Category: Media

Disco Biscuits Unveil ‘Revolution In Motion’ At Webster Hall

To commemorate their first studio release in nearly 13 years, The Disco Biscuits staged a release party at New York City’s famed Webster Hall on March 29. With help from a couple of friends, the band played their new album Revolution In Motion from start to finish over two sets that spanned nearly four hours, much of it without a break between tracks.

Along with their typically incredible light show via Herm Light Designs, and corresponding animation from Blunt Action and Todd Kushnir projected on a screen behind the band, the album came to life and cemented its lore in Disco Biscuits history.

The sold out show had a buzz about it for weeks leading up, with the night having a slight bit of warmth to it in the East Village, ushering fans inside shortly after doors to secure a spot for a night that was years in the making. With the tracks from Revolution in Motion debuting since 2022, fans are well acclimated to the new material, as well as the depths of jamming that can unfold from any of the songs. Therein lies the beauty of what the Disco Biscuits have created in their ninth studio album, and not just the music – the story that intertwines the songs was revealed in full earlier this day, completing Part 1 of Revolution in Motion, with the band saving the day on the alien world Polyfuzia.

The band was joined by three special guests this evening – Erin Boyd added soul with her vocals on “Twisted in the Road” and “Why We Dance,” Matteo ScammellÂ singing alongside guitarist Jon Guttwillig on “Tourists (Rocket Ship)” and “To Be Continued…,” and guitarist Cloud Chord joining for “Tourists (Rocket Ship)” and “Spagaâs Last Stand,” which had keyboardist Aron Magner step out with a keytar for back-to-back playing alongside Cloud Chord. Guests for the Disco Biscuits are infrequent at best, and the three etched their names into Biscuits’ history as well as the fans memories.

In lieu of a song-by-song breakdown of the show, we encourage you to listen to the full show here on Nugs.net. The show is best enjoyed in full from start to finish, taking the story along with the music and explorative trance-fusion jams.

A full summation of the night, however, is best found from Brian Stollery, who offers the following thoughts on the evening that unfolded at Webster Hall.

In the kaleidoscopic carnival that was the Disco Biscuits’ album release show for Revolution in Motion, their first sonic odyssey in 14 years since Otherwise Law Abiding Citizens, the band once again proved themselves as the cosmic jesters at the crossroads of the Grateful Dead’s experimental psychedelia and the pulsating heart of modern analog techno’s transcendental oneness revolution.

Despite the show’s seemingly one-dimensional faÃ§ade, the Biscuits unfurled a rich tapestry of musical textures and ideas, a mÃ©lange of old school anthems and Gen Z deep house reverberations that were so audaciously mediocre they ascended to a peculiar echelon of brilliance, embodying the band’s signature blend of tongue-in-cheek humor and earnest musical exploration.

Among the cacophony, “The Deal” emerged as a transcendent hymn, a bizarre yet profound meditation on business acumen that captures the essence of the Biscuits’ ability to spin mundane realities into psychedelic gold, propelling the audience into a state of intellectual spiritual mayhem, where fun collides with the sublime in a spectacular explosion of sound and fury.

Disco Biscuits – Webster Hall, NYC – March 29, 2024

Set 1: Shocked > The Wormhole > Twisted In The Road > Another Plan Of Attack > Times Square >Freeze
Set 2: Tourists (Rocket Ship) > Spaga’s Last Stand, Who’s In Charge > Space Train > The Deal > One
Chance To Save The World > Why We Dance
Encore: To Be Continued

April 1, 2024
Look Inside Dopapod’s Trapper Keeper at The Williams Center

Funky, jam band powerhouse Dopapod stopped in The Williams Center in Rutherford, NJ on Thursday, March 28. The Jungle Jazz Initiative opened up the night, offering a groovy and entertaining set, fitting in well with Dopapod’s sound.

Dopapod’s first set was only 4 songs, which was full of jams and featured a good representation of their career with newer and older songs. It started out with a danceable “Live In the Dream” followed by a Dopapod classic “Turnin’ Knobs” which featured the electronic, synth heavy peaks. Another catchy classic closed up the set, “Braindead”. The chorus is still ringing in my head.

