NYS Music 20​15

Category: Regions

  • What Does the VibeTribe Mean to You? Here are Your Answers

    The official Gathering of the Vibes 2015 countdown is down to two DAYS. Before we finish stuffing all our camping equipment into our cars, we wanted to up the suspense by asking members of the ever-growing VibeTribe to tell us what they love about GOTV, and what being a member of the VibeTribe means to them. In no particular order, here are the responses we love the most.

    Submission by cdrhead:

    “My first introduction to ‘the vibe tribe’ was when I started collecting GD tapes. I lived in the next town over from Terrapin Tapes so I would walk in and buy blank Maxell’s there. I switched to cd and started buying blank cds there too. I got to know some of the folks that worked there a little. I would see Ken barefoot at shows, and I was slow to catch on to festivals but when I learned Ken was the promoter I knew GOTV would be good (and I still see him barefoot at shows). I got into message boards at dead.net, then moved to an international forum that got shut down. I came to the vibes board and found lots of friends. I live in CT so I started going to the Vibes full time when they moved it back to Bridgeport. The family feeling is there, we are one tribe.”

    Submission by jefferjm:

    “Being part of the Tribe means knowing that at least once a year I can arrive in a place where I can be completely myself, and free of worry and the judgement of others.  It’s also my chance to spend the highest possible quality time with my 19 year old son. He was born 3 months after Jerry passed but Vibes and all the shows we attend together gives him the chance to see the community that changed my life for the better when I hopped on the bus on Halloween 1979 at the Nassau Colosseum.  Vibes continues to be the highlight of our year.”

    Submission by Occifer Boland:

    “I could go on for pages upon pages…. I won’t. In 2002 my big brother passed away at 37 years old. He was a ‘boardie’ at the time . He died one month before Vibes 2002… He bought my ticket for us to attend together. I wasn’t going to attend, as I was still a mess from losing him. Five days before event, my brother’s crew told me my bro Bob would want me to attend. I went…NEVER LOOKED BACK!!! Only missed 2 Vibes since then. Became ‘family’ with so many. As someone else stated, this is my yearly vacation. I am now 37 years old (age my brother was when he passed away), I am grateful for the years I put in to honor his memory of a festival he enjoyed. And this year The String Cheese Incident is playing, the last fest I saw them was in 2001 with my bro.”

    Submission by Depends:

    “My first vibes, 2008, I knew no one there.  Now, 2015, I have high hopes of seeing and hanging with upwards of 50 people, 25 of which I’m more than happy to call friends. I used to sit and wonder how/why so many younger people were there. I thought that it was an older person thing. Then I remembered my first GD concert, I was 15. I knew then, the teens and 20/30 somethings have had that same feeling. It’s home, with a heart.”

    Submission by In A Silent Way:

    “I wandered in by accident as the publicist for a local radio station, and met some of my favorite people in the world. I’ve been to two Vibe Tribe weddings, and my kids have had the privilege of growing up at Vibes. There is nothing, NOTHING like the hooting, hollering, and hugging that happens when the festival opens and everybody is saying ‘HAPPY VIBES!”

    Submission by Lostsailr:

    “In 1996, it was an ad in Dupree’s Diamond News that got us to get a sitter for out one year old twins and head to SUNY Purchase, to listen to some music to fill the void after the loss Of Jerry Garcia. We all wondered what would  happen, now that there were no more shows to go to (there will always be more concerts, but not any ‘Shows,’ though Chicago did just prove me wrong on that point). We came upon a group of fellow deadheads we never met, but automatically knew we were home. We were even greeted by the first volunteer we came to that day, and have been greeting others the same way ever since: ‘Welcome Home!”

    Not excited enough yet? The team at Gathering of the Vibes just announced some new acts this past week, including Road To Vibes winners Relative Souls, along with the incredible Nigel Hall and Eric Krasno. In addition to great music, great weather is being forecasted for this weekend, upward of 86 degrees. We hope you all try to get through the first half of your work week, and we thank everyone for their responses. We can’t wait to see you over this sunny, musical weekend.

  • STS9 Making Two New York Stops on 2015 Fall Tour

    STS9 has announced its 2015 Fall Tour, and highlighting the 22-show trek are two stops in New York. On October 25, the jamtronica act will headline the Town Ballroom in Buffalo before weaving its way through the Ohio, Pennsylvania and Maryland before landing back in the Empire State for a November 5 show at the Best Buy Theater.

