NYS Music 20​15

Category: Central NY

  • Frankie Ballard and Eric Paslay Show Binghamton a ‘Helluva’ Good Time

    Frankie Ballard took a break from his tour with Florida Georgia Line to headline Binghamton’s inaugural Country Music Lights Fest on July 10. Ballard is currently one of Nashville’s hottest rising stars so it was no surprise he was selected to headline the festival.

    Eric Paslay was direct support for Ballard on this tour stop. Paslay may still be considered a fresh face in country music, but people have been listening to his songs for years. He has written many number 1 hits for artists such as Rascall Flats, Lady Antebellum, Eli Young Band, Love and Theft, and Jake Owen.

    Paslay began his set with songs from his self-titled album including “Song About A Girl,” “Never Really Wanted” and “Like A Song.” During the second half of his set he performed a few of his number 1 hits that he wrote including “Even If It Breaks Your Heart” which was made famous by the Eli Young Band. His version of the song had the crowd jumping up and down while shouting the chorus at the top of their lungs.

    He brought his set to a close with “Friday Night” his most notorious single to date. This song also had the crowd jumping up and down with excitement creating a perfect segue into Frankie Ballard’s set.

    Side note: I recommend following Paslay on social media. You get to peek into his personal life and see his funny and unique personality. He puts on an incredible sounding live show and as time goes on I personally cannot wait to see him evolve as an artist and see him let more of that part of him bubble out into his live performances.

    When the lights went out for headliner Frankie Ballard, his band trickled out onto the stage and started the intro to “I Came To Get Down”. Ballard then flooded out on stage  while playing his guitar, immediately seizing the audience’s attention and showing them he was indeed in town to get down.  His energetic stage presence and guitar playing rivals the best artists of both current country and rock music genres.

    Ballard kept the momentum going with the fan favorite “Thinkin’ Country” and hit single “Sunshine & Whiskey.” Halfway through his set he mixed it up with a cover of ZZ Tops “La Grange” along with Johnny Cash’s “Boy Named Sue”. He took the audience on a trip back to his college days by doing a cover of The Wallflowers’ “One Headlight.” On this song Ballard took over the drum kit and appointed his guitar player Eddie Robinson take the lead on vocals. Throughout his entire set Ballard’s enthusiasm and love for his music shined through. You could tell by the smile on his face and the little things he did on stage that he was truly in his element and having the time of his life.

    Ballard rounded out his set with his first number one hit “Helluva Life”  a cover of Bob Segar’s “Old Time Rock & Roll” and “Drinky Drink.” Each song had the crowd swaying and dancing the remainder of the night away.

    Frankie Ballard might not be a top name in country music yet, but if he keeps pouring his personality and heart into each show like he did in Binghamton, it is only a matter of time before he’s on everyone’s radar. He is tour with Florida Georgia Line through the end of 2015. Get tour dates and ticket information on his website here.

    The festival lineup also included  Sunday Best, Austin Webb, and Craig Campbell.

    Frankie Ballard Set List: I Came To Get Down, Thinkin’ Country, Sunshine & Whiskey, It Don’t Take Much, Young & Crazy, La Grange, TMYGL (Tell Me You Get Lonley), Boy Named Sue, Wallflowers (One Headlight), Frankie On Drums, Helluva Life, Old Time R&R, Drinky Drink

  • The Indie Pop Scene Takes Over Cooperstown

    Cooperstown was the place to be on July 26, for baseball aficionados and indie pop fans alike. In addition to it being the Baseball Hall of Fame’s Induction Weekend, just a few miles south, Brewery Ommegang was proud to present The Decemberists with very special guests Lucius. Having been lucky enough to catch a set by Lucius at last year’s Mountain Jam, and hearing stories of the wacky stage antics and audience interactions for which The Decemberists are known, there was no doubt that this show was going to be fabulous.

    To get everyone pumped for the evening’s main act, Lucius was a force to be reckoned with, with the two leading ladies Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig being played in by multi-instrumentalists Andrew Burri, Peter Lalish, and Dan Molad. Donning identical outfits and hairdos, Wolfe and Laessig do much more than dress in unison.

    Whether singing the same notes together sounding as one, or harmonizing blending together the most unlikely but simultaneously striking notes, Lucius is definitely a band worth watching. The ladies’ shorter and less-blonde-than-usual ‘dos added a more punkish feel initially to the set, but they turned towards their more folk side later on, having just returned from the Newport Folk Festival where they had the privilege of playing with Roger Waters (and none other than The Decemberists).

