NYS Music 20​17

Category: Album Reviews

  • Hearing Aide: Venomous Maximus ‘No Warning’

    Over the years, Black Sabbath has been known to create not only the metal genre as a whole, but  also inspired so many sub-genres  from the roots of all things heavy.  Because of the wall of sound and the occult themes, many fans were mesmerized by that approach and set out on pilgrimages to create their own form of occult rock. From bands like Candlemass, Angel Witch, whom brought the sound of wicked laced lyrics in their songs, to groups like Electric Wizard who brought the evil overtones with immense amounts of 60’s influence drug speak,  it is fair to say Black Sabbath has given birth to so many great bands over the years with their influence. Among the children of Sabbath, we have Houston’s Venomous Maximus.

    venomous maximus no warningThey started casting evil incantations with their debut album, Beg Upon The Light (released 2012 via Occulture), the band was eagerly accepted in the doom underground. Now it has been two years since their last spellbound of a record Firewalker (released 2015 via Shadow Kingdom Records). They came back from the crypt to cast one more feverishly dangerous of an album, No Warning (released via Shadow Kingdom Records), the doom rockers have once again unleashed hell and we love it!

    No Warning is the third studio album from the band. The formula of New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) with the elements of Black Sabbath,  this album hits you where it matters most. With Beg Upon The Light single “Give Up The Witch” we have the continuation of the story with “Return of The Witch.” Much like from the debut album, the vocals will  have your skin crawling with excitement. Higgins (vocals/guitar) still sounds like an ominous banshee which you do not want to meet in a dark alley. Such a deep and very melancholy style of vocals, one will find themselves caught in the beauty of the darkness of the lyrical themes. With tracks like “All Of My Dreams” and “Pray For Me”  displaying the most powerful of vocal creation, you will without a doubt be putting these tracks on repeat while you let the night take you away.

    The band really knows how to make catchy songs while keeping that metal attitude alive. With Higgins, Larson (guitar/synth/backing vocals), Diles (bass), and Draungardy (Drums/percussion) working like an unholy covenant, the songs they create will have you banging at your next black mass! My personal favorite songs which I feel have the best girt type of mood would be “No Warning” and “Spellbound.” With such energy you will fall in love with Draungardy drumming and bass playing from Diles to penetrate into your mind the end of days is nye! It really will make those fans of Sabbath and Candlemass really feel as though the two groups made a Rosemary Baby and is offering the craft to the world! With the guitar work of Higgens and Larson working as one being, the 80’s guitar style is very clear in the tracks, with soaring guitar solos, but still carrying that doom induced dread that even the dead can enjoy rocking out to!

    I have always been a huge fan of doom and occult themed bands. In fact it is one of my favorite genres of all time to enjoy with friends in the graveyard back in my youth. Doom metal will continue to haunt the underground and the passion for all things ominous. The genre will continue to be a favorite of the metal underground. With No Warning your passion will only grow with the genre and the band. This fine specimen gets an 8 out of 10 from me.  You may go to the band’s bandcamp to get the album or Shadow Kingdom Records website. Get it out and may the spirit of the witch grace your ears!

    Key Tracks: Return Of The Witch, Pray For Me, All Of My Dreams

  • Hearing Aide: The Southern Belles ‘In the Middle of the Night’

    The sort of plasmic, shape-shifting rock and roll spawned by The Southern Belles of Richmond, VA, has been released to humans everywhere for their listening and dancing pleasure on August 5. Their third album, In the Middle of the Night, is oddly akin to Willie Wonka‘s three course dinner chewing gum, in that, through the consumption of one product, several flavors can be indulgently experienced in a brief period. At least by listening to this album, no one will need a swarm of oompa loompas to roll them to the juicing room… that we know of.

    This album dives deeper than their previous release Close to Sunrise, offering heavier jams, tighter instrumentation and an overall more spacious and grandiose sound. The Southern Belles is Adrian Ciucci (guitar), Tommy Booker (keys), Aaron Zarrow (drums), and Derrick Englert (bass). In the Middle of the Night was recorded at The Ward recording studio in Richmond.

