NYS Music 20​15

Category: Jam/Progressive

  • Sprocket at Fontana’s Bar: The NYC Jam Scene’s Best Kept Secret

    On a Saturday night in New York City your music choices seem to be endless. Do I go see Galactic at Best Buy? Budos Band at Brooklyn Bowl? Or do you go see Sprocket? One of NYC’s fasted rising jam bands, Sprocket is a classic four piece featuring Thomas Thompkins (guitar), Dan Haller (bass), Nate Rosler (drums), and Angelo Milliano (keyboards). Sprocket came out jamming on the melodic original tune “What You Heard,” before tearing into “Headway” off their 2014 debut album Tropical Bushwick. The title track off of their album “Tropical Bushwick” begins as a classically composed song before breaking out into funky upbeat jam.

    sprocketSprocket jumped into a full blown jam segueing from originals “Shroud > POW” before breaking out their first cover of the night Phish’s “Wombat” which lived in a space between a tease and a jam before completing the unfinished “Shroud.” Haller and Milliano took the lead on Bob Dylan’s “Don’t Think Twice It’s Alright” before Rosler drove the set to a close with “Womp” another Sprocket penned track. For an encore the band pulled one more selection off of Tropical Bushwick the hard rocking “Trucks” brought the night to a close and left the crowd wanting more. You can see Sprocket next at Brooklyn Bowl April 21 or in Chicago on July 4 at the Hard Rock.

    Tickets available for both shows, 4/21 Brooklyn Bowl here and for 7/4 Hard Rock Chicago here.

    Setlist:  What You Heard, Headway, Tropical Bushwick, Shroud > POW > Wombat >Shroud, Don’t Think Twice > Womp

    Encore: Trucks

  • Jam Jar at Brooklyn Bowl with Formula 5 and Friends

    Never miss a Sunday Show. Especially when Sunflower and the Seeds is opening at Brooklyn Bowl’s Jam Jar. It appears this seven-piece rock band from New Jersey gets tighter each time they play together and on this particular Sunday, the lucky seven’s seemed to be rolling. The band is comprised of Kyra “Sunflower” Schenck (vocals/acoustic guitar), Brittany Beckett (vocals), Victor Cornette (guitar), Karlee Bloom (keyboards), Joe Harris (bass), and Joe “Big Daddy” Huster (drums).

    They kicked things off with “Sweet E” and “Trippin” that really showcased Schenk’s great pipes and Cornette’s fast paced guitar play. Beckett accompanied Schenk on the lead for an ensemble rendition of The Beatles’ “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.” Natalie Cressman (trombone, TAB) joined on stage for S&TS’s “Back Home” which was highlighted by a length and pungent solo. The band never lost a step and charged through “Harvest” > “Texar” with the same high octane spirit they had carried so far before being joined once again on stage by Cressman for a cover of The Who’s “Eminence Front” before the band rounded out the set with one more original tune “Moving.”

    Jam JarTweed brought their high energy, livetronica sound from Philadelphia for a set of multi-layered, psychedelic dance music. AJ DiBiase (guitar/vocals), Joe Vela (drums), Jon Tomczak (synth/ vocals) and Dan McDonald (bass,/vocals) combined create a fresh genre they call jamchronica. Their heavy synth effects hypnotize as the progressive rock melody thrashes you on the dance floor. Tweed’s precision is key as the mood switches from interstellar swirl to dirty funk with continuous vocal harmonies.

    Formula 5, a four piece jam band from Albany made up of James Woods (bass), Greg Marek (drums), Mike McDonald (keys) and Joe Davis (guitar) closed it out. Musically they are very talented and kept true to form in the “Phish” landscape of heady jams, space jams, and bliss jams. This set was highlighted by Elise Testone (vocals) and Natalie Cressman (trombone) sitting in on “Trampled Underfooot” with Elise’s crushing vocals and Natalie’s triumphant trombone solo. Then the band kept the crowd moving and the pace up with originals “Excalibur” and “Pedro” before seguing into crowd favorite Men At Work’s “The Safety Dance” which was highlighted by Mike McDonald. The band closed out the night with a stretched out jam that kept the set closing “Nu-Gen” going late into the night.

  • Twiddle talks to NYSMusic about the Dirty Dozen Tour

    The twelve night ‘Dirty Dozen’ co-headlining run with Twiddle and Kung Fu kicked off last night in Buffalo at Iron Works, and continues tonight in Syracuse at the Westcott Theater.  Along with the Buffalo and Syracuse dates, there is a stop at Albany’s Upstate Concert Hall, teaming up with local favorites Mister F. The tour is full of surprises, with no set times being announced, which is exactly the kind of antics fans anticipate with two powerhouse bands such as these two artists. The two bands teamed up for a sold out show in December to benefit Toys for Tots and have both been touring extensively since then.

