NYS Music 20​16

Category: Alternative/Indie

  • Interview with Fossil Youth: Rising Indie Band Talks about Their Billboard Ranking, Debut Album and Upcoming Tour

    Indie Rock band Fossil Youth has risen from relative obscurity to become one of Billboard’s Top New Artists of 2016 – ranking at number 16. No one was more surprised than the band members themselves – Scottie Noonan (vocals/guitar), Hesston Sween (vocals/guitar), Derek Neef (bass) and Zack Jones (drums). From their hometown in the heartland, they spent a good part of the year crisscrossing the U.S., including a stop in Syracuse last summer.

    Just last month, Fossil Youth released their debut album, A Glimpse of Self Joy, through Take This To Heart Records. This poignant concept album is a meandering journey through a heartbreakingly painful relationship and its inevitable dissolution. However, some of the songs, like “Forest Eyes” and “Watercolor Daydream,” have stood on their own as singles. At times soft and lamenting,  and at other times heavy with angst, the music is always genuine and authentic.Fossil Youth - P. Cumming(1)

    Fossil Youth is embarking on the East Coast leg of their headlining national tour in January, with plans to play The Vault in Syracuse on January 27th.

    Frontman Scottie Noonan spoke with NYS Music about their music, the response to their album, their humble reaction to ranking on the Billboard Top New Artists List, and plans for 2017.

    Paula Cummings: Tell me a little about how you formed as a band.

    Scottie Noonan: The first release is 2014. But we started getting this all figured out in 2013. We all happen to live in the same small city of Oklahoma. We consider our home shows and home town Oklahoma City. We’re actually from a small city called Enid, which is an hour and a half north. In a way having to travel to other cities to play prepared us for touring. Having to drive two hours just to play local shows is helpful for the rest of the year, when we basically do that every day.

    PC: You put out an EP in 2015, Intertwined with You.

    SN: Yeah, and in 2014 we had the split. It was such a small thing. It’s also kind of cool to look back on. One of the songs from the split we actually rewrote and put on our new full-length. If you look it up online, you might actually see that.

    PC: And you did the Little Elephant recording. Tell me a little about that.

    SN: That was actually extremely cool. They’re a few guys out in Toledo, Ohio. And honestly, how it looks in the video is almost actually how it is. We showed up at their house. They already have experience recording bands, so they decided “Let’s put all this in our living room.” I think there was like 30 minutes of prep time and they say “Hey, go.” They set up a few cameras standing in places where they won’t actually get shots of each other and do these live sessions in their home. It’s honestly a whole lot of fun. Very, very nice people. I think that’s what helps make them unique, too, is the general experience.

    PC: It looks really cool. And they said they give half of the money from vinyl sales back to the bands.

    SN: I’m so excited about that because we’re trying to get back in there and do another session for our new songs. And it would be so cool to have a second vinyl release through them.

    [embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7WKYHlbo_Q[/embedyt]

    PC: You know what else just came out was the Billboard Top New Artists of 2016 – you’re in at #16.

    SN: Out of 150. So to be that high up is truly insane, the most surreal feeling.

    PC: That must be validating as an artist to be recognized.

    SN: It was weird. It’s going to sound so lame, but never would I have ever guessed that maybe this early in our career would we hit that. So many friends are in bands a little bit larger, on larger labels, doing other things that scored really well, and we surpassed them. To have that high of a number was never expected, by any stretch. We were excited, like “Did we get number 150? Did we even just crack in there?” And being told we were number 16 is truly insane.

    PC: That is incredible. So who were some of the bands who influenced you? Who were you listening to ten years ago in your formative years?

    SN: Me, personally, I think some of my biggest influences were definitely some of the big pioneers like Fall Out Boy, My Chemical Romance. I think some that we’re getting compared to that were also a big influence for me were Cartel (I was extremely into the band Cartel), This Providence (a very, very cool band), and Cute is What We Aim For. I feel like that’s one that I don’t hear enough of, but was actually a really big deal for me in junior high.

    PC: Let’s talk about the album, A Glimpse of Self Joy. How was it different writing for the album than for the EP?

