Category: Genres

Caustic Method signs with Pavement Entertainment

It has been a long road for NY natives Caustic Method. The band has been traveling the state for over a decade working their way into the hearts of metal fans. Their dedication and hard work finally paid off as they have signed a record deal with Pavement Entertainment. They will be joining artists such as Soil, Smile Empty Soul, and Tantric on the label.

Matt Caustic, Darin Scott, Eric Maliszweski, and Angel Rivera will be touring for the remainder of the year, kicking off in Chicago March 20 in support of their new album. Expected to be released June 2 – the album will contain songs from their latest EP “The Virus” as well as a mixture of old and new Caustic Method hits. Vocalist Caustic explains the bands optimism about this next step in their career:

This year should be the year that really puts us on the national metal map. We are definitely surrounded by the best people in the business and have a very loyal legion behind us that have our backs and champing for our success. With that formula of support we are super optimistic as the next chapter unfolds.

This band has truly earned their success. When asked what his advice they would give to the next generation of metal bands Caustic says:

Think as a brand and a business. Took me a long time to make the break between art and commerce. That’s only if you want to make a career out of this. If not just play and have fun. You never know what might come out of it. If you’re good, good things will follow.

So here is to the good things that follow. Stay tuned metal fans, The Virus outbreak begins!

March 20, 2015
moe. Comes Home Again to NYC

moe. continued to thrill crowds of .rons on their 25th anniversary winter tour as they packed houses and came home again to New York City.

moe. continued to thrill crowds of .rons on their 25th anniversary winter tour as they packed houses in New York City last weekend.

The weekend began Thursday night with the band — guitarists Al Schnier and Chuck Garvey, bassist Rob Derhak, drummer Vinnie Amico and percussionist Jim Loughlin — playing an intimate show at Le Poisson Rouge, a 700-capacity club in Greenwich Village.

Then the boys moved their Friday and Saturday shows to the Best Buy Theater, an arena in the middle of Times Square with a capacity of 2,100. The corridors around the venue formed a bit of a maze, but the theater area made for a great show with a floor section below the stage, a short platform behind that and maybe 20 rows of raised seating behind it

The Friday night show started with a first set that took its time with each song, extending all but “Annihilation Blues” over 11 minutes. Fans got a not-oft-played “Darkness” that segued into “Bring You Down,” a combo that thrilled the crowd. Annihilation jammed right into a “Meat” that brought the energy up, then down, then built it back up again to end the set on a raging note.

The second set started with “New York City” — obligatory but so much more meaningful when it’s actually played in the city it was written about — then on “Do or Die” Jim broke out his drum set attached to a chest harness and ventured over to hang out with Vinnie and Al for a bit.

Members of the crowd throw their hands in the air as they sing along.

“Kyle’s Song” segued into “Same Old Story,” which has only twice before been segued into. It’s been used more often to segue out of at the end, but the song is high-energy fun any way they play it.

The final four songs of the set turned up the heat with “Don’t Fear the Reaper” by Blue Oyster Cult, then “Spaz Medicine” shifting into “Akimbo” into the ever-epic “Rebubula.” Boobs can occasionally fall into the rut of being a quick-hitter that draws a lot of audience emotion but doesn’t explore much, but this one took plenty of time to chill out before building to a frenzied sing-along at the end.

After the moe. show, most of the crowd filed out and ventured two blocks down to B.B. King’s, where Ha Ha the Moose was on the loose.

The hilarious moe. side project features Rob, Chuck and Jim wearing luchador masks and capes and taking on the persona of their alter egos, Dr. Guano, Jeff VonKickass and Sludge.

They played some old classics to a crowd so boisterous at points that it distracted band members. They also included some popular covers including “Have a Cigar by Pink Floyd and “Don’t You Forget About Me” by Simple Minds, forever etched into our memories by its poignant placement at the end of “The Breakfast Club.”

They also reprised “Courtesy Flush,” which they debuted in January at moe.’s Tropical Throe.down in Jamaica. They ended the set with “Redneck Trilogy” and “In the Name of Freedom” and during the latter, Guano got an apt response when he questioned the audience what they would do in the name of freedom: “I would throw a music festival, even if no one came and I didn’t make any money,” the moe.ron said, referencing the lack of a moe.down this year.

