AstroGun, a Queens-based alternative rock band, has released their new LP The Underground Sessions. The 11 tracks are, as intended, raw and authentic with the hollow creaks of instruments and the echoes of underground jam sessions.
Credit: B. G. Aramayo
AstroGun is now in its sixth year with three previous LPs: Internalization, Truth & Lies and Liquid Love. The Underground Sessions takes the best of what these LPs had to offer for a powerful album that represents the best the band has to offer. The band has solidified with Astro Li as the drummer, Adam Anthony as bassist and vocalist, as well as Robby Thunders as the guitarist.
We wanted to capture our live sound on a recording, which we hadn’t done before. Something like what Radiohead did with From The Basement. We were also thinking of Nirvana’s Smart Sessions, we wanted it to be raw and organic.
Bassist and Vocalist Adam Anthony
The album has a distinct lyrical sound due to Anthony’s vocals, and maintains an energetic, raw vibe throughout the piece. Each song has an iconic opening the distinguishes one from the other. It occasionally plays with headphone panning, separating certain sounds into one or the other. This happens in “Mind Revolution,” which also contains some of Li’s best drumming with satisfying echoes and creaks. Li’s beats offer a strong foundation for this song.
“Writing on the Wall” is the final song on side A, and it has a satisfying opening using headphone panning. A lone guitar begins on the left side while the main instrumentals come roaring in on the right. It also carries that authentic styling with a small audio spike and the occasional sliding of fingers down a guitar. The lyrics are well mixed in “Writing on the Wall,” more distinct than in other pieces.
“Liquid Love” on side B takes the time for some slower moments that are missing from other songs. This makes it a unique entry, especially with the echoing guitar throughout the piece. The vocals are quieter, but are given space with an absence of clamor. While it is not always so, one of the background drum beats sounds like a dull heartbeat, which is perfect for “Liquid Love.”
The Underground Sessions, divided into separate entries for side A and side B, can be found on the band’s Spotify page.
With the summer full of concerts across the state, there are plenty to attend but one in particular was the Psychotherapy Sessions Tour at St. Joseph’s Amphitheatre in Syracuse with Mudvayne, Coal Chamber, GWAR, Nonpoint, and Butcher Babies.
The aftermath of GWAR set.
It was a beautiful night for a show with just a cloud or two here and there and to start off this evening was Butcher Babies, hailing from Los Angeles. If you’ve never seen them live, they bring lots of energy to the stage with their two frontwomen, Heidi Shepherd and Carla Harvey, who are very well known for swinging their hair around as they headbang, as they did during their set. Next up was Nonpoint, an American rock band from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, who had no trouble keeping the crowd going after Butcher Babies, with their high-energy set.
Chad from Mudvayne gives the crowd an up-close experience.
Following them was GWAR and if you have never seen them live, if you plan on staying dry, it’s suggested to not be towards the front. Their set started with a character talking to the crowd and suddenly the band came on with another character with a saw, who began to use it on the first character and the fake blood began to spew out to the pit covering everyone.
To take the stage next was Coal Chamber who came back after their hiatus and reunited back in 2022. They had a colorful display on stage, with faces on the amps and lights. To end the night was Mudvayne, also back from a hiatus that started in 2010 but that didn’t stop them from putting on one hell of a performance. To kick off the set, the singer Chad Grey made his way to the barricade separating the pit from the stage and practically leaned on the ones who were lucky enough to be at the front and came back multiple times to interact with the crowd. All the members were dressed for the occlusion, all with makeup and headpiece.
To end the night as folks left, they also had one last treat with it being a beautiful evening for a concert, a full moon was out lighting up the surrounding area as the concert goers made their back to the parking lot.
John Medeski, Joe Russo, and Marc Ribot will be holding a benefit concert for the Music Workers Alliance in the Sultan Room in Brooklyn on Sept. 12. This is not the first time this trio has formed, as they originally came together for the Brooklyn Comes Alive event in 2021.