    Sandwiched in the middle of their set, Lucius covered three folk tunes, including Paul Anka’s “It Doesn’t Matter Anymore” and Ian and Sylvia’s “You Were On My Mind”. I don’t believe a crowd has ever danced that hard to those old favorites! Giving Burris, Lalish, and Molad chances to demonstrate their expert capabilities, the girls left the stage a couple of times to let them shine, treating the audience to an almost classical sounding guitar duet at one point. Graciously thanking The Decemberists for the opportunity to go on tour with them, and even giving a shout-out to the Hall of Fame Inductees, Lucius adequately prepped the audience for the rest of what turned out to be a thoroughly enjoyable evening.

    With the clouds looking awfully threatening to the south, I quickly grabbed some tasty local grub from the famous Origins Café food truck, fully expecting to be hunkering down in my rain gear for the duration, but thankfully the weather cooperated (at least over Ommegang – who knows what it was doing two miles up the road?). With as dramatic an entrance as to be expected from a band known for their fun live show experiences, The Decemberists walked out onto a dark stage, with a backdrop of the band’s latest album cover, after a classic soundtrack which sounded like music from the 1920s was being played on an old record player blasted over the speakers. The quirkiness of simply having its roots in Portland, Oregon, shined through immediately in The Decemberists’ set, with the first song “The Singer Addresses His Audience,” giving off the feeling of a king addressing his court. Next up was “July July!”, played in an almost Who/Tommy style, featuring Nate Query on the stand-up bass using a bow, which always adds a haunting quality to a tune. After lead vocalist Colin Meloy announced that some of their songs will be good, and some will just be “eh,” the band went into “Down By the Water”. The Decemberists showed off its versatility by switching seamlessly between what Meloy classified as coal miner material with “Rox in a Box”, featuring Jenny Conlee prominently on the accordion, to French Legionnaire material with “The Legionnaire’s Lament”.

    At this point in the set, Meloy took the opportunity to promote the band’s new album What a Terrible World, What a Beautiful World, playing a poppier catchier than usual “Make Me Better.” Getting a bit more emotional, Meloy confessed that he decided to write this next forward-marching song, which featured a lovely piano solo by Conlee, during a tough time he was going through with his family.

    Settling back into some of their older more familiar tunes for a bit, The Decemberists demonstrated just how dedicated a fan base they have generated, with people of all ages who had come out of the woodworks for this show singing along with each and every word of this band’s eccentric lyrics.

    The band also showed how multi-talented each and every musician in the band is, featuring some swirly Hammond sounds from Conlee, and some fancy pedal steel action from guitarist Chris Funk, on top of more beautiful bowed bass playing by Query on “The Island”. After telling the entire audience how beautiful each and everyone looked, Meloy led the band into their famous “Anti-Summer Song.”

    Playing perhaps their most patriotic number, “16 Military Wives”, Meloy enlisted the audience in a sing-along, but not just your typical sing-along: he even went so far as to scold someone for singing when it was supposed to be his solo! After getting back on track from that distraction, Meloy introduced the next tune “Dracula’s Daughter” as being the worst most grievous song he has ever written, and then went straight into the band’s more popular “O Valencia!” The band ironically ended their set with “The Beginning Song”.

    After hearing a comment from an audience member that The Decemberists “make just the right amount of noise,” we were left wanting more, after a seemingly short set. They sure did make up for it with their double encore, the first of which consisted of five songs. Giving the guest background singers a chance to shine through, the first encore “The Hazards of Love” started out with just Conlee rocking out on keys and the two background singers truly belting it out.

    Still not getting enough, the Decemberists caved to the audience’s pressure and came out for a second encore, consisting of perhaps the band’s silliest songs, starting with “Red Right Ankle” and ending with a rousing rendition of “The Mariner’s Revenge Song”, during which the audience was instructed to scream like they’re being swallowed by a whale. I wasn’t quite sure what that would sound like, but the audience did quite a good job, garnering inspiration from the absurdness of the lyrics and stage antics.

    The Decemberists’ members sure did use their time wisely during their hiatus. They have come back with new more personal yet still characteristically fun tunes, and they have added renewed energy and inspiration to their older numbers. Touring throughout the US and Canada, with dates scheduled through October, and more being added every day, the Decemberists are a must see on this tour.