After having a few hours off to romp around the city, moe. was back at it Saturday night. Saturday night’s show at the Best Buy sold out during that day. Highlights of the show included an intense “Runaway Overlude,” “She,” “Billy Goat” segueing into “Head,” plus Shannon and Terry Lynch of the Conehead Buddha horns joining the band on “Not Coming Down,” “Threw It All Away” and “Dr. Graffenburg.”

The full Conehead Buddha band played a great official after-show in the Lucille’s room of B.B. King’s Saturday night for anyone who somehow had energy left after raging the city that never sleeps.

moe. heads to Chicago this weekend and south to the Carolinas in April to finish out their winter tour. The band has yet to announce summer tour dates besides a few festivals (SweetWater 420 Fest, Summer Camp, Mountain Jam and All Good, plus the Dear Jerry show celebrating Jerry Garcia in May) but fingers are crossed that they’ll at least spend a weekend at the Saranac Brewery in Utica this June. Keep an eye on NYSMusic.com for moe. news as dates trickle in.

March 20, 2015
Old Boy Records 2015 Spring Showcase

Old Boy Records is holding their 2015 Spring Showcase in the Center for the Arts of Homer – a repurposed church – on Friday March 27. The Upstate New York record label was founded in 2005 by Chris Merkley with a focus on representing the next wave of American Roots musicians.

Ten years later – Old Boy Records represents over a dozen artists from Upstate New York, Nashville and New York City. In addition to helping bands collaborate on shows and recordings – Old Boy also has their hand in creating custom music for television and film.

The showcase will feature acoustic performances from seven acts on two stages, including Driftwood who has created an exceptionally strong presence in the folk/Americana community. In addition to Driftwood – Merkley and band mate Stiv Morgan will be performing. Merkley and Morgan have been playing music together for over 15 years, and founded the band Digger Jones based out of Cortland, New York. Also on the list of performers is Los Blancos, whose eclectic mix of blues, funk, soul, country and Latin music has been a staple of the Syracuse music scene for years.

The music will start at 6pm, with performances taking place between the Community Room and Main Stage throughout the night. Tickets are available by calling the Center for the Arts of Homer at (607) 749-4900 or online. The Center is located at 72 S Main St in Homer, NY.

For a taste of what’s to come, here are some videos from this years Old Boy Records Showcase performers:

Driftwood

Chris Merkley and Stiv Morgan

Los Blancos

The Falconers

Nate & Kate

Gabe Cummins

March 20, 2015
Cabinet Throws A Celebration In Blairstown

There’s a lot to be said about the state of Pennsylvania, and producing quality bluegrass is an undeniable trait. As most music genres spawn into different subgenres it’s easier now to seek out string bands that sincerely push the envelope of what the general public views as bluegrass. While that original Bill Monroe sound is relevant and active in the scene today, it has naturally evolved into a monstrous playground scattered with sounds of varying influences. The crossroads of this trend concerning progressive string music lies within acts with drummers like Railroad Earth, Hot Buttered Rum and a group that’s taking their turn to rise to the top from the Eastern hills of Pennsylvania, Cabinet. And on March 6, the first of two nights right over the border into New Jersey at the Historic Blairstown Theatre was not their introduction to the intimate space.

Hot off the heels of a new release entitled “Celebration” the first four tracks were mixed in with staples of this almost 10-year-old band. The diversity from song to song represents the sharing of songwriting duties but when you stack songs like “The Dove” and “Old Farmer’s Mill” against each other (both highlights from different sets) the explorative instrumentation and people behind them are the two remaining similarities. At certain points it’s hard to imagine you’re seeing the same band mid set. “Wine and Shine” comes off as light on its feet and compliments their feel good sound, but something like “Eleanor” gives off a matured emotional feel. After years of playing some of these songs in front of a bunch of people a bunch of times certain coined instrumental phrases stick to the song, like a snowball rolling down the hill.

Aside from the new album, “Treat Me So Bad,” is a favored new song that takes from both soul and funk to melt over the smooth plucking and vocals of Pappy and JP Biondo respectively. The night was filled with applaudable solos and an overall heartfelt performance that gives you that longing for more. However, as the hard work continues to pay off for these six musicians, you can’t guarantee that you’ll see them in small rooms for much longer, so catch them when they’re rolling by.

