NYS Music 20​17

Tag: New Album

  • Hearing Aide: The Werks ‘Magic’

    At this point in their career, The Werks are one of the best established jam acts on the circuit today.  Through brilliant marketing with their festivals and events, relentless touring, and (most importantly) their entirely unique
    brand of rock and roll.  All of these facts considered, it should come as no surprise that their newest album, Magic, released on March 17, finds the Ohio natives sounding more comfortable in the studio than ever before.  Their familiarity with the recording process is evident upon first listen, even without the knowledge that this is their fourth full length studio album since 2009; no small feat considering the studio presence (or lack thereof) that most groups of the genre display.

    the werks magicWritten in their ‘sonic dojo’ The Werkspace, the album features eight inspiring tunes which traverse several different genres of rock.  Right out of the gate with the first two tracks, the delightfully upbeat “Wide Awake,” followed by the title track, the listener realizes that this isn’t going to be another pentatonic wank session that seems much too common in today’s rock landscape.  The Werks have an eclectic sound, reminiscent of 70’s rock gods yet avoids coming off as a cheap imitation.  “Slab” really hits the spot, with a gut buster of a riff that offers a pleasantly abrasive counterpoint to the smooth lyrical caress of the first few tracks.

    “Moonset” sees the boys moving in an even more experimental realm; a trance-fusion arrangement matched with ruthlessly proficient lead guitar that could get any naysayer’s head bobbing as if they were raging the Big Tent around 3 AM at the old Bisco.  The track took full advantage of the Sonic Lounge studio’s 1 of 13 in the world soundboard, found in Grove City, Ohio.  “Moving On” is the longest track of the album, coming in at 8 minutes and 36 seconds, providing a well needed canvas for perhaps the single most diverse track of the record.  Beautiful melodic hooks and a jaunty rhythm pull rock aficionados in like a sirens call, while the bridge section exhibits some bass runs that’d make Getty Lee pay attention.  “Lights Out” wraps the album up with some assistance from Ohio’s own Hoodoo Soul Band, who laid down some one of a kind horn riffs over the concluding tune.

    Key Tracks: Slab, Moonset, Moving On

    Magic can be yours today for the wonderful Name Your Price option on The Werks’ bandcamp.  Be sure to visit their website as well for upcoming tour dates, possibly near you!

  • Hearing Aide: Gordon St. ‘Gordon St.’

    From Schenectady comes Gordon St., a rock and roll band known for their unique music and diverse cover songs in concert. The band is made up of four members including Dan Noonan as the lead vocalist and bassist, Ritch Harrigan on the guitar, keyboardist Mark Bertini, and drummer Jason Nowak. The group’s upcoming debut, self-titled album will be released in its entirety on April 29.

    Gordon St. features either original tracks including two singles on their album – “Right as Rain,” a song that seemingly begins as an acoustic number right before the electric sound kicks in with an ear-pleasing groove. “King of Hearts” has the listener following the infectious sounds of the drummer throughout the piece. Another featured song, “Until We Meet Again,” had me hooked from the beginning as it starts with a stripped down vocal accompanied by the organic sounds of snapping fingers.

    Other tracks that accentuate the raw musical talent of these musicians are “Peppermint Chamber” and “The Equation,” both consisting of instrumental intros. “Paranoid Jones” is yet another example of a song with a musical outro and exciting guitar riffs, which are commonly heard in the group’s music.

    Although the band’s genre is generally classified as rock and roll, Gordon St. draws from their many influencers to create an original sound. A number of their tracks experiment with different styles of music and subtly cross over into other genres as well. Take a listen for yourselves on their album release!

    Key Tracks: Peppermint Chamber, Right as Rain, Until We Meet Again

  • Hearing Aide: Dangermuffin ‘Heritage’

    Melding multiple genres, Americana quartet Dangermuffin has put together eight unique tracks for its new album, titled Heritage, which is set to drop on March 31.

    Kicking off the album with a Corona-in-the-sand vibe is the wavy and groovy “Ancient Family,” an almost surfer dude type of track, but with a more elegant and highbrow vibe. It’s a solid song to blast on a beach vacation with your friends, or late-night at home when you want to wind down.

