NYS Music 20​15

Category: UpstateLIVE Archives

  • Hearing Aide: Driftwood’s Self-Titled Debut

    driftwoodWhether you enjoy the whimsical melodies of folk music, or the boot-stomping, heart-pumping beats of rock ‘n’ roll, Driftwood’s first full-length album has a little something for everyone.  Hailing from Binghamton, the band’s ability to glue together a small piece of every genre is remarkable.

    As a whole, the self-titled album Driftwood manages to paint very descriptive, colorful narratives of lessons and stories that unfold seamlessly.  From the first few seconds of the first song, “High School Paycheck” listeners can glide along through a story ultimately about the sum of our days not being comparable to the amount of money earned.  It’s a sentiment that people of all walks of life can relate to, and the listener’s journey has only just begun.

    The softness of the first track should not be a reflection of what Driftwood manages to accomplish with the rest of the album. The second song, “The Sun’s Going Down” hits hard and heavy.  We are encouraged to go along on the ride with them, listening close to their words and physically feeling what it is they are trying to convey.  The rest of the album continues to raise the bar.  “The Carburetor and the Steam Engine” slowly creeps up to a powerful peak of emotions and is followed by simple, yet soul tingliging lullabies such as “Outer Space.”  Claire Byrne’s powerful ode “Before I Rust” could make anyone weak in the knees, as can her delicate and expressive fiddle playing. Combined with Joey Arcuri’s passionate bass lines, Dan Forsyth’s revelatory voice and Joe Kollar’s unique style of banjo, the four-piece has it all.  Their spot-on harmonies and attention to detail round out the album like a classic novel, with heartfelt finality and precise conclusion.  Driftwood’s collective songwriting skills are honed by the classics in music, and given their fire from the rock ‘n’ roll of our parents’ generation. When assembled, the words and melodies are nothing short of a masterpiece.

    Key Tracks: The Carburetor and the Steam Engine, Before I Rust, Buffalo Street

    Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Soundcloud

    [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/playlists/12326935″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”450″ iframe=”true” /]

  • Hearing Aide: Murder by Death ‘Big Dark Love’

    Murder by Death 'Big Dark Love'My roommate introduced me to the band Murder by Death. I found myself instantly impressed by their blend of soulful, Johnny Cash’esque blues and hard rock leanings. Some might simply call this Americana, but the Indiana born quintet is quite obviously deeper than the title of a genre. Their latest release, Big Dark Love, is proof of that.

    The band’s fearless leader is Adam Turla. Over the course of the band’s history, his voice has deepened and matured like a tasteful red wine — only getting better over time. My introductory album was Red of Tooth and Claw — where songs like “Fuego!” and “’52 Ford” quickly had my attention. Big Dark Love is stylistically similar on a musical level, but Turla’s vocals have more fold to them this time around. He uses the fullness of his range and is not afraid to employ harmonies, but still stands with his emotional integrity — making the message of each song completely convincing. The creepy title track gave me chills, “isn’t that fun?”

    Likewise, Turla delivers a tear – inducing performance on “Send Me Home,” which deals with death of a loved one. Quite the same is suit on “Hunted,” which lyrically encapsulates a man’s perspective on women’s issues. “We don’t know what it’s like to be hunted. We don’t know what it’s like to be wanted,” Turla admits.

    But Murder by Death is not the Adam Turla show, thank God. Each member is quite obviously showcased in his or her own way, perfecting the art of being a band. Quite simply put, you can’t have one without the other. And none of their music is ‘simple rock songs’ either, which is why Sarah Balliet’s cello playing is so perfectly placed on each song. Cello isn’t a typical rock instrument, either. But before you dismiss her back to the first cello seat in orchestra class, realize that without Balliet, Big Dark Love would not have quite the round aggression it needs and accomplishes.