Listen to the Blairstown Theatre Show on the Music Archive – with many thanks to Keith Litzenberger

March 20, 2015
NYS Music March Madness 2016 – Round 2

Welcome to Round 2 of NYS Music’s March Madness 2016! This tournament-style competition includes the remaining 32 bands and artists who call Upstate New York their home.

This year’s 4 regions are based on genres of music – Funk/Jam/Reggae, Metal/Rock, Bluegrass/Folk/Americana and Indie/EDM. Each region has 16 Upstate New York bands in their respective region, battling it out to reach the Final Four and claim this year’s title. Bands were chosen based upon their origins in Upstate and popularity in their respective genres.

In the first round, nearly all Metal/Rock underdogs beat the top seeds, while reigning champ Lucid fell to Mister F in the Jam/Funk/Reggae region. Almost every top seed moves on in the Indie/EDM region while a very competitive Folk/Bluegrass/Americana/Country region has a mix of underdogs and favorites alike.

Round 2 voting begins March 20 at Noon and ends at midnight on Monday March 23. Round three begins March 24, with additional rounds announced on the NYS Music Facebook page.

March 20, 2015
Hearing Aide: Professional Victims ‘Fathom The Cosmos’

Professional Victims are an alternative rock duo based in Syracuse have released their third EP, this one is a five song offering titled “Fathom The Cosmos”. Ashley Cox and Shawn Sullivan recruited Jeff Moleski (Smashing Pumpkins, Local H) at Moletrax East and the recording is what they describe as ‘D.I.Y. alternative, exploring the space between synth pop and alt rock riffs’. Having reviewed their stunning last release “Motivational Speakers” I was excited when they sent along this new EP. It’s with high expectations that I give it a spin and share my thoughts.

“Human” sets the initial tone for this release, a dreamy, layered vocal set on what seems to be a strict power-pop keys/guitar line. Dig a little deeper and it has some teeth despite its oooh refrains.

“Gimme Space” switches gears dramatically as an expose of swirling emotions matched by Sullivan’s ripping guitar solos. The keyboard and vocal effects twist the lyric audibly sending the listener on the roller coaster of the mixed emotions portrayed. “Run” cranks up the volume further exploring the human condition, the questioning of self and the self-entitled need for escape. The mix is monstrous and the balance of the guitar tracks from acoustic to melodic, then searing, all blending to the next verse, brilliant stuff. The vocal play is next to perfect, especially the rave-up ending.

PV stretch their eighties power-pop muscle on “Strangest Thing” Cox’s vocal rising and falling with Sullivan’s guitar line driving her along. She’s convincing, but not contrived, it’s a very fine line she dances on deftly, confidently, without need of a net. “Pirate Flag” reminds me of a favorite song I haven’t heard before, reminiscent, familiar, yet carrying the excitement of something fresh and new. The melody line and hook grab your ears, propelling one finger toward the repeat button well before the end. A fitting closer that leaves you wanting for more, more sweet vocals, more biting guitar, more ear candy, which this surely is.

Their newest EP surely shows the tremendous growth in this musical partnership, combined with Jeff Moleski’s brilliant engineering, they’re a force to be reckoned with. It goes to show what musicianship, heart and drive can produce on a local level, it surely deserves wider recognition. The dual spent 2014 playing showcase shows throughout NY state and is currently working on their next ep. Follow them on social media at facebook , twitter and on their website.

Key Tracks: Human, Gimme Space, Strangest Thing

March 19, 2015
Bowlive VI – Day 4 – Soule Monde and Soulive with Chris Robinson
After a two-day recess, night four of Bowlive VI was underway in formidable fashion, with guest Chris Robinson. As far as the opener setting the tone for the evening, Soule Monde has been the most musically appropriate choice of the run to date. The jazz/funk duo of Russ Lawton (drums) and Ray Paczkowski (clavinet, organ) were quick to put everyone in the mood. Lawton continually pushed the pace faster as Paczkowski followed on his Hammond B-3 and laid down deep funky riffs on his clavinet. Paczkowski has you wondering where the third hepcat was keeping the groove going on his four string. They set the stage for Soulive to bring their own style of modern funk to the table.