    Fossil Youth - P. Cummings (3)

    SN: When we were writing the EP we were excited we were writing songs. It was like “Yo, these are the best things we’ve put together.” And we were excited for that. But when it came time to actually sit and write the full length, we actually had the chance to truly as a group work on it. It was a lot more cohesive and I feel like everyone really put their piece into it. There’s a very light concept going on in the album. So it really felt good to preemptively know exactly how we wanted the story to play out and come across and I think that made it a little bit easier. It also made it very cool to be able to throw a large handful of very personal metaphors within it as well. It took a lot longer. Not only because there were more songs, obviously, but I think being able to actually work as a group made it so much cooler and I think that came with the comfort of being a band for a year and a half after the EP.

    PC: So how do you feel about the response to your album?

    SN: Honestly, it’s going to sound so monotonous, because I’ve said it so many times in this interview. It’s unreal. We knew it was better. I feel like, even from the inside while working on it we were like “Wow, I think we have a really cool thing going here.” But again, to score Billboard, to have our songs on larger Spotify playlists despite not having a large team behind us, having this many listeners putting us on their end of the year list, and this many people tweeting us every day is truly surreal. And on the tour we just did in November, we went to the west coast and we had four sold-out shows. We weren’t on a package, it was just us headlining. To have kids singing along to multiple songs on a set to an album that we just put out was like the craziest and most unreal feeling. And it still just feels like a dream. It’s crazy. And now we’re seeing how many kids are posting the fact that we’re going to the East Coast on this January tour and it’s just insane.Fossil Youth - P. Cummings (2)

    PC: You will be playing The Vault in Syracuse again. Do you remember playing there last summer?

    SN: In August. It was with Bonfires. Very cool show. Everyone was extremely nice. I really like its location. Maybe it’s a lame Oklahoma thing that I paid attention to that, but I love how many other places there were for me to go nearby. That was really cool.

    PC: Who are you playing with in Syracuse?

    SN: There’s a band called Everyone Leaves, from Ohio, and a band called Pine. They’re from Canada. It will actually be our first time meeting them.

    PC: Who are some of your favorite bands to tour with so far?

    SN: That is such a rough question. I think it’s going to be fair to say that there hasn’t been a band so far that we’ve dreaded touring with. But I have to give Bonfires so many props. I haven’t felt like there’s been a full band where like every single member just got us on every aspect. So even on small shows where morale might actually be low, we always had each other. And it felt like there was never a bad day, even when financially it would be a terrible night. Just always fun. Loved it so much.

    PC: What are your plans for 2017?

    SN: Relentless touring. So, so much touring. We’re looking at festivals, tours, short runs, and doing our absolute best to play Oklahoma more. I feel like because Oklahoma’s a smaller market, people may not recognize it. We’re just doing everything we can to hit everywhere and doing anything we want to do.

    [embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pH68cLi-Hs0[/embedyt]

  • Hearing Aide: Eastern Electric ‘Suburban Daydreams’

    Eastern Electric, alternative indie rock from Guilderland, NY, put out their latest album, Suburban Daydreams, on December 9, 2016. The album opens up with the title track, led by Will Burger’s dream-like voice, and sets the listener up for the rest of the album which can be characterized as emotional and dynamic. With a balanced blend of simple yet layered ambient instrumentation, Eastern Electric delivers an impactful performance on par with most signed, touring and recording acts. Immediately upon hearing their single “She’s a Quiet Driver,” I was greatly impressed by the talent and writing of this young band, but there was no way I could have anticipated how much I would enjoy the full album. With proper determination, I could easily see a larger audience listening to Eastern Electric.

    Engineered, produced, mixed and mastered by Scoops Dardaris at the World Citizen Party House in Albany, NY, Suburban Daydreams clocks in close to thirty minutes in length. At first listen, all types of different influences are present. Tracks such as “I Don’t Know Yet” and “Raise My Fucking Grade” pull sounds from legendary rockers such as Nirvana and Brand New, especially between their bassist Ryan Keegan and drummer Jack Buttridge. Adding simple yet effective smoothness to the mix are Jackson Wolfe on guitar and Michael Beeche on keys.

