NYS Music 20​15

Author: Jimmy Chambers

  • Camp Bisco: New Place, Better Party

    Walking into Camp Bisco was quite different this year than in years past. For starters, the bikers were replaced with police which kept things on the up and up and lead to a safer vibe throughout. As I walked in, there were two rows of your standard concert venders: merchandise, burritos, wicked gems, and further down the path was a small stage called Steamtown Stage. This stage was located in a smaller area right in front of the entrance to Montage Mountain, where there always seemed to be a bunch of people having fun.

    Once you walked through the main gate there were, of course, more vendors, but also there were water stations strategically stationed around the venue so people could be safe and keep hydrated. The path further led to the main stage, Electric City Stage, with a pavilion feel and covered with a huge white tent — which would come in handy later on in the weekend. Past the Electric City Stage there were more vendors and checkpoints on the way to the water park, which had three slides, a wave pool and a lazy river. With the temperatures as high as they were, this would come in handy for those who wish to partake. Even cooler, just past the wave pool was the second main stage, which stage looked over a mountain where you could catch a glimpse of people zip lining or going on a scenic chair lift ride. This area was also home to the disco lounge. Inside the lounge DJs spun records and kids hula hooped, which continued throughout the festival. All in all, Montage Mountain was set up perfectly for Camp Bisco.

    On Thursday, the Business Casual Disco started things off with a bang on the electric city stage. The smooth bass beats set everyone up for what was to be a rocking weekend. Kung Fu brought their unique sound to the Above the Waves stage, which is a double entendre — being next to the wave pool, and also being one of the Disco Biscuits classic songs. With the newly recruited Beau Sasser on keys, his presence was made very prominent throughout the band’s set. Being next to the wave pool and surrounded by tons of water rides, one might have asked themselves “Where am I?” You, my friend, are at the new Camp Bisco, where Kung Fu played their intricate part in adding excitement and fun to the party. It was almost Kismet as the band was finishing up their set, the sun slowly sunk behind the stage making for a most blissful moment. Sound Tribe Sector 9 tore things up back on the Electric City stage, and with beats galore a smile was on everyone’s face. Opening with “March” was the perfect choice. A bouncy number that had even the biggest skeptics hooked. A different rendition of the Nina Simone classic “New Dawn, New Day” was also a treat. It enabled people who may not be familiar with the bands catalog to connect. There was no other act better suited to open up for the The Disco Biscuits.

    Marc Brownstein began the Biscuits set on the microphone with an announcement that they had started in Pennsylvania in 1999 and after a few years away it was good to be back home. When that segued into the Prince’s Purple rain hit “1999,” the crowd went totally nuts. Starting out with this song was an inspired way to kick off the party. Everyone was into it and it left the door open to endless possibilities, such as “Mr. Don” and a huge “Reactor” closer, which left confetti strewn all over as it popped right at the end. Sheer entertainment brilliance. After the Disco Biscuits, Twiddle played on the Above the Waves stage to a miniscule crowd — it didn’t help that Pretty Lights was playing the Electric City stage. Regardless of the numbers, these guys tore it up. With the raspy lead vocals of Mihali Savoulidis and his wailing guitar, there was no way those in attendance weren’t going to have a good time.

    Pigeons Playing Ping Pong brought their raging style to the Above the Waves stage to kick off day two. Although there were many highlights in this electro fusions band’s set, none was more prominent than the Talking Heads cover “Psycho Killer.” The way lead singer Greg Ormont captured the spirit of the song was unparalleled, they had the whole crowd into their set with people actually walking around like pigeons! It was kind of weird but enormously fun. American Babies, Tom Hamilton’s home base, played a stellar set. The vocal range of Hamilton was soothing with passion while bassist Clay Parnell played with one hand. (His left hand appeared to be in a brace of some sort.) Hamilton’s shredding guitar brought the set to a close, leaving fans old and new wanting more. The indie electric duo CHERUB brought a new sound to the stage. Reminiscent of MGMT, the duo uses a lot of looping and beats to make their sound different. Their vocal ranges were in a league of their own hitting high and low all in the same line of a song. It’s refreshing to see a band take an idea and make it a reality, which is what CHERUB did.

