NYS Music 20​17

Author: Gavin Blasier

  • Hearing Aide: Ocular Panther ‘Insistences’

    Ocular Panther, a prog rock band hailing from Rochester, NY, recently released their new album Insistences. With interesting chord progressions and guitar riffs, each song has a new, fresh sound that is easily distinct from the rest. Each track has an extremely full sound through the harmonies of each instrument, giving way to one large, almost orchestral sound. The band consists of members Jason Gilly (bass), Michael Pantano (guitar/programming), Collin Jones (guitar), and Tristan Greene (Drums).

    The largest thing that sticks out is the repetition of the beginning riffs. Everything starts out simple and gradually builds almost to the point of being out of  control but is as chaotic as can be while remaining clean. In “Protactinium” the basis of the whole song stems from the beginning guitar riff, which is gradually added on to with accents from other instruments, leading up to a finale ripping guitar solo and finally ending with a sudden halt amidst all the disarray while avoiding a sloppy finish.

    The final track “Ellipses” is easily the most avant garde of the whole album. Filled with white noise and other sounds indicative of outer space, the title of the track is a message that there is a lot more to come from this band.  So, prog rock fans get ready, because Ocular Panther isn’t finished yet!

    Key Tracks: Protactinium, Marking Houses, Ellipses

  • Hearing Aide: Haakon’s Fault ‘Waning Gibbous’

    New York City based progressive rock band, Haakon’s Fault, has recently released their brand-new EP, Waning Gibbous. Despite the four-track project’s shortness, the band’s style and skill level is well showcased, combining elements of both wailing and grunge guitar offset by the entrance of a clean vocal by lead vocalist, Harry McNamara.

    The EP’s opening self-titled track, “Waning Gibbous,” acts as an inviting introduction to the project. The song’s lead guitar riff captures and heats up the track to soon be cooled down by calming vocals. Despite the hot and cold nature of the track, it catches on fire with a piercing guitar solo that secures focus and desire to listen to the next three songs.

    Waning Gibbous continues with a variety of sounds, followed by the second track, “Wicked World.” The track’s opening riff tells listeners to fasten their seatbelts. They’re on for the ride. With tints of hard-country, “Wicked World” symbolizes the versatile nature Haakon’s Fault has with their music.

    Moving onto “Save Us” and then “Higher” Waning Gibbous provides an easy listening atmosphere for all listeners of music. It is very rare that a project is able to appeal to audiences of different genres while still remaining true to their sound. Haakon’s Fault is an example of a band that makes prog rock listenable to everyone. Their new EP stabilizes the thought that everyone, no matter the age or music sensibility, is able to rock.

    Key Tracks: Waning Gibbous, Save Us, Higher

  • Hearing Aide: Barika ‘When The Time Comes’

    When is it time to take a step back and reflect? At what point amidst the violence, protest, argument, and confusion perpetuated by the media is it ok for twenty-first century human beings to come to halt from information absorption? Barika, a psychedelic West African influenced band from Burlington, Vermont, aims to satisfy those questions with their album, When the Time Comes.

    Immediately from the beginning of the project, time seems to slow and the reflection begins. Each song in the album is different from the next which at first listen seems disjointed, only connected by the reoccurring horn lines, however when listened to more than once, it is easy to see what Barika is trying to accomplish within this forty-three minute album. Instead of a chronological storyline, as many albums try to convey, When the Time Comes has the aim to come at listeners from all angles with instrumental tracks mixed in with R&B flavored ones and even songs completely comprised of African drumming. There are also strong messages within the album.

    In “Find My Way”, instances of police brutality are highlighted by using examples of Eric Garner’s words “I can’t breathe” said over and over. In addition, Craig Myers, the leader of the band cites Ferguson Missouri and the fatal shooting of native Michael Brown. As the track in the center of the album, Barika chooses to focus on issues that are the most important. This symbolizes the need for society to reflect while at the same time remaining conscious enough to keep a grasp on the harsh and unjust realities that are plaguing society.

    In When the Time Comes, Barika transforms the traditional model of an album by keeping each track different from the one before and after but still tying them all together in the end. It is not music that can be casually listened to but needs to be thoroughly digested to understand what the motives behind it are. Catch them at Funk n Waffles in Syracuse on March 10. Check out additional shows here.

    Key Tracks: When The Time Comes, Find My Way, There For You

  • Hearing Aide: SCHMAVE ‘Painted Post’

    There’s always that one, odd, sunny day at the tail end of winter that breaks away from the routine gloom and darkness characteristic of the past few months. The sun is shining and there isn’t a soul that’s not outside enjoying the weather. SCHMAVE, an indie rock band out of New Paltz, New York, embodies that spirit in their debut album, Painted Post.

    Each track on this seven-song project has a story and is told through seeable lyrics and tangible melodies. While songs like “Drunk” and “Hand Washed Clothing” are reminiscent of Local Natives style rhythm section and melodic structure, songs like “Fruitless” provide a jumpy alternative, creating a refreshing change of pace from the rest of the album.

    Recently, the indie rock music scene has definitely emitted great projects, although most of them visibly try to create for themselves a unique sound that has never been heard before. After a while, the definition of “unique” gets lost among the saturation of bands trying to set themselves apart from the rest. Painted Post proves that a band doesn’t need a completely original sound to get recognition. In effect, SCHMAVE makes a name for itself by simply making good, relatable, honest music.

    As the opening track, “Alfred” symbolizes the rising of the sun with an open chord structure and uplifting melody, the final song, the albums title track, symbolizes the setting of it. This irregular sunny day is now over and tomorrow the weather returns to the dreary winter cold, as spring tries to officially push through to the surface. Yes, tomorrow will not be the same, although those fleeting hours were the perfect remedy to getting through the rest of the season.

    Key Tracks: Drunk, Hand Washed Clothing, Painted Post