    I think the key element that gives Suburban Daydreams its x-factor is that none of the musicians featured on the album overplay. While the album certainly could have been longer and still kept the listeners attention, it is devoid of over complication or long, 80’s style guitar solos or extra sprinkled toppings, save a trumpet solo in “Whispering Goodbyes,” a violin lead in “Ignite,” and a harmonica featured in “Blue Eyes Cryin’.” Eastern Electric gets on their metaphorical stage, plays without giving a speech in between songs, finishes the set in short time, but leaves the metaphorical crowd in awe. Outside of metaphors, I’ve seen them live in Albany, NY and can attest to their professionalism and quality.

    But Eastern Electric didn’t just put out a good album. They surpassed expectations set out for local bands at this stage in their career. They have my attention, and my respect, as I’m sure they will from many who enjoy groups such as City and Colour, Brand New and Cymbals Eat Guitars as well as many others. Personally, I’m looking forward to hearing their future work and seeing them live.

    Key tracks: Suburban Daydreams, She’s a Quiet Driver, Blue Eyes Cryin’, Raise My Fucking Grade

  • moe.down Returning in 2017

    After a two year hiatus, moe.down is a go for 2017.  Last year the band announced that, for the second consecutive year, moe.down would not take place but have never outright dismissed the fact that it would return. Today’s announcement puts the conjecture to rest. moe.down is returning to its original location, Snow Ridge in Turin, NY June 30 – July 2.

    The July date marks a departure from previous moe.downs, which traditionally took place over Labor Day weekend, a weekend, as any upstater knows, that can bring weather ranging from excessive heat to cold rain, sometimes over the course of one day. The July date should make for a more pleasant weekend experience for fans.

    Past moe.downs have seen the band perform six sets throughout the weekend as well as sets with side projects such as Al and the Transamericans, Ha Ha the Moose and Floodwood. The festival is known for attracting artists typically not seen at jamband festivals. Past performers have included Violent Femmes, They Might Be Giants, Cracker/Camper Van Beethoven and Meat Puppets.

    Early bird tickets, VIP and RV passes for moe.down 16 go on sale Friday, Dec. 16 at noon ET. Three-day general admission tickets are $130 in the early bird allotment. For more information, visit moe.’s website.

  • Tiny Moving Parts and Microwave Deliver Powerful Performances

    2016 has been a good year for alternative rock bands Tiny Moving Parts and Microwave. They each released albums that pushed the boundaries of previous work as far as complexity of music and depth of lyrical meaning. However, listening to the recordings from the studio did little to prepare me for the experience of seeing them perform live last weekend at Harmony House in Rochester.

    The supporting act was A Will Away, an alternative rock band from Connecticut. They warmed up the crowd with songs from their EP’s, but also treated the audience to a song from their forthcoming full-length album. ‘Gravity’ is a melodic song with a catchy hook. It’s sure to be a sing-along crowd favorite when they’re touring with Moose Blood in a couple months. Microwave - P. Cummings 2

    Next up on the bill was Microwave. This foursome from Georgia released their sophomore album “Much Love” earlier this year, a follow up to 2014’s “Stovall.” The audience sang along to songs about losing faith, unrequited love, and disillusionment. The stories in the songs are intensely personal, but strike a chord within those who are also searching for meaning and purpose in the modern age. Heavy on guitar and bass, the music contains a hint of southern rock. The setlist included “Something Right” and “Stovall” off their debut album, as well as songs from the new album, like “Drown” and “Lighterless.” The performance led up to a gut-wrenching climax. On the final song, “Vomit,” the drummer went ballistic and the other band members jumped and spun around on stage as lead singer Nathan Hardy screamed, “There’s no such thing as love. We just feel vulnerable without a God, without a crutch or anything else to lean on. There’s nowhere else, nobody else, nothing.”

    Tiny Moving Parts - P. Cummings 2

    The audience barely had time to catch their breath before Tiny Moving Parts came up on stage. The bassist, Matthew Chevalier, entered wearing a winter hat bearing the word “Minnesota” (as a reminder to the audience of the band’s origin? A piece of home for the road? Or a little of both?). His brother, Billy, took a spot behind the drums, and their cousin Dylan Mattheisen grabbed his guitar and dove right into singing “Sundress.” They played with precise coordination that is rare to find in young musicians, but it makes sense because they have been making music together since they were in junior high.