  • Dark Star Orchestra Plays a Collection of JGB Songs at the Saranac Brewery

    Dark Star Orchestra nixed their usual routine of recreating Grateful Dead shows and played a fantastic mix of Jerry Garcia Band tunes Sunday night at the Saranac Brewery in Utica NY. This deviation of the norm was prompted by the absence of guitarist Rob Eaton who was attending his son’s wedding.

    The enthusiastic crowd jammed for four hours to such classics as — “Evangeline” and “Sugaree” and a Beatle cover thrown in as well. Halfway through the second set they performed an excellent version of Shining Star with the audience chiming in on the chorus to the end.

    This was my first Dark Star Orchestra show and I certainly hope it will not be the last. They certainly knew how to channel the vibe of the Jerry Garcia Band and I hope to catch one of the recreated Grateful Dead shows in the future.

    Set List:
    One: Let It Rock, Dear Prudence, Evangeline, It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes A Train To Cry, You Never Can Tell (C’est La Vie), Who Was John, I Shall Be Released, Don’t Let Go, Mystery Train

    Set Two: The Set Harder They Come, Sugaree, Think, Shining Star, Tough Mama, That Lucky Old Sun, Lonesome And A Long Way From Home, Rubin and Cherise

    Encore: That’s Alright Mama

  • Country Star Miranda Lambert Tabbed as First Act for New Lakeview Amphiteater in Syracuse

    The brand new Lakeview Amphitheater, along the shores of Onondaga Lake in Syracuse, will be christened on Sept. 3 by country star Miranda Lambert, local officials announced Wednesday.

    Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. show will be sold through the usual outlets beginning at 10 a.m. Friday, July 31. Lawn seats will cost $35 and pavilion seats range from $75 to $95. The show occurs during the New York State Fair, and as such, ticket purchase also includes admission to the fair.

    Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney, flanked by Assemblyman Bill Magnarelli, Acting New York State Fair Director Tony Waffner and County Legislature Chairman Ryan McMahon, made the highly anticipated announcement from the New York State Fairgrounds, the site that is home to the State Fair Grandstand, host to many high-profile concerts in its 33-year history. The grandstand has seen a decline in marquee artists in recent years and will be torn down as part of a major renovation project at the fairgrounds next year. Mahoney hopes to host 20 concerts at the new venue next year as the amphitheater replaces the grandstand as the location for State Fair concerts.

    Miranda Lambert, who recently made headlines with the announcement of her divorce from country star and “The Voice” judge Blake Shelton, has been a mainstay on the country charts and at country music awards shows since her debut album Kerosene in 2004. Her most recent album, Platinum, was released in January 2014, with the latest single, “Little Red Wagon,” being the third to chart from this release.

    While the venue’s construction is still incomplete, an aggressive finish date has been set for Aug. 24. Controversy has arisen with the booking of a concert at the new venue while the current one has had difficulty attracting marquee acts this year. Lambert’s show coincides with the last-ever grandstand show featuring Patti LaBelle and Meghan Trainor’s free show at Chevrolet Court during the fair. The booking has drawn criticism in a year when only four grandstand concerts have been booked during the 12-day fair run. Lambert’s only available date was the third and officials are confident the conflict will not have a major affect on overall attendance.

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  • The Lawn Boys To Recreate 1996 Phish Halloween Show In Syracuse This Fall

    This fall, Central New York music lovers are in for a treat. Phish tribute band the Lawn Boys are set to recreate Phish’s 1996 Halloween show on Saturday, Oct. 24, at the Westcott Theater in Syracuse.

    In ’96, Phish started at the Omni in Atlanta with a set full of Phish tunes, then they came back for the second set in their “musical costume” to play the Talking Head’s fourth studio album, Remain in Light, in its entirety. After that, they came back for a third set of Phish originals to complete the epic night.

    This year, the Lawn Boys will play the first and last sets of Phish originals, and they’ll welcome Talking Heads tribute band Start Making Sense for the second set to play the Remain In Light portion of the show.

    Fans will also have the pleasure of witnessing both bands jam together in a special fourth set.

    The Lawn Boys posted on their Facebook page about the upcoming show,

    “We’ve been working on this idea for a while and we’re very excited to see it finally come to fruition. We will be recreating phish’s legendary 96 Halloween show at the The Westcott Theater in Syracuse, N.Y. … Please spread the word. Lots more to come on this!”