    For their second night of music the Disco Biscuits focused on their inversion style, inverting four songs in two sets. This is a style unique to the Biscuits which involves playing the middle and the end of the song before going back into the beginning. It’s really something to see. Opening with “Beethoven’s Fifth” and going into an inverted “House Dog Party Favor” was out of this world and performed flawlessly. As a surprise and a pleasant one at that, Marc Brownstein called up a guest singer to help the Biscuits take on the Hall and Oates number “She’s Gone.” This throwback got everyone’s attention, resulting in high fives circulating through the crowd and there was a happy vibe throughout the whole pavilion. The second set opened with the Grateful Dead’s “Help on the way > Slipnot” with a little help from Tom Hamilton. It was cool how they played homage to the Dead in a different way than most bands do. This was the Biscuits playing as the Biscuits, but playing a Dead song – not your average cover. This is when the fun really started for the fans as well as the band. Three inversions in a row: “Confrontation,” “Overture” and “Above the waves.” The Biscuits kept the crowd on their toes never knowing which song was coming next or which way it would be played. The covers continued with a take on Pink Floyd’s “Us and Them” featuring Dominic Lalli of Big Gigantic on the saxophone. This slow melodic song showed a different side of the Biscuits, a more patient side and Dom’s sax only added to that serenity — really nicely done. This segued into the set closer “Helicopters” which took the subdued crowd and brought their energy back, preparing them for day three of Camp Bisco.

    Saturday at Camp Bisco is always a little more filled with music than the days prior. The Disco Biscuits played 3 sets and if that wasn’t enough, there was something happening on most of the stages all day so boredom didn’t have a chance. The Disco Biscuits opened the Electric City Stage with the crowd pleaser “Astronaut,” a perfect start to the set, followed by a dark version of the staple “Vassilios” and finishing with an epic “I-man.” If this was the kind of set they opened with, one could only imagine what was to come later on. Reptar, a band hailing from Atlanta, Georgia played at the Above the Waves stage. Reptar had an indie punk feel to them with a lot of energy and the crowd ate it up. They would have been a great segue into Papadiso but due to a severe weather warning their set was pushed back and everyone was asked to please seek shelter. This is where the white tent came in handy. People huddled around the area waiting for the storm to pass. When it finally did, it left a euphoric rainbow and fantastic vibes. Since most people were under the tent anyway, they stayed for the Disco Biscuits. The energy was intense. Opening up with the classical piece “Saber Dance” the band showed off their diversity and solidified that they are not just a transfusion band, as they previously did in the festival by playing “Beethoven’s Fifth.” This set was solid with “Konkrete,” “Crystal Ball” and a Muse cover “Knights of Cydonia.” The latter was an extra special treat as it was the first time they had ever played it. Bassnectar was up next and made a lot of people extremely happy. His legions of fans took over the pavilion leaving Disco Biscuit fans to wander around aimlessly waiting for the Biscuits to reemerge. T just kept going and going and every song or beat or whatever it was sounded the same, but these fans ate it up. One fan actually said “I live for Lorin (Bassnectars real name).” Everything may not be for everyone but the crowd seemed to have a really good time. As the Bassheads dispersed to one of the DJ venues, the Bisco fans proudly regained their seats and were ready for the last set of the weekend, performed by the festivals namesake, The Disco Biscuits. Their last set was played so tightly and patiently you were able to tell that the boys have been practicing. This became even more apparent when they covered LCD Soundsystems “Home”. The whole crowd was bouncing and high fiving. It was definitely the highlight, not just of the set, but of the festival as a whole.

  • Wilco’s Solid Sound Festival: A Solid Way to Kick off Summer

    In the foothills of the Berkshire mountains, lies the quaint town of North Adams, Massachusetts. In a town known for its fine dining, the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and a plethora of museums, one of its finest landmarks is Mass MOCA, Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art. With its unique design and set up, this museum is one of a kind. Making it even more special is the Solid Sound Festival, where every other summer is a home of Wilco’s.