    “Everywhere 1” floods the eardrums with runaway guitar like an antsy racehorse exploding out of the starting gate. In under a minute the tune relaxes before getting groovier, continuously arousing the listener’s curiosity. Ciucci’s vocal tone is a crosshatch of Motion City Soundtrack’s Justin Pierre and Jimmy Eat World’s Jim Adkins. The song culminates with an uplifting message of gratitude: “Everything I try to be, there’s someone there reminding me/ Life is grand, we’re so lucky/ And it’s amazing everywhere it takes me.” This closing sentiment is a suiting cap to the opening song of an album, almost an anthem to their success, four musicians converging, playing their brand of music together in a way no other combination of musicians could exactly replicate. Something to be thankful for.

    “Deja Vu” offers a more somber beginning, with higher octave backing vocals that emulate The Flaming Lips with a sea of airy voices echoing Ciucci. It shifts from whirring organ to bouncy guitar, offering an uplifting release from the heavier tone. “L.A. Moves” opens with delicate guitar and elements reminiscent of NY synth-rock band Jimkata. “Tryin” promptly brings the Vulfpeck vibes with playful keys before escalating into a rock-opera ballad replete with gospel-like vocals and undulating tempos. The album closes with “Everywhere II,” trickling in with calming water effects, muted organ and vocals with Pink Floyd connotations before Ciucci utters the heartening sentiment, “Just know in the end you’re gonna get where you’re goin, so take good care of your friends/ They’re the only ones who know you and the only ones who care so be kind and fair.” The song then picks up tempo and finishes on a high note with a cathartic swirl of guitar and pounding drums, bringing it full circle to the beginning of the album.

    In the Middle of the Night was officially released on August 5 at The Broadberry in their hometown. The single is being streamed via Soundcloud and their website, and can be heard on SiriusXM’s Jam On. The Southern Belles have been touring the East Coast leading up to the album release, and will hit the road again for their fall tour. They will be playing Saturday August 12 in Capon Bridge, WV at La La Land, followed by the Peace of Mind Fest in Halifax, PA on August 31.

    Key Tracks: Everywhere I, Tryin, Everywhere II

  • Hearing Aide: SkyDaddy ‘Wide Eyes’

    Two years succeeding their debut, self-titled EP as a funky musical quartet, SkyDaddy makes a comeback with their latest EP Wide Eyes, due out on all digital platforms come August 1.

    Dave Heinz (bass/vox), Joe North (saxophone/EWI), Tom Claney (guitar/vox) and Pat Agresta (drums) fit together as a jazzy-funk ensemble with nods of soul and rock fusion from downstate New York. However, its their solo skills that come together to create all that SkyDaddy stands for. Riding the wave of the ever-growing music scene in the Northeast, the foursome have lent their jam talents to venues across NYC and the tri-state area in support of The Nth Power, Pink Talking Fish, Amy Helm, Spiritual Rez, Sophistafunk and Zach Deputy, all within the last year.

    Their self-titled effort brought fourth a five-track EP, including “Tell Me I’m Crazy” and “Just Enough Wine.” Dipping their toes into varying genres, Heinz, North, Clancey and Agresta use their talents to deliver spacey, progressive-like jams while capturing soul through their meaningful lyrics and memorable hooks.

    Wide Eyes comes in the form of three tracks, all of which have the ability to get you on your feet and dancing or at least swaying side to side in your work chair. “Effortlessly Elegant” introduces the EP with a fitting title as the opening notes of the track and buttery-smooth saxophone make the listener’s need to move around and dance grow stronger by the second. “By the Fire Tonight” follows next, letting Agresta and the drum kit lead into the second track which appeals largely to the funkier soundscapes of their music. “Perspective” emphasizes on Heinz’ hearty vocals as he sings of relationships, wide eyed girls and the burning question of how they found their soul. Over the course of one year, the EP was recorded in REM Studios in Woodcliff Lake, NJ, collectively and accurately encompassing their sound as a unit thus far.