    They went seamlessly from one song to the next, never letting up on the intensity. The set contained more than a dozen songs from their catalog of three albums and early recordings, including the songs “Happy Birthday,”  “Breathe Deep,” “Vacation Bible School,” “Minnow,” and “Always Focused.” The positive energy was contagious, and a mosh pit opened up in the center of the room. When they got to “Common Cold,” Nathan Hardy came back on stage to accompany on vocals. The set ended as abruptly as it began, leaving the audience in an awe-stricken daze.

    The performers from all three bands hung around to sign autographs and talk with fans. An impressive array of merchandise was available, including apparel, CD’s and vinyl albums, and novelty items like patches, stickers, and pins. Tiny Moving Parts was also selling some of their early work on collectible 7″ vinyl and cassette.

    Tiny Moving Parts will be heading to Europe and Mexico in the new year. A Will Away will be touring the US with Moose Blood, Trophy Eyes, and Boston Manor in February and March. Microwave is also booking shows into 2017.

    Tiny Moving Parts - P. Cummings 1

  • THE PORTAL Opens at the Minetta Lane Theatre

    Off-Broadway “modern Shamanic journey,” THE PORTAL, opened this weekend to a spiritually minded audience at The Minetta Lane Theatre. Before stepping foot inside the half-filled preview, I was informed that this groundbreaking concept incorporated elements of a live concert, choreographed dance performance, and movie all in one. THE PORTAL soundtrack is now available and I feel that the show flows even better by pre-listening to the mythological themes presented in the lyrics and compositions by Tierro Lee and Luke Comer with Charles Newman and David Sisko.

    Frontman Billy Lewis Jr., most recently credited on Fox’s “Glee,” appears on stage and sonically narrates the dreamlike adventure of Dante, through inspirational and symbolic landscapes, Alex Grey-influenced imagery and psychedelic desserts that I assume were once visited by Jim Morrison.  The audience is introduced to the voyage with songs like “Eclipse” and “Greeting,” sung by Lewis as the film, starring Dante (Christopher Soren Kelly), is projected on the large screen behind him. The eclectic mix of tribal and electronic beats, modern dance music and monstrous rock riffs are brought to life by percussionist Gilly Gonzalez and guitarist Paul Casanova who also appear on and off stage from scene to scene.

    Dante’s inner-demons appear to be haunting him in the film as actors portraying the same characters can be found roaming the theatre floor to terrorize and intrigue the audience.Fans of electronic giants like EOTO, The Disco Biscuits, and Beats Antique will appreciate the deep and transformational grooves during songs like “Trance,” “Synth” and “Space Weaver” while Jessica Aronoff and Nicole Spencer interpretively dance their way on and off the stage in between songs and themes. While there is not much live acting of any kind, there is a ritualistic Burning Man-influenced dance routine in nearly every song bringing the art forms together in a very unique fashion.

    The only way to truly understand THE PORTAL is to expect the unexpected and dive right in. Creative Director, Luke Comer, has developed a new way to present a rock opera story off-Broadway. As an audience member, each person can relate to many of the human experiences presented on screen and on stage while still enjoying live music, dance and film. Tickets can be purchased for Wednesday-Friday performances at 8PM and for Saturday performances at 5PM and 9PM.

    https://soundcloud.com/theportalnyc

  • Long Island’s Bête Noire Offers a Ska Twist on Christmas

    Desmond Dekker, Dandy Livingston, The Clash, The Specials. These artists aren’t typically associated with Christmas. Long Island‘s Bête Noire is out to change that perception with the release of its new Christmas single, “A Message to Rudolph.”

    bete noireThe song is heavily influenced by The Specials’ 2 tone remake of Dandy Livingstone’s reggae classic “Rudy, A Message to You,” recalling the infamous rude boy reindeer’s tale of one foggy Christmas Eve in a campy video.

    Bête Noire is a music collective based in Long Island. Members of the collective appearing in the video play with the bands Oogee Wawa, Aqua Cherry, Radio 4 and Hot and Ugly.

    Now that December has arrived, add a new carol to your playlist. You can download the single at Bête Noire’s Bandcamp page or through iTunes. Check the video below.