John Medeski is a jazz keyboard player and composer, gaining popularity as a member of Medeski Martin & Wood. The band, formed in 1991, is known for its “avant-groove” style of jazz fusion. Medeski has remained active through numerous side projects in the 2010s and 2020s.
Joe Russo is a drummer who has played alongside numerous musicians, including Bob Weir and Phil Lesh of the Grateful Dead during his time with Further. He founded his band, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, in 2013.
Marc Ribot is a guitarist and composer who has explored many genres through his work as a session musician. He has released over 25 albums of his own over his career and currently works with many groups, including Marc Ribot’s Ceramic Dogs.
The Music Workers Alliance seeks to empower members of the music industry through collective action. It was formed in 2019 as a reaction to the undiscussed plight of working musicians and DJs in local policy. The organization helped organize relief for musicians struggling with unemployment during the COVID-19 pandemic. It often collaborates with other organizations with aligned goals.
Doors open at 7:00 p.m., and the show ends at 10:00 p.m. More information on the Music Workers Alliance can be found on their website. Tickets for their Sultan Room performance can be found here.
It’s 2023 and there’s nothing wrong with the Earth’s gravitational pull, but you don’t need to be a scientist to calculate The Heavy Heavy is going to be huge someday. With a delightful chemistry and a decidedly sun-soaked pop sound that feels almost like stepping back into the glory days of the British Rock Invasion, the buzz-worthy UK-based rock quintet is quickly earning a reputation as one of music’s “next big things.”
They have an uncanny knack for focused songwriting, brilliant four-part harmonies, and energetic live shows. On the eve of making their Newport Folk Festival debut, the band stopped by Albany for one final tune-up. Headlining Lark Hall on Thursday, July 27, not only did The Heavy Heavy deliver a heady heady dose of old-school rock n roll, but they also delivered perhaps the “feel good” performance of the summer.
Brighton, UK-based band The Heavy Heavy made their Albany debut at Lark Hall on 7/27/23.
3,382 miles. That’s how far Brighton, UK is from Albany and for a band that only played two gigs before the Covid-19 pandemic shut down live music, The Heavy Heavy have come a long way in a short amount of time. Not to be confused with the other English band known for their “How You Like Me Now?” hit single, these redundant retro-rockers have set out to put a new spin on the kind of music the 1960s forgot.
Festival-ready from the very first note, the group was first put together by musical companions Will Turner and Georgie Fuller and have since been living the real-life version of their song “Miles and Miles” since coming to America in September of 2022. Expanding their lineup to include talented multi-instrumentalist Frank Fogden, happy-go-lucky bassist Tom Holder and Houston Matthews on drums, the charismatic quintet has been touring the States all summer long and earning rave reviews everywhere they play.
Will Turner (guitar) and Tom Holder (bass) of The Heavy Heavy perform at Lark Hall on 7/27/23.
Rolling into the intersection of Lark and Hudson on a warm Thursday night, The Heavy Heavy casually took their positions on the darkened stage that was adorned in flowers. Gracefully getting the intimate crowd warmed up with a bit of a surf-rock-styled instrumental called “Parakeets,” the groovy vibe and luscious guitar tone of Turner’s vintage white Fender quickly made a splash with the Lark Hall faithful and it would only sound better and better as the night went on. Frontwoman Georgie Fuller would pause to welcome everyone to the show by saying, “We are The Heavy Heavy, but you already know that because you’re here. Thanks for coming out. We’ve got a fun one planned for you and we’re gonna have a good time tonight!”
The Heavy Heavy’s Georgie Fuller mesmerized the Albany audience on 7/27/23.
Launching into the opening track from their debut album Life and Life Only, “All My Dreams” highlighted the band’s signature blues-rock sound paired up with gorgeous full-band harmonies that help make this group so special. Following it up with a reverb-drenched tribute to Turner’s Malvern homeland, the irresistible hook of “Man of the Hills” saw the energy in the room reach new heights as the band took the song on a ride into psychedelic territory; the crowd gleefully swaying to the chorus before Fuller would steal the spotlight with her powerful Joplin-like “singing from the depths” bravado in the song’s peak.