    “Fidel” continues the seashore and ocean theme, except this time it’s strictly a reggae song with quite the fun nearly sky, rhythmic musical interlude in the middle. “Kindred Sun” starts out sounding like a slowed down version of “Jack Straw” by the Grateful Dead, but quickly morphs into a psychedelic excursion based around the biggest star in our solar system.

    “Methuselah” begins with a simple drum beat that slowly builds into a five note rhythm that might play out very well on the live stage. “One Last Swim” combines a country feel with bluegrass twang that simply adds to the eclecticism of Heritage.

    “Sea and the Rose” brings back the breezy and free feel of the beginning of the album, enlisting the use of the clavicle in a simple but quite effective way. “Waves” would have closed out the album in the perfect way, adding a little bit of all the themes on the previous six songs. The gentle guitar leads and danceable rhythms make this the feel good song of the record. “Ode to my Heritage” closes out the album in an old timey, campfire circle sort of way.

    Dangermuffin hails from Charleston, S.C., and this album reflects the light and airy ways of the south. A little pickin’, a little grinnin’ and a lot of soul and groove have given Dangermuffin an album to be proud of.

    Key Tracks: Waves, Methuselah, Kindred Sun

  • Boogie Low Holds Album Release Party at the Westcott Theater

    On March 18, Boogie Low took the stage at the Westcott Theater in Syracuse, NY for the release of their highly anticipated, self-titled debut album. With Matthew West (lead guitar/vocals), Loudon Smith (rhythm guitar/vocals), Tommy Dennis (bass guitar), and Brandon Au (drums/percussion). The energy was electric as you walked through the doors with Syracuse natives Barroom Philosophers, who kicked the night off with a set filled with groove heavy funk/rock tunes.

    boogie lowIf one observation from the night was made, it was that the crowd came to dance. Boogie Low opened their set with “Eldin,” a fan favorite, and cheers rang out as they began jamming through their reggae influenced brand of jam rock. Each song was met with enthusiastic cheers from their loyal fan base, and it was clear why so many people braved the cold for this event.

    Vocalist Loudon Smith emphatically thanked the fans for the continued support they’ve showed and was genuinely grateful to experience such a positive response from the crowd. Boogie Low jammed for nearly two hours, playing favorites like “Mckenna” and “Walk On,” and also introduced live for the first time ever “Dirt Nap” from their new album. They also invited David Koegel of Barroom Philosophers on stage to add his exceptional vocals to “Shadows” which sent the crowd into a dancing frenzy, and the night came to an end with an encore of Grateful Dead’s “Love Light,” leaving the audience longing for more.

    This was an event that won’t be forgotten, and the positive vibes and energy radiated off the crowd as they emptied into the cold Syracuse night. If you are a fan of reggae and rock acid fusion I strongly suggest making it to one of Boogie Low’s upcoming shows, where you can purchase their new album “Boogie Low.” It will also soon be available on Spotify and iTunes. You can catch Boogie Low at JP’s Tavern in Baldwinsville NY on March 25 and Funk ‘n Waffles in downtown Syracuse on April 21. Get your tickets for their show on April 21 with Mosaic Foundation here.

    Setlist: Eldin Back 2 Nothing Amie Mckenna Dirt Nap Roots, Walk On, Tommy’s, Better Way, Miss Bliss, Better Days, Land Ho, Trust Ourselves, Colas in the Sky, Mystic River, Shadows, Mexico

    Encore: Turn on Your Love Light

  • Hearing Aide: Foxtrot & The Get Down ‘Roots Too Deep’

    Philadelphia rockers Foxtrot & The Get Down have had their share of success between touring and playing hometown shows in the city. The February 24 release of their full length album Roots Too Deep finds the band creating a more focused sound with nostalgic lyrics and high energy blues/rock songs. Lead singer and songwriter Colin Budny has a voice that was clearly meant to be paired with pristine rock guitar tones. Erica Ruiz provides the background vocals, fitting perfectly between Budny’s voice and the band’s driving rock melodies.

    The first track “Postal” is a great intro to the album, but the second track is where the good stuff begins. “Roll Down The Road” is the anthem song, tugging at your urge to sing it loud and proud. Ruiz and Budny have the perfect duet of voices that can instantly make listeners smile. Blues rock bands often fall back on familiar habits, but Foxtrot & The Get Down have developed their own style without totally losing that thing that makes a good band great. “Roll Down The Road” is peppered with catchy lyrics and is a fantastic representation of what the band is striving to show their audience.

