NYS Music 202​1

Category: Album Reviews

  • The Chris Ruben Band Leaves the Funk with New Album

    Psychedelic funk-rock group, The Chris Ruben Band, released their new album Madness on Repeat on April 20.

    The Chris Ruben Band
    Cover Art Credit: Will Wood Visuals and Mark DiMattei

    This six-piece Long Island band is nothing short of their fiery and forceful reputation. What started off as Chris Ruben writing his own songs at 16 began to turn into something more in 2014. At this time, The Chris Ruben Band was initially formed, but players got interchanged until the ideal lineup was created.

    The band started off playing in basements, but they shortly made their way onto the local music circuit. The group consists of Chris Ruben on lead guitar/vocals, Brendan Allan on bass, Frank Iovine on synthesizers/saxophone, Eugene Iovine on keyboards/cello, Nick Marino on guitar, and Russell Miller on drums.

    The Chris Ruben Band
    Photo Credit: Mark DiMattei

    Madness on Repeat is the culmination of eight years of songwriting and use of numerous studios. The album is reminiscent of old-school rock while also layering a psychedelic tone. Ruben’s vocals drive each head-banging track alongside the dynamic guitar work. The group smoothly blends their sounds together to develop a modern funk.

    “Unsure” opens the album with a sense of groove and hard-hitting lyrics. It eases listeners into the liveliness of Madness on Repeat, and the high-octane energy developed. The Chris Ruben Band keeps the album upbeat throughout with an epic guitar solo in “Starfish” and driving drums in “Prayer for Sadness.” Madness on Repeat closes with a sensational saxophone on “Hernia” while not losing that driven passion they provide.

    The Chris Ruben Band has become a staple in the Long Island music scene. They have performed at various venues there in addition to their performances at SXSW, The Jones Beach Bandshell, and more. Until those events are back up and running, The Chris Ruben Band has a livestream performance on April 29. The group will be live-streaming Madness on Repeat, tickets available here.

    Madness on Repeat is available now on major platforms.

  • Hearing Aide: Grosh ‘Not Down for Long’

    Buffalo based four-piece rock group, Grosh, is locked and loaded for their release of Not Down for Long. The group, consisting of Grace Lougen (guitar), Josh English (drums), Megan Brown (vocals), and Dylan Hund (bass) are some of the area’s most talented musicians.

    grosh

    Grosh is a high energy rock band that regularly sells out shows in Buffalo, showcasing their heavy-hitting style of hard rock. Recorded and mastered at GCR studio in Buffalo, Not Down for Long is Grosh’s second full-length album. The album offers tunes reminiscent of bands like Led Zeppelin and Pearl Jam. But overall, it has a clear Grosh stamp on it.

    The band never abandons their fast-paced energy throughout the album, with hard hitters like “The Fight” offering a great idea of what Grosh brings to the table. The band isn’t afraid to break out of the hard rock element, and sprinkle in some dirty funk in the second track, “Not Down for Long”. Lougen’s guitar riffage is absolutely spot on, chugging the song along and breaking into face-melting solos that soar over Hund’s thick bass line and the ever-climaxing drum beat.

    Relentless, this album grabs the listener and holds them throughout the long jams, and even pop melodies in songs like “Mr. Rogers.” Brown’s vocals hold their place among a luscious instrumentation, with the lyrics featuring a trade-off between her vocals and male vocals. The conversation-like feeling of the song yields a nice story as well. The horn section shows an alternate side of the band’s heavier sound earlier in the album.

    The band has a soft side too, as they show their ability to create a beautiful dynamic arc in “Don’t Forget Me.” The acoustic track feels like a musical number, with yearning vocals and a wonderful transition to the final song, “Tread the Wave.” Here, the band rounds out the release by offering another harder song with some prog-rock influence. English’s work on the hi-hat is stuff of gold, and a master-class in how drums, when played this well, can give a song rhythmic layering.

    Lucky for listeners and supporters, Not Down for Long is set to be released on May 1. You can find the album streaming on Spotify and Apple Music. You can keep up with the band on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The group also has a YouTube page with official videos and quarantine recordings. Keep a look out for the group to be playing live as things continue to clear up and venues open at some capacity.

    Key Tracks: Mr. Rogers, The Fight, Don’t Forget Me

  • Hearing Aide: Baked Shrimp ‘Conscious’

    On March 26th, Long Island funk trio Baked Shrimp released their second studio album, Conscious. Known to many as Long Island’s best kept secret, Baked Shrimp has been expanding their audience and have had sit-ins from Brandon “Taz” Niederauer and Ryan Dempsey of Twiddle.