No stranger to the performing arts, Fuller is also a classically trained actress and appeared as comfortable on the Lark Hall stage as any back home in Brighton. After “Why Don’t You Call?” The Heavy Heavy would surprise the audience with arguably their most popular song next, confidently delivering “Go Down River” early in the set as fans scurried to get out their phones and hit the record button. An original song that sounds like it could have been written by The Mommas and the Papas, you couldn’t help but be swept up in the feel-good groove of the folksy singalong.
Watch fan-shot footage of The Heavy Heavy performing “Go Down River” live at Lark Hall on 7/27/23.
After working their way through some unreleased material like “Dirt” and a laid-back rendition of “All I Need” that featured beautiful keyboard work from multi-instrumentalist Frank Fogden, The Heavy Heavy then treated the audience to a well-received cover of “Lonesome LA Cowboy” by The New Riders of the Purple Sage. Keeping it colorful, “Purple Flowers” was next followed by another stellar cover selection in the form of Father John Misty’s “Real Love Baby.”
Frank Fogden of The Heavy Heavy performing at Lark Hall on 7/27/23.
After a little bit of “Everything,” The Heavy Heavy would then take us to “the garden of our mind” on the upbeat Jefferson Airplane-esq love song “Because You’re Mine.” The slow build-up intro to “One of a Kind” had fans clapping their hands and stomping their feet as the band really let it rip with their magnetic stage presence and carefree confidence. Despite this, the band was having none of the usual “walk of the stage before the encore” wankery. Announcing they only had time left for one more and that they’d be hanging out in the back signing merch if you wanted to meet them, The Heavy Heavy closed with the song that helped put them on the map, “Miles and Miles.”
Despite their unfamiliarity with many of these tunes, the always attentive Lark Hall audience knows a good thing when they hear it. Embracing the up-and-coming British band wholeheartedly, virtually everyone who was there, it seemed, ended up getting in line to say “hello” and take selfies with the group. While most of their studio cuts are short and suited for radio airplay, in the live setting where there is room to breathe, the songs really cook and are quite suited for jamming, something the band demonstrated they do very well.
Tastefully drawing upon their 60’s influences of acid rock and sunshine pop, The Heavy Heavy is weaving together a modern sound that is undeniably their own. Combining colorful riffs, danceable rhythms, and stunning harmonies that reach the depths of your soul, the “timeless quality” of this fresh new act is off the charts and it’s easy to see why they are garnering such attention. For those who were fortunate enough to be at Lark Hall for their Albany debut, soak it in, because something tells me the next time The Heavy Heavy comes around, they’ll be playing in a much bigger room.
Setlist: Parakeets, All My Dreams, Man of the Hills, Why Don’t You Call?, Go Down River, Dirt, All I Need, LA Cowboy, Purple Flowers, Real Love Baby, Everything, Because You’re Mine, One of a Kind, Miles and Miles.
Midnight Theatre will celebrate Hip-Hop’s 50th anniversary by welcoming in Freestyle+ on Aug. 17. Recognized as New York’s premier Hip-Hop improv group, Freestyle+ is set to pay homage to the genre’s fundamentals. The performance will incorporate elements of “MCing, DJing, Breakdancing, Graffiti, and Knowledge.” Audience members will even have the opportunity to join the cast in a show-closing cypher.
Brett Beyer Photography
Anthony Veneziale, Chris Sullivan, and Andrew Bancroft, members of the Tony Award-winning production Freestyle Love Supreme, established the FLS Academy in 2018. The academy looks to foster diverse and creative voices through freestyle rap. Freestyle+ was born out of the organization and looks to fuse influences of Broadway and hip-hop culture. This month’s cast features legend Dizzy Senze, Broadway’s Aneesa Folds, and Rich Midway. They will also be joined by two-time world champion beatboxer Kaila Mullady, improv whiz Steph Rae, and DJ Gedun.
We believe everyone should be empowered to build resilience in their minds, confidence in their voice, and communities where they feel seen.