    You can catch SkyDaddy on their Wide Eyes Tour during their slew of upcoming NY show dates, including a live WRRV Session at Newburgh Brewing Company, a September 19 Garcia’s gig with The Magic Beans in Port Chester and quick stops through VT and CT.

    Check out more of their music on Soundcloud!

    Key Track: By the Fire Tonight

  • 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: Diluted ‘Never Fit In’

    We all know there are bands that ladies just dig, and groups with  lyrics that can get the booty shaking while keeping it gritty enough for the guys to be able to pump their fists to as well are even better. You know there is a band that many of us can enjoy when we want a party type of sound. There is one band from Rochester, NY who can supply such great tunage. Who is this group that promises nothing but good grooves and chaos? Diluted of course my dear friends! With their EP, Never Fit In, you will find yourself dancing and shaking more than the time you tried to reenact the bar dancing scene from Coyote Ugly! Let us get this album review in full swing boys and girls!

    dilutedThe first track off this album “Better Living Through Hennessy” goes from 0-60 in less than 2 seconds into the album. The guitar styles of Helmer and Coffey will take you by storm. Their funky yet hardcore approach for this track is nothing but full of life! You will have yourself singing along with the lyrics while moving those two left feet of yours. Let me tell ya, nothing beats a good old fashioned song you can find yourself singing to in the car.  This song is one of those jams I can see the whole venue singing along to with a couple drinks in hand!

    If you like groups like Faith No More, who has a nice little mix of rap flow blended with some great punk related attitude, the track “Hipster Helmets & Harpsichords” will make those feet of yours go manic! I really enjoy this track from the get go!  Like seriously digging it with my whiskey right now! The vocal approach by Mulligan and Coffey reminds me of the glory days of my youth with such bands like Neurosonic and Skindred. Excellent destructive vocal execution  fused with modern hip-hop type of lyrical construction made this song stand  out the most to me personally.  The most fascinating part of this track is the communication between West (drums) and Kimak (bass), which really lays down the foundation for the energy of this sweet tune!  The beat is never lost and you can really swing your body to it all the way through! This will be the jam the ladies will be losing their minds to. Look out fellas, we have some bonafide lady killers on our hands!

    Now this album has some great party songs on it, but it also contains great heavy tunes like “Sledge Hovercraft.” Much like the other tracks on the EP, it has a great flow with both the lyrics and musicianship. You can tell the boy’s formula is spot on with this gem! The screeching sound of the vocals on the track will make you bang your head! If you want some Red Hot Chili Peppers type funky style with your hardcore music, but want to be mad as hell at the same time, well this track is for you. This song is made for the guys hands down. If you get drunk enough and want to start a bar brawl, this will be your theme song for the ring.

    Over all there are so many other great tracks on this album from Diluted. I wouldn’t think I would find myself enjoying a band like this, but I am hooked and I cannot stop blasting this. My fingers are starting to bleed from pressing the repeat button so many times! Go out and buy this sick product of jams! 4 stars out of 5 for sure! Go check out their page. You will not regret it, I promise you!

    Key Tracks: Better living Through Hennessy, Sledge Hovercraft, Hipster Helmets & Harpsichords

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7EeFtvvxkU

  • Hearing Aide: Benn Rymon ‘A Long Time’

    A Pennsylvanian both by nature and at heart, rapper Benn Rymon and his beats are now based out of Plattsburgh, where he continues to record and perform just as he’s been doing since the 90s. This time, his ideas were carefully crafted into his solo debut album, A Long Time.

    Normally, he’d be found lending an instrumental helping hand to an array of friends and artists to help complete their passion projects. Never releasing one of his own, A Long Time,  dropped on July 7 as his very first release. It chronicles a lifetime of friendships found and foraged through the gift of music, which led to Rymon joining forces with fellow rappers in the Plattsburgh community, eventually becoming the founding member of the Plattsburgh Home Team. Each song tells its own story, whether that includes hard-knock times, unexpected adventures and at times, dangerous happenings. Prominently using an “in-your-face” style of rap, paired with his blunt character and unwavering confidence on stage, Rymon brings an eclectic gathering of genres, featured artists and a branded style of hip-hop all his own.

