Vocals), Ledwing Hernandez (Guitars), Zach Sweedler (Guitars), Todd Church (Bass), and Brandon Lewis (Drums). (Photo Credit: Courtesy of AFR)
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.
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.
Rock on the Range is finally here! The playbill and corresponding dates were recently announced, marking another spectacular three days in rock. Rock on the Range dates have been set for the weekend of May 16-18, 2014. Crew Stadium, in Columbus, Ohio, hosts the event each year.
This year’s playbill for Rock On The Range has the likes of Avenged Sevenfold, Guns ‘N’ Roses, Kid Rock, Five Finger Death Punch, Slayer, Staind, Moterhead, Seether,Chevelle,Alterbridge, Killswitch Engage and more.
Rock on the Range is now considered an annual rock festival, and for the first time since its debut in 2007, the festival will now be three, full days of music. It will also feature a comedy tent for additional entertainment. Rock On The Range usually consists of mainstream rock bands with a classic band as the headliner each night.
Three different stages keeps the music flowing all day. In 2009-2011, the festival added a second city into the mix. Winnipeg, Manitoba, in Canada, held the event in the month of June for 2009 and in August 2010 and 2011, at the Canad Inns Stadium. The concert saw over 100,000 rangers attend the festival in 2013, and over 330,000 fans since it’s birth.
Observers of this event and genre of music say that a lot of the summer festivals, such Rockstar’s Mayhem and Uproar, spin-off from Rock On The Range.
Rochester lost a gem with this one. Despite its imperfections, Dub Land Underground was home for a variety of local bands, a destination for niche national acts and a launching pad for some of our regions finest musicians. Those memories are now all a thing of the past, as Dub Land closed their doors for good Friday, January 10th after seven years in operation. But rather than fade away quietly, why not go out with a bang? That was precisely the MO for Dub Land’s Last Call, bringing together local favorites Haewa, Ocupanther, Neurocepter, Mosaic Foundation, Roots Collider and a slew of DJs for one last (BIG) party. With non-stop music for nearly eight hours straight, and people spilling out into the parking lot and streets, this ‘good-bye’ was one for the books.
Haewa kicked things off to an expectant, loyal crowd, complete with fresh dancing legs, hula-hoops and half naked bodies. If you haven’t seen these guys yet, you really have to. Their energy and balls-to-the-wall approach to improvisational peaks and valleys is straight up dirty psychedelia. I have heard Haewa called ‘punk-jam’ and while I certainly wouldn’t confine them to these two boxes (far from it), they do have the energy and musical chops to back up both. Their relentless fire and connection with the room was the perfect way to start out the evening and let everyone know they were in for a good night.
By the time Ocupanther took the stage, the audience was already loose and the room was filling in quickly. Ocupanther, known for their dark textures and complex rhythms, did not fail to disappoint. Sort of like reading Pynchon, or watching a David Lynch film, you feel a certain way from start to finish—but you might miss subtle details if you’re not paying attention. Luckily they didn’t appear to have this problem, as the audience locked in and stuck with them for the shadowy musical ride through their compositions. As soon as Ocupanther finished up, Riley Beats spun my favorite DJ tracks of the night, with fat dance and disco-infused lines.
Neurocepter took the stage shortly after to a nearly packed (or so I thought…) room that now contained people wearing costumes, Barney the dinosaur masks, and of course those gloves with the light up fingers. Having never seen Neurocepter before, I really appreciated their taste for smooth, danceable grooves while maintaining machine-like precision. These guys were probably the most electronic-infused band of the night, but with a sound so pure and atmospheric, even the most die-hard traditionalists had no problem getting down.
The chilled-out, feel good vibe captured by Neurocepter lent itself nicely to the next band, Mosaic Foundation, who brought their roots reggae tunes to a now jam-packed room. Of course, Mosaic Foundation sounded good and had the audience moving perfectly in time to their thick harmonies. Having seen these guys a few times now, and being someone who is easily bored by the repetitive reggae upstroke, I have to give it up to Mosaic Foundation’s consistency and connection with the audience; no matter what type of genre you prefer, it’s hard not to dance (or at least sway in time) when they take the stage.