-Freestyle+
Midnight Theatre is a unique and intimate performance theater located in Manhattan. The 150-seat venue acts as both a versatile space for shows and an entertainment industry hub. Previous acts include Shoshana Bean, Andrew Barth Feldman, Laura Marano, and Raye. Midnight Theatre is also a culinary destination thanks to the venue’s pan-Asian restaurant and bar, Hidden Leaf.
Freestyle+ Celebrates Hip Hop’s 50th Birthday is on Aug. 17 at 7:00 pm. Tickets are on sale here.
Brooklyn-based indie-rock duo hunter & wolfe released their new full-length album, I deserve this. The group, made up of Michael Maffei and Sundeep Kapur, previously released singles in anticipation of the album release, such as “Last Time,” “Famous Friends,” and “When I Wake Up,” each of which has a sound reminiscent of indie-rockers like Elliot Smith and St. Vincent.
To further celebrate the release of their new album, hunter & wolfe have also shared a lyric video for the album’s focus track, “Go For It.” As Maffei wrote on the track: “‘Go For It’ is a song about the phase of denial and loneliness that can come from loss. I’d recently lost a friend and wrote about the thread between those feelings and those I’d experienced from previous losses in my life.”
About hunter & wolfe
The Brooklyn-based indie duo has a unique way of conveying complicated emotions, often pairing them with sarcasm and loud indie-rock stylings. The group draws inspiration from notable artists of the indie genre, including Elliot Smith, St. Vincent, Phoebe Bridgers, and more.
Hunter & wolfe released their first album back in 2011, a self-titled EP, and a full-length album, Days and Works. Their most recent album, Late Then Never, has been recognized on several platforms, and featured in Spotify’s Fresh Finds, Impose Magazine, and The Deli Magazine among others.
The group’s most recent album, I deserve this., was written through sleepless nights about sleepless nights. The album is truly about the self-importance to think you deserve something, paired with the self-loathing to think that what you deserve is nothing good. Vocalist Michael Maffei and guitarist Sundeep Kapur’s message of ennui, lost love, and the paradox of choice in the modern era reflect both seriousness and the self-awareness to not take themselves too seriously.
The songs were written by Michael Maffei, and the record was co-produced by Asher Kurtz, Sundeep Kapur, and Michael Maffei. The record features Michael Maffei (vocals, guitar, piano), Sundeep Kapur (lead guitar), Anders Kapur (bass), Sean Mullins (drums, percussion), Chris Baum (violin), and Asher Kurtz (guitar). It also features vocals from Asher Kurtz (Anyone) and Gabbi Coenen of RVBY MY DEAR (Laugh Lines).
Listen to I deserve this. here, and view the lyric video to “Go For It” below.
Niagara Falls was treated to a night of pulsating rhythms, electric energy, and a mix of rock anthems as Incubus took the stage on Sunday, Aug. 6 at Fallsview Casino’s OLG Stage. Despite a few hiccups, the band managed to deliver a memorable performance that left the crowd both exhilarated and yearning for more.
Disappointment tinged the excitement as news spread that Paris Jackson (Michael Jackson’s daughter) was unable to make the show, leaving fans to wonder what might have been. Nevertheless, the disappointment was fleeting, quickly replaced by the mounting excitement for the headlining act.
The evening kicked off with an explosive set by Badflower, the opening act that set the stage on fire. Lead singer Josh Katz’s charismatic presence was undeniable as he ventured into the crowd, serenading fans with an infectious energy that set the tone for the night. The band’s sound reverberated through the venue, leaving a lasting impression on concertgoers who were undoubtedly pleased by the musical appetizer they had just devoured.
As Incubus graced the stage, cheers echoed throughout the venue. However, as the band delved into their setlist, a discerning ear couldn’t help but notice moments where lead vocalist Brandon Boyd seemed to be struggling with pitch. While his distinctive voice remained captivating, occasional off-key notes hinted at monitor problems that might have marred his performance. Technical glitches can affect even the most seasoned of performers, and Boyd’s professionalism in powering through demonstrated his dedication to the fans.