    Cover art by Scott Reill

    The band, who were among the finalists on NYS Music’s March Madness bracket, intended to release Conscious in time for their 2020 summer tour, but had to be postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Within this time gap, Lon “Conscious” Gellman—a close friend and loyal fan of Baked Shrimp—passed away. To honor Lon’s memory, the band named their album after his nickname.

    Conscious has been in production since February of 2020, and was recorded in Patchogue, NY with help from Nick and Mike Rufolo of The Brothers Nylon who assisted in recording, mixing, and performing on all 10 tracks. The album’s final mix was done by Anthony Cimino at Mojo Music Studio in Franconia, New Hampshire.

    Throughout Conscious, layers of horns, strings, keyboards, and synthesizers create musical textures that come together to create the defining ‘Baked Shrimp sound.’

    The first track of the album, “NO2-4U,” is a fitting start, beginning with a classical acoustic guitar introduction that captures the listener and builds into a lively jam full of funky horn lines that drive the energy of the song.

    Across the album, one thing you will always notice is the proficiency of each musician. The rhythm is always locked, the bass is grooving and locked in with the drums kick.

    Each of the many instrumental, jam sections found in songs throughout the album fit the moment well and create bridges that effectively link to later sections. These moments help keep the energy of the track, but also allows the band to breath a little bit and show their chops.

    Baked Shrimp performing in April 2021

    “Rosa” is a good example of the dynamic instrumentals mentioned in the last paragraph. The track begins with a mellow but upbeat instrumental section that is carried by the spacey sound of the guitar and keyboard.

    This instrumental section returns later in the track, except this time with more layers of keyboard and synthesizer parts that lift the energy, which is carried through the rest of the song until its end.

    “Down the Drain” is riff heavy and has a very progressive-rock influenced sound. It definitely has a harder sound than most of the tracks on the album, but it shows the versatility of Baked Shrimp’s sound.

    Now we can only look forwards to the days when more venues reopen and tours start rolling again, so Baked Shrimp can showcase the work they put into Conscious to a larger audience.

    While opportunities for gigs are sparse now, Baked Shrimp was lucky enough to play at Lambrou’s Hall in Island Park, NY on April 3rd. In this show, the band was able to play through all of Conscious, as well as debut three other original songs. Baked Shrimp will soon be releasing full video and audio of the event.

    There are big things in store for fans of Baked Shrimp. The band is eager to show their hard work to audiences around New York state and the country.

    Hopefully, 2021 will be the year of the shrimp.

    Key tracks: NO2-4U, Rosa, Down the Drain

  • Hearing Aide: Garage A Trois ‘Calm Down Cologne’

    Chances are high that you haven’t had your usual dose of funk over the last year. The global pandemic has slowed the release schedule of many bands and while we have gotten some great releases over the last few months, it’s nothing compared to past years. That all changes today with Garage A Trois’ newest offering, Calm Down Cologne.

    This sensational release from the band’s original lineup of prolific drummer Stanton Moore, master guitarist Charlie Hunter and multi-instrumentalist Skerik marks 22 years since their debut album, MysteryFunk. The band still delivers the same energy and excitement that they first showed over two decades ago.

    garage a trois

    The new album was recorded in 2019, across the street from Nectar’s Lounge in Seattle where the band was playing a 3-night, sold out run in Skerik’s hometown. Most of this offering is an improvisational documentation of what the trio was able to elicit together in that studio session, save for one pre-composed track. The resulting five songs are a testament to the prowess and musical moxie that each member possesses and is able to showcase as a group.

    “No Zone” is the perfect choice to start the album and illustrates how sync’d up the members of GAT are. Guitar and Organ blend seamlessly as Moore’s drumming drives the trio through nine minutes of head-bobbing, in-your-face funk. The aptly named “The Epic” is a spooky and funky carnival ride, as if a funhouse had its own effects-pedal laden jam session with it’s driving funk and electro-cacophony.

    The title track is the only non-improvised song on the album, but it’s one that you’ll find yourself listening to on repeat. Skerik’s ability to play horns and organ blend magically with Hunter’s bass as Moore provides hints of New Orleans throughout the short, but sweet ditty.

    “In-A-Pro-Pro” is the longest track on the album and is a jam that’ll get you to stand up and dance. This song is nothing short of incredible as each instrument bubbles to the surface to play their perfect part. “In-A-Pro-Pro” is like a good seltzer… effervescent with the perfect amount of flavor. Hunter has the chops and energy of at least two guitar masters as he lays out a flurry of sounds from the guitar and bass that comprise his Hybrid Big6. The album closes with the laid-back fuzzy funk of “Numinous,” a track that is reminiscent of walking off into the sunset. The drums, bass and keys paint a canvas that allows the horns and guitar to really pop in and shine.