    “Letter To Myself” slows it down a bit, opening with a guitar riff very reminiscent of Led Zeppelin. The song features Ruiz singing lead, with a voice that is the perfect mix of sultry and strong. The lyrics are a perfect reminder of what not to do, providing a fantastic build up to a guitar solo that bursts open the song at the seams.

    Track seven “Ramblin’ Back To You” switches up the genre a bit, with more of a lighter, Americana feel. If you’re at all a fan of The Eagles, then this is the song that will bring you back to your roots. There really is something for everyone on the album, including rock ballads, love, loss and a yearning for something more. Budny and Ruiz’s harmonies have the ability to really tie certain songs together, providing the perfect backdrop for the rest of the band to shine.

    Foxtrot & The Get Down currently share their time between the City of Brotherly Love and Nashville, where they were recently signed to indie record label American Echo records in 2015. There aren’t currently any tour dates listed, but keep an eye on their Facebook page and website for upcoming shows.

    Key Tracks: Roll Down the Road, Just A Kid, If I Had It My Way

  • Hearing Aide: Ross Jenssen ‘Stories’

    Future groove group Ross Jenssen put forth their sophomore release February 7, titled Stories. The instrumental nature of the album , sans lyrics, provides a suitable backdrop for listeners to marry their own imagination with the instrumentation. A frantic moodiness looms throughout the EP, keeping the listener ever so slightly on edge. Ross Jenssen (writer/producer), Brian Ross (bass), Sam McGarrity (guitar), Jules Jenssen (drums/moog), and Ricky Tiven (violin on tracks 2,3) are the instrument wielders behind the madness.

    Stories opens with “The Chronicle,” which begins with brooding bass before quick and subtle percussion and guitar distorted with a trace of metal lend the song a sense of urgency. “The Tall Tale” holds a beat that ceaselessly drives the song forward before sliding into its own noodly jam. “The Myth” rounds out the three-track trio with a flurry of wavering tempos that suggest the group couldn’t settle on a cohesive rhythm for the closing tune.

    The songs are similar enough in style that if you were to listen without paying attention to track numbers or knowing this was a three song EP, you could mistake it as one lengthy jam. It’s a bit too repetitive, although the musicianship is crisp and controlled. Recorded at Sub Station Studio in Housatonic, MA, the EP was engineered by Jackson Whalan, Jules Jenssen, Ian Stewart, mixed by Ian Stewart, mastered by Taylor Larson (periphery, veil of maya, FFTL) with album cover by Simon Ban. Get the album here.

    Key Track: The Chronicle

  • Hearing Aide: Her Harbour “Go Gently Into the Night”

    The fifth track of the second album by Her Harbour, Go Gently Into the Night, is titled “Memento Mori,” Latin for “remember death.” Even without a track title such as that, it’s difficult to not have death on the mind as you listen to this album. Beyond the death-alluding album title and the frequent references to it in the lyrics, Go Gently Into the Night sounds like death personified. Every piano note played and every syllable voiced by Gabrielle Giguere feels like it’s possessed and able to possess you at moment’s notice.

    Her Harbour Album standout “Hewing Crowns” kicks things off. It wraps you into the murky environment, with Giguere sounding akin to a more gothic Angel Olsen. “Sheared skin and old fur/Sorcerer could conjure demon in anything” she sings against somber piano. If you cannot stand the piano on this track, then you are going to have difficulty with the rest of the album, as that one of the main things tying the songs together. Giguere is not a flashy performer. However, this works to her benefit, as she is able to summon the vitality out of every syllable she sings, making her one of the best female singer/songwriters making music right now.

    On “Hewing Crowns,” she makes a particular dark declaration with “you conjure demon in me” and goes on to say “your baths are drawn from my tears.” It is intensely immersive stuff that summons you to see what else drives Giguere. As the album progresses, her vocals get more and more naked. On “In Nude, In Fog and River,” her voice is particularly pained, sounding like she would need to bite her lip to keep it from quivering. “Below Breaths” mixes lower register hums with shimmering guitar strums as Giguere coyly asks “What’s killing you darling?” “Chim and Knell” is particularly teasing, with a two-note piano motif that seemingly serves to put the listener in Giguere’s obsessive headspace as she sings about a love diminished, if not quite lost.