    Likewise, the rhythm and bass section of the album simply kicks ass. With songs like “Natural Pearl,” and “It Will Never Die,” a strong ‘backbone’ is not the important thing. The important thing was to create a natural ambiance. The title track does this extremely well. The showcased members are less Turla and Balliet and more autonomously Matt Armstrong on Bass, Dagan Thogerson on drums — he delivers an equally emotional and driving drum performance — and a strong presence from David Fountain on keys and additional stringed instruments. Fountain’s performance (including his vocal harmonies) throughout the album displays a sort of musical growth for Murder by Death, as if the band has taken another step in the evolutionary process.

    Either way, Big Dark Love is another slam dunk for Murder by Death. No questions asked.

    The album can be purchased directly from the band and on iTunes,

    Key Tracks: Big Dark Love, Send Me Home, Hunted

  • Hearing Aide: Balkun Brothers ‘ReDrova’

    Emerging from CT with an explosive, funkified blues-rock sound, Balkun Brothers have been touring heavily up and down the East coast in support of their first full-length studio album, ReDrova.

    The trio features Steve Balkun on guitar/vocals, Nick Balkun on drums and Caleb Battersby on bass/vocals, creating a new age soulful blues with hard-hitting attitude. They’ve been voted “Best Blues Band in Connecticut” for the past two years in a row and ReDrova is a powerful testament to the title. The 12 track album covers a diverse taste of Balkun Brothers flavor with foot stomping, high-speed chase tunes to swampy Americana punk. The Balkun Brothers have shared the stage with such acts as Dopapod, Johnny Winter, Joe Bonamassa, Mike Dillon and many more with hundreds of shows set at festivals and legendary clubs across the country.

    The album kicks off with an organized mess of a crescendo from the trio before slamming into heavy, classic rock guitar riffs and rhythms that throw the listener into the music with full force. The impressive rock star vocals with lengthy note holds and range are enthusiastic cliff hangers throughout the entire album. The blues rock is a swampy surprise as the twang of the guitar blends with the deep bass notes and steady percussion perfectly each time. The album takes a turn to slow it down for a heated focus on the sensual melodies only to segue into an upbeat New Orleans’s jazz for a ‘spin me around the dance floor’ free for all. Each song is fresh with an energetic punk meets blues rock and a heavy twist of Elvis Presley charm.

    ReDrova is available on their website for $10 as a digital download or as a hard copy at any of their shows. Catch them this weekend when they return home to Connecticut to perform at The Main Pub in Manchester on Friday, February 6 and to Upstate, NY on Saturday February 7 at Syracuse’s Funk n Waffles with special guests Canopy. Check out their website for all their upcoming New England show dates because with their hot new album release, this is the band to look out for this year.

    Key Tracks: Oh Yeah! (Last Jam), Got My Boots On, Sally’s Blues

    [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/playlists/60878425″]

  • Wage Love! Hudson Valley’s Fred Gillen Jr. CD Release Show Feb. 8 Peekskill

    The Hudson Valley’s own Fred Gillen Jr. is set to release his ninth studio album this weekend, and he’s not doing it alone.

    This Sunday, February 8, Fred will be performing a CD release show at EMBARK@EMC, a cozy performance space at 925 South Street in Peekskill. Joining him will be special guest Laura Bowman, a singer-songrwriter originally from the suburbs of Philadelphia, and a full band including Paul Magliari (drums), Jeff Eyrich (bass), and Matt Turk (guitar/mandolin).

    Sunday’s show starts at 4:30, and the $15 entry includes a copy of Wage Love.

    Fred Gillen Jr. has performed at venues large and small throughout the country, connecting with his audiences through heartfelt performances of melody and lyric embracing the tradition of folk music with his own character.

    Fred Gillen Jr

  • 2015 Peach Music Festival Lineup Announced

    Peach Music Festival lineup has been announced and festival goers will be pumped for what this festival has to offer in 2015. The headliners include: Gregg Allman, Santana, and  Bob Weir with Billy and The Kids. The festival will take place August 13 – 16 in Scranton, Pennsylvania at Montage Mountain.

    peachlineup1The spectacular lineup continues with – Willie Nelson & Family, Warren Haynes featuring Railroad Earth, Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers, Lotus, Old Crow Medicine Show, G. Love & Special Sauce, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenues, Beats Antique, Dark Star Orchestra, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, and so many more.