    STS9 Fall Tour 2015:

    October 22 – Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue
    October 23 – Madison, WI – Orpheum Theater
    October 24 – Detroit, MI – The Fillmore
    October 25 – Buffalo, NY – Town Ballroom
    October 28 – Cleveland, OH – House of Blues
    October 29 – Columbus, OH – LC Pavilion
    October 30 – Pittsburgh, PA – Stage AE
    October 31 – Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore
    November 01 – Live Oak, FL – Suwannee Hulaween
    November 05 – New York, NY – Best Buy Theater
    November 06 – Boston, MA – House of Blues
    November 07 – Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore
    November 08 – Richmond, VA – The National
    November 11 – Charlotte, NC – The Fillmore
    November 12 – Raleigh, NC – The Ritz
    November 13 – Knoxville, TN – Tennessee Theatre
    November 14 – Nashville, TN – War Memorial Auditorium
    November 15 – Columbia, SC – Music Farm
    November 18 – Birmingham, AL – Iron City Music Hall
    November 19 – New Orleans, LA – Joy Theater
    November 20 – Austin, TX – Austin Music Hall
    November 21 – Dallas, TX – House of Blues

  • 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.

    lonesome crow
    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”

  • Hearing Aide: Brian LaPoint and the Joints ‘Pick Me Up’

    11411991_898268020218742_7742425979889739458_oThe music of Brian LaPoint & the Joints seems to go quite well with summertime. It’s the type of music you can throw on and let play out over a summer night of hanging about and enjoying the simple treasures in life. It has strong lyrics with strong female and male singing to accompany all the tracks.

    “Pick Me Up,” the first song off their album Pick Me Up, opens with a thick and velvety guitar that wails until being met with accompanying harmonies of a strong horn section. Lyrically, the song discusses concepts about the circle of life going down in a spiral and while help to rise up and stand amidst living with this struggle.

    “Love and Inspiration” starts with a guitar part featuring muted strumming, reminiscent of something Nirvana may have done in the 1990s. But then the song takes a move towards a duet of singing between a man and a woman proclaiming their love for each other.

    An abundance of different instruments can be heard across the album. Both a saxophone and trumpet solo soar through “Say Hello To Me” — a laid back groovy song that opens with a funk style bass riff.

    In fact the strongest aspect of Brian LaPoint & the Joints may be the horn section. The trumpets and saxophones are recorded with great quality that ups the listening of the overall band. Across their album Pick Me Up, the band is able to cross musical genres and call upon various influences to create a unique sound of underwater (and sometimes reggae style) guitar, country-rock style vocals, and crisp drums matched with necessary keyboards and horns.

    Instrumentally, this band seems like the kind to be able to have some fun live jams. They’re certainly a group that can stay true to their own sound, as the twelve songs flow effortlessly between each other without straying far from the vibe of the entire album.

    Key Tracks:  Pick Me Up, Love & Inspiration, Say Hello To Me

    Listen Here:  Bandcamp  Facebook  SoundCloud

  • Interpol to Play Penultimate Show of North American Tour at Upstate Concert Hall

    Back with a trimmed lineup on the heels of the critically acclaimed 2014 album El Pintor, Interpol brings the a darker, deeper sound to Upstate Concert Hall. July 29, the penultimate stop on their North American tour.

    interpolThe indie rockers combine Depeche Mode sound with smooth electronica that is evenly spliced, just proper enough to establish but not kill a mood. Interpol is a consistent upper, the yerba mate to Tame Impala’s oolong tea. Steady, not too strong but certainly not too weak.

    Home in New York City for a July 21 performance at Brooklyn’s Prospect Park, they performed many songs off their debut Turn on the Bright Lights, as well as the recent El Pintor. They recently spent some time in Buffalo during a November 2014 snow storm, stranded on their tour bus for 48 hours. They will find much better weather as they head north to Clifton Park, one night before wrapping up in Montreal and a month long tour in Europe before taking a break. 

    Interpol takes the stage at Upstate Concert Hall on July 29, with opener Cosmicide playing at 8pm.