    The death in the album doesn’t seem to be just that of a specific physical loss. With lyrics like “The spring is a cruel time/a thousand bodies become the soil again to feed new life,” it seems Giguere is most fascinated by the cycles that must exist. On the morbidly-titled “Death Mask,” she sings “In the time I’ve lived here, I’ve watched a tree grow.” It comes towards the end of the album, and it’s the kind of sentiment that gives you some hope. If everything must eventually die, then we should appreciate it for when it’s alive. An additionally intriguing aspect of the album is how Giguere appears to be commanding nature on the tracks. On “Memento Mori” she urges the “juniper and cypress tree” to “lay [someone] down and don’t be cruel,” and another track is titled “Come Half Moon.” She might know it’s futile, but she wants to try nonetheless.

    The somber nature of Go Gently Into the Night makes it simultaneously relaxing and unsettling. The ambient nature of Giguere’s arrangements and her soft vocals might help you drift off into sleep. However, there is a sense of urgency in how she presents everything. It’s an album that doesn’t bark at you to sit up and listen but beckons you with the sincerity of its message. If you have space in your music heart for a little existentialism, give Go Gently Into the Night a listen.

    Key Tracks: Below Breaths, Memento Mori, Death Mask

  • Hearing Aide: Thievery Corporation ‘The Temple of I & I’

    Rob Garza and Eric Hilton, better known as the electronic duo, Thievery Corporation, have been genre-blending their way from upbeat dance halls to groovy lounges for over two decades. Their new album, The Temple of I & I, which drops on February 10, presents two middle-aged music-heads redefining their sound once again. While their last album, Saudade, took the group to Brazil to gather ideas from their bossa nova upbringing, Temple drops them off on the beautiful beaches of Jamaica in search of inspiration from a higher power.

    The roots rock reggae feel can be found immediately as “Thief Rockers” treats listeners to their first hit and much like featured artist Zee’s lyrics indicate, the sound has also “got the magic ganja gonna make your head spin.” The delicate mix of ambient-dub with Jamaican vocals sets the vibe for the remainder of the hour-long Caribbean vacation.

    Thievery Corporation is known for eliciting talent from hip-hop to trance backgrounds, and in their new album, they discovered Kingston’s own singer and MC, Racquel Jones. “Letter to the Editor” is the first of two tracks she appears on and her fast paced flow glides well with the disco-dub beat. Long-time collaborator, Mr. Lif, uses his lyrics to tackle worldwide socioeconomic conditions in “Ghetto Matrix.” After a highly political 2016, this protest-tronic piece fits into early 2017 with unfortunate ease. “It’s a complex plan that keeps us confined,” can be easily said about political interest in Jamaica as well as here in the states and around the world.

    Our nation’s capitol is where Thievery Corporation calls home and in tracks like “Weapons of Distraction,” “Road Blocks,” and Mr. Lif’s second appearance, and“Fight to Survive,” there are signs of revolt and reaction to injustices from the duo and the supporting artists. While The Temple of I & I could serve as a good sit-down and smoke a joint album, it also works as a stand up and raise a fist mix.

    “Strike the Root,” showcases a Thievery Corporation regular, Notch Howell, singing over a dub beat with a horn section that sounds reminiscent to the Star Wars “Force Theme.” “Let The Chalice Blaze” is a timeless track from these electronic kingpins that would fit nicely on to any one of their eight studio albums. The Temple of I & I may be one of their wordiest releases to date, but this instrumental track brings new and old Corp. fans to a safe space.

    In reference to the record’s title, Hilton explains, “It is a place of worship that exists only in our imagination.” While the album sounds uniquely different from previous releases, there is the central theme of consciousness and self-reflection that melodically finds its way into most of their work. The eclectic arrangement of varying themes and sonic journeys give each listener a chance to enter one’s own temple.