    Bryan-Lasky-Kung-Fu-11

    NYSmusic sent some interview questions to the Twiddle guys, and they all chimed in with their answers below. Be sure to catch them while you can!

    Jen Foster: First off, how excited are you for a no-holds-barred tour with Kung Fu?

    Twiddle: We’re always extra amped for any gig with Kung Fu.  They are role models for us in the scene, and have been amazing mentors/frends for Twiddle as we continue to grow.

    Jen Foster: When you imagine this kind of tour, what do you hope for more than anything?

    Twiddle: We don’t have any expectations. We are leaving the set times and schedule very open ended so anything can happen. We hope to do some really fun collaborative stuff with Kung Fu that everyone digs. The idea is to have as much fun as possible.

    Jen Foster: What will happen when Ryan Dempsey and Todd Stoops create the ultimate keyboard spaceship?

    Twiddle: It’s gonna get weird, in a really good way.  Expect that dirty alien funk.

    Jen Foster: The term Kungwiddle has been flying around like wildfire. Do you foresee this one of many co-billed shows and band crossovers?

    Twiddle: Yes. We especially love our annual Toys for Tots show with them in CT. It always feels good to play with incredible musicians, and help kids at the same time.

    Jen Foster: Twiddle just finished the “Donde Esta Norb?” tour, and now you’re headed to Costa Rica for Jungle Jam. It has already been a very successful start to the year. Are you at all surprised with the amount of success in the past year?

    Twiddle: We’re always blown away by our fans. They are building an amazing community that is turning into a family. As far as success is concerned, Madison House is doing a great job of getting us on some amazing show/festival bills. Especially Red Rocks with S.C.I.

    Jen Foster: Fans of both Twiddle and Kung Fu are over the moon about this upcoming tour. What kind of hijinks can we look forward to?

    Twiddle: The idea of not announcing set times is to send a message for fans to get there early and stay late. Anything is possible. We have a few filthy tricks up our sleeves but where would the fun be in telling anyone?

    Jen Foster: NYSMusic’s readers are very excited for the upcoming Upstate shows in Buffalo, Syracuse and Albany. Once the Spring tour is behind you, what summer music festivals are you most looking forward to playing?

    Twiddle: The upstate NY markets are slowly becoming marquis/anchor cities for us. Castleton, where we met, is literally on the NY border with Vermont. We love New York. As for the summer, we are making repeat appearances at big fests like Summer Camp, Wakarusa, The Peach and Gathering of the Vibes.  It is always humbling to see our name next to big time artists.  However, the smaller fests like Disc Jam and the Frendly Gathering allow us to see all of our New England frends and family. The Frendly Gathering is in Vermont and we spend the whole weekend there. It is home.

    Dirty Dozen Tour Dates:
    4/1 – Buffalo, NY | Iron Works
    4/2 – Syracuse, NY | Westcott Theater
    4/3 – New York, NY | Irving Plaza
    4/4 – Clifton Park, NY | Upstate Concert Hall
    4/8 – State College, PA | Levels
    4/9 – Pittsburgh, PA | The Rex Theatre
    4/10 – Philadelphia, PA | TLA
    4/11 – Baltimore, MD | Rams Head Live
    4/12 – Richmond, VA | The Broadberry
    4/14 – Greensboro, NC | Blind Tiger
    4/15 – Charlotte, NC | The Chop House
    4/16 – Atlanta, GA | Terminal West

  • Lions On The Moon, Billy & The Kids ‘The Kids Are Alright’ at the Capitol Theatre

    As the doors opened to the historic Capitol Theatre in Portchester, NY your expected throng of dead heads waiting outside to get a spot on rail rushed inside the venue. Little did they know they were going to be treated to a full-blown rock show by openers Lions On The Moon. When you read about a band comprised of four young men ranging in ages 12 to 16 you may think it is a gimmick, but these four are far from that. Formed in spring of 2014, the band –  Brandon “Taz” Neiderauer (lead guitar, vocals), Nicky Dylan Winegardner (lead vocals, guitar), Dylan Niederauer (bass), Henry Thomas (drums) these four play with the precision and chops that you would expect from a veteran headlining band.