  • Mayhem Festival Bring the Heat to Hartford

    This year’s edition of the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival stopped at the Xfinity Theatre in Hartford, Connecticut, on Sunday July 19th. Along with 14 bands, the festival also brought scorching temperatures with it. Sunday’s heat was no match for metal fans though, as many camped out at the rail all day long or participated in throwing down in the mosh pits.

    Music started on the Victory Records Stage shortly after 1pm with the Coldcock Band Winner, Dead By Wednesday. Although many fans were still in the parking lot hanging out or making their way into the festival, Dead By Wednesday didn’t seem to care and gave Mayhem everything they had. After their set was over, they welcomed fans to come hang out with them at the Coldcock tent. After a short 5 minute stage change, Code Orange was next up. This band formed back in 2008 and continues to grow. When they came on stage the Victory Stage area was starting to fill in and the mosh pits started. Code Orange did a good job getting the crowd ready for a long day of music.

    Dead By Wednesday
    Dead By Wednesday

    The next two bands to take the stage were Shattered Sun and Sworn In. Shattered Sun took the stage right around 2pm when pretty much everyone was inside. People were either checking out the tents set up all around the venue or checking out what Shattered Sun had to offer. Touring behind their recent release Hope Within Hatred, the 6 piece band Shattered Sun showed they weren’t stopping any time soon. Sworn In took the stage after with a very aggressive and hardcore approach. At the start of their set, their singer told the crowd he wanted someone in the ICU by the time the song was over. This made for a fun time for anyone who was partaking in the mosh pits.

    After Sworn In and a 15 minute stage change, Sister Sin took the stage. This female-fronted Swedish band was different then the rest of the more hardcore bands on the Victory Records Stage. Sister Sin had more of a throwback metal style that made it feel like the 80s. This change of style was accepted by the crowd and the entire crowd got into this band. After their set was over, Sister Sin went to their merchandise tent to meet fans who were already lined up waiting during the set.

    Sister Sin
    Sister Sin

    With the heat not letting up at all, Jungle Rot took the stage at 4pm and delivered a killer set behind their recent release Order Shall Prevail. Even with only having a short 25 minute time limit, Jungle Rot ripped through a handful of songs from 3 different albums including their newest. Fans were definitely left wanting to hear more heavy riffs and killer drumming out of the guys in Jungle Rot. Once Jungle Rot was done, fans used the quick break to go hydrate at the Rockstar Energy Drink booth and other places. Luckily, the setup was done perfectly with everything right around the Victory Records Stage, so fans didn’t have to miss any action. Thy Art Is Murder was up next. Touring behind their June release of Holy War, these guys were ready to show Mayhem what they were made of. Their setlist features tracks from both Holy War and their previous release Hate. The highlight of their set is when they kicked an autographed soccer ball into the crowd for the fans.

    The last band to take the Victory Records Stage before things got hectic with the Rockstar Energy Drink Main Stage and Victory Stage going back and forth between bands was Whitechapel. Generally classified as a deathcore band, Whitechapel displayed many different traits of other genres. This 6 piece band, which features a 3 guitar attack were the reason why many of the fans at the rail had been there all day. The dedication paid off those fans who stood in the heat all day long because Whitechapel surely did not disappoint anyone in Hartford.

    Whitechapel
    Whitechapel

    The Rockstar Energy Drink Main Stage started off with The Devil Wears Prada. These guys had quite the mix of clean melodic vocals and hardcore screams. Being the first band to open the main stage, they didn’t have much space up on stage from being in front of every other band’s gear after them, but they were making the most of it. These guys were all over the stage and really getting the crowd prepared for the rest of the evening. As the skies darkened, there was no better time for Kissing Candice to take the Victory Record Stage. This gore-core band took the stage with masks and blood covered clothes. Fans who were lucky enough had the chance to pose for photos with them earlier in the day at the Coldcock tent.

    With the music then shifting back over the main stage, fans were ready to see HELLYEAH. This band had the pit section inside ready to go before they even walked on stage. All the fans there knew who HELLYEAH were and they were prepared to thrown down. The set opened up with Vinny Paul standing up on his drum riser and giving the crowd the go ahead signal. The setlist was dominated by their last album, Blood For Blood. The only two songs that weren’t off that release were “War In Me” and the closing song “You Wouldn’t Know”. Lead singer Chad Gray took the time between songs to thank fans and to speak to them about how important music was to him. HELLYEAH continues to grow and this tour is only proof of that. Be sure to follow them in the news because there’s already talks about their next album coming early 2016.