    Tickets are $15 in advance and $18 day of show. The show starts at 8 p.m.

  • Trapt’s Chris Taylor Brown Gets in Argument With Local Band in New Jersey

    Singer Chris Taylor Brown of Trapt reportedly got into an argument the day after their performance at K-Rockathon 20 in Syracuse. On Sunday, July 26, Brown can be seen arguing with local bad Too Far Lost at the Stanhope House in New Jersey before his band mate ushered him away. A 30-second cell phone video clip popped up on Youtube showing the altercation.

    Too Far Lost was one of the opening acts for Trapt that night. According to Andy Bane, frontman for another opening band on the bill called Dangerkids, Trapt told Too Far Lost band members that they could not sell their merch at the show. Bane also stated that Brown proceeded to call the band fat, worthless and told Too Far Lost members, “You’re in a local band so you don’t matter.”

    Zach Myers, guitarist for Shinedown, posted a response on a fan’s Facebook page that posted about the Brown incident. Myers said Brown talked $#!t about Brent Smith of Shinedown, and Brent confronted Brown at K-Rockathon, though Brown ignored Brent and the band. Brown later posted on social media that his band Trapt was better than Shinedown. On Monday, Brown released a video on the band’s

    Wanted to explain where this rage I’ve had lately comes from. Had a lot to say, so thought I would do so in a video.

    Posted by Trapt OFFICIAL on Monday, July 27, 2015

    Alternative Press reported that Trapt and Bane were bantering back and forth on Facebook. The post has since been taken down. Bane posted,

    “You make a post about bullying and then an hour later tell one of your openings bands (who were required to sell tickets to your shitty show) that they can’t sell their merch? Call them fat and worthless and ‘you’re in a local band you don’t matter?’ Sorry ‘Headstrong’ hasn’t been relevant in over 10 years. Maybe you should hang it up.”

    This prompted Trapt to reply by posting:

    “Worry about your own band and your own career and maybe writing a song that people like. Our one Top 40 hit, that was the biggest alternative song of last decade, is one of our 12 songs that crossed at least the top 20 in rock, so I guess you can only have a hit if [it’s] on pop stations in your opinion. Douchebag.”

    Trapt also posted:

    “‘Headstrong’ makes more money yearly than you’ve made in your whole life. You’re so dangerous… No one said they can’t sell merch. That band wanted 3 fucking tables and we wanted our main support to have at least 1 table. That girl in the video bitched and said then we will take our stuff and leave and we said go ahead and then that local band said if they didn’t go out and sell tickets than no one would be at the show, all 20 tickets they sold. The second local was [way] better and did a much better job promoting the show and selling the [tickets]… We rely on hard-working local bands to promote Trapt when we come to town. Fuck you! See you out there sometime!

  • Hearing Aide: Lonesome Crow, ‘Lonesome Crow’

    Central New York-based Lonesome Crow know right where the sweet spot is when it comes to Southern Rock/Outlaw Country music. Their pedigrees that include Savoy Brown, Mad Jack and Last Train Out gave them plenty of road experience, along with opening for such acts as The Outlaws, The Marshall Tucker Band and Blackberry Smoke.

    Composed of “compadres for decades,” Lonesome Crow is Rick Jewett (keys, harmony and  vocals), George Lamb (bass), Lou Kaplan (acoustic and electric guitars, lead and backing vocals), Slaus Brown-Paul (lead and slide guitars, banjo, harmony and vocals) and Barry Westfall (drums). Recording was done at Conan Fioramonti’s The Ghetto studio in Syracuse, produced by the band, engineered by Fioramanti, mixed by Bill Aldrich, Jewett, Brown-Paul, mastered by Scott Patnode.

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    Photo by Deborah Brooks Miller

    This band could claim to be formed in the early to mid-1970s southern rock scene in the Carolinas and Georgia. They can honky tonk it with anyone, each member knows their role and is strong within it. Kaplan and Jewett are the primary songwriters with Brown-Paul contributing two songs as well, they even re-make a couple of Mad Jack numbers in the middle. While the terms Outlaws, Hell Raisers and Renegades are thrown around a lot these days, LC live it as much as reality allows. Much like their influences and heroes, LC’s live shows are spirited romps through decades of history while creating their own on the way.