    It might only be April, but this release will certainly be in the running for Best Album of 2021. Stream on various platforms here, and purchase the LP from Royal Potato Family or on GAT’s Bandcamp, where you can also purchase the digital album as well.

    Key Tracks: Calm Down Cologne, The Epic, In-A-Pro-Pro

  • Hearing Aide: January Jane ‘Your Drug’

    New York City synthpop trio January Jane excitedly stake their musical claims with their with their debut EP Your Drug. The band consists of lead vocalist Pat Via, guitarist Mitch C. Mitchell, and keyboard player Peter Scialla. The EP is planned to be released on June 18 via Whiskey Vinyl/BGM.

    January Jane

    Your Drug borrows from a diverse array of influences ranging from modern day pop to 80’s pop rock in the style of songs like “Your Love” by The Outfield. The EP can be broadly categorized as pop but the band takes inspiration from several different decades and styles of pop. The soaring upbeat choruses that many of the songs offer can be directly tied to the styles of millennial pop of acts like Walk The Moon and Imagine Dragons. The band differs from many of its contemporaries by adding a 80’s rock edge to its songs. Via’s voice has a much more distinct gruffness to it which pairs nicely with the moody synth and guitar tones of the verses.

    Songs like “Addicted to The Night” offers a deceptively simple but extremely sticky hooks that that refuses to leave your head hours after you’ve listened to it. Paired with a verses that build the tension of the song with its dueling electric guitar creating a song that would go off well at any party. The edge added by Via’s voice sets many of the songs of the songs off from their contemporaries. The versatility in Via’s vocal inflections allows him to pull of the clear shimmery pop hooks as well as the more 80’s-eque moody verses.

    The infectious grooves on these tracks display their influences and love for ’80s rock and pop while sounding undeniably modern and perfect for the ’20s.

    Matt Pinfield, DJ

    The consistent infectious energy is certainly the strong suit of Your Drug. The band doesn’t miss a beat with any song, offering an EP that has a signature sound throughout but still switch up the style between each track. The 80’s throwback sound dose not come off as a gimmick, rather a new completely new direction for modern electro pop.

    The EP is also an extremely easy listen, toping out at just under 17 minutes. The exciting mixture of sounds act as perfect soundtrack for the dancefloor and exciting midnight drive. Overall, Your Drug is extremely likeable and is suitable for just about any kind of pop fan – no matter the age.

    Key Tracks: Addicted to The Night, Versions of You, NYC

  • Mick Jagger and Dave Grohl are “Eazy Sleazy” in surprise collaboration

    Spring of 2021 marks a first time release from the unexpected duo of Mick Jagger and Dave Grohl. Like anyone waiting around at home for the world’s next move, Mick Jagger had the idea for a new song while sitting in limbo. The single “Easy Sleazy” was sent to Dave Grohl who says “It’s beyond a dream come true. Its the song of the Summer, with out a doubt”

    The duo sent parts to each other back and forth over the past month, with Mick Jagger on vocals and guitar and Dave Grohl handling guitar, drums, and bass. Mick says of the duo “Dave likes it ’cause it rocks hard. I like to rock hard, too, so it feels good in that way.” The song covers almost all of the world’s hot topics from the view of someone who might still have Sympathy for the Devil.

    “Shooting the vaccine, Bill Gates is in my bloodstream, It’s mind control… there’s Aliens in the deep State.” Jagger’s lyrics immediately suggest not wanting to fall in line with the masses right now. “I haven’t written loads of songs about it. ‘Eazy Sleazy’ is the only song I’ve written on this subject. I wrote it quickly a few weeks ago”

    Jagger’s point of view on the experiences of the kind of general long lock down is relatable. “You see a pretty girl, but you can’t take any chances before the vaccine. And then all the silly things that you could try and do to pass the time because you feel you got to “better yourself.” Everyone tried to do something, didn’t they? Cooking and dancing and learning another language badly.” Jagger expresses this during the tune while singing, “I think I’ve put on weight, I’ll have another drink and clean the kitchen sink”

    mick jagger dave grohl

    He addresses his own angle during this time on whether or not he actually tried to better himself. Mick Jagger is as open as we all should be to one another when loved ones are checking in “Not really, to be honest. No. It’d be so stupid if I said, [puts on sarcastic voice] “Oh yes. I did say that I bettered myself. It was an introspective time for me.” It’s a piss-take out of all these things; I mean, you try and learn another language and all this.”

