Category: Reviews

Tour Kickoff: Goose Soar into Dripfield Era at Westville Bowl

Just days ahead of dropping their latest studio album Dripfield, buzz-worthy psychedelic improv rockers Goose kicked off summer in terrific form over the Memorial Day weekend, playing a pair of well received shows in their home state of Connecticut. Packing the Westville Music Bowl in by the thousands, the former tennis stadium turned live music mecca is quickly becoming a favorite venue for both Goose and fans alike. In the latest chapter, the band raised expectations even higher by capping Night 2 off with two impressive sets of original music.

Goose guitar players Rick Mitarotonda and Peter Anspach duel it out at the Westville Music Bowl on 5/28/22

Taking flight on their turf, the summer of Goose began in New Haven, and in promoting their latest studio effort, Dripfield, the boys came prepared, unveiling a fresh new line of Dripfield themed merch that included a limited-edition beer and their first gig poster by acclaimed artist Miles Tsang. After quick pat down through security, excited fans quickly made a B-line for the venue’s well-run merch both. While an ominous sky still lingered over the Bowl, there seemed to be a minor delay to the advertised start time of 6pm. While waiting, a lot of the conversation was centered on the Tsang diptych print, which appeared to be both polarizing to some collectors, while praised by others. The second most debated topic seemed to be over which state really has the best pizza?

Fresh Merch: The Miles Tsang diptych poster for New Haven was a hot topic of debate on 5/28/22

Taking the stage to a healthy hometown welcome on Saturday, May 28^th, OG Goose fans were delighted to hear the opening riff of the song “Drive,” one of the bands earliest songs. Feeling a groovy vibe from the start, the band were all smiles early on. Consisting of guitarist Rick Mitarotonda, keyboardist/guitarist Peter Anspach, drummer Ben Atkind, bassist Trevor Weekz and percussionist Jeff Arevalo — Goose would continue to work their magic with high energy takes on “California Magic” and an excellent version of the ever-evolving “This Old Man’s Boat.” Once looking gloomy, by now the weather had become beautiful and a beach ball party was in full swing, making for a particularly on-point and potent rendition of “Turned Clouds,” the opening track off the bands 2016’s studio debut Moon Cabin.

Goose bassist Trevor Weekz kept his shirt on in New Haven, CT 5/28/22

With his trusty rain stick in hand, the uplifting energy continued as the bands beloved tour manager, Jon “Coach” Lombardi, then pulled up a spot near Trevor to shake things up on “Honey Bee.” Closing the opening set on a high note, Coach would stick around for the irresistible “Empress of Organos,” the same song that launched the band into 2022 during their NYE run. Indeed, this show was a celebration and the hometown homies had come to party.

Jon “Coach” Lombardi helped shake things up via rain stick on Night 2 in New Haven 5/28/22

After a somewhat lengthy intermission, Goose was straight birdn’ upon their return, going deep with the new song “Red Bird.” The party atmosphere picked up some more during “Butter Rum,” which featured some of the loudest cheers and best audience participation of the evening. Showing off a new and improved rig, lighting director Andrew Goedde was simply dazzling during the second half of the show. Vibing perfectly in sync with the band as our musical journey seamlessly shifted from “Echo of a Rose” to a standout version of “Into the Myst,” the latter was played in its entirety for the first time since 11/17/21. Upon its completion, the band members slowly disappeared from the stage in a cloud of, well, mist, triggering an ambient-like loop that would continue through the brief encore break. With subtle teases of “Dripfield” all evening long, when Goose returned for their curtain call, they gave fans the full treatment of their new album’s title track. Jammed all the way until curfew, Goose closed out the second night of their hometown throwdown in top notch form.

Lighting Director Adrew Goeddde showing off his new rig at Westville Music Bowl 5/28/22

A scintillating performance showcasing all original material, stellar musicianship, an impressive light show, fun-loving fans and a charismatic “X” factor that can’t be faked, this is a band worthy of the hype. With a new album and a jam-packed summer officially underway, it’s safe to say Goose are set to soar. For more information on where you can see them, including their debut at Radio City Music Hall and a stop in at Artpark in Lewiston, NY, head to bands website.