    The odyssey of an album explores Rymon’s long-time background in the scene, how he’s been brought up by others and how he’s in turn, doing the same and inspiring those to find their own musical passage. Making a musical cocktail combining obvious elements of rap and hip hop with some dance tunes stirred in, Rymon introduces a number of artists and their respective flavors.

    Unraveling the story, Rymon kicks things off on “Out of Control” with Ms Adventure before jumping into the fun, high tempo track “Sensational,” making a number of references to dancer/actor/singer Gregory Hines.  Word play follows with “Pass or Pull,” and “Hot Box Gondola” featuring Phen Yaqeen, which takes on a more rap-centered approach with traded verses and a simple beat layered behind it. “On the One” stands out as the hardest hitting rap track on the release with a spooky, perfectly fitting tune paralleling its equally eerie lyrics. “Town Center” shines with its tropical touch making it perfect for a summertime drive.

    The second half of the album introduces record scratching on “W.I.S.” and sees help from a number of collaborators like Epick, Craig Holmes, Lucid Lowell, Trixx, Phonix Dark and Symfonyi. A Long Time gets put to bed with the hypnotizing “Sleepers” before closing out with “Dedications,” with blaring horns and appropriate fade out lyrics “thats all, people.”

    A Long Time was produced, recorded, arranged, & mixed by Benn Rymon and Mastered by Adrian Carr for AC Mastering. Order the album here.

    Key Tracks: Sensational, Town Center

    https://soundcloud.com/antwonlevee/sets/benn-rymon-a-long-time/s-2nQx2

  • Hearing Aide: Intrepid Travelers ‘Everyday is Your Birthday’ EP

    One of New York State Music’s 87/90 bands, Intrepid Travelers, is set to release their EP Everyday Is Your Birthday on Thursday June 29th. The CD release event will be in their hometown of Buffalo at Buffalo Iron Works.

    Everyday is Your BirthdayBirthdays: those special “holidays” that allow individuals to celebrate another year of existence with family and friends. Birthdays carry a different connotation depending on which birthday it is, and perhaps when you reach a certain age, you start to dread that once ever so special day. But overall, birthdays are meant to be positive and enjoyed, and this collection of songs through artistic composition and improvisation shows that each day must be celebrated like a birthday.

    The band, who only formed in 2013, has had their fair share of touring experience, and this EP features “studio cut versions that have been in live rotation for over a year, [that] have been rearranged…to fit a studio sound.” Each of the recordings “were done live, except for vocals which were overdubbed.”

    The first track “Destinesia” has a great groove that sits right in the pocket with almost a bossa nova bass line from David Neimanis throughout the song’s A section. The keyboard/organ sound is dense and adds a richness to the track. “Dark Disease” intersperses a beautiful instrumental ballad that works to elicit a state of peace by the listener. The melodic to and fro of the guitar is well-written and well-textured. The changes in this song are made known by a unison set of eighth notes that up the tempo and bring in the vocals. The last few minutes of the track features Brian Calisto on guitar with some tasteful improvisation, strongly supported by the keyboard. Everything comes full circle with a recapitulation of the ballad theme.

    “On Inside” has rhythmically unison instrumental lines that are quirky and pleasantly dissonant. The best part of the song is when the last quarter where it morphs into a full swing groove with a solid walking bass line. In “Funnel,” the song begins with a nice build up, starting with just piano on the off beats, layering drums, guitar, then bass. Drummer John Fohl does a great job setting up the hits in this song. There’s a wide gap here between the vocal harmonies featuring as much as an octave between parts. This could be a little tighter intonation wise, but overall it’s a good way to create a fuller sound. “Maddy & Anna” is the funkiest track on the EP, where you can hear the inspiration for the EP’s title with the line: “cuz every day is your birthday.”