  • The Jesus and Mary Chain Announce First New Studio Release Since 1998

    Post-punk sensations The Jesus and Mary Chain have been getting back up to speed of late. In 2014 and 2015 they played several tour dates in the run up to last year’s release of Live from Barrowlands, and now longtime Jesus and Mary Chain handler Alan McGee, of Creation Records, has announced that the band is set to release a new studio album in March 2017 on Warner Brothers Records. In an interview with CBC Music, McGee exclaimed, “they’ve made another album. It’s a big deal! It’s unbelievable.”

    While the Jesus and Mary Chain, led by brothers Jim and William Reid, released a compilation record, 21 Singles, in 2002, the upcoming release will give fans their first dose of new material since 1998’s Munky. Eighteen years is a long time to wait, but this announcement comes as a taste of candy for all the devoted fans who feared this day would never arrive.

    No tour dates have been announced in support of the new release as of yet, however, there remain three chances to catch The Jesus and Mary Chain live in the act before the year ends. The brothers Reid, who are now joined by Scott Van Ryper on guitar, Mark Crozer on bass, and Brian Young on drums, will take the stage at the Georgia Theatre in Athens on December 13, 2016, followed by a performance at The Masquerade in Atlanta, GA on December 14, and then a trip to New Orleans for a show at The Joy Theater on December 16.

    Click here for further details, including tickets, and check out the official video for “You Trip Me Up,” from 1985’s landmark release Psychocandy.

  • Highly Suspect Hit Big With First Headlining Show At Upstate Concert Hall

    On Saturday, November 12, Highly Suspect, one of hard rocks bands that are fast on the rise, made their first appearance at Upstate Concert Hall in over three years, but this time, they headlined, and have all this momentum with a studio album, (with another on the way this week) a Grammy nomination, and few songs on active radio.  So did the band live up to the hype?

    highly suspectThe night started with indie trio Slothrust, who received a warm reception from the packed crowd.  Now I am not familiar with any of their material, but musically they were very clutch, and that “I don’t give a shit” attitude gives them a unique appeal.  It will be interesting to see what the future holds from this band.   My only minor criticism would be that there’s a minor lack of chemistry on stage between the three of them.

    Things got very loud when Highly Suspect took the stage.  There was plenty of build up before they got on.  They started their set with “Bath Salts” easily one of the best songs off their debut album Mister Asylum.  This band shares a unique chemistry between twin brothers Rich and Ryan Meyer and guitarist/vocalist Johnny Stevens.  They’re heavy enough for the metal heads, they’re hip enough for the hipsters, mainstream enough for the casual rock listener, and have enough sex appeal for the ladies.  You could take anyone with you to see this band and you’re guaranteed a kick ass time.

    The band also did a wonderful job showing off their versatility between each member.  Ryan Meyer had a couple of sick drum solos, and there were a couple songs where Rich Meyer took over lead vocals.  Rich has more of a softer voice than Johnny Stevens, whom I think, has the most emotion behind his voice since Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam.  Highly Suspect also debut a few songs off their upcoming album The Boy Who Died Wolf  such as “My Name Is Human” and “Serotonia.”  But the main highlight was the song that everyone wanted to hear “Lydia.”  They even teased the crowd a little bit during the song to add a nice element to it that would make this song extra special live.

    After finishing their initial set, they came out with a three song encore and closed with the dirty tune “Fuck Me Up” that got the crowd pumped one last time.  All I can say is that this band has a very bright future ahead of them and will be playing much bigger venues in the next couple years.  Everyone needs to catch this band now while they’re playing the smaller venues.  They’re a young, talented, power trio that will make bigger splashes in the music world and is giving rock and roll the much needed facelift that it needs, so that rock as we now know it, doesn’t fade to obscurity.

  • Joshua Radin Romances the Plaza in NYC

    Saturday November 5, Irving Plaza, New York City; the air was still and the room was quiet, the only exception was the sweet, soulful sounds and warm, fuzzy lyrics of Joshua Radin.

    Joshua RadinRadin is currently on tour supporting his new album, “The Fall”. Radin says, “The Fall” is my seventh studio album, but it’s the first album I’ve produced myself, so this feels like the most honest work I’ve released in my twelve-year career.”