Goose | Westville Music Bowl | New Haven, CT | 5/28/2022

Set 1: Drive, California Magic, The Old Man’s Boat, Turned Clouds, Honeybee¹, The Empress Of Organos

Set 2: Red Bird, Butter Rum, Echo Of A Rose > Into The Myst², Dripfield

Encore: Dripfield³

Notes
1. Coach on rain stick
2. First finished Into the Myst since 11/17/21
3. Continued from set-closing rendition

.

June 2, 2022
MoonTree Glows on Debut EP “For The Time We Have Left”

Unique NYC duo MoonTree has released their debut EP For the Time We Have Left, an avant-garde, jazz-oriented record that shows the breadth of the duo’s creativity in 20 minutes.

Eight songs long, the tracks on For the Time We Have Left follow loose, unconventional song structures and feature an array of instrumentation. Accents of mandolin and guitar in the waltzy and cybernetic “No Point of Reference,” and hints of oboe and flute in the cold and ambient “On Q” enhance the EP’s character.

Cover art of For the Time We Have Left. (found on Spotify)

Tone-wise, For the Time We Have Left can range from being eerie and moody to light and melodic. The space-agey shuffling of “UNEARTHLY” contrasts the arrhythmia and creepy vocal snippets of “LOCKET/SOLES,” while never ceasing to create an enveloping atmosphere.

The EP is very textural, with MoonTree leaning heavily on reverb and never overplaying themselves on percussion, also subtly implementing vocal samples here and there to add an interesting rhythmic and melodic element.

Especially spacious and free-formed moments like the closer “your tree” reminisce slightly of Arthur Russell’s experimental 1986 album World of Echo, however MoonTree’s songs on For the Time We Have Left are consistently more focused than Russell’s offerings.

The EP is lyrically sparse overall, with Jaya Franceschini’s echoey lounge-esque vocals conveying a general focus on the complexities of romantic intimacy. This is made clear at points where reverb stripped away, such as the duet-spoken word piece “A Shoulder to Rain On” about an intense romantic moment between two lovers with a disjointed saxophone-driven instrumental sitting in the background.

There’s also the more traditional jazz cut “open book” which offers the record’s sole guest feature. Brooklyn rapper Zedikaya’s guest verse is as open-book as possible, with him offering musings about a love affair gone sour. This brief detour offers a change of pace on the EP and gives MoonTree a good opportunity to incorporate their hip-hop influences.

Despite juggling various ideas and influences, this project weaves these concepts together into a cohesive, inspired project. With tight musicianship on display, this duo of Jaya Franceschini and Ben Cuomo gives an inspired showing of what they have to offer on For the Time We Have Left.

June 1, 2022
CMAC Opens Up Their Summer Concert Series with The Lumineers

Folk rock legends The Lumineers made a stop in Canandaigua on Friday, May 27, on their heavily anticipated world tour. Popular Upstate NY venue CMAC had a packed crowd despite the on and off rain storm that carried on all day.

Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

The Lumineers opened up the amphitheater’s debut concert series and left people wanting more. It was only right that another on the rise folk band open up the night and Caamp did just that. These Ohio natives are composed of Evan Westfall, Taylor Meier, Matt Vinson, and Joseph Kavalec. The group played some hits that the crowd seemed very familiar with including “Hey Joe,” “By and By,” and “Vagabond.”

Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

The Lumineers fans’ have waited many years for new music. Luckily, at the beginning of 2022 the band released their fourth studio album BRIGHTSIDE. Following that they announced their worldwide tour. The joyous nine-song collection is co-written by Wesley Schultz and Jeremiah Fraites. On stage they join countless other musicians to give fans the full experience of their music.

In addition to the intricate projecting screens and lighting effects, The Lumineers entered the stage with their uplifting dance beats. They opened with popular songs “BRIGHTSIDE,” “Cleopatra,” and “Ho Hey.” All of which had the crowd dancing from the front aisles to the back of the lawn. The gratitude to be back with their fans had The Lumineers pumped up and even spread the love with their fans as Wesley walked into the crowd throughout his set.

Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

Although this was the BRIGHTSIDE tour it did not let the band shy away from playing their much-adored songs off of their older albums III, Cleopatra, and The Lumineers. They even managed to play some covers and bring Caamp back out on stage for a group performance.

They finished their set with songs that the lead singer said reminded him of the many obstacles that everyone endured during the pandemic and the perseveration that we all held on to. With a heavy heart the crowd collectively screamed the lyrics to “Stubborn Love.”

Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

CMAC is welcoming many more artists this summer including Kenny Chesney, Fitz and the Tantrums, and more. Don’t miss out!

The Lumineers – CMAC, Canandaigua, NY – May 29, 2022

Setlist: BRIGHTSIDE, Cleopatra, Ho Hey, Flowers in Your Hair, Angela, A.M. Radio, Dead Sea, My Cell, Slow It Down, Charlie Boy, NEVER REALLY MINE, Gloria, Sleep on the Floor, Ophelia, Leader of the Landslide, ROLLERCOASTER, WHERE WE ARE, Walls (Circus), Big Parade

Encore: Donna, Submarines, BIRTHDAY, REMINGTON/REPRISE, Stubborn Love

May 31, 2022
The Who Close Out First Leg of 2022 Tour at Bethel Woods

The Who closed out the first half of its The Who Hits Back! 2022 North American Tour at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts on Saturday May 28. The tour date coincided with the Memorial Day weekend and the start of Bethel Woods’ pavilion show season.

Roger Daltrey, Loren Gold, Pete Townshend

Opening night duties belonged to Willie Nile. Drawing from his extensive catalog of music, Nile and crew offered up a powerful 45-minute set. Willie shared that he had gone to Woodstock in ’69 specifically to see The Who perform. His excitement of performing on the same stage with them was quite evident. A prolific writer whose songs talk to the common man, Nile dedicated a song to those impacted by gun violence, calling out his hometown of Buffalo. Willie closed with the anthem styled “One Guitar.” As a preamble to the song, he pressed that with one guitar, one voice, we can come together and help the world.

Backed by a full orchestra, Roger Daltrey, Pete Townshend and The Who took the stage. The night was an evening of essential Who. With slight vocal variations to support the aging Daltrey’s voice, both he and Townshend did not let the audience of 16,000 down. The core nine-piece band included Pete’s brother, Simon Townshend, on guitar and Ringo Starr’s son, Zak Starkey, on drums. The show featured a full orchestra enhancing the night’s experience. The orchestra, which varies location to location, was comprised of tri-state musicians, and was led by conductor Keith Levenson.

Willie Nile

Mid-set the orchestra left the stage. Pete and Simon Townshend donned acoustic guitars, shifting the tone a bit, as they started into “Seeker.” The mini set concluded with violinist Katie Jacoby, cellist Audrey Q. Snyder, and Pete Townshend sitting in the round as Roger Daltrey serenaded the audience with “Behind Blue Eyes.”

On the return of the orchestra, Pete noted he had fought against using an orchestra for the recording of Tommy. But with Quadrophenia, he realized its value. It was obvious at this point we were experiencing a live rock opera. The evening came to a close with with a song loosely inspired by Pete’s observations from their time at the original Woodstock Festival, “Baba O’Riley” from Who’s Next.

The Who

Were there guitars smashed or drums blown apart? No. However, that did not matter. This night was the about the genius of Pete Townshend, through the vessel that is The Who. For the Hudson Valley this was a trifecta night: Memorial Day weekend, live music, and The Who with an orchestra. Long Live Rock.

The Who

Willie Nile

May 31, 2022
Lumineers Kick Off the Summer Season in Saratoga

The Lumineers kicked off the 2022 Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) season in Saratoga Springs on Sunday, May 29th with their Brightside World Tour. Upwards of 20,000 fans poured into SPAC on a beautiful May evening that felt more like mid-summer. They played songs spanning their entire catalog, including dusting off one that hadn’t been played in almost a decade.