Despite these minor setbacks, Incubus unleashed a cascade of hits that had the crowd swaying, singing, and chanting along. “Anna Molly” and “Nice to Know You” ignited fervor among the audience, while the introspective “Make Yourself” provided a moment of introspection amid the raucous excitement. The band’s synergy was undeniable, with Mike Einziger’s guitar riffs intertwining seamlessly with Jose Pasillas’ rhythmic drumming, crafting a sonic tapestry that resonated throughout the venue.
The setlist was a carefully curated journey through Incubus’s discography, touching on both classic favorites and newer tracks. A notable highlight was their electrifying rendition of The Beatles “Come Together,” which injected a dose of nostalgia into the night. As the show reached its zenith with “Pardon Me” and “Stellar,” the crowd’s energy surged, a testament to the enduring power of these iconic hits.
The performance concluded with a poignant tribute, as Incubus seamlessly segued from “Wish You Were Here” into a snippet of Pink Floyd’s equally iconic track by the same name. The crowd’s applause and cheers filled the air, a fitting send-off for a night of musical magic.
Despite the technical hiccups and occasional off-pitch moments, Incubus managed to cast a spell on their Niagara Falls audience, reminding everyone present of the transcendental power of live music. As the lights dimmed and the echoes of the final notes faded, concertgoers left the Fallsview Casino’s OLG Stage with hearts full and spirits lifted, a night of rock and roll reverie etched into their memories forever.
Bryant Park Picnic’s free, live performances presented by Bank of America, continue on Friday, Aug. 25 at 7 pm with Accordions Around the World. The performance promises a wide range of notable performers, featuring Diana Burco, Suistamon Sähkö, and Ragini Ensemble.
This year’s festival, curated by Ariana Hellerman, includes the Latin Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Diana Burco, one of Colombia’s biggest stars, performing in the regional vallento style from the Atlantic Coast, Suistamon Sähkö, an innovative electronic quartet, blending Finnish traditional elements with techno, promising an exhilarating dance party, and the Ragini Ensemble, an all-women subgroup within the Brooklyn Raga Massive. They will enchant listeners with their rendition of traditional matrilineal music from the South Asian diaspora.
Attendees to Bryant Park Picnic Performances are welcome to bring their own food, or purchase on-site food and beverages from venders near the Lawn. All performances promise exciting new dishes and classics from the five boroughs, with a rotating line-up of local artisanal venders curated by Hester Street Fair. Stout NYC offers giant pretzels, gourmet popcorn, amongst other snacks. Additionally, a selection of beet, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase.
About the Performers
Diana Burco, a singer, songwriter, and accordion player, is rising to the forefront of the explosive, multidimensional Colombian music scene. Burco has long held a passion for Colombia’s traditional music, playing and investigating the genre since childhood. Since then, she has taken her exploration to the next level, traveling throughout Colombia in search of the country’s varied forms and expressions, and has studied and collaborated with the masters that interpret them.
Burco’s deep cultural fluency and wide-ranging contemporary explorations truly mark her as a 21st century troubadour – charting an original path rooted in Colombia’s deep heritage. She has participated in programs and platforms around the world including One Beat Colombia, Ethno World, and MAPAS (Artes Performativas del Atlantico Sur).
The Arctic Etnotekno act Suistamon Sähkö from Finland gains momentum gig by gig and cheerfully moves through ethno techno and smoke shack sounds to the world of hip-hop. The group favors a boisterous rave atmosphere, synthesizer buzz, rap declarations, and a Soviet-made accordion, making the audience jiggle and the cottage floor shake. The Suistamon Sähkö rhythm universe is a rambunctious mix of primitive primordial force and experimental dance music. In addition to Finnish stages, the Suistamon Sähkö spark has also flown to international arenas in Germany, France, and Russia.
During their short existence, the group has published three albums and a dozen music videos which have attracted attention. Suistamon Sähkö was selected as the opening act of the notable World Music Expo Womex Tampere 2019 and as the showcase act of the Folk Alliance International in New Orleans in early 2020. In 2022 the band performed as part of globalFest meets TinyDesk.