    Remembering when Mick first went solo outside of the Memory Motel of The Rolling Stones in 1970, he released “Memo From Turner” with lyrics all ready reflecting on previous times experience. 51 years later, Mick is still relevant to the times and the world around him. This single is his newest memo to all: “Please Me, It’ll be a Memory You’re Trying to Remember to Forget.”

  • Hearing Aide: Fake Dad ‘Old Baby’

    Brooklyn Lo-fi indie R&B duo Fake Dad strike back with their silky smooth new EP Old Baby. The duo consist of Andrea de Varona as the lead vocalist and Josh Ford doing most of the albums production. The EP releases today on all streaming services.

    Old Baby is a masterclass example of creating a vibe. Personality oozes out of every corner of this EP and that is largely thank to the project’s supreme production along with de Varona’s incredibly serene vocals. Verona’s voice glides effortlessly over the production on nearly every song on this EP. Several songs such as “Listen” see Verona’s vocals distorted and mixed in some incredibly inventive ways. The signature nasally deliver of Verona makes every song incredibly comforting and welcoming. Ford comes through on the song “Breakfast In New York” adding a refreshing bass filed contrast to Verona’s high pitched R&B inflection.

    Verona’s vocals is only one half of the equation as the production is a feat of its own. The glossy production is reminiscent of contemporary indie band with a classic R&B flare added by de Varona’s vocals. The groovy bass leads and chilled out synth keyboards are a highlight in songs like “Breakfast in New York”.

    A unique assortment of instruments are present on the EP, with every song having its own uniquely identifiable musical motif. Motifs such as the trumpet present on the song “Knit Sweater” acts as a lowkey corner stone to the songs peaceful energy.

    Fake Dad take listeners on a trip down memory lane — but it feels closer to a cautionary tale than a fond retelling.

    The Wild Honey Pie

    Old Baby offers the perfect soundtrack to any relaxing experience, weather that be studying or chilling at the beach. The universality embodied by this album makes it recommendable to nearly everyone. The smooth vocal will satisfy any R&B fan and the mix between hip hop and indie pop will be loved by any fans of each respective genre. The EP is available for purchase here.

    Key Tracks: Pretty/Ugly, Breakfast in New York, Knit Sweater

  • Hearing Aide: Steve Gadd Band at Blue Note Tokyo

    On April 1, Rochester native, drummer and producer Dr. Steve Gadd released Steve Gadd Band at Blue Note Tokyo, from a tour of Japan in December 2019. That same year The Steve Gadd Band’s self-titled album won a GRAMMY for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album. The group also played the Rochester International Jazz Festival that summer, leading up to this year end performance in Japan.

    The line up features former Beatles collaborator David Spinozza on guitar in lieu of Micheal Landau, Jimmy Johnson on bass, Kevin Hays on keyboards, Walt Fowler on trumpet and Dr. Gadd on drums.

    steve gadd

    Blue Note Tokyo is a jazz venue in the Aoyama district of Tokyo, Japan that seats about 300 people and makes for an intimate performance. The band played to the disciplined fervor the crowd has for live music. Frank Zappa alumni Walt Fowler helped write the musical intro to the show, an arrangement from the film Cape Fear. The same theme is also found in the new series Ratched, which serves as a prequel to One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest. The whole band feeds the chilling composition, segueing to an iconic Gadd pocket groove for the tune “Where’s Earth?” World-renowned musicians like this might need some help finding it when their sounds stretch outside of our planet.

    Gadd switches to a Latin beat on the drums securing his role as the consummate chameleon man of different musical genres for “Timpanogos.” Fowler and Spinozza then spread out nicely intertwining spicy solos before Hays helps cool things down with his Fender Rhodes. For those looking for a signature Gadd drum solo during the performance, there is only one to remind you why the man behind the kit is headlining the venue. “One Point Five” trails off Jimmy Johnson on bass to a full drum crescendo to end the song.

    steve gadd

    When asked about the tune “Way Back Home,” and if it has any significance to the comfortable corridor of his Upstate New York roots, Gadd said,

    I like the song, I’ve played it with a lot of different bands, I did a live album in Rochester and titled it after that. I like the groove we get on it no matter how we do it, we get a good feel, it grooves, that one for me it keeps building, it gets pretty intense at the end and it takes a while to get there but it feels great the whole way to me, I love that track.

    Steve Gadd

    Only two tracks have vocals on the ten song performance. During a take on Bob Dylan’s “Watching the River Flow,” Hays channels appropriate lyrics for today: “That this ol’ world, will keep rolling on you know, so I’m gonna sit right on this bank of sand and watch the river flow.”