    Winegardner led Lions On The Moon on electric guitar through “Where Did We Go Right” and “Only Fun,” two original tunes before switching over to his acoustic guitar for “On Your Feet.” From there 12-year-old guitar prodigy generally referred to by his nickname “Taz” took over on vocals for his original penned tuned, the self titled “Lions On The Moon” inspired by The Nth Power’s “Walk on Water.” Winegardner went back to his electric guitar for “Party Mardi Gras” which featured bassist Dylan Neiderauer laying down some smooth, deep, melodic bass lines. Lions On The Moon followed up with a soulful cover of Stevie Wonder’s “Higher Ground” propelled by Thomas’ fast rhythmic drumming. What came next seemed to be a treat equally appreciated by the audience and the young band as they were joined on stage by pedal steel aficionado Robert Randolph for The Allman Brothers’ “Whipping Post,” which featured a shredding guitar solo by “Taz” as he walked across the stage and played face to face with the veteran Randolph. Lions capped off their set with the original tune “Guitarmageddon” which sounded like it was penned by a group of young adults who still know how to have fun, not only on stage but in their song writing as well.

    Bryan-Lasky-Lions-on-the-Moon-9

    The headliner, Billy & The Kids, with only their third live performance as a supergroup, was put together by Grateful Dead drummer Bill Kreutzmann. Kreutzmann called on Tom Hamilton (guitar, Brothers Past/JRAD), Reed Mathis (bass, Tea Leaf Green), and Aron Magner (keyboard, The Disco Biscuits) to put a new spin on classic dead songs, and more specifically on this night songs from the classic Europe ’72 tour. The constant theme for the night was apparent right from the set opening “Cumberland Blues” each artist would add a little bit of their own style while keeping true to the original tune. Mathis took the lead right out the gate and seemed to be the stand out of the first set taking the lead on vocals for many of the tracks. Kreutzmann led his band through classic tunes  “Tennessee Jed” and “Brown Eyed Woman” with Mathis taking the lead on vocals for both. “China Cat Sunflower” came next and led us through our first fully improvised jam of the night with Magner and Hamilton taking this one out for a long walk and bringing it back only to seamlessly segue into “Cassidy” followed by “I Know You Rider.” The group was finally joined on stage by announced guest for the night Robert Randolph who jumped right on his Pedal Steel and worked an instrumental version of “Not Fade Away.” Randolph then took the lead on the first set closer, and rarely covered Huey Smith’s “Rockin’ Pneumonia And The Boogie Woogie Flu.” This track was only covered by the Grateful Dead five times, all on their Europe ’72 tour.
    Bryan-Lasky-Billy-The-Kids-12

    The second set opened with just the core members of Billy & The Kids on stage with “Cold Rain and Snow” which had the crowd instantly back in the groove and singing along right out of the gate. It didn’t take long for Robert Randolph to join back on stage for “Dire Wolf” and “Sitting on Top of the World” which again featured Mathis working the vocals and his bass  to steal the attention away from the rest of the band, they then segued into “Big River.” Randolph once again took the lead on “Hey Bo Diddley “> “Who Do You Love,” providing high kick dance moves and alternate lyrics “Just playing here with Billy & The Kids” shining a light on Kreutzmann who showed he hasn’t lost a step with a roaring drum solo and a smile ear to ear.

    Mathis once again took the lead for “Ramble on Rose” before turning over the reigns to Hamilton on “Bertha” which featured the first stand-out keyboard solo of the night by Magner, showing everyone what he is truly capable of. Hamilton led the way through the remainder of the second set with  “Loser” >” Deal” > “Loser” and “Casey Jones.” All five came back on stage for an encore performance of “Brokedown Palace” each member of the band took a turn with a verse before the drove it home with the full ensemble closing out the night. Fare Thee Well, Billy & The Kids will next be playing “Spring 1990” at Red Rocks amphitheater in Morrison, CO on April 20 and will return to the east coast for Peach Fest where they will be joined by Grateful Dead guitarist Bob Weir.

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  • Hearing Aide: Umphrey’s McGee ‘The London Session’

    Given twelve hours and the world-famous Abbey Road Studio 2 to work with, Umphrey’s McGee cranked out an album. The London Session, which releases on April 7, features ten tracks including some old gems, a few tunes off 2014’s Similar Skin, a Beatles cover and a new favorite. TLS showcases the band’s versatility; each track adds a unique element and, when stacked on top of each other, we get a glimpse into the multi-layered, ever-evolving and unmistakable visage of Umphrey’s McGee.

    We have all made memorable achievements in half a day or less, whether it was writing that 20-page final paper, painting the entire upstairs, or completing all the holiday gift shopping. Umphrey’s McGee has one-upped us all.