Soule Monde

While Eric Krasno kept himself busy during the short break in the Bowlive residency, sitting in with Phil & Friends for his 75th birthday show at The Capitol Theater, fans got a much-needed hiatus from all the dancing. The fourth night started same as all the previous ones with just the three Soulive members on stage. Charging out of the gate with the classic original tune “So Live” off of their debut album, 2002’s Turn It Out. Once the mood was set, the trio went into the more soulful “Bubble” which segued wonderfully into the first of many covers for the night, The Beatles “Something.” The Extra Shady Horns on this night consisting of Zoidis (sax), Bloom (trumpet). The first guest of the evening was DJ Williams (guitar, KDTU) who joined in the fun for another old school Soulive original “Uncle Junior.” Williams and Krasno took this out for a ride and were upended by a screaming solo by Zoidis’ sax.

As the show was compressed from two sets down to one, most likely to placate the strap hangers with early morning meetings. At the end of the first hour of mostly Soulive originals, Chris Robinson finally made his way onto the Bowlive stage. He was joined by Cochema Gastelum (sax, Dap Kings) and backup singers Sasha Ortiz and Maya Sharpe. The first tune that Robinson crooned for his enthusiastic fans was Otis Redding’s “Fa Fa Fa Fa Fa Sad Song.” Only one song in and Robinson picked up his guitar to join Krasno on a medley of cover tunes. The Dr. John classic “Quitters Never Win” was up next followed by Robinson’s Bowlive coming out party as he blew the roof off the joint in a funk laden take on the Grateful Dead’s “West LA Fadeaway.”

Everything was coming up blues as we heard takes on Joe Cocker’s “Space Captain” and Allen Toussaint’s “Get Out My Life Woman.” Robinson and Neil Evans led the charge with their take on the Jerry Garcia/Robert Hunter tune “Sugaree.” To close out the night, which had the crowd singing along for the last hour, Robinson channeled his best Mick Jagger impersonation for The Rolling Stones “Gimme Shelter.” His soaring vocals led the crowd in what was the most authentic sounding cover of the night. To close out a night of classic rock tunes everyone was back on stage and joined by Ross James (guitar, Terrapin Family Band) for a cover of “Lovelight” that sounded more like the original Bobby Bland version than the more widely known Grateful Dead version. Based on the audience’s reaction, Robinson might have been the standout guest so far, and everyone will have another chance to see him Wednesday as he closes out his two-night stand with Soulive.
March 19, 2015
David Crosby Brings His One Man Acoustic Tour to New York

No conversation about musical history can be complete without a mention of David Crosby. From the multiple variations of Crosby and/or Stills and/or Nash and/or Young to a wildly successful solo career to an almost Keith Richards-esque ability to stay alive – Crosby is a true rock and roll legend.

Albany and downstate will get their own taste of “legendary” as David Crosby brings his one man acoustic tour to Hudson June 20, The Town Hall in NYC June 25 and Albany’s The Egg June 30. New York dates will close out July 3 at Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center.

Crosby on the solo shows:

“This is about the songs. The tale telling. Taking you on a voyage to my world for a moment.”

Tickets for all shows are available on his website. Check out the full tour below.

David Crosby Solo Acoustic Tour 2015

June 6, Kerrville, TX, Kerrville Folk Festival
June 9, Miami Beach, FL, Fillmore Miami Beach
June 10, Fort Pierce, FL, Sunrise Theatre
June 12, Clearwater, FL, Capitol Theatre
June 13, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall
June 16, Durham, NC, Carolina Theatre of Durham
June 17, Charlottesville, VA, Paramount Theater
June 19, Morristown, NJ, Mayo Performing Arts Center
June 20, Croton-On-Hudson, NY, Clearwater’s Great Hudson River Revival – Croton Point Park
June 22, Alexandria, VA, Birchmere
June 23, Harrisburg, PA, The Whitaker Center For Science & the Arts – Sunoco Theater
June 25, New York, NY, The Town Hall
June 28, Munhall, PA, Carnegie Music Hall of Homestead
June 30, Albany, NY, The Egg Center For the Performing Arts
July 2, Ridgefield, CT, Ridgefield Playhouse
July 3, Westhampton Beach, NY, Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center
July 5, Bethlehem, PA, Musikfest Café
July 6, New Bedford, MA, Zeiterion Performing Arts Center

March 19, 2015
moe. Relentlessly Rocks Binghamton

moe. jumped into their set and did not yield on the throttle the rest of the night at Binghamton’s Forum Performing Arts Theatre on Wednesday, March 11. The midweek throw-down featured two sets of neatly flowing rock produced by masters of the art that left the crowd craving more.