The band opened up the second set with a very distinguishable “Trapper Keeper”. This was followed by an unexpected “No Quarter” played with ferocity. The rest of the set included newer and older songs that flowed together incredibly well. And suddenly a Dead cover appeared, Dopapod’s homage “Smertha” was played to close up the set.

The band encored with “Landmines”. Dopapod’s sound is unique and is distinguishable in a scene that can at times be homogenous. Their unique style provides a refreshing experience and will continue to gather fans.

Dopapod – The Williams Center for the Arts, Rutherford, NJ – Thursday, March 28, 2024

Set 1: Live in The Dream, Turninâ Knobs, Man or Machine, Braindead
Set 2: Trapper Keeper, No Quarter, Ebb and Flow, My Elephant Vs. Your Elephant, Peter Banning, Sonic, 2 Somebodies, We Are Not Alone, Shmertha
Encore: Landmines

April 1, 2024
Ace Frehley And His “Rock Soldiers” Lay Rock and Roll Siege Upon Sony Hall

New York City has been given many nicknames like “the city so nice, they named it twice,” as well as “The Big Apple.” The city at any given moment can hold multiple events at one time. Friday, March. 28 saw country star Zach Bryan play at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn while President Biden hosted a fundraiser which featured former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton. The fundraiser was only steps away from where former KISS guitarist, Ace Frehley played as he filled up Sony Hall just a month after his newest release, 10,000 Volts.

Frehley has announced 15 dates to his itinerary for 2024. Three of those dates, including the Sony Hall show, are in New York. Frehley is playing at the Rome Capitol Theatre on April. 12 as well as the River Theatre in North Tonawanda on Aug. 21. These tour dates are also in support of his newest release which has been praised very highly by the music community.

Before the rock and roll siege of “The Spaceman,” the New York City natives known as Kore Rozzik warmed up the eager crowd. Kore Rozzik played seven songs and did their part well at getting the crowd hyped up for classic Kiss and original tunes from Frehley. Kore Rozzik, while a harder style of rock music than Frehley powered through technical difficulties and wonky mic feedback to deliver their brand of metal and hard rock. The fans who knew the band loved them and screamed wildly. It took a few songs for the band to win over fans that weren’t so familiar with them. Once lead singer Kore Rozzik graced the stage in different stage clothes for multiple songs and sprayed the audience with water after their final song, “Spellbound,” the band made multiple fans and left a lasting impression on the rowdy crowd.

Joining Rozzik on stage were Andrei Patorski and Alex Devious on guitars, Matias Sanes on bass and Crow Starbird on the drums.

As the house lights dimmed and one of Frehley’s instrumentals blasted of the speakers, a sudden surge rushed from the back of the general admission audience and pushed the crowd closer to the stage. With what seemed like one quick motion, Frehley and his band blasted into “Shock Me,” off Kiss’ 1977 record, Love Gun. Frehley played 14 total songs that took fans through memory lane of his Kiss days while also sprinkling in a few solo songs including the title track to his newest release. Frehley sported a sparkly jacket that draped over his NASA t-shirt to start the first few songs of the night. Dawning classic Rayban aviators and his classic Les Paul guitar, it was clear that Frehley and the rest of his band were indeed “back in the New York Groove.”

Accompanying Frehley on stage was bassist Ryan Cook, guitarist Jeremy Asbrock and drummer Scot Coogan. This was the same band that played on his record in addition to touring with Frehley across the United States recently.

Like Kore Rozzik, the Frehley band was not only battling the bad feedback from their speakers but at one point in between the band’s rendition of “Rip It Out,” and “Detroit Rock City,” Cook’s bass strap broke and had to be taped back together for the remainder of the show. But, with a calm smile, Cook took the minor setback like a true professional and continued to wave and point into the crowd of fans.