SPAC 5/29/22

After a 2 year delay due to COVID, the Boulder, CO Folk/Rock band made its first stop in Saratoga Springs. While the band hails from Colorado, they are no strangers to upstate New York. Brightside, the new album, was produced by Palenville, NY native and renowned musician Simon Felice, and engineered by David Baron at his Sun Mountain Studios in Ulster County, NY. Currently in the middle of their east coast swing, the group will continue throughout the Northeast and Midwest, before returning to NYC for a two night stand at Forest Hills Stadium in Queens.

SPAC 5/29/22

The evening opened up with Ohio based Caamp, an American folk/indie group performing for the eager crowd. After a short break that allowed the audience to mingle and enjoy the picturesque grounds, the Lumineers took stage to thunderous applause. Beginning with “Brightside” from their new album, then followed by well known songs “Cleopatra” and “Ho Hey”.

At times, the audience started their own sing-alongs with some of their most popular songs. Towards the end of the performance front-man Wesley Shultz was assigning parts to the crowd, which they eagerly belted out. “Big Parade” which the band said hadn’t been played in about 9 years, was met with excitement. Another highlight came at the end of the show when they closed with the song “Stubborn Love” which had the crowd chanting along.

As the show ended, I overheard one fan exclaim to her friend “That was so much fun, I can’t wait for the next one” Fans certainly left with their hearts full of excitement, for the next stop on the tour, the next show at SPAC, and the summer season to begin in Saratoga Springs.

The Lumineers – SPAC, Saratoga Springs, NY – May 29, 2022

Setlist: Brightside, Cleopatra, Ho Hey, Flowers in Your Hair, Angela, A.M. Radio, Dead Sea, Slow It Down, Charlie Boy, Never Really Mine, Gloria, Sleep on the Floor, Ophelia, Leader of the Landslide, Where We Are, Rollercoaster, Morning Song, Big Parade

Encore: Donna, Submarines, Birthday, Remington / Reprise, Stubborn Love

May 30, 2022
In Focus: Primus at Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards

Primus brought their “A Tribute To Kings” US Tour to Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards in Lafayette, Saturday, May 29th. This tour is especially fun because it is two separate sets, with the first one being strictly Primus and the second being Rush’s hit album A Fairwell to Kings.

Les Claypool is one of the greatest bass players and man did he slap at this concert. With smooth transitions and build ups, Primus performed 10 of some of their most fun and groovy songs on their first set. Starting off with a packed crowd chanting “Primus Sucks!”, Primus takes to the stage with the bassline of “Those Damned Blue-Collar Tweekers” which set the mood for the rest of the evening.

Primus flawlessly played through the first set, stopping a few times to talk to the audience as well as doing a quick costume change to wear a pig mask for the performance of “Lacquer Head”. Primus played fan favorites such as “Seas of Cheese”, “Spegetti Western”, and “Professor Nutbutter’s House of Treats” before closing out the first set with “Shake Hands With Beef”, leaving everyone wanting more.

The band took a 20-minute intermission before beginning their second set of Rush. Opening with “A Farewell to Kings” into “Xanadu” showcased Les Claypool’s guitar playing as well as his vocal range. Hearing him perform songs other than Primus was really interesting and put a different spin on the band which was fun to watch. Following up with “Closer to the Heart”, Les Claypool mentioned how difficult the vocals are to perform, and that Rush fans are typically very critical while bringing up his own admiration for Rush, and how they were his first concert. The crowd applauded and cheered showing their support and satisfaction of the performance. Closing out the Rush set with “Cinderella Man” into “Madrigal” and ending with “Cygnus X-1” the crowd was roaring in applause.

Primus wasn’t done yet though, and with an epic 4 song encore of “Wynona’s Big Brown Beaver” > “Welcome to This World” > “My Name is Mud” > “Jerry Was a Race Car Driver” the band closed out their show with the best possible songs they could have played. Seeing Primus is always an absolute treat, and this was no different here. The atmosphere at Beak & Skiff was incredible, the drinks were delicious, and the view was beautiful. Having Primus perform for over 2 hours was a fantastic experience, and one that will make me want to come back for more shows at Beak & Skiff.