After an opening set by Cabinet, moe. came out to raucous applause from the Binghamton constituency. While the Buffalo-born-band only has one more scheduled Upstate date, it was hinted that another show is in the works. Regardless, they threw the kitchen sink at The Forum, seldom taking a break between mammoth jams. With Guitarist Chuck Garvey, drummer Vinny Amico and bassist Rob Derhak all adorned in silver-sequined jackets to celebrate the band’s 25^th anniversary, they kicked the first set off with “Kids.” As band members got their feet underneath them and settled in, the tune picked up momentum and, at some point, unnoticeably transitioned into “Skrunk.”

“Skrunk” became “ZOZ” from 2008’s album Sticks and Stones which morphed back into “Kids.” Somehow, an hour was gone and having played only four seamlessly segued songs, moe. demonstrated why it has been on top of the jam scene long enough to celebrate a silver anniversary. Time signatures ebbed and flowed and, while the tone stayed mostly bright, there were periods of weirdness dispersed throughout the huge block of music. Percussionist Jim Loughlin captivated the crowd with his dexterity on the xylophones; harmonizing the percussion with Garvey on guitar and Al Schnier on the guitar and/or keys adds an extra layer of richly toned texture unique to moe. The three got into a deep groove when they returned to “Kids.” After a long ovation, moe. concluded the first set with a cover of “Godzilla” that helped gently return onlookers from the wild musical ride moe. just created.

Like the first set, the second was a fluid jam that lasted over an hour without ceasing. “The Pit” acted as bookends with an emphatic version of “Four” and energetic rendition of “Happy Hour Hero” as highlights in the middle. Throw in “Seat Of My Pants,” “Tubing the River Styx,” and a couple other tunes, and a 75 minute set was over without a single break to catch one’s breath. Again, seemingly in the blink of an eye, fans cheered boisterously as a tightly packed set flew by.

An encore consisting of moe. original “It” and a cover of “The Weight” featuring members of Cabinet was the finishing touch of a nonstop night of jamming. Between the dual-shredding abilities of Garvey and Schnier, the in-your-face bass proffered by Derhak and the one-two punch on percussion with Amico and Loughlin, moe. torched the Forum Theatre in many ways. The band’s creativity and talent created an incredible evening of rock in Binghamton that won’t soon be forgotten.

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March 18, 2015
Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad is Bringing the Spring Steady Tour to Syracuse

Trucking across the country with their fourth studio album “Steady” on their shoulders, Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad will be dropping by the Westcott Theater on March 21, to resurrect a night of deluxe reggae spirit for Syracuse. Steady was released in september of 2014, debuted at #1 on the Billboard Reggae chart, #1 on iTunes Reggae Chart, and is the Rochester, NY based quintets’ first collaboration with Easy Star Records.

The GPGDS, as many fans know them by, have been writing, recording, and performing music since 2001 while they were still in high school. The band played local and regional shows, while focusing on performing live for the next few years. In 2005, friends and fans began taping their live shows for fun and sharing their progress with the live music community, which quickly built up a national fan base accompanied by continuous touring schedules. Their hard work and success have nursed a rising career, which we are in store for this week and may even hear some new material from their upcoming album (due out in May), titled Bright Days! Bringing with them to celebrate, are an extraordinary crew of musicians, the High Hopes Band from Boston, MA and fellow Rochester, NY group Danielle Ponder and The Tomorrow People as special guests.

With their Spring Steady Tour under way since March 12, the 20 date tour includes major highlighted events such as the California Roots Festival and Arise Music Festival in Colorado. This run of shows will also bring the Upstate New York natives back home to Ithaca on April 9, Albany the following evening, and Buffalo on April 11. Saturday, March 21 the band will play the Westcott Theater in Syracuse with special guests Danielle Ponder & The Tomorrow People, High Hopes Band. Doors open at 7PM and the show starts at 8PM. This is an all ages show, tickets are $15 in advance and $18 day of the show.

Websites:

http://LivePanda.com/

http://www.highhopesreggae.com

http://www.reverbnation.com/danielleponderthetomorrowpeople

March 18, 2015