    The bonus track on the Blue Note Tokyo album “Foameopathy” is one of five tracks (including “One Point Five”) played live from the GRAMMY Award winning album that year.

    We worked hard mixing it too, my son Giancarlo and I, and then Rich Breen mastered it and sprinkled some magic over the whole thing and I like the way it sounds.

    Steve Gadd

    Keep an eye out for a full interview with Dr. Steve Gadd about his musical origins in Monroe County to his performances around the world. Download the album here.

    Key Tracks: Wheres Earth?, Timpanogos, Way Back Home

  • Boys Cruise: Burlington’s Most Punk Boy Band

    Imagine the antics of a punk rock basement show mixed with jangle-pop sensibilities, and you have Burlington, Vermont’s Boys Cruise, a self-proclaimed boy band who are set on raising hell in the music scene. Known for their memorably chaotic stage performances, Boys Cruise is gearing up to deliver their self-titled sophomore LP.

    Boys Cruise

    Boys Cruise is a return to the band’s experimental roots; screeching lead guitar lines, soaring singalong harmonies, and gritty guitar textures are some of the aesthetics you can expect while playing through this record.

    Boys Cruise is a follow-up to 2018s Girl Cruise EP which set the band up for the potential to fame after touring much of the northeast DIY circuit and leaving behind a path of destruction leading up to their nearly sold-out circus theme show at Higher Ground in Burlington. However, 2021 sees the boy band returning to their punk roots, embracing harsh guitar tones, heavy production, and instantly catchy hooks, reminiscent of early 2000 Garage Punk acts such as the White Stripes. The album was recorded over the span of one week at Burlington’s 37ft Productions with the help of Bloomstien.

    As far as the album’s track listing goes, it makes for an enjoyable experience, starting off with the instantly catchy and infectious “ Charolastra” which kicks the album off with a witty sample introducing “the illustrious Boys Cruise.” Track one is a banger, setting the attitude for what’s to follow, a fun punk record you can put on and dance around your room to.

    “Flying Colors,” a jangle-pop anthem, you can get a good sense of the group’s party antics from this track, it plays along like the soundtrack to a cold night out bar hopping in Burlington. The song ends with a most worthy, swung, outro sure to get fans excited to hear this jammer live.

    Boys Cruise proves that with this release fans have something to get excited about with the anticipated return of live music. Celebrate Boys Cruise and the release of their sophomore album by streaming Boys Cruise on Spotify, keep up with the band by following their Instagram and their Linktree.

    Key Tracks: Flying Colors, The Owls, and Eyes Without a Face

  • Heading Aide: Deveria “Suicide Forest”

    You can ask many different people within the Albany area how the local music scene is, and no matter what style they’re into, they all say the same thing: Albany has a vibrant, collective, and interesting music scene and style.

    One scene in particular has always been prominent, the metal, hard rock, alternative and hard-core genres in the Capital District. Those scenes have fluctuated in size and popularity, but members of this community have gone on to form bands, re-form bands into new projects, and they all share the same love for the music and keep the good times rolling.

    Deveria sucide forest

    Today, the spotlight goes to the Capital District metal band Deveria. Turning on the first track on their latest album Suicide Forest, and magically brought back to a time in the early 90’s, when shows graced the stage on the regular at Saratoga Winners, the radio stations WVCR, ZROCK and PYX 106 were delighted to sponsor shows, bands could be found in every club with a stage. A time where show bills and glasses were always full.

    From the start of the album, Suicide Forest has the chemistry and workings of a band of friends working metal magic. With a tight sound production, as the first song kicks in the energetic and powerful drumming from John Suski lets you know it’s time to take notice and get your head and shoulders grooving. Christian Bivona’s guitar work is up front, exciting you and reminding you of the golden age of metal when Metal Church and Exodus albums showed the world that guitarists made songs rise above everything.

    The rhythm section is rounded out with the impressive and tight bass work of Marvin Veeder, his full sound in conjunction with John Suski makes for a groove that makes you want to tap your foot wherever you may find yourself listening to this album.

    Now, let’s address the crown jewel of this local-metal ensemble. Leading the band in a harmonic journey reminiscent of the great days of old Queensryche, Charles Woodward. His range and placement speaks of a veteran of songwriting. It was exciting to hear an album with this style that is not heard too often anymore. If you are a fan of heavy metal and wish to revisit an era that ruled the Capital District in a time of the late 80’s and early 90’s, do not sleep on Deveria.

    Key Tracks: Miracles, Fate, Suicide Forest