    HELLYEAH
    HELLYEAH

    The last band to play on the Victory Records stage came all the way from Melbourne, Australia and they were called Feed Her To The Sharks. This band was another that featured both clean melodic lyrics with a mix of heavy metalcore screams. They mixed their elements quite well and impressed everyone who left their spots at the main stage area. Their set was very short but they like many of the other bands made the best of their available time.

    Overshadowing their setlist was the lurking set time for the mighty King Diamond. Starting right on cue, the lights dropped right at 8:10pm. King Diamond shortly appeared from the top of the stage structure they had set up. This was the first band of the day with a serious production. Complete with gargoyles and inverted crosses, King Diamond had a fantastic theatrical set. Not showing their age one bit, King Diamond and the rest of the band sounded absolutely fantastic. Even though the set was only an hour, the band got to play 10 songs and had a nice mix of both King Diamond and Mercyful Fate covers.

    King Diamond
    King Diamond

    After a long 35 minute wait after King Diamond, Slayer fans watched the big white banner finally fall, revealing a relatively empty stage for a headliner. There was no time for disappointment though as Slayer opened the night with their new single “Repentless” which is the title of their new album that’s due out on September 11th. Along with this new track, fans who were just cooling down finally got blasts of fire from the stage. Fans knew there was a reason for just one big screen behind the stage and a row of cabs on each side of drummer Paul Bostaph. The pyrotechnics continued all through the evening and were on queue with the music. The giant screen behind the stage displayed album covers from each song or animated videos. This stage setup was spectacular and went with the music perfectly.

    Slayer
    Slayer

    The band was spot on all night long in every aspect. Tom Araya sounded absolutely fantastic behind the mic. Guitarists Kerry King and Gary Holt were top-notch, representing themselves as two of the best thrash metal guitarists of all time. Finally, Paul Bostaph was a beast behind the kit, not missing a single beat. Many people were skeptical with the recent changes that Slayer had gone through, but it is apparent that this change has rejuvenated the band and there’s no letting off the gas pedal.

    Slayer Setlist: Delusions of Saviour (Opening), Repentless, Hate Worldwide, Jihad, Disciple, God Send Death, War Ensemble, When The Stillness Comes, Implode, Mandatory Suicide, Chemical Warfare, Ghosts Of War, Dead Skin Mask, Hell Awaits, South Of Heaven, Raining Blood, Angel Of Death

    Mayhem Festival was scrutinized this year after they released the lineup, as it was deemed weak and not as impressive as previous years by fans. This was definitely not the case this year. Slayer, King Diamond, HELLYEAH, The Devil Wears Prada and everyone who took the Victory Records Stage put on one hell of a show that needs to be seen.

    The tour has less than 2 weeks left to go before it ends in Dallas, TX. Check out the rest of the dates and cities here.

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  • Camp Bisco: New Place, Better Party

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Just Announced: PearlPalooza 2015 To Bring Matisyahu and Local Talent To Free Street Fest

    Before the summer is over there, is a time and place for an awesome mix of live music on the street and that time and place is Sept. 12 in Albany. The sixth annual 2015 PearlPalooza just announced the lineup for the street festival with national and local acts:

    Matisyahu, the hasidic reggae rapper from Brooklyn who rose to fame with his 2005 hit single “King Without a Crown.”
    The Moth & The Flame, an alternative rock band originally from Utah but now based in Los Angeles.
    Until the Ribbon Breaks, a three-piece British group that blends “electronic, pop, rock, hip-hop, alternative, avant-garde, R&B.”
    Turbo Fruits, a garage rock band from Nashville, Tennessee.
    Wild Adriatic, an Albany-based band that plays a bluesy, soul-infused kind of rock.
    Better By Morning, an alternative group from Saratoga Springs.
    …and another band TBA

    PearlPalooza 2015 Speaking of local acts, Wild Adriatic got a bit of attention this year as they performed a set at Bonnaroo after winning a bracket-style battle of the bands.

    PearlPalooza 2015 is free and takes place on Pearl Street in Albany from 1 to 8 p.m. Tickets for special viewing areas and meet-and-greets with the bands are available for a reasonable price online.