Setlist: Those Damned Blue-Collar Tweekers > Lacquer Head > Seas of Cheese > Mr. Krinkle > Spegetti Western > Groundhog’s Day > Conspiranoia > Professor Nutterbutter’s House of Treats > Del Davis Tree Farm > Shake Hands With Beef.

Setlist 2(Rush A Tribute To Kings): A Farewell to Kings > Xanadu > Closer to the Heart > Cinderella Man > Madrigal > Cygnus X-1

Encore: Wynona’s Big Brown Beaver > Welcome to This World > My Name is Mud > Jerry Was a Race Car Driver

May 30, 2022
Remember Jones Drops New Single, Announces July Festival

Remember Jones has released a new single, “love will return” featuring The Horn Section.

The newest track promoting his new album HAHA BITCH! slated for July 8 release, features co-writing from Levy Okun and production from AGM3, a duo composed of Andrew Greacen and Max McKee.

Remember Jones and his band performing.

A simple dance pop song, “love will return” focuses on moving past personal hardship in aim of finding success and joy in the future with light, spacy verses contrasting loud, funky hooks. “Living in a bubble, it all seems like trouble, you just gotta think free,” Jones sings during the first pre-chorus.

Remember Jones’ vocal talents are on display with this track, flashing hints of Michael Jackson along the way.

The track’s premier source of flare comes from the aptly named Horn Section on well, horns. Their presence on the final two choruses amplifies the already funky song, only building its optimistic energy until reaching a conclusion.

“love will return” precedes a busy upcoming summer for Remember Jones. The release of HAHA BITCH! will also be supported by his first ever Summer Slay! Festival at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park, NJ on July 9. Also serving as a birthday celebration for Jones, a New Jersey native, it is one of many nationwide stops for his ongoing won’t you be my hater? TOUR.

Other acts of the festival include Quincy Mumford’s Lifted Laboratory, a long time collaborator with Jones, as well as Tor Miller, Zoe Sparks, and Levy Okun.

The event will be hosted by drag queens Jolina Jasmine, Miss Paradise of 2016 & 2021, as well as Tastie and Morrigan von Haunt, hosts of drag nights at Georgie’s Bar in Asbury Park. The three will also have performances of their own during the festival.

The event will include giveaways and audience-involved drag makeovers, and local restaurants Larry Cadillac & Mutiny BBQ will promote the festival with special menu items at their locations.

May 28, 2022
King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard Return to Rochester, Revive Water Street Music Hall

Aussie psych-mavens King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard last played in Rochester almost exactly seven years ago, a half-full affair at the Bug Jar. Since then, they have put out an astounding 14 albums. In those same seven years, Water Street Music Hall, their venue of choice on their return to town Tuesday night, has been closed and opened under different names multiple times before finding it’s way back once again to Water Street Music Hall. This show sold out hours after going on sale and anticipation has been building ever since.

The line to get into the show stretched the full length of Water Street. Once inside, the sold-out crowd was bounding with potential energy, a powder keg waiting to be lit. Every test by every roadie for every instrument and every light and video screen was met with screams of excitement in the lead-up to the band’s arrival. “Gizzard” chants started, stopped, and started again.

Opening with “The Dripping Tap,” an 18 minute epic off of their just out Omnium Gatherum, the sextet quickly erupted into their frenetic guitar-heavy signature. The fireballs of energy shooting off the stage set the crowd afire. Everyone was bouncing off the floor, bouncing off each other and bouncing off the walls. It was kinetic.

A screen on stage displayed colorful and glitchy animations that perfectly matched the bonkers activity of the musicians in front of it. The wild off-kilter lyrics, the everything all at once onslaught of sound, spasms of motion and color. Senses were sated, the audience transported.

King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard smashed jams from no less than nine of their 20 albums into two near non-stop hours of energetic rock. Songs flowed effortlessly in and out of each other. Guitars, bass, harmonica, keys, electronics, flute and whoops and screams wove a thick mesh of sound that blanketed the vast music hall. Drummer Michael Cavanagh inhumanly kept the pace throughout, a gong seeming to serve as a protective shield for most of the night until it was finally crashed in a late set “Straws in the Wind.”