    A festival unlike any other, Solid Sound features a very family friendly atmosphere as well as some of the best musical acts, both known (NRBQ) and on the rise (Parquet Courts). Run like a well-oiled machine, there are parking lots set up across town and school buses running shuttles. There are many different performance venues set up throughout the museum. Joe’s field, the largest, is a beautiful field with a river running on one side of it and a train chugging along on the other.

    The sign has moved!!!#solidsoundfest

    A photo posted by NYS Music (@nystatemusic) on

    On Friday night, Real Estate, a band hailing from New Jersey, started things off on Joes Field. Their melodic shoe gazer sound captivated the audience. Next up were Solid Sound curators, Wilco. Making this night particularly unique, Wilco would go unplugged – a undertaking the 20 year old band had never taken on before. The band opened their set with “Misunderstood,” a sing a long classic from the Wilco archives. Much of the set would follow suit. As Wilco front man, Jeff Tweedy said “they’ll bring the rock tomorrow night.” This caused a mighty stir from the audience. As they raised their arms and sang along to “She’s a Jar,” I’m always in love” and “Kamera,” the audience was left to wonder: What would be left for the next night? There was plenty and the festivities were just beginning. As the fresh morning air blew over North Adams Saturday morning, there was a feeling of togetherness throughout the town. As we first walked into the museum courtyard there was a blue grass group playing freely, unfettered by equipment or speakers. It was a sight to see.

    Walking into the museum lobby, it was hard to decide in which direction to explore first. The comedy group, Superego, was performing in the Hunter Center – it was a mixture of funny and not so funny. The act was peppered with corny improvisation that seemingly only make sense to the performers, because they were the only ones laughing. They tried though, and it is possible a select portion of the crowd enjoyed this – there is something for everyone! Ryley Walker, a Chicago native, started off Saturday’s music program. With his Nick Drake-like voice and harmonies, Walker was the perfect way to musically kick off the Day’s festivities. His passion infused every word, captivating the crowd from the depths of his soul. The audience could not turn away as they knew they were in for a great day of music. LULUC, an Australian duo made up of Zoe Randell and Steve Hassett, occupied Courtyard D, a midsized viewing area. Their sound was quite unquiet, with strong soothing lyrics coming from Randall’s beautiful voice. The peaceful guitar on top of melodic vocals just had the audience in awe. They hit their stride and stayed there throughout their set.

    LULUC harmoniously welcome the afternoon. #solidsoundfest

    A photo posted by NYS Music (@nystatemusic) on

    NRBQ, a band who has been around nearly fifty years, put on a party in the late afternoon. Courtyard D went from melodic to Mayhem. With wailing saxophones and screaming guitars, NRBQ brought the ingredients to have a a good time.

    NRBQ#solidsoundfest

    A photo posted by NYS Music (@nystatemusic) on

    The Parquet Courts, led by the voice of A. Savage, were the stand out surprise of the festival. People were bopping to the music at this special treat, swaying back and forth. The audience embraced the sound wholeheartedly, agog that this act was exceeding all expectations. By the end of the set, Savage’s vocals screaming through the air had the whole front of the stage jumping up and down, while the rest of the crowd was all smiles.

    As the clouds thickened overhead, Wilco decided to move up their set times by an hour, not wanting to have a repeat of their second Solid Sound festival – it rained, it rained a lot. So Mac Demarco and crew took stage on Joes field. Cultivating a rocking sound that held the audience, Mac got the saturated crowd ready for Wilco.

    With rain making a steadier presence and the temperature beginning to drop, Wilco fans, ponchos and all, came out in droves to see the men of the hour. After promising a rocking evening the night, Jeff Tweedy delivered and “Art of almost,” “Impossible Germany” and “Ashes of American Flags” were prime examples. With soaring solos from guitarist Nels Cline, and a whole aura of musicianship, Wilco showcased a tight band. There seemed very little they could do to make the audience any happier, unless, of course, they could have stopped the rain!