    In the vein of storytellers, Radin enchanted us with tales of love lost and proclaimed his “songs are as quiet as you can possibly get,” which is the best thing about listening to Radin. His songs have the ability to quiet our souls while simultaneously waking up a part of ourselves that we may have lost.

    Songs that stood out; the inspirational “Brand New Day,” Radin shared it was written after the demise of a 6 year relationship. “Paperweight” from a movie called Dear John is a wonderful song full of sweet and innocent love. “My My Love” a song about finally finding the one that makes your heart flutter. It’s all love, love love for Mr. Radin.

    The last time Radin was at Irving Plaza was about a year and half ago—he recalled a moment in the audience when a young man proposed to his girlfriend after his Yaz remake of “Only You”. Not only was that woman there on Saturday night, but confessed to them breaking up, Radin jokingly a la “Sleepless in Seattle” said he’d meet her at the top of the Empire State Building after the show.

    Joshua Radin deserves to have a song featured in every rom-com movie until the end of time, his heart opening music sets the stage for uninhibited love, vulnerability and deep connection on otherworldly levels.

    Radin is continuing his tour to the West coast and then to Europe.

    Setlist: No Envy, Beautiful Day, You Got Growin’ Up to Do, Brand New Day, Closer, I’d Rather Be With You, Only You, My My Love, Belong, High and Low, Underwater, Today, Winter, Enough For You, Don’t Think Twice

    Joshua Radin

  • Another Spectacular lespectacle @ The Paper Box

    On Saturday night at The Paper Box in Brooklyn, lespecial held their annual mini-festival to the delight of hundreds of lucky fans in attendance.  After meeting dozens of friendly freaks in the crowd, I regretfully realized that I was one of the rare guests taking part in my first lespectacle.  While I was unable to locate a coat check in the eerily, yet vibrantly decorated venue, it was clear from the very beginning that I would need to check my concept of reality at the door.

    Starting around 9pm, Connecticut based producer, Tsimba was spinning his intricate form of otherworldly music to a prematurely spun-out crowd.  During this opening act, it was clear that the energy of the room was already sky high and not coming down anytime soon.  Tsimba’s bio describes his music as “sounds that could manifest anywhere in the universe” and while no one on the floor appeared to be a qualified astronaut, the dance moves suggested some spacey exploration.  

    After the short and sweet DJ set, Gene Shinozaki of The Beatbox House popped out of the crowd to show off his amazing talent.  I have heard many variations of beatboxing in my life ranging from legends like Doug E. Fresh and Biz Markie to my drunk white friend at a frat party in college, but Shinozaki introduced me to sounds that I did not know were possible to create with one human mouth.  His ability to tackle genres like dubstep while looping underground hip-hop beats was fantastic.  

    Other members of The Beatbox House joined Shinozaki along while the oddly-dressed crowd of music lovers circled around them.  Light on the treble, the group segued into their abbreviated version of Meghan Trainor’s “All About That Bass” before dropping into something that sounded like Plinko chips on The Price Is Right.  The House’s first performance of the night came to an end, but they were set to appear several more times before the end of the event.

    lespecial bassist, Luke Bemand, filled in as the MC of the night and introduced the next group, Ross Jenssen, as one of his favorite bands in the world.  The “Ross” part of the Connecticut trios name is Brian Ross on bass.  The “Jenssen” half is Jules Jenssen on drums and the “just right” third bear in between the two of them is Sam McGarrity on guitar.  Their mostly instrumental set had the occasional spoken word sample thrown in for good measure, but the crowd will be talking about this performance until next year’s lespectacle.  Ross Jenssen opened up with the introduction to “Perspiration” off their debut album, Phrases.  

    Interstellar travel seemed to be the theme of the night as the first few songs reminded me of a spaceship about to blast off into outer space.  Songs like “Curmudgeon” and “Hell or High Water” begin with a haunting yet tranquil groove before launching into heavy, raw and unfiltered rock and roll.  It is a sonic wonder how the same band weaves an original like “Illumination” into a set filled with head banging madness as this tune may be appropriate for deep meditation at a yoga studio.  

