NYS Music 20​16

Tag: new jersey

  • Hearing Aide: The Black Clouds ‘After All’

    Like many music lovers, I spend a lot of time seeking new artists. Although, the Black Clouds are not new, per se. They’ve been working on music since 2008, and After All is their third effort.

    blackcloudsThe Black Clouds, rock from Monmouth County, New Jersey, just finished recording their newest album, After All, set to hit shelves January 6, 2017. With influences such as Soundgarden and Alice in Chains, I appreciate the enthusiasm present from the beginning to the end of the album.

    Produced by Jack Endino, After All is energetic and fast. From the words of the band themselves, their central dedication is playing fast and hard. That’s exactly what guitarists Neil Hayes and Dan Matthews (vocalist as well) deliver: short, punchy, loud songs identifiable as personal life stories.

    Along with Gary Moses and Cory King on bass guitar and drums, respectively, it’s clear that The Black Clouds have developed cohesively as a team. Numbers like “Self Control,” and “Going Going Gone” display chemistry between all members. Vocal melodies are reminiscent of singers like Dave Grohl and Danko Jones, and the fast, aggressive music mirrors this energetically, but also grants some dynamic range. “Falling” features weaving acoustic guitars and a sad melody.

    Overall, I enjoyed a few listens of this album, and I would go as far as to call it solid, but every album has its weaknesses. After All has a limited amount, if any, musical risk, and in many parts, Layne Staley and Jerry Cantrell may as well have recorded one of their legendary runs over the instrumentals. Although more originality could have been exhibited in many places, one might classify this as a “good problem.”

    I can definitely say I would attend a live show of theirs and enjoy the loudness, as I’m sure many will after hearing After All. For now, The Black Clouds have my attention, and I’m excited to see what silver linings The Black Clouds have in their near future, and for the rest of their career.

    For fans of: Danko Jones, Foo Fighters, Nirvana, Alice in Chains, Soundgarden

    Key tracks: Going Going Gone, Falling, Merchants of Death

  • Hearing Aide: Keepin’ The Family Debut EP

    New Jersey indie rock band Keepin’ The Family independently released their self-titled debut EP in late June. The five-piece band has been gaining ground, only just getting started in 2016. With interesting instrumentation, including a trumpet and banjo, Keepin’ The Family has a range of talent with a little something for everyone. 10707147_1065713793490471_956034429_n(1)

    The first track ‘Wet Snow’ comes in fast and heavy, with lead singer Jacob Cafaro’s voice barreling through. The song’s impetus rhythm is undeniable, making it difficult to not bop your head to the beat of the drums. Throw in some banjo, and you’ve got yourself a beautifully intense song. It would be easy to pop this album in at the start of a road trip and get a solid start.

    Track three, titled ‘Charlotte’s Web,’ shows the band’s ability so slow it down and make listeners daydream a little. Slower in tempo and on the playful side, the track builds to a beautiful Allman Brother’s-esque guitar solo that makes the track feel more like a story. Cafaro’s voice isn’t perfect, but always hangs on and finds the perfect place to be. The band’s playful side is apparent, whether it be a rock song or a slower ballad.

    Getting to the final track, ‘Road Trip,’ listeners are given a simple, clean song that feels inspiring and promising. The banjo yet again shines through, adding a piece of bluegrass to the already classic song. It would be easy to listen a few times and want to sing along by yourself on the open road.

    ‘Keepin’ The Family’ is a really fantastic introduction to what this band is capable of. Their influences may be obvious to most, but the range of their music is unique and vast. Not many bands include banjo and trumpet, only adding to their already remarkable abilities. With just five tracks, listeners can be in any mood to enjoy the album in full. Keepin’ The Family has a promising future if they continue to put out albums that not just engage listeners, but make them really feel it.

    Catch up with Keepin’ The Family on their Facebook page, and listen to the album on their Bandcamp.

    Key Tracks: Wet Snow, Camelot, Road Trip