    In addition to a lineup that outweighs the other recent festival announcements for 2015, Peach offers, a onsite water park (included in the cost of camping pass), General camping, VIP camping, and several all-inclusive travel packages offered by CID Entertainment.

    Check out NYS Music’s coverage of The Peach Festival 2014  HERE

    Tickets can be purchased HERE

  • The Chris Robinson Brotherhood Coming to Woodstock

    The Chris Robinson Brotherhood will be taking the stage at Woodstock’s Bearsville Theater February 10. The band, Chris Robinson, Neal Casal, Adam Macdougall, Mark Dutton, and newest member Tony Leone, will be bringing their brand of psychedelic rock to hollowed stomping grounds. None of the members in The Chris Robinson Brotherhood are strangers to Woodstock as they have played at either Bearsville or at Levon’s Barn, which is right down the road, in other bands through the years.

    [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bcmo8CxpC3A]

    They are touring in support of their latest release Phosphorescent Harvest, which came out last April. It is the band’s third studio album in under 4 years of being together. The constant output of music by CRB have kept them tight as a band and lets them feel at home on stage playing to crowds all over the country. Chris has a strong love for this band saying that this is his future in music and sees no signs of it winding down.

    Tickets for the show are on sale now and cost $30 for standing room, $49 for balcony, and $59 for the first two rows of balcony. Tickets can be purchased here. The show is an evening with, which means it is going to be a long two set show with a great rock and roll band that will move in and out of psychedelia at will. This is their only Upstate appearance for the band before they play the rest of the East coast, go to Australia, and go back to the West coast so don’t miss this one.

  • Fans Petition for Creation of Late GWAR Frontman in Video Game ‘Mortal Kombat X’

    10964876_854069874651996_1946906636_oLast year the metal community lost the great and charismatic musician Dave Brockie, better known as Oderus Urungus, the frontman of GWAR, to an accidental overdose in his home in Virginia. GWAR has battled on without their founding member, leaving blood and gore wherever they march. With that being said, who could be a better fit for a character for the next Mortal Kombat game?

    Over the weekend, according to recent Bingo Tour reviews, fans created a petition for Netherrealm Studios, a branch of Warner Brothers Games, to create a downloadable character of Oderus Urungus as a playable character in the upcoming video game Mortal Kombat X.

    It is most appropriate to have Oderus Urungus immortalized in the Mortal Kombat universe because of the gruesome and hilarious nature of GWAR. The band has always portrayed themselves as an “elite group of chaos warriors” who were banished to Earth for their “cosmic crimes.” After being reawakened by our planet’s pollution, they now dedicate themselves to the “destruction of the human race and the eradication of existence itself.” Netherrealm Studios should have no problem somehow tying in Oderus Urungus into the Mortal Kombat X storyline, along with his own special moves and (in)famous fatalities.

    If you want to sign the petition, click this link.

    You can view the latest gameplay trailer for Mortal Kombat X below. Mortal Kombat X is being released by Warner Brothers Games and developed by Netherrealm Studios and will be released April 14, 2015 on Playstation 4, Xbox One, Playstation 3, Xbox 360, and PC.

  • Hearing Aide: Years & Years, “Y&Y EP”

    10959830_917407318292857_6986510182027602073_n

    They say you should never judge a book by its cover, but what about judging a band by their album artwork? It’s an interesting concept. As a musician, I’ll admit I enjoy the contents of a record way beyond its initial art, but as I’m gazing along multiple music search engines, I have to say bright colors do catch my eye first. But what does this have to do with British band Years & Years and their new album? Everything.