    The writing throughout is quite impressive properly balancing the main themes and progressions with sections devoted to improvisation. The song sections are quite diverse within each track, but it’s easy to follow the musical layout with their repetition of certain sections. The band self-identifies their writing genres as funk, jazz, rock, and psychedelic which are all evident in this EP. The guitar and keys are really given a chance to show off their written and improvised material with full support from the bass and drums.

    Intrepid Travelers wrote the music and lyrics for Everyday is Your Birthday, and also created the album artwork- both front and back. The back of the album features bright colors, sprinkles, a slice of Birthday cake, and the track names in bubble letters. This perky design screams “joy” and “celebration” in terms of a birthday. The album’s front cover is a chocolate chip cookie cake, arguably one of the best kinds of cakes. The lighthearted artwork reinforces the EP’s title and brings some visual continuity to the aural contents inside.

    The EP was produced and engineered by Ryan Press and Packy Lunn in Buffalo, NY, and it was artistically mastered by John Arbuckle at Room 7 in Sea Cliff, NY.

    Key Tracks: Maddy & Anna, Dark Disease

  • Hearing Aide: Escaper ‘Skeleton Key’

    Brooklyn-based band Escaper recently released their debut album, Skeleton Key. Escaper consists of Will Hanza on guitar and vocals, Johnny Butler on saxophone, Adam Ahuja on keys, Jay Giacomazzo on bass and Andrew Nesbitt on drums. This seven track album takes listeners on an unpredictable stroll through exploratory tones, multicolored rhythms and colorful melodies full of airy notes that leave songs wide open for improvised jams to be interjected during live performances. A unique element to this record is that the band laid down all the tracks in one day, with one take each, at The Bunker Studio in Brooklyn, NY. Each musician simultaneously played in separate rooms, beautifully capturing the raw essence of a live performance.

    The first track, “Skeleton Key, Pt. 1,” eases listeners into the album by playfully winding back and forth between light, jazzy beats and kaleidoscopic intonations. Picking up the energy, “Mutiny” lays out the vibes with heavy drums, deep bass and extended guitar notes that wrap around jazz infused keys and saxophone tones that linger on the edges of euphoric spaces, creating a relaxed mood for the listener.

    “Lighthouse” throws out crunchier funkadelic rhythms, begging the listener to sway back and forth to the beat. Punchy keys start out this refreshing track before flowing into a combination of jazzed out saxophone and trippy guitar. Once again, deep bass and tight drums keep the musicians in line throughout the melody. The fusion of so many genres puts Escaper into a unique category, blurring the lines between the jazz and jam scenes.

    A slow building “Night Crawler” is fully stocked with short bursts of brisk notes that tap dance their way through the tune, picking up varying musical elements that effortlessly move around the sweet-sounding melody. “Narwhal” glides around smooth jazz beats that flow on the edge of picturesque tones merged by the guitar, sax, and keyboard.

    The album wraps up with “Skeleton Key, Pt. 2” in a way that highlights breathy sax and a splashy guitar/key combo before an energetic “Castles” brings the music to a close. Overall, this debut album is filled with fluid compositions that will come alive during live performances due to the spacious range left open for improvisational play. A solid package of laid back, uncomplicated tunes that seamlessly run the gamut from jazz to jam with  touches of psychedelic grooves that will ease any listener into a relaxed mood.

    For more information regarding Escaper and their new album, along with tour dates, please visit their official web site.

  • Hearing Aide: Powerflo ‘Powerflo’

    There seems to be a growing trend in metal music of rap-metal making a comeback since Prophets Of Rage emerged last year.  You could argue that bands like Body Count have been around for a long time, but now the genre seems to be in the spotlight again. And with any sub-genre of metal, you get the flash in the pan bands or the goofy sounding bands that don’t last, however, Powerflo has landed and makes a statement.

    Consisting of powerhouse members of Biohazard, Fear Factory, Downset, and fronted by Cypress Hill’s Sen Dog, their self titled debut album makes you stop and say, “Hey, we got something here.”  You always get a feeling with super groups that they could not work or blend well or just seem to be an odd fit.  This is not the case.  Powerflo is tight, has chemistry and contains killer hooks and a hard sound that grabs you by the collar and makes you listen.