    Sunday was a very relaxing day. The vibe throughout the museum was satisfaction and amazement at some of the galleries displayed. The Hunter Center was very happy to play host to The Autumn Defense and the Windy hills, featuring Johns Straitt and Pat Sansone of Wilco, who dedicated a set to the cult surfer classic Spirit of Akasha. This highlighted creativity and style that a fan may not have seen just watching a Wilco show.

    Upstate New Yorkers,The Felice Brothers took the staged at Courtyard C to play a set of their unique style. Their storytelling was just that – telling. It was as if you were following them through their journey as they paved the way with their lyrics. People bobbed and waved, and exuded genuine happiness.

    The final act of the festival was Tweedy, and Friends. The first half of the set featured the band Tweedy, highlighting Jeff and his son, Spencer. The second half of the set included almost every musician who played over the weekend – Ryley Walker, LULUC, Cibbo Matto, The Feelice Brothers, and all of the members of Wilco in one form of another. This collaboration was a great way to close out the festivities. Seeing the family on stage mirrored by the family-focused vibe of the whole weekend, this set brought everything full circle and it was done delightfully.

  • Camp Bisco to get Wet at Montage Mountain

    After a year’s hiatus and a change in venue, Camp Bisco is back and moving to a site that offers fans a better experience at Montage Mountain in beautiful Scranton, Pennsylvania on July 16-18th. Campers will be treated to a water park, as well as many other amenities not offered at other festivals, such as full restaurant and bar.

    http://campbisco.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/vending-1000x200.jpg

    The festival will feature many Camp Bisco regulars, such as Pretty Lights who is performing Thursday night as one of the festival’s headliners. Derek Vincent Smith took the moniker Pretty Lights in the summer of 2004. He had played electronic music with other groups but chose to go on his own and make his own music, starting out as a late night act for other major groups — one of them being the Disco Biscuits. He has since made a name for himself and has earned the coveted spot he’s playing. Thursday night also features STS9, otherwise known as Sound Tribe Sector Nine, pioneers along with the Biscuits with the livetronica genre. Mixing beats from hip hop to funk and jazz, this is a perfect addiction to the experience that is Camp Bisco.

    STS9 2015.jpg

    Thursday also welcomes newcomers to the festival Twiddle, a rocking band hailing from Burlington, Vermont and featuring wailing guitar solos as well a tad of dub to it as well. Whatever the mixture they use, they found a good one because Twiddle is not an act to miss at this years festivities.

    Big Gigantic plays on headlines Friday night bringing their own version of electronic jazz to the main stage. In a world where electronica seems to have peaked, bands keep coming up with new ways to make the sound their own. Gigantic does this by incorporating horns to the mix, leaving the crowd in pure awe. As with Twiddle, the festival is not only electronic music. For example, Tom Hamilton of The American Babies [Electron, Joe Russos Almost Dead, Brothers Past] shows his Americana side with this project. He covers tunes by Bob Dylan as well as reworking Brothers Past songs to have them fit this genre.

    Saturday is the day that many campers will be looking forward to.  With Tipper, Basssnectar, and yes, of course — the Disco Biscuits. Bassnectar has worked hard to get where he is on the Camp Bisco stage. Starting off as a side attraction over the years, he became more and more popular making his way to the main stage as a  headliner. This is where a lot of hard work and determination has paid off, and Lorin Ahston, otherwise know as Bassnectar, is not an act to sleep on.

    This leaves us with the festival’s namesake, The Disco Biscuits.  Closing out all three nights,  they definitely leave the crowd wanting more each time. Having been together for 20 years, The Biscuits have come as far as any band can dream and they keep getting better.  Having sold out shows across the country and playing with members of the Grateful Dead, there is no time like now to see them play.

    There are many different travel packages which all can be found here.  Between all the great bands (the complete list can be found here) and the beautiful scenery, there is no reason not to get down to this year’s Camp Bisco.

  • Particle Welcomes Spring to Putnam Den

    Although it may have been the first day of spring, the weather didn’t seem to know that. People were walking briskly to escape the cold and get into Putnam Den where it’s always hot and always a guaranteed good time. As the night started off there were more people huddled around the TV watching college basketball, but fans were about to be treated to another form of “March Madness” in the entity known as Particle.