    Many have been drawn to this talented trio’s previous releases, including their 2012 single “I Wish I Knew” and 2014 super hit “Real.” However, it wasn’t music alone that brought me to the masterpiece that is Y&Y EP. Once the intricate design of the album cover caught my attention, there was a sudden urge to listen to the entire collection, which of course, I did.

    In typical EP fashion, the EP contains only four tracks, each contrasting in style. The opening track “Desire” leads us in with what some would consider to be a champion pre-game anthem, with an engaging house-inspired pulse courtesy of beat master Emre Turkmen. The combination of Turkmen along with bassist Mikey Goldsworthy was the start of Years & Years back in 2010. Since then, Olly Alexander’s soulful vocals have been added to the band after Goldsworthy heard him singing in the shower. With the addition of Alexander, Years & Years have been gaining great success before even releasing a full-length album, like undergoing an extensive UK tour. The tender mix of bluesy melodic lines and urban dance blends make this band very distinct to listeners, especially for tracks like “Take Shelter” and “King.”

    Placed last in the EP is a track entitled “Memo,” which you could say is the outlier of the Y&Y EP. With subtle use of electronic embellishments, Alexander plays block piano chords as he sings jazzy vocal syncopations. His use of vocal trilling is similar to that of Tracy Chapman, yet there’s an intimate softness in his voice that is close to the style of James Vincent McMorrow. While the song may leave the EP on a rather gloomy note, it shows great versatility within the group that leaves us anxious for a full-length album. While there’s no official word on what this group will do in the studio next, we will surely be keeping watch, at least for some new artwork to marvel at.

    Key Tracks: Desire, Take Shelter, Memo

  • When Planets Collide: One Saturday in ROCKchester

    The duel galactic bodies of Rochester’s Planet Assassin and Inner Planets joined forces Saturday Jan 31 at The Firehouse Saloon downtown for ROCKchester. Despite the Hoth-like chill in the outside air the music room at Firehouse filled up nicely and was ready to get their groove on.

    DSC_0376

    The Firehouse Saloon is relatively new to the Rochester scene but has been a great friend to the music community. Non genre focused bar hoppers and music fans alike can enjoy a variety of acts on any given night.  The bar showcases an excellent beer selection, free popcorn, a nice outdoor patio, and if you’re game, a free to play ping pong table.

    Planet Assassin was up first after some technical amp difficulties. Playing in only their third public facing show, the stoner-groove-rock focused 4-piece features Daren Johnson and Josh Cooke sharing guitar hero and vocal duties, Frank Ashcraft on bass, and Nick Pryor (Also in Hot Mayonnaise and formerly of Abandoned Buildings Club) smacking the skins. Citing their influences as Dead Meadow, Rush, Hawkwind, and Hall & Oates (Seriously guys?) – the bands hard droning rock sound maintained a uniqueness and surprising tightness for such a new band.

    DSC_0330

    Inner Planets – not nearly as new to the scene having formed in 2009 – took the stage next for duel sets of songs featuring a solid rock base with a generous side heaping of jamming. The Rush influence continued along interspersed with shades of Phish, moe. and more.

    http://youtu.be/IqysP-USNcA

    This weekend Firehouse will continue to showcase it’s diverse schedule with a burlesque Mardi-Gras celebration on Friday ($7 at 9PM) and local cover band Trapper Keeper on Saturday ($5 at 9PM). All shows are 21+

  • Metal Monthly Fix: Top Ten Most Anticipated 2015 Metal/Hard Rock Releases

    With a month already into 2015, one of things to get excited about is upcoming album released we are expecting or hope to see the light of day. We expect big things from 2015 as far as heavy music, so without further ado, here are the top ten most anticipated metal/hard rock releases.

    10. Biohazard

    Brooklyn, NY hardcore metal outfit Biohazard is still as vital as ever, even with Evan Seinfeld out of the fold since 2012, which makes their yet to be titled tenth album, targeted for a 2015 release via Nuclear Blast USA, even more intriguing. This album would mark the first time with the lineup of Billy Graziadei, Bobby Hambel, Danny Schuler, and now Scott Roberts completing the lineup in place of Seinfeld. It will be interesting to see what this new line up of Biohazard brings to the table.