The band and the crowd running on fumes, King Gizzard slammed on the accelerator one last time, closing out the night with one of their more recognizable and more frantic tunes, “Rattlesnake.” There was still enough left in the tank, the crowd revved the energy back up to a fever pitch one last time.

Water Street Music Hall has been an important piece of the Rochester live music scene for decades. From the show announcement to the final notes of the show, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard helped revive the venue to it’s former glory. A sellout show that won’t soon be forgotten.

May 27, 2022
Rachel Bard Releases New Single “The Buildings Are Fake”

NYC-based singer-songwriter Rachel Bard has released a new track, “The Buildings Are Fake,” her third song to be put on streaming services.

Having written it in 2018 after visiting Los Angeles as a first year film student, the track “is a heartbreak song about the City of Angels.”

Cover art for “The Buildings Are Fake.”

Produced by Brian McTear and Amy Morrissey, the song takes a stripped down garage rock approach. Almost Pixies-like it sets a nice quiet-loud contrast between its imagery-driven verses and disillusioned, anthemic choruses as the track builds towards a loud finish.

As for Bard’s vocal performance, comparisons that ring strongly include Nico and Dan Bejar of Destroyer. Her gloomy, vibrato-laden delivery faithfully match the song’s cynicism and rise to meet the track’s energy during louder moments.

In “The Buildings Are Fake,” Bard is quite visual in how she delivers her ideas. During the verses she muses about pushing “through crowds of teardrops and sunscreen” and “watching the stars all over the floor,” picturesquely reflecting the excited curiosity of a young film student.

It’s all for nought however. “The buildings are fake, and so is your job,” Bard shouts on the hook, comparing the glamorous facade of Los Angeles and the artificial nature of movie sets to that of a dishonest romantic partner, enforcing the track’s general sense of disappointment.

While Rachel Bard doesn’t stray from being artsy and metaphorical in “The Buildings Are Fake,” its message never fails to be clear. This air of let down and heartbreak is conveyed in full articulation over a solid slacker-rock backdrop, making for a fine new addition to Rachel Bard’s resume.

May 27, 2022
Knotfest Roadshow plows through Albany at MVP Arena

On Tuesday May 24th 2022, MVP arena in Albany hosted Knotfest Roadshow, featuring Slipknot and Cypress Hill with Ho99o9 (Horror) as the opening act. Slipknot is currently on leg two of their roadshow that runs until June 18th in the USA. Slipknot is an American heavy metal band formed in Des Moines, Iowa, in 1995. This show marked 12 years since the passing of their original bassist Paul Grey on May 24th 2010.

Large welcome sign inside the front doors of MVP Arena. Photo credit- Mike Miller

Slipknot played many of their hits including Wait and Bleed, Psychosocial, Duality and Spit it out. Throughout the show Slipknot used pyrotechnics, many flame throwers and use of special effect lighting that was blinding at times to people in the front. The crowd in the front rows could feel the heat radiating from the flames bursting in the air. Crowd surfing and mosh pits were expected but their Albany fans brought more energy and raw emotion to the floor than other cities have their singer Corey Taylor said. Security was on point and ready to respond to any issues that arose and escorted any crowd surfers back to the floor section very quickly.

The fans against the barricade. Photo credit Mike Miller

To keep their look fresh, Slipknot has new masks this year. Their image is always changing slightly to stay aligned with their new music. They are expected to release their seventh album sometime this year. There was also VIP tickets for sale that included a walk through the Slipknot traveling “Museum”. It featured instruments of band members, and prior masks used, fans could view and interact with. New York hosted Knotfest Roadshow multiple last year in Syracuse and Darien Lake.

Singer Corey Taylor. Photo Credit- Mike Miller

Setlist: Disasterpiece, Wait and Bleed, All Our Life, Sulfer. Before O Forget, The Chapeltown Bag, Dead Memories. Unsainted, The Heretic Anthem, Psychosocial, The Devil and I, Snuff, Vermillion, Duality, Spit it out, People = Sh*t, Surfacing.

May 27, 2022