    “Rollin’ Into Town” (K), the opener of this eponymously titled album, establishes much of what “Lonesome Crow” is all about. Melodic, well-written songs that are easy on the ear and easily remembered. This could’ve come straight from a Marshall Tucker (MT) issue, much like ‘Lay Me Down’ (K/J), the next track. The story is plausible, the mix is smooth and you can dance to it. Gary Burns’ steel line with Jewett’s piano just make it bounce, the rest is solid, especially Brown-Paul’s solo. ‘American Small Town Boy” (J/K), revs it up several levels, Jewett’s piano and Hammond sound just right with Brown-Paul’s raved-up rhythm. George Lamb and Barry Westfall are great role players, with lead abilities. This music isn’t going to ask them for gymnastics, do what you do, everyone’s feet listen. Kaplan is out front and he knows how to sell what he’s got, he has the look, swagger and chops to get it.

    “Wicked Ways” is the first Jewett/Kaplan (J/K) piece although they switch to Kaplan/Jewett (K/J) too, I’ll note them as they have a different flavor and the mix of them is cool. Kaplan does his best Doug Gray and the band is swinging or skiffling, is that a word even, great ooos in the background, Brown-Paul’s finger picking and slide drops. Jewett honky-tonks it and off they go, he delivers a great solo mid-song too. “Pick-Up Truck” (J), is where Jewett takes the mic and kicks it into gear, his organ sounds are dead-on and Brown-Paul’s pick and slide jump like Toy Caldwell, the bluesy backing shouts and the same in Jewett’s voice compliment nicely. Brown-Paul shines again in solo, did I say the rhythm section was tight? That.

    lonesome crow“Shot To Hell” (K/J), brings a bit of Allman Brothers Band here with the acoustic rhythm brought up, the slide and the piano. The MT is still present as Kaplan re-takes the lead and the harmonies really come through with the help of Fioramanti in the equation, a percussion shake too. Brown-Paul’s (B-P) first piece, “You’re The One” is also his first lead singing role, his voice is softer and smoother, it is just right for this true sad country tune. Gary Burns’ lilting steel guitar licks behind the tremble of B-P’s vocal, Jewett gets a little country majestic and you could wring the sweet out of the backing vocals. “Tonight We Ride” TWR is a (K/J) plus Alan Macomber and Mike Brown piece from their former band, Mad Jack, as is the next one, ‘Desperation Road’ DR. ‘TWR’ is a nice up-tempo love song, more country flavored with a updated guitar solo and a Allman Brothers bridge. It’s got the right swing and sway, DR has it too while of course the topic matter is 180 degree spin. DR opens in a dark mood, Westfall paces with a marching snare, but quickly turns its cheek, Brown-Paul leads to Jewett mid-song as they stretch it out with a couple of great solos. Lamb is running steady on the bottom as Kaplan tells the tale of redemption from his soul and heart. Cool outro too.

    “Way Past Mad” (B-P), with B-P at the lead, is tweaked with Texas-Blues and a similar swing. It feels like you’re riding a railroad car, then Jewett jumps on piano line right out of a western barroom. All of the elements that culminate in Texas Swing with a big-rock ending. Great jam. “Fast And Free” (K/J) rocks a bit more than previously heard here, Jewett stealing the show in the middle with a ripping piano solo, only to have B-P top it off. When Kaplan sings, “Packin’ up this old guitar, Packin’ up my guns, Loadin’ down that truck out in the drive, Say goodbye and wish you well, Put the hammer down, Takin’ one last run while I’m alive”, you know he’s been there before. Then B-P drives it home.

    “Take My Drunk Ass Home” (J/K) closes with a bluesy country twang, Jewett at the mic, it’s a descriptive, with the title’s protagonist talking to himself. It’s possible he’ll get everything he’s lost back, but we know what he’ll have to do. LC’s dexterity within a loose genre is expressed throughout this album. They tell you stories, whether they’re reality or fiction, they’re plausible, they’re presented authentically and played at the level that is allowed by most prefectures. They love what they do and it shows clearly what the idea of being in a band is all about. If’n all y’all maight prefer this heya musical style, might right give a listen, all y’all be durn happy fo it! Check out Lonesome Crow on facebook.