    The opening track “My M.O.” opens with a crushing guitar riff and dope rhymes straight from Sen Dog with a fantastic rhythm and beat from bassist Christen Olde Wolbers and drummer Fernando Schaefer. Its perfect to get you hyped up or that necessary kick you need to listen to while you’re at the gym.  The next track “Resistance” is heavily vocal, driven with sick drums.  But the song that stands out most is “Less Than a Human” because of how motivating it is.  The track that highlights the band the best is the single “Victim of Circumstance.”  If you want to get someone hooked on this band, show them this track.  It’s a perfect sports anthem.  I would expect to hear this band at sporting and fight events.  Book it.

    Some of the Biohazard fans may be let down because they’re expecting to hear the kick ass break downs and guitar solos from a band that made them so iconic.  Poweflo isn’t driven by break downs and solos, it’s driven by catchy hooks.  The hooks punch HARD.  And Sen Dog really shines because he’s front and center.   This is a band with a bold move by guitarist Billy Graziadei, because everyone is used to him being front and center anchoring for Biohazard, but he has a different role in Powerflo. But it works.  This album is a must have for any hip hop, hardcore or metal fan.  Keep an eye out for Powerflo.  It’s easily the best debut metal album of this year.

    Key Tracks: “My M.O.”, “Less Than A Human”, “Victim Of Circumstance”

  • Hearing Aide: A Fitting Revenge ‘Tempus Fugit’

    Ever since my first local show experience in my hometown of Syracuse, N.Y, I was addicted to finding local bands. The one thing us New Yorkers know best is how to make our own brand of metal. Look around in the Central New York area and you will find some of the most talented bands you can find from Ire Clad, which has some of the best mixture of Black Sabbath’s doom approach mix with some of the hard rock vibrations of Soundgarden, and Vile Tyrant who continues to liberate the black metal underground with their melodic approach to the genre. New York bleeds metal! To present my case, I give you this album review of A Fitting Revenge’s album, Tempus Fugit. I now have the floor!

    a fitting revengeA Fitting Revenge is based out of Rochester, N.Y. We have Ledwing Hernandez on both guitars and vocals to bring the battlecry, Chris Xu on guitar to help bring the groove back to the mosh floor, Chandler Moran on bass to make your skin vibrate with excitement, and Aaron Smith on drums fueling the fire with his sonic attack behind the kit! Tempus Fugit is a deadly cocktail of groove and melody. The track “Cured of Faith” has some of the best groove induced execution I have seen in recent years. The band’s influences really show here. From the vocal approach much in the style of Randy Blythe, from Lamb of God, to the very catchy riff playing similar to Dimebag Darrell, the band still gives this track some NY style flavor. Hernandez’s vocals are just murderous and carries very well with the intricate drumming of Smith; by far my favorite track from the group. Moran’s bass playing will make you pick up your feet as Smith’s sounds the battle drums! Prepare for a moshpit for this one!

    Even with the intense amount of aggression, you can still find some of the best melodic material from A Fitting Revenge. The track for me that screams out to in this manner is the beautifully constructed ‘Quiverfull’. The guitars harmonize very well on this song. Xu and Hernandez really have that chemistry to make this song hit hard. It is like taking a punch from Tyaon; yes including the ear biting! The fingering and precision is remarkable. Not even once when I was this demon did they lose my attention on this track; superb. Extremely catchy and melodic, it will have you begging for more as Hernandez’s guitar soars and compounds the solos with no struggle. The bass playing of Moran is spot on as it helps propel the emphasis of the bottom end of the song with the help of Smith’s very technical playing to keep that neck of yours breaking!

    These musicians are extremely talented in what they do. With the aggressive tracks, like “Cured of Faith” and “Quiverfull,” and the melodic tracks, like the instrumental “Neuromancer” and “Wintermute,” the band no doubt has mastered their craft. In my opinion you should check out this band if you need a groove fix for your collection. I give this album 5 out of 5 horns. Go to the band’s links below to show your support!

    Key Tracks: Cured of Faith, Quiverfull, The Noose