    Greenhouse Lounge, a trio out of Jacksonville, FL started the night off spitting pure fire – these three guys exemplified livetronica. While using samples and homemade beats covered with the sounds of the live band, there was little that could stop the groove. The two were so intertwined at some points it was difficult to tell which was the loop and which was the band, a skill very few have mastered but the boys were spot on, and it drew the crowd from the TVs to the front of the stage. They were getting down to the unmistakeable sound that may be the future of the genre. A perfect way to kick off the night for the Particle party that was about to ensue.

    Particle came tearing out of the gate, with Ben Comb shredding his guitar and raising all the energy until everyone was up dancing and flowing to the fast paced groove. Bassist Clay Parnell and drummer Allen Aucion were the perfect back drop, keeping the rhythm solid and following along with the guitar which eventually lead into a keyboard solo from Particle’s leader Steve Molitz. The contrasting sounds he made with the keys were mind blowing – to the point that some of the audience had to stop and listen in wonder to work out where these amazing sounds were coming from. The pattern of drum and bass heavy rhythms continued as Ben and Steve swapped leads.

    Although Particle are know for the instrumental jam, they are not a one dimensional band by any means. Ben Comb did more than shred the guitar, he also sang, which is no easy task when the beats are going so fast. He was also able to keep his voice in range and, impressively, in time. This mixture of sounds progressed from Pink Floyd to a Siberian saber dance. The proof was in the music that there is very little Particle can’t do.

  • Phish vs. WWE

    Since the inception of Phish and their unique setlist styling, there have been many games played, fantasy setlists written and a fascination with show stats. There are a few fun things that haven’t been done though. With Wrestlemania 31 held this weekend at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, CA, here are a few fun takes on set lists, comparing them to wrestlers, wrestling matches and historic landmarks.

    Various wrestling superstars across the eras of WWE have been matched up to Phish songs that would represent the best Wrestlemania ever.

    1. Carini/Ultimate Warrior: Two entities that when the first note hits you know you are in for a mighty bout of energy. It wont last the longest, but for the time it does it will be non stop adrenaline!


    2. The Horse>Silent in the Morning/ Koko B Ware (and his bird Frankie): There was not a kid who grew up in the 80’s who didn’t see the Birdman come out flapping his arms holding a parrot. He had arenas across the country cheering when they saw this and they were always together, just like “The Horse” and “Silent in the Morning” (at least traditionally). When Trey strums the first note of “The Horse” the crowd goes nuts and it’s a fun pairing. It’s not the jammiest song, as Koko wasn’t the best wrestler, but everyone always had a great time seeing him.

    3. Sneaking Sally Through the Alley/Repo Man: Who the hell is the Repo Man and is he made up? Nope. He was a wrestler, Barry Darsow. This is a pairing that is based strictly on title. The Repo Man was a sneak. He would slither in the ring and threaten to repo your stuff. Not the best gimmick but still…


    4.Maze/Bret Hart: Maze starts out where the character is lost unable to find his way out. Wishing he was able to start over and not get stuck in the rut that is the Maze. Bret Hart was like this early in his career, wrestling for his father Stu in Calgary, and just getting lost in the shuffle of being another Hart brother (there are a lot of them). As Brett kept going and working hard, his ability in the ring became more concise and technically sound that any wrestler in his time. Coining the phrase “The best there is. The best there was and the best there ever will be,” is similar to the jam in “Maze”: you don’t know where it comes from but once you are hearing it, much like when you watch Brett wrestle, you know they have both accomplished what they set out to.

    5. First Tube/ The Undertaker: When the lights go out and the big gong goes off, everyone shivers as the Undertaker makes his way to the ring. Not only is the Arena dark, but the feeling and the aura are dark as well, just as it is when the first bass line of “First Tube” drops. You can feel your heart jumping in your chest. The song and the wrestler do a superb job at setting out what they set out to achieve: a jaw dropping spectacle leaving the fan in spooky place for an amount of time, yet having a blast while its happening.