    Ross Jenssen’s chameleon-like ability to adapt to different genres makes them a hard act to compare or even describe for that matter, which is why they had the crowd in the palm of their hands all night. “Rabble Rouser” creates an electronic sludge that leads to a danceable darkness toward the middle of the jam, yet prior to entering this disco-dungeon, the trio covered “Ten Tonne Skeleton” by Royal Blood to the delight of a music-loving room.  After closing with the topically appropriate “Afraid of Americans,” I searched the room for the insane guitar-shredding McGarrity to learn more about the mad scientist’s lab where he got his hands installed.  

    An incredibly humble musician in a world full of Trumps, I found Sam backstage crushing a slice of pizza before taking five minutes to speak with me.  He gives all the credit to founding members Ross and Jenssen for allowing him to jam with them back in 2013 and then join them on their album “Phrases.”  After he became “somewhat of a permanent member” he describes his musical influences and the strong connection that members of lespecial and Ross Jenssen have shared since playing together and going to shows in high school.  I mentioned how some of their sound reminded me of a darker version of a prog-rock jamband and one example that came to mind was Umphrey’s Mcgee.  Much like Jake Cinninger of the Chicago-based jam monster, Sam explained how from an early age he “loved to shred.”  “I’m gonna do that, that sounds cool, I want to do that,” he wildly proclaimed before mentioning how much stronger of a player he has become since joining Ross Jenssen and practicing daily.  

    After the The Beatbox House finished improvising with “Can’t Feel My Face” by The Weeknd, it was finally time for the main event, lespecial.  Guitarist Jonathan Grusauskas held down a powerful solo during one of the band’s most popular songs “Fruit Dance Wolf.”  I would have felt completely satisfied with their set had they just played that song, but there was still two full and fiery sets to go when they brought out their first guest, Jesse Stocker on flute for “Skull Kid.”  

    The appropriate set placement of this tune worked well with the central decor of the night as skulls, antlers, and post-Halloween props were set up throughout the stage and venue by designer The Reliquarium.  Speaking of antlers, “Third Antler> 4th Antler Improv” found their way into this first set madness after the trio covered Nine Inch Nails’ “Piggy.”  Prior to the event, I predicted some band collaborations due to the overwhelming talent on the bill and lespecial did not disappoint when calling upon Gene Shinozaki for some improvisational beatboxing assistance on stage before “Pressed for Time” closed out this jaw dropping first set. 

    In order to stimulate some other senses before during and after lespecial, Vin Pugliese was put in charge of the intense lighting and visuals to make everything look and feel as good as it sounded.  Set two was off to a thunderous and spooky start as the boys took a stab at their Fela Kuti arrangement of “Harambe Zombie” to honor a fallen hero.  While there were no dicks out during their rendition of the afro-beat classic, there was black magic in the air as the band and the zombies in the crowd became one.  

    The tribal beat presented one of the highlights of the entire night for me until just two songs later lespecial annihilated a cover of “Frizzle Fry” from the iconic Primus album.  Bemand proved to the crowd that his chops were among the best in the business as he channeled Les Claypool in this creatively mind-blowing anthem.  The band kept an eclectic mix of covers coming with Skrillex’s “With Your Friends” and “Fade” by Kanye West.  The first set began with a track off their newest album, Omnisquid and in a similar fashion, “Squid Rising” ended the show.

    While lespecial was technically finished performing for the night, the now masked trio reemerged as Robert Jacob Max’s Supersillyus Lifeband took the stage.  The shadowy and mystical super-group has been an ever-changing phenomenon since its early conception years ago.  The Lifeband was heavy on the jam and risk-taking improvisation while still keeping the crowd moving as we gained an hour thanks to an end of Daylight Savings in the outside world.  A psychedelic journey through extraterrestrial soundscapes took the Paper Box for one last ride before sending us back into reality in the streets of Brooklyn.

    After my first lespectacle, I discovered a kaleidoscope of all things that are right with Brooklyn.  A melting pot of different subcultures coming together to create something new during a time when almost everything seems to be remade.  The musicians, the visuals, the art and the audience all worked together to create something great instead of trying to make it “great again” which will lead to even stronger and thought-provoking lespectacles in the future!  I will see you there.