Unlike the last show that Frehley played at the Paramount Hudson Valley back in October, multiple fans put on his classic face paint and rushed to the front of the stage before the band’s set. The entire crowd, which consisted of all ages never left their spot in the general admission and continued to clap, throw up the rock horns and raise their fists to the loud wall of sound in front of them. If you closed your eyes and pictured what a Kiss concert sounded like in the mid-1970s’ when the band was at the height of their powers, without a doubt, it would have sounded something very close to last night’s show.

In classic Frehley showmanship, for the band’s rendition of “New York Groove,” Frehley brought out his classic guitar that lights up. When the special Les Paul guitar made its appearance, the crowd went crazy as they knew exactly what song was coming up. At the beginning note of every song, the crowd gave the band a thunderous cheer. The cheering was so loud at one point that it seemed like the roof was going to cave in.

It was extremely impressive to hear the band play their new material from the aforementioned 10,000 Volts. Despite the band only playing the title track, it was neat to hear the band acknowledge their new record. Throughout the show, fans were yelling for the band to play some of their favorite tunes from the brand-new record. Regardless of Frehley being 72 years old, he still had his skill from the ‘70s on guitar while also having his signature voice on lead vocals.

At the end of the show, when the doors were flung open and the cool New York air filled up the downstairs theater, there was not one unhappy fan in the venue. With Kiss now being retired and the band not playing, Frehley is one of two members still out on the road. With that being said, fans were extremely happy to have their night filled with Kiss tunes and seeing the one and only Spaceman

Kore Rozzik Setlist: Welcome To Rock Hell, I Am Your Savior, Can’t Stop Won’t Stop, Vengeance Overdrive, Mistress, Guilty As Charged, Spellbound

Ace Frehley Setlist: Shock Me, Rocket Ride, 10,000 Volts, Rock Soldiers, Love Gun, Parasite, New York Groove, Rip It Out, Detriot Rock City, Cold Gin, Strange Ways, Shout It Out Loud, Deuce, Rock And Roll All Nite

March 31, 2024
In Focus: Mong Tong at No Fun in Troy

Tuesday nights are usually reserved for a simple McDonalds dinner after I sit through an hour of my daughter’s gymnastics class. This past Tuesday I decided to add the Mong Tong show at No Fun in Troy to the lineup of Tuesday’s to-do list. This turned out to be a welcome addition as I watched 2 men get on the stage, do a quick sound check, and then blindfold themselves before performing a very unique brand of Asian-infused Psychedelic sound.

Mong Tong is a 2 man instrumental group consisting of Taiwanese brothers Hom Yu and Jim Chi and are no strangers to the United States. They’ve performed multiple times in the South By Southwest festivals and have gathered a decent following. This particular appearance at NoFun is the 7th stop of their 9 location US tour with their 9th and final stop being at TV Eye in New York City on March 29th. This tour celebrates their new EP 銘 Epigraphy which dropped on March 8th.

Blindfolded musicians performing music is something everyone should see at least once in their lives. Dressed simply in black pants, white shirts, and red blindfolds, and using an arsenal of electric and electronic gear, the 2 brothers create intricate and complex arrangements that capture the essence of kung-fu movies mixed with punchy beats and well thought out melodies. Staccato guitar arpeggios dance over conga laden drum lines. Traditional Asian instruments and unidentifiable synth sounds mash together in a strange 70s Psychedelic rock jam. All accentuated by the smooth and groovy bass that anyone could get next to.

The duo takes you on a trip though soundscapes that vary from ethereal to hectic to confusing to serene and you’re not sure where its going next. The energy is positive and contagious and while some people are dancing, others are taking in the light show, and others are still amazed at the blindfolded-ness of it all, none are missing out on this one-of-a-kind experience.

With polyrhythmic beats and sampled and non-sampled traditional Chinese instruments it’s safe to say that Mong Tong has few competitors. Since I’m struggling to find a similar band to compare them to I’ll just say I’d classify Mong Tong as Psychedelic Asian Electro-Funk Trip-Hop with a dash of Techno. They’re continuing their tour of the US with shows at the Columbus Theater in Providence, RI on March 28th and at TV Eve in New York City on March 29th. Tuesday to-do lists aren’t the same any more.