At this point in the night, the room downstairs at Dub Land was so full you could barely move. It became quite clear that where you were is where you would stay until Roots Collider finished. Luckily everyone had just enough room to breathe and groove, because as usual, Roots Collider came out flying and ready to end things on a high note. These folks mean business when they take the stage and completely reinvigorated the crowd’s energy. Their thumping rhythm section combined with organically produced dance lines successfully pulls off the ultimate goal ofcombining the old with the new; a ‘traditional’ rock band evolving one of the fastest growing genres of music in the last ten years, while acknowledging all the influences along the way. When Roots Collider left the stage, Dub Land Underground was a sweaty, smelly mess (more smelly than usual, which is tough to accomplish) with bittersweet smiling faces making their final walk up the narrow stairwell and out into the icy Rochester weather.
With the closing of such a unique and significant venue for local music, the obvious question becomes, “What now?” For a city so rich with local talent and diehard music fans, the void is tremendous. The Northeast certainly has a long lineage of music history, and Western New York has a certain amount of responsibility in maintaining that. Wherever and whenever the next venue pops up, one thing is clear: Dub Land will be deeply missed, but with any luck, will be an important and fondly remembered milestone of things to come from Rochester’s music scene.
Please enjoy this photo montage video of some of the nights moments featuring the intro to Ghostless (I Want One) from Ocupanther’s Progressor album.
The Montage Music Hall was rockin’ Saturday January 11, with a performance kicked off at 10pm by an up-and-coming band from Syracuse, The New Daze.
The band’s set was started with a medley, beginning with “Uncle Stremnf,” merging into a new version of one of their older songs, “Sloth Fingers”, a tease of The Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Sir Psycho Sexy”, and ending with a reprise of “Uncle Stremnf.” For only three guys, The New Daze brought a huge sound that couldn’t be tamed. The few people who were in attendance seemed mesmerized by psychedelic sound effects and guitar solos. The New Daze was accompanied by Steve Graf on percussion for their entire set and had keyboardist Mike McDonald of Formula 5 sit in for “Mike’s Song.” Their set closed with the track, “Off Brand,” from the band’s first album.
Despite the lack of a crowd, the Montage was roaring as The New Daze exited and the bandtook the spotlight. The intense jam started with their song “Perch Above the Earth,” followed by “The Fall” which included a sampling of Herbie Hancock’s classic, “Chameleon.” Mike McDonald’s piano and lead vocals were key in providing the band with its soulful sound.
The set continued with more long jams featuring guitar and bass solos that kept the crowd moving. “3 Ring Circus,” from their self-titled debut album featured Collin Jones of Hawea and Ocupanther on guitar as he displayed his mastery of guitar and manipulation his effects pedal. Don Nix’s song “Goin’ Down” was followed by an original, “Earthbound Tim”, with samples from Phish’s “Guyute.” The set wound down with another medley of “Pedro” and “Hottentot” by Medeski, Scofield, Martin, and Wood, finishing with two new originals titled “Rising Tide” and “Nu-Gen.” The small crowd sounded like well over 100 as they showed some love for the awesome performance.
The New Daze Setlist
Uncle Stremnf > Sloth Fingers % > Uncle Stremnf, Until September > Silly Me > When Prigs Fly, Sunroof Cop*, Pumpkins, Mike’s Song#, Don’t Touch My Tractor, Off Brand
*The New Daze debut
#with Mike McDonald of Formula 5 on keys
% “Sir Psycho Sexy” tease
entire set with Steve Graf on percussion
Formula 5 Setlist
Perch Above the Earth, The Fall#, Catch Me, The Ride -> 3 Ring Circus* -> Goin Down@ -> Earthbound Tim$, Pedro -> Hottentot^ -> Pedro, Rising Tide, Nu-Gen
# “Chameleon” (Herbie Hancock) tease
* with Collin Jones on guitar ( Haewa / OCUPANTHER)
@ Don Nix Cover (Jeff Beck arrangement)
$ “Guyute” (Phish) teases
^ Medeski, Scofield, Martin & Wood cover (partial)
The Buddhahood and FRIENDS present the 6th annual JANUARY THAW Concert! w-Special Guest THUNDER BODY! Come Celebrate the life, music, and birthday of The Late Great Tony Cavagnaro!
The January Thaw Concert brings together Rochester’s local music scene for a sensational celebration!
Sunday, January 19th, 2014 at Zeppa Bistro & Auditorium at the Historic German House.
Doors open at 7pm for the musical extravaganza! Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. (see below for ticket sales outlets)
The show pays tribute to Tony Cavagnaro, founding member of The Buddhahood, who passed on from this Earth, in a September 2007 car accident. The annual concert is a celebration of Tony’s life, music, and January birthday.