    Umphrey's McGee The London Session

    “Bad Friday” debuted on the last day of 2013 and made the cut for that year’s Hall of Fame album. Its popularity hasn’t waned and its flow has grown smoother each time played live. The London Session opens with its studio debut, a succinctly smooth, groovy jam. The vocals are on-point and riffs show off Umphrey’s funkier side.

    Umphrey’s changes gears with “Rocker Part 2,” which also debuted on New Year’s Eve (2007) and has only been previously featured on a Hall of Fame album (2010). This song may exemplify the band as well as any one song on the album. It opens with warm piano parts, features high-energy percussion, and ends with heavy shredding.

    The album’s tone shifts quickly again as the next three tracks originated on Similar Skin. Number three is an acoustic, yet fairly straightforward version of “No Diablo.” The acoustic arrangements added to the next tune, “Cut the Cable,” give it a folksier feel than its Similar Skin version and make it one of the most interesting new takes introduced in TLS. The fifth track, “Out of Order,” possesses one of the album’s supreme jams during its final two minutes.

    Perfectly situated in the middle of TLS is “Glory.” Listen to it, take a deep breath, and listen again. If you’re having a bad day, listen twice more. You’re wont to find a more aptly titled song. The staple of live UM shows loses none of its triumphant splendor when brought to the studio for the first time.

    “Plunger,” which is often a vessel into deep, heavy jams during live performances, comes next. TLS version is relatively tame, but perhaps the song that epitomizes Umphrey’s most on the album. With an upbeat tempo and similar vocal arrangements, “Comma Later” brings us back to the funky feel that “Bad Friday” opens the album with. The final original track on the album, “Eat,” delves once more into UM’s darker side.

    The London Session concludes with an homage to the band that made Abbey Road famous, a cover of The Beatle’s “I Want You (She’s So Heavy).” A fan-favorite UM cover, the tune is an exclamation point at the end of a brilliantly produced album. Umphrey’s puts its own mark on the song while honoring the original. The first cover to make an UM studio album is the final piece to a diverse and delicious album.

    Less than a year after dropping Similar Skin, Umphrey’s McGee have unleashed another fantastic album that highlights UM’s versatility and originality. Whether your prefer their upbeat dance tunes, heavy rockers, folksier ballads, or prefer a cover, The London Session packs it all into ten tight tracks.

    Key tracks: Bad Friday,  Rocker Part 2, Glory

    Bonus key track: I Want You (She’s So Heavy)

  • Twiddle and Kung Fu Team up for ‘Dirty Dozen Tour’ With Four Shows in New York

    The Dirty Dozen Tour features 12 massive performances from Co-Headlining musical acts of Twiddle and Kung-Fu. Syracuse will be their second date of the run, following Buffalo, before traveling to Albany, New York City and making their way for Atlanta. Due to the fact that both bands will be headlining the tour, fans will have to arrive early to the venue to see who will take stage first. These two groups have been dedicated to their growing fan base and the music community by scheduling non-stop tour dates, as well as planning to release soundboard audio of their live shows this spring and summer. Fans can also see both bands in June at the Saranac Brewery in Utica, NY opening for moe.

    Twiddle-City Bisco 2013
    Twiddle-City Bisco 2013

    Since emerging onto the music scene, Kung Fu has single-handedly redefined what it means to “bring the funk.” These gentleman have brought their own unique sound, fusing the unlikely genres of funk, electronic, jam, jazz and much more. Kung Fu has become a staple at many big name festivals as well as the smaller festivals, home town bars and venues. Seeing this band live is more than just a performance, but an experience. Kung Fu’s live performances have been referred to as “jaw dropping” and “musically mesmerizing.” Taking stage with the equally talented Twiddle will just mean that you’ll have to really brace yourself for a fantastic night of live music.

    Twiddle has taken the jam band music scene by storm, completely dismantling any preconceptions and notions on how far a group of guys from a small town in Vermont could really go. Over the past few years Twiddle has acquired a following to (no pun intended) beat the band. Fans of Twiddle travel far and wide to enjoy their live performances. Much like Kung Fu, Twiddle has also masterfully blended a unique array of genres including funk, reggae, jazz and bluegrass. The band has a very  unique understanding of each other on stage and off so their performances are nothing short of amazing. Each performance within the Dirty Dozen Tour will showcase two phenomenal bands who have redefined genres within their own respects and also made great strides for genres which may have been otherwise overlooked.