    9. Tremonti

    Back in 2012, Alter Bridge/Creed guitarist Mark Tremonti launched his solo project Tremonti with the debut album All I Was which was arguably one of the best albums of 2012. Now hard at work with the second album, Wolfgang Van Halen is officially a member of the band and playing bass for Tremonti.. Any lover of shred should be salivating at the thought of Mark Tremonti and Wolfgang Van Halen in the same band. This album will be solid.

    8. Mastodon

    What makes this release fascinating is Mastodon is always willing to take risks and making every album sound different which is why everyone should be excited for another Mastodon album.

    7. Deftones

    The last two albums from Deftones, Diamond Eyes and Koi No Yokan, are easily some of their best work to date, so high expectations are set for this yet to be titled album slated for a fall 2015 release.  Also hope that someday their scrapped album Eros sees the light of day as well.

    6. Lamb Of God

    After all the things Randy Blythe and the rest of Lamb Of God went through with the trail and incarceration in Prague, you know that the band is coming back with a vengeance with this upcoming album. Blythe wrote a lot of music about his time in Prague, which is going to add such a compelling element to what will be the band’s eighth album. This makes Lamb of God one of the top ten most anticipated hard rock and metal releases of 2015

    5. Coal Chamber

    Set for an April release via Napalm Records, Coal Chamber’s comeback album is definitely the most interesting. After a much publicized split in 2002, it seemed highly unlikely Coal Chamber would ever get back together. Then a decade goes by, Coal Chamber reunited for select shows in Europe and Australia which led to a successful US tour in 2013 which ultimately set recording process for this album in motion. It’s amazing how frontman Dez Fafara has kept busy in the spotlight with DevilDriver, he still managed to bring Coal Chamber back in the spotlight. And to top it off, Ministry frontman Al Jourgensen is having a guest appearance on this album. It will be interesting to see how Coal Chamber will evolve its sound for 2015.

    4. Anthrax

    Anthrax set the world on fire back in 2011 with their comeback album Worship Music which saw the return of CNY’s Joey Belladonna back in the fold. Now after successful album sales, several laps around the world, the band has been hard at work with the next album which will be released sometime this year. If it’s even half as good as Worship Music was, this album can be and will be the best album of 2015. Expect nothing from great things from Anthrax.

    3. Black Sabbath

    This will be the last Black Sabbath album. Lots of bands always say “This is our last album/tour” but this time coming from Black Sabbath, who are all pushing 70, I would certainly say it’s a safe bet they mean it. Their comeback album 13, which saw Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, and Geezer Butler on an album together for the first time since 1978’s Never Say Die, was the most successful metal album of 2013. Iommi has been battling cancer but yet still touring with Sabbath, is still a riff machine and has solidified himself as one of the best guitarist that ever lived, said wants to bid farewell one last time with Sabbath with an album and farewell tour to follow. It would be nice to see the return of Bill Ward but that’s unlikely that will happen.

    2. Faith No More

    Already announced for a May release, Faith No More has made their long awaited return with their first album since 1997’s Album Of The Year and a US tour to kick off this spring including a headlining slot at Heavy Montreal, with more shows to be announced. 2015 is looking the year of Faith No More and fans around the world now wait in anticipation.

    1. Tool*

    I put an asterisk on this because this is the only album on this list where the band hasn’t made an official announcement. But I believe that 2015 is the year the new Tool album sees the light of day.  The band has been quoted stating that there IS an album in the works and they have been recording.  So we all ask….what the fuck is the hold up? The world needs another Tool album. It has been close to a decade since 10,000 Days and enough is enough.

    So that rounds off the list of the top ten most anticipated hard rock and metal releases of 2015. What metal or hard rock album on this list are you excited about? What upcoming album do you think should be included on this list? Sound off in the comments below.