“Keeping Tony in our hearts and minds and at the forefront of our spirit as a group has helped keep The Buddhahood alive. Celebrating his musical legacy — and his January birthday — has become an annual tradition.” — Buddhahood bassist Rick Whitney
Proceeds raised by January Thaw go to the “Tony Cavagnaro Young Musician’s Scholarship Fund” to benefit Hochstein School of Music and Dance.
“Tony not only loved to write and perform his own music, he was a tireless mentor to his guitar students and to young bands just learning the ropes. The scholarship fund helps continue that legacy,” — Cavagnaro’s widow Jan Milliman
Ticket Sale Outlets:
Zeppa Bistro: (585-563-6241) 315 Gregory St. 14620.
Aarons Alley: (585-244-5044) 662 Monroe Ave.14607
Tickets are also available from all performers
After seven years, Dub Land Underground will be closing their doors for good—but not without one more jam-packed evening bringing together some of Rochester’s favorite bands. Dub Land, which has been a staple of Rochester’s music venues (specifically for jam bands and psychedelic DJs), is ready to say goodbye with a bang, featuring sets from area favorites Roots Collider, Haewa, Mosaic Foundation, Ocupanther, Neurocepter and Tim Tones. There will also be DJ sets throughout the night, with past RIPROC artists throwing down one last set.
The farewell is sure to be bittersweet, but local music fans can expect to see Dub Land go out on a high note, with music starting at 7PM and lasting until 4AM. The show is this Friday, January 10th, and with tickets costing only $10 (21+) / $15 (18+) for virtually nine hours of non-stop tunes, Dub Land’s Last Call is the only show in town.
Very rare now a days that a metal act sells out a show weeks in advanced; however, it should come to no surprise that Clutch sold out Rochester’s Montage Hall on the 29th.
Clutch may not have always been as big as acts like Metallica or Sabbath, but they have been just as consistent as acts of that stature. Clutch, during their 20-plus year career, has been playing in front of big crowds and constantly been releasing great material.
With their latest release Earth Rocker (which as praised by the UK’s Metal Hammer magazine as best album of 2013) Clutch will be spending the next year-and-a-half promoting this album, and with the first full leg of the tour in full swing, upstate New York was blessed to have Clutch rock the Montage, along with reunited veterans Into Another and Lionize.
One hour after the doors opened, the stage was graced by Lionize, a young four piece band out of Maryland. They have a Hard Rock/Alternative vibe from them. It was something different than what I am normally used to, but appropriate opener for a band like Clutch. What made them stand out is that they have a keyboardist. It’s really hard to compare them to other acts as they’re an entirely different breed. The crowd responded well to their 30-minute set. Lionize’s newest album, Jet Pack Soundtrack, will be coming out February 18th, as you will be looking for something new to add to your collection. I would expect Lionize to make more noise in upstate New York in the coming future.
By 8:45 Into Another started their 45-minute set. Into Another recently reunited after splitting in the late ’90s. I don’t know a whole lot about them other than they toured with White Zombie during their prime. Also they went into their set without one of their guitar players due to some kind of illness or accident. Very admirable they still chose to go on stage without one of their key members. I thought they were awesome. This was my first exposure to Into Another. And I think it’s safe to say it was the same for the rest of the crowd. They’re definitely more in the metal category. I would even go as far as they were more Acid Metal due to their use of a more distorted sound approach. Some of their tunes even had a nerdcore sound to them due to some inspiration of Star Wars and other sci fi movies. The crowd was receptive to them. Into Another is a veteran band that’s getting used to the road again. It will be interesting to see what they have planned after their cycle with Clutch finishes up.
Clutch took the stage at 10 pm with a stellar 16 song set. They opened their set with 2 songs off Earth Rocker, the title track and “Mr. Freedom.” Neil Fallon looked great on stage with his beard still epic as ever. Also Fallon is just coming of spinal surgery this past fall. So it was great to see him rocking the stage with such high energy. Half way into the set, Clutch played fan favorite “Cypress Grove” and the crowd ERUPTED. (and lit up) Then Fallon picked up the guitar for the mellower tune “The Regulator.” The remainder of the set consisted of more tunes off “Earth Rocker” and one tune from “Strange Cousins From The West.” After their set was finished, Clutch came out for an epic encore performance of the songs “Electric Worry” and “One Eye Dollar.” I guess the biggest surprise is they didn’t play “Spacegrass.” But it doesn’t matter. Clutch is out there doing what they do best. The band still sounds as tight as they ever had, never missing a beat, and keeping the energy at a high level. On a final note, this was personally my third time at the Montage. The sound of that place has never sounded better. I look forward to more shows there, and I look forward to the next time Clutch comes to upstate New York.