    Key Tracks: “Pick Up Truck,” “Way Past Mad,” “Fast And Free”

  • The Decemberists Bring Their Legendary Indie Sound to Brewery Ommegang on Sunday, July 26

    Cooperstown is the place to be this weekend, between it being the Baseball Hall of Fame’s Induction Weekend, and indie rock gods The Decemberists gracing us with their presence at Brewery Ommegang. With plenty of activities to choose from this weekend, checking out the legendary Decemberists on Sunday should definitely be on your radar. Brewery Ommegang provides an ideal setting to listen to some amazing tunes while taking in the gorgeous scenery that makes up the Leatherstocking region of our fine State, while having the opportunity to sample food from a variety of local vendors, and drink some of the best beer around, brewed right there on site.

    An American indie rock band based out of Portland, Oregon, The Decemberists quirky sound is definitely born from its surroundings. Known for their bold lyrics, often based on historic myths and folklore, this band can produce both in the studio and during their live performances. Returning from a several year hiatus, The Decemberists have had ample time to focus on recording their latest album What a Terrible World, What a Beautiful World, which comes from a more personal side of the band’s primary songwriter Colin Meloy, having had more time during the band’s break to spend with his family and even write a bestselling children’s book trilogy. Joining Meloy on guitar and lead vocals will be fellow band mates Chris Funk on guitars, Jenny Conlee on keyboards, Nate Query on bass, and John Moen on drums. Refreshed and ready to go after their sabbatical, Sunday’s show is sure to be raging. One never knows what to expect from these guys, so don’t be surprised if you encounter a reenactment of an agent sea battle or some other equally eccentric incident. The Decemberists will be joined by very special guest Lucius, the Brooklyn-based indie pop band that has become a legend in its own right, known for its awe-inspiring harmonies and percussive beats that will keep you dancing all night long.

    The show will be starting at 7:00 p.m., with the gates opening at 5:00 p.m. Camping is available onsite, which is an especially appealing option for those who are planning on imbibing Ommegang’s extremely tasty but strong beer. Tickets for this event cost $36 in advance, or $51 with camping pass included, so grab your tickets today. And while you’re in the area, why not make a weekend out of it and check out some of the other fun events happening in Cooperstown surrounding Hall of Fame Induction Weekend. Information can be found Otsego County Tourism’s website. The Decemberists will be touring extensively throughout the US and Canada, with dates announced through October. Go to the band’s website for additional information and for a preview of some tunes off their new album.

  • Failure Brings Reunion Tour to The Westcott Theater

    Fans of the band Failure may have thought they had seen the last of the band back in 1997, when they announced they were disbanding due to personal differences. To much delight, Failure reunited in late 2013 and has been hitting cities across the country. In support of their new album The Heart Is a Monster, which was released on June 30, Failure headlined a show at the Westcott Theater in Syracuse, NY on Friday July 17.

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    Opening the evening was Queen Kwong. Although many fans weren’t at the venue yet when the band went on shortly after 8pm, those who were witnessed an incredible act. Queen Kwong is an indie rock band that was founded by singer/guitarist Carré Callaway. With a couple of EPs out already and a new album due in August, Queen Kwong have been busy playing shows all over the world. The band consists of Carré Callaway on vocals and some other familiar faces. Playing guitar for Queen Kwong is none other than Wes Borland of Limp Bizkit and Black Light Burns. Many fans were delighted to see Wes, while others didn’t recognize him without full costume. Playing the bass for Queen Kwong is former Marilyn Manson bassist, Fred Sablan. Finally, filling out the band is Hayden Scott on the drums, who was part of AWOLNATION. The mix of raw talent and musical passion created an energy on stage that transformed right into the crowd. Skeptical at first about what they were going to see and hear, fans quickly seemed to get into the groove. Queen Kwong left the audience warmed up and ready to finish the night with Failure.

    Failure took the stage just after 9pm to a large crowd of eager fans. Opening the night up with a couple of tracks off the new album The Heart Is a Monster, Failure fans knew they were in for a great night. Back together after 15 years, the original trio of Greg Edwards, Ken Andrew and Kellii Scott didn’t seem to miss a beat or note for that matter. When thinking of rock trios, the names Rush, Blink-182, Chevelle, Muse, Nirvana, etc. all come to mind. It’s incredible how bands with only 3 members can sound so great live and make live performances match the studio records or make the songs even better live. Failure belongs in that category with the great rock trios. The entire night, the band was playing with rejuvenated energy and passion.