    6. Run Like an Antelope/The Rock: When The Rock started his wrestling career he didn’t start right at the top. He slowly worked his way up, but when he got to the top he didn’t just stay there, he espically did it in a fashion that no one had ever done before him and no one has or will ever do again. The way Antelope starts out is similar, slow and little silly gimmicky riffs until that break down and we get down to business. As The Rock did, Antelope ends in a completely different place than where it was in the middle, when it was kicking ass.

    7. Slave to the Traffic Light/Stone Cold Steve Austin: On paper the two seem very similar. The lyrics to “Slave” could have been written by a 10 year old and Stone Cold’s plain gimmick of a bald beer drinker could have been picked out of, well anywhere. It’s in the meat these comparisons are being made. Neither may look like they can pack a punch but as the each progresses the stronger each becomes. Whether it’s wailing guitar riffs or middle fingers and getting your head knocked in, both are serious parts of the annals of Phish and wrestling history.

    8. Harry Hood/ Triple H: “Hood” takes the fan on a journey through many different catacombs as Triple H has had many different characters until he found his niche. Both of the subjects however end with a power unparalleled to any other song in the Phish library or any other superstar in the locker room. “Hood” with its in your face guitar slamming telling what to feel good about and Triple H marrying the bosses daughter and having run of the company.


    9.Divided Sky/Hulk Hogan: There are no two other entities that pack more of a punch for so many years than theses two. Hulk hogan has been a staple at the top of the wrestling ladder forever as “Divided Sky” has been for Phish. Although you may have seen or heard both of these iconic figures a million times it still will not be enough. The energy both posses are larger than life. The institution that is Phish and that of the WWE would not be the same without these two in their respective potions.

    10. You Enjoy Myself/Andre The Giant. With Andre being the most iconic figure in wrestling history and “YEM” being the most epic song by Phish, it is clear these two should be matched up.

  • The Nth Power’s Escape Plan: Bring the funk

    People huddled around in front of Putnam Den, trying to stay warm, trying to stay excited for the night of funk that was to ensue inside with Beau Sasser’s Escape Plan, and The Nth Power on Friday, Feb 27. They were surely in for a treat as both bands prepared hot sets to warm the chilly bones of the crowd.

    To start the night, Beau Sasser had his Escape Plan ready to tear things up. The animated lead vocals and centerpiece of the group, Mary Corso, held the crowd’s attention with a soothing voice and a natural stage presence, and had the many in attendance eating out of her hand. High energy guitar solos by Justin Henricks and Craig Brodhead were a non stop staple throughout the set.. “Taxman” The Beatles staple, was an interesting choice for a funk band to tackle, but The Escape Plan did it flawlessly. Between the vocals of Mary and the drums of Max Creeks Bill Carbone, the beat was a completely different arrangement than the Beatles – a treat hearing a new twist on an old standard. “Whipping Post” the Allman Brothers classic, exemplified this tremendously, and the crowd was moving rapidly to the southern rock groove sprinkled with the sweet funk for which The Escape Plan is known. This was sheer brilliance. The band played a few encores, which was pleasurable to everyone in the packed room. The encore highlight came, however, when Nigel Hall, The Nth Powers organist sat in with the group. Beau moved over and the two geniuses went to town on the keys bringing cheer to all. It was the perfect was to end the set, and The Nth Power was still yet to come. It seemed there would be no way they could keep this fantastic vibe going, but Nigel and crew would bring an elegant mixture of rock , funk and blues to the stage that was nothing less than mind-blowing.

    DaveDeCrescente-EscapePlan-11

    Slow riffing guitar is not the typical way to kick off a funk show, nevertheless, Nick Cassarino proved that this could be done superbly. As the slow groove was picked up with drums by Nikki Glaspie, it threw a beat that left the crowd with little choice but move themselves to dance. The screeching solo and roaring drums were the perfect way to kick off funk. With musicians such as Nigel Hall, bassist Nate Edgar and percussionist Weedie Braimah the group was complete. As the evening moved forth they proved it time and time again, with tremendous drums solos sending energy through the building and the uncontrollably frantic audience. Funk also has a cousin, and that cousin is the soul. The Nth Power possessed so much soul it was exuding throughout the crowd and the melodic harmonies were out of this world. Glaspie and Cassarino made their voices seem as one, as the highs and lows blended in a way that could be matched by few others – these guys have it. The vocals were a gigantic part of the festivities, as Mr. Nigel Hall would provide some heavenly vocals backed up by the other two, to create the perfect three-part harmony.