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

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

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

    The sign has moved!!!#solidsoundfest

    A photo posted by NYS Music (@nystatemusic) on

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

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

    LULUC harmoniously welcome the afternoon. #solidsoundfest

    A photo posted by NYS Music (@nystatemusic) on

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

    NRBQ#solidsoundfest

    A photo posted by NYS Music (@nystatemusic) on

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • The Little Venue That Could: Why Broadway Joe’s Deserves More Respect

    It’s hard to come across a band from the Western New York area who hasn’t played a show at Broadway Joe’s Bar and Grille. At the same time, it’s hard to attend a show in the Western New York area without hearing at least one person talking the venue down. “It’s too small”, “It’s poorly run”, “It’s shit”, are the usual complaints I overhear from various show goers. But I respectfully disagree with just about every bit of criticism I’ve ever heard about the place. That’s why I’m appointing myself the public defender of Broadway Joe’s in the Buffalo, New York metal scene’s courtroom.

    broadway joes

    With venues shutting down left and right in this area, both national and local metal acts in and around Buffalo are left with very few options. But for many years now, Broadway Joe’s has been there to host the shows that no one else will. Hundreds, probably thousands of metal acts by now have graced their stage and had successful shows. Over the last ten years, I’ve personally performed there in multiple bands as a drummer, guitarist and vocalist. Never once, have I had an issue with the staff or the venue itself. Sure, the room capacity is only 300, but if no other promoters are biting and the other venues in the area are either already booked or nonexistent, then why the hell wouldn’t you just appreciate what you can get and move on?

    In recent years, I’ve seen both Soilwork and Shadows Fall play that room and realized that I prefer seeing bands of that caliber in a more intimate setting anyway. How many times have you gone to a show to see your favorite bigger band and had to deal with overpriced drinks, guard rails, huge crowds, a distant stage and constricting set times? At Bways, the drinks are cold and reasonably priced, the service is friendly, the headliners never get ordered off stage (unless they’re being big dicks), and the stage (your favorite band) is right in your face.

    Furthermore, shouldn’t the band members who come and go from the venue be the only critics with any merit? It’s kind of interesting how most of the people I hear trash talking this room aren’t in bands, nor do they have any experience working in, with or for bands (at least none that I’m aware of). I’m not saying I know the life story of every last show goer in this area, but I definitely keep track of who I see in bands and who I see working the rooms they play in. If you think you can put on a better show for a band coming through the area, then where’s your venue? Where’s your offer?

    Broadway Joes

    Now, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to play in a bigger room in front of a bigger audience, but when the going gets tough, deal with it and make the best of the situation. Would you rather the shows not happen at all? Just this past Sunday night, I saw Psycroptic, Arkaik, Ovid’s Withering and The Kennedy Veil at Bways. Before that night, I had little to no experience with any of those bands. But it looked like a reputable tour with sick bands and I wanted to check it out. Evidently, the tour as a whole had been doing pretty poorly and their Buffalo date was nearly cancelled.

    But the folks at Broadway Joe’s kept their promise and gave them a room to play in. The attendance was a little disappointing but those who were there had a great time and I got into some great new music. I wish more people in the scene paid more attention to bulletin boards in bars, or wherever fliers are typically found and of course, social media. Sure, people work, have kids, are married, and naturally, there are usually multiple shows booked each night in this town, especially on weekends. But I know there are more of you out there who just aren’t making the effort for whatever the reason may be. I’ve been plugging reasons to attend shows in this area on this site for months now, and I’m nowhere near done.

    I suppose the last point I’m going to make about Broadway Joe’s is this: If you have no experience with bands or running a place of business, don’t badmouth this room. These are great people doing great things, and I’ve never really heard too many bands complain. Most bands that play Bways are just happy they still got to play a fucking show, which is one of the most important parts of being in a band. People like Bryan Parker (owner), Joe Tonaus (promotions), Frank Short (go-to sound aficionado), the bartenders, bar-backs, etc. are helping ensure that we still have a scene to support.

    Now I’m going to post a few more clips. Here are some tunes from bigger acts who have played Bways in recent years. WARNING: The footage below displays band members and show goers having a good time in a smaller venue. “Live show elitists” are urged not to expose themselves to this level of fun.

    This article was originally posted on The Metal on 7/21/15.