    Dirty Dozen Tour Dates:
    4/1 – Buffalo, NY | Iron Works
    4/2 – Syracuse, NY | Westcott Theater
    4/3 – New York, NY | Irving Plaza
    4/4 – Clifton Park, NY | Upstate Concert Hall
    4/8 – State College, PA | Levels
    4/9 – Pittsburgh, PA | The Rex Theatre
    4/10 – Philadelphia, PA | TLA
    4/11 – Baltimore, MD | Rams Head Live
    4/12 – Richmond, VA | The Broadberry
    4/14 – Greensboro, NC | Blind Tiger
    4/15 – Charlotte, NC | The Chop House
    4/16 – Atlanta, GA | Terminal West

    Tickets are expected to go quick so don’t wait to buy them at the door.

  • 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.

  • Mister F “The Machine”

    For the third and last video for their brand new Snow Day Sessions EP – Mister F welcomes us to “The Machine.” The F are NY bred from the Albany area and feature brothers Matt and Ben Pickering on drums and bass, guitarist Andrew Chamberlaine, and jack of all keys Scott Hannay who gave us some details on the song’s background:

    “The Machine” was untitled during most of the Midwest tour –  it debuted on November ’14. We took suggestions from people, we thought of everything we could, but we just couldn’t come up with the *right* name, and didn’t want to just phone it in. We were in the van between shows watching a video of this guy, Bert Kreischer, on Joe Rogan’s podcast, telling a rather involved story about being abroad with a college class of his in Russia. He accidentally introduced himself as ‘The Machine’ to these Russian mobster bodyguards named Igor and Igor, and they laughed, partied, and took him in…and made him rob an entire train(and his classmates) with them. Obviously, we called the song “Igor and Igor”. That lasted for one show – we then decided that “The Machine” was more appropriate for the sound!

    The three track Snow Day Sessions release is now available for less than a latte on the F Bandcamp page. Check out “The Machine” below and go get yourself F’d on tour soon!

  • Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad Electrifies Syracuse

    Rolling around the northeast on their Spring Steady Tour, Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad burned one down this past saturday with the help from the High Hopes Band and Danielle Ponder & the Tomorrow People at the Westcott Theater in Syracuse, NY. High Hopes hit the stage at 8 p.m. sharp, not wasting a moment of the audience’s time. Ready as ever, they kicked off the first set with originals from their newly released album Forever Love. HHB serenaded the crowd for the their full hour with silky smooth lyrical stories accompanied by cavernous bass lines and rich drum rhythms. Luscious guitar melodies and keyboards were nothing short of ear pleasing for the 70’s era reggae lovers in the theater.

    The second performance was delightfully owned by Danielle Ponder and the Tomorrow People. These Rochester, NY funksters brought with them to Syracuse a style of their own, blending Soul, Funk, R&B, and Hip Hop. The group practically tore down the roof with covers of “Killing Me Softly” by the Fugees and “Cherish the Day” by Sade, along with a mix of their own original music. Danielle belted out every lyric and syllable with precision and affection as a passionate singer should, which may have come easy being backed up by a modestly qualified band.

    By the time the first two performances were finished, the crowd was warmed up and awaiting some Giant Panda love. A few moments later, the five members of GPGDS ascended the stage with instruments in hand and propelled into their set. Opening with a new song called “Make it Better,” the squad put their faith into the commendable crowd, which yielded a boisterous cheer. Graciously, the quintet pursued a monstrous segue jam that Chris and Tony kept glued together, consisting of “Seasons Change,” “Foundation,” “Mr. Cop,” “Pockets,” and ending with “Healing.” Without taking a breath, they dove right into “Steady,” the title track of their most recent release and the crowd displayed extensive joy as they sang along with Dylan and Dan’s unified harmonies.

    Giant Panda flawlessly gave the people what they wanted with more fan favorites, such as “All Night Music,” “Whatever Cost,” and “Take Your Place.” The energy in the building was immense to the point that the band did not want to take a break, playing nearly a three hour set. Sparing no expense, the guys dropped a whopping “.45” with James leading on vocals and bass. After departing the stage for a brisk water break, the ensemble returned with a two song encore consisting of “Far Away” and “OK,” coupled with a fancy dub jam molded in the middle. Before anyone could appeal, the show was closing and the band was thanking the Salt City along with everyone in attendance for sharing their evening with them.

    Amidst a lengthy northeastern run, these artists held their momentum and have not wasted one ounce of energy on their fans. As GPGDS continues their Spring Steady Tour through April with three more shows in Ithaca, Albany, and Buffalo, they will also be traveling to the west coast for a few appearances this spring, including the California Roots Festival on May 22.