Exploring a merging of diasporic songs, matrilineal folk songs, and beat-driven celebratory chutney anthems, the Ragini Ensemble, in partnership with Brooklyn Raga Massive, gathers songs born out of the South Asian diaspora spread wide, fragmented, and reforged in Reunion Island, Guyana and Trinidad.
Speaking, or rather singing into the aesthetic body of work defined by the “Coolitude” movement, this set is inspired by the legacy of post-indentureship collective memory, nostalgia, and reclamation of joy in the gathering to sing, itself a cultural practice known as “baithak gana.” Tabla player/Electronic artist, Roshni Samlal, violinist/looper Natie, harmonium player/singer Pratima Doobay, and dholak player/singer Kajol Ji re-envision the sounds of their homeland and history.
Bryant Park Picnic Performances Remaining Schedule
The night’s theme was R&B, and DJ TGIF brought them rhythm with him. Opening the show with some of the best R&b from the 80s, 90s, and 2000s, there was not a body that wasn’t grooving to the beat. As a local favorite, he vibed with the crowd well for his two hour set. There were plenty of free t-shirts given out after his set by Alive at 5 volunteers and Overit Studios.
The summer series was closed out with the highly anticipated Montell Jordan. Locals came in a bit anxious from the previous week as Rakim had cancelled an hour before his set. Montell Jordan did show up and show out for the large Albany crowd.
Montell’s set was the shortest of the season at 45 minutes, about half of all the other main acts this series. His set had a lot of ups and downs as he cut many of his hits short. Montell said that since he had recently become a pastor, he could not sing any more of his songs that were more sexual in nature. He commonly started a track and cut it off after about 30 seconds, leaving some of his adoring fans with a look of dissatisfaction.
To fill the void of those unsung songs, he performed a lot of covers. Showing love to the East Coast, he covered Notorious B.I.G.’s “Hypnotize.” He also represented his West Coast Roots with a spin of “California Love.”
The show ended on a high with him singing his most well known hit “This is How We Do It.” The crowd couldn’t get enough of him. He had already performed different versions of the song to open his set, and they were finally left with it played the whole way through. He stayed behind after the show to sign autographs for fans.
Although the summer is ending soon, the live music scene in Rochester is still as rockin’ as ever. Here are five eclectic picks to keep it going and close out your month in high style.
Providing modern arrangements of old, forgotten, perhaps nearly extinct Italian folk music, Alla Boara will likely sound like nothing you have heard before. Certainly it won’t be what you’re getting at the local Italian eateries! Put on by the good people at the Bop Shop, you know this show is going to be good.
This Chicago trio roll out some fuzzed up psychedelic rock with a minimalist aesthetic. Their new album was released back in the earliest days of 2023 and they’re blowing through town to give you chance to see those tunes live. Local boys Leus Zeus will give a rare and anticipated performance in the opening slot.
Tickets are $10/$15dos and the show starts at 7:30 p.m.
The Annual Fairport Music Festival takes place across six stages for two days smack dab in the middle of the village of Fairport, bringing together incredible local talent with some national acts. They also raise a ton of money for the Golisano’s Children’s Hospital. Highlights of this year’s lineup are Magnolia Boulevard, The Campbell Brothers, Miller and the Other Sinners, and the John Payton Project.
Tickets are $20/$25dos and the music gets started at 4 p.m. Friday and 11:30 a.m. Saturday.
What you need is some berserk groovy dance punk from Amsterdam. The Mauskovic’s in the Mauskovic Dance Band aren’t actually related, but this music is highly relatable, and highly infectious. Local rockers Triglactogon open the show at Bug Jar.
Tickets are $15/$18dos and music starts around 9 p.m.
Alumni of the Rochester International Jazz Fest, The Bad Plus reinvented what it means to be a piano trio, and now they’ve reinvented themselves for the second time. Gone is Ethan Iverson on piano, gone is his replacement Orrin Evans, and in are Ben Monder on guitar and Chris Speed on saxophone. The core of bassist Reid Anderson and drummer Dave King remains as does the band’s ethos and songbook.