    Key Tracks: Thief Rockers, The Temple of I & I, Let The Chalice Blaze

  • Hearing Aide: Popa Chubby “The Catfish”

    “Going downtown to meet my old girl Mary, her legs are long and her lip is hairy.” This is one of the lyrics from the opening song “Going Downtown” on Popa Chubby and his newest album to date, The Catfish. Popa Chubby, hailing from the Bronx, is a blues rock veteran with a remarkable discography to his name that is also a hilarious play on words. My initial impression of Popa Chubby through his music is cemented by the literature found in the inserts of his CD; a humble and experienced artist who pours his soul into creations.

    Popa Chubby The CatfishMusic isn’t music if it does not evoke and inspire some sort of feeling in your heart. As I listen through “The Catfish”, I feel as though this is the soundtrack to driving through the countryside or mountains upstate in a drop-top Chevelle or low-riding Harley-Davidson. Popa Chubby brings clean and driving blues guitar (with great choice of tones, by the way) coupled with rock n’ roll vocals that have a hint of that iconic guttural 90s alt rock feel. Throughout the album, there is a fairly balanced trade-off between vocals and lead guitar, as though the guitar tells a story that words simply cannot. As for the story being told, it is the simple yet widely relatable message of embracing life through love, lust, pain and freedom.

    It’s my personal thought that music, like food, can be made even better when paired with the right choice of drink. I would pair something grungy like Nirvana with a tall pint of stout, or something smooth and jazzy like Amy Winehouse with a glass of cherry wine. I feel like hearing the songs on this album live at a bar or club would be best enjoyed with a glass of bourbon poured neat. And live, I can’t even imagine how enjoyable the songs off of The Catfish would be. Popa Chubby shows his versatility and songwriting skill by fusing multiple styles of music on a number of tracks. For example, the song “Bye Bye Love” features a reggae inspired rhythm section with Jimi Hendrix-esque lead guitar. “Wes Is More” is jazz to the max, and features solos from all instruments on the track. One of my personal favorites, “Slow Down Sugar” features a drum beat and trumpet that any hip hop producer would sample quick, fast, and in a hurry, and there’s even Red Hot Chili Pepper-style rapping on the song too.

    Overall, “The Catfish” from Popa Chubby is an enjoyable experience that you can lose yourself if you are looking to drive around without purpose or get your mind off of stressful thought. The solos are memorable while not overbearing, and the instrumentation is top notch. Kudos to Popa Chubby for being the multi-instrumentalist that he is, as well as the musicians he credited for the studio recordings. The lyrics capture the humble, experienced yet larger than life personality I imagine Popa Chubby to have and his voice captures the soul he’s got. The album takes you through ups and downs, like any good record should.

    Popa Chubby is currently touring the U.K. and Europe, and if you are on the other side of the pond you’ll be able to catch through Mid-February. He returns for several state-side shows starting in Schenectady, February 17 2017 at the Van Dyke Lounge. If you’re in town, get a taste of his blues rocker stylings with that glass of bourbon I was talking about. Order the album here.

    Key Tracks: Going Downtown, Bye Bye Love, Wes is More

  • Hearing Aide: Phantom Chemistry “Everything’s Great!”

    Local Syracuse, NY group Phantom Chemistry release their fourth full-length album, “Everything’s Great!” on Friday, January 13. This rock band stays true to their genre with the prominent use of electrical guitar and drums in most every song. The 13-track album includes songs such as “Waste” and “Hospital” that build on the very real subject matter the band tackles in previous albums.

    The album opens with “Dream in the Dark” portraying a darker tone seen in some of the latter songs on the album. It ends with “Come Watch TV,” a noticeably longer song that carries a melodious feel.

    Scattered throughout the album are songs including “Extension 23” being an interesting and upbeat take sung from the perspective of a male prostitute as well as an “Ode to Die Hard” – yes, the movie. It also features “Shades of Blue,” a song that carries a different mood from the others. The audible harmonies at the beginning of this song in addition to its lighter feel help to juxtapose the heavy material expressed lyrically.

    Throughout this album, Phantom Chemistry takes their listeners on a musical journey that reflects day-to-day realities as they embrace even the ugly bumps in the road we ca
    ll life. The band is excited to showcase their new music at their upcoming album release show this Friday, January 13 at Funk N Waffles (Clinton St).

    Key Tracks: Hospital, Shades of Blue, Come Watch TV