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    For a small-scale production, Failure made it perfect. Behind the band, 3 symmetrical LED screens illuminated with various psychedelic designs and animated videos. Some of these images could have been compared to the likes of Pink Floyd’s, “The Wall” movie. Fans were able to focus on the music without over the top distractions that would normally take away from the actual musical performance. Failure’s setlist was composed of mainly 3 albums the entire night. Asides from The Heart Is a Monster, Failure’s newest album, they also played tracks off of Fantastic Planet from 1996 and Magnified from 1994.

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    Fans from all around New York State as far as Long Island, traveled to Syracuse to see Failure perform. These fans were thanked time and time again throughout the set by the band, who let them know how much they appreciated all the support. Many fans around the venue were wearing VIP laminates showing that they had participated in the meet and greet with the band. Others were walking around with the new album The Heart Is a Monster on CD and even vinyl. Failure’s fan base is definitely still intact after all of these years. For over an hour and a half, fans were sent back in time 15 years to when Failure’s first albums came out and got to experience the whole thing again with a mix of awesome new material.

    Setlist: Segue 4/WalkOnCue, Hot Traveler, A.M. Amnesia, Atom City Queen, Otherwhere, Counterfeit Sky, Mullholland Dr., Heliotropic, Undone, Frogs, Another Space Song, Saturday Saviour, Sergeant Politeness, Segue 1, Pillowhead, Stuck On You.

    Encore: Smoking Umbrellas, The Nurse Who Loved Me, Daylight

    Failure has tour dates planned in the United States into the middle of October. If you missed your chance at the Westcott Theater, click here to find out where Failure is playing next.

    The Westcott Theater Website: Click here

    Queen Kwong Official Website: Click here

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  • Blind Owl Band and Yonder Mountain String Band Soak up Some Sun at Paper Mill Island

    Spending an early July sunset at an amphitheater resting on an island nestled in the Seneca River as adoring fans tirelessly swing and twirl to American roots music sets the stage for a picturesque evening. That was the setting Friday night at Paper Mill Island Amphitheater in Baldwinsville, NY as Blind Owl Band and Yonder Mountain String Band took the stage to woo the audience with earthy vocals and strings.

    blind own yonder mountainThe casual, backcountry grunge of Blind Owl Band suggests a certain comfort level they feel even when performing for a crowd. Guitarist and vocalist Arthur Buezo sported a pair of paint splattered overalls tucked into cowboy boots while barefoot bassist Christian Cardiello donned a pastel purple tie dye T-shirt with a prancing unicorn emblazoned across the front. Along with banjo player and vocalist James Ford and mandolinist and vocalist Eric Munley, the four musicians all let their wavy brown locks blow in the breeze, closing out their set with a powerful performance of “Whipping Post” by The Allman Brothers Band. With Buezo growling into the mic, they authentically captured the tortured nature of the rock ballad with a bluegrass twist.

    As the sun continued to set, the fading daylight drenched Yonder Mountain String Band in a sea of gold as fans applauded their arrival on stage. The five-piece group confidently emanated a calm and collected demeanor, defying the unrelenting UV rays with an assortment of aviator sunglasses. Early into their performance, a remarkably rambunctious fan explosively dropped his beer on the paved ground, grasping his head in disbelief. Mandolinist and vocalist Jake Jolliff shot guitarist and vocalist Adam Aijala a wry smile, slightly amused by the small tragedy. Jolliff standing, center stage between his four band mates, scanned the crowd, often flaunting a euphoric smile in between mandolin breakdowns. Everyone in the band was afforded moments to display their skill both instrumentally and vocally. With Dave Johnston on banjo, Ben Kaufmann on bass, and Allie Kral on violin, and all contributing vocally, they harmonized effortlessly but also shining individually with a mix of voices evoking that country twang.

    The give-and-take between musicians on stage was matched by the dosey doe and swing dance maneuvers of audience members as they took turns spinning each other around, enamored by the music. The high energy on stage and in the crowd was going strong during a bouncy performance of “All Around,” a song off their new album Black Sheep, which was released earlier this year. The full-length studio album represents the influx and evolution of talented artists that have coalesced over a seventeen-year period, culminating in the five-person powerhouse touring today. Yonder Mountain String Band closed out the evening with Kral taking the lead on vocals, exclaiming, “Time to bust out your ‘Pulp Fiction’ dance moves,” before sliding into a playful yet sultry rendition of Chuck Berry’s “You Never Can Tell.”