    Weedie Braimah’s percussion was definitely a high point of the show. He genuinely looked as if he was having a spiritual experience while honing his craft, which overflowed into the crowd as they were even more uncontrollable than previously. Weeddie and Nikki dueled, leading the audience to know that they would each outdo the other, but how? Amazing. The music these five people made was exactly the sound they were going for. There are definitely bigger things to come for The Nth Power.

  • An Interview with Steve Molitz of Particle

    NYS Music recently has a chance to sit down and talk to Steve Molitz of Particle about all things going on Particle.

    Particle have always had an eclectic mix of musicians. From moe. guitarist Al Schiner to the legendary Joe Satriani, the pattern has remained unchanged. Beginning last year, Brothers Past bassist Clay Parnell joined the group, opening many new doors for the band to explore, and explore they did. This year the additions continue as The Disco Biscuits’ Allen Aucion joins the band on drums. Aucoin, who joined the Biscuits after winning a drum off in 2007 to replace founding member Sam Altman, has been playing under his moniker Dr. Fameus, while the Disco Biscuits tour schedule has slowed down. His sound, blended with Particle, can only lead to endless possibilities. The fast pace grooves that Particle provides will be complimented superbly.

    Particle and special guests, Greenhouse Lounge, are coming to town March 19 at the Putnam Den in Sarartoga Springs. Tickets are $15 dollars and can be purchased here. This is going to be a special evening that may not be repeated.

    Jimmy Chambers: How did Allen Aucoin end up on this tour with you guys?

    Steve Molitz: Allen and I had played a handful of shows together in the past (The Space Lab, Everyone Orchestra, etc.), and we’ve always gotten along famously (pun intended) – both on and offstage. Our bassist Clay Parnell has toured extensively with Allen in their electronic duo Dr Diesel, so when Particle discovered that we needed a drummer (our previous drummer was unable to tour), Allen was a very natural choice. He had a break in his Disco Biscuits schedule, so the timing worked out perfectly. We’re so excited to have him out with us, and we’re all really having a blast on the road together…

    JC: Has the Particle sound change since?

    SM: Fans can still expect to hear that classic Particle sound, but it has definitely evolved since Allen started playing with us. He’s such a skilled and powerful player, and he has such incredible pacing in the jams. He’s a very creative player, and I love the way he approaches the songs and elevates the music.  We’ve been getting into deeper electronic grooves on the recent tours, and this rhythm section lays down such a massive and dynamic foundation. Allen brings a fresh perspective to the songs from the Launchpad era, and he’s a perfect fit for the newer, more electronic songs…

    JC: Have you, having been in Phil and friends, been in contact with anyone for the Grateful Dead 50 celebrations?

    SM: I reached out to congratulate the guys when they made their big announcement, and I think it’s so cool that they are all so genuinely excited about the shows. I’m so happy for them that they have reached this epic milestone, and I know the shows are going to be really special. And although I can’t announce anything officially yet, I will say that there’s a very good chance you’ll see me and Particle both playing multiple shows in Chicago that weekend…

    JC:. How do you feel the band’s momentum has increased over the last year?

    SM: Things come in waves, and it’s been such a thrill to watch Particle pick up so much momentum in the last year. The band was on a sort of an unannounced semi-hiatus for the past seven years, but we’re 100% back in action now, and it feels so good to be completely immersed in Particle again. We’ll probably play 75-100 shows this year, and we are putting the finishing touches on a new album in the next few weeks. We’ve debuted a bunch of new original songs on this tour, and we’re really trying to write set lists that challenge us to explore uncharted territory in our improvisations each night. There has definitely been a noticeable change in the feeling at the shows, and the recent surge of energy and excitement from the fans has been so inspiring.

    JC:. What are the bands summer plans?

    SM: Write, record, release, rehearse, TOUR, rinse, and repeat