March 30, 2024
HUNNY Brings the Garage to Albany

On Wednesday March 20, California-based HUNNY took the stage at Empire Live in Albany, supporting Mom Jeans alongside Summer Salt. With a dynamic setlist pulling from the band’s near-decade long discography as well as their most recent album, new planet heaven, HUNNY put on a show that exemplified their long-standing and ever-growing presence in the alternative scene.

HUNNY hails from Northern California, a product of the indie rock scene that flourished in the area in the 2010s. They are the first of two bands supporting fellow California-based Mom Jeans on their US tour; several other bands, including Free Throw and Just Friends, are also set to join for select dates.

This was HUNNY’s second visit to Albany, but their music is well known and well liked within the prominent shoegaze and post-punk scenes in the Hudson Valley, making them a perfect fit to raise the energy for a mid-week show.

The group opened the show with “JFK,” the lead song off of their 2022 album Homesick. Within seconds of the grungy, overdriven guitar meeting the crowd’s wall of sound, everyone was moving. The band’s own energy on stage is tenable from the photo pit, their own jumps and erratic movements matching their audience’s. The band continued to pull the rest of their setlist from 2022’s Homesick, as well as new planet heaven and their mid-2010s hits, such as “Televised,” and their closer, “Vowels (And The Importance of Being Me).” By the end of their set, the house was full, and the bar was open- all eyes and ears were on HUNNY, and the crowd couldn’t help but move.

As I was headed out of the venue, I happened to overhear a Mom Jeans fan mentioning the first opener, praising the group’s ability to appeal to potential fans- the last thing I hear her say is, “I don’t know, but they got me jumping!”

March 30, 2024
Shane Guerrette and Joe Mansman & The Midnight Revival Band Featured on This Week’s EQXposure

Each Sunday evening from 7-9 p.m. youâll find EQXposure on WEQX, featuring two hours of local music from up-and-coming artists. Tune into WEQX.com this Sunday night to hear new music from Shane Guerrette and Joe Mansman & The Midnight Revival Band.

WEQX has long been the preeminent independent station in the Capital Region of New York, broadcasting from Southern VT to an ever-expanding listening audience. NYS Music brings you a preview of artists to discover each week, just a taste of the talent waiting to be discovered by fans like you.

Shane Guerrette– “Are We”

Joe Mansman & The Midnight Revival Band- “Strange Ways”

Joe Mansman & The Midnight Revival Band is a rock band from Albany.

March 30, 2024
Disco Biscuits Officially Release ‘Revolution in Motion’

The Disco Biscuits have just released their first full-length studio album in nearly 13 years, Revolution In Motion. The official release party is tonight in the form of a much anticipated sold-out show at New York City’s Webster Hall. The band is scheduled to play the album, their latest rock opera, in its entirety for the first time ever.

With Revolution In Motion now fully available on all streaming platforms, this means the corresponding animated movie that’s been being released in pieces is now complete as well. The fourth and final installment is now in place, completing the story of what the band is dubbing a “space opera.”

Each of the segments, animated by Blunt Action, predominantly features one track from Revolution In Motion which tells a story about wayward aliens who unexpectedly find themselves in our galaxy and then encounter the Disco Biscuits themselves. The first installment features the song “Another Plan Of Attack” and serves as an introduction for the four alien figures, who seem to be loosely based on the band, and shows exactly how they happened upon Earth, Times Square to be exact.

The second piece is centered around the song “Freeze” and sees the aliens literally freezing everyone waiting to get into the show. But with Disco Biscuits, on stage deep underground, remain unfrozen and come to the rescue. With the aliens planning to abduct the frozen humans for study, the Biscuits confront the aliens, saving the day, but in the process find themselves being abducted onto the alien ship.

The third chapter, which came in conjunction with the band’s announcement of this summer’s Biscoland festival in Lafayette, NY, was released two weeks ago. Now the band is aboard the alien spacecraft, which has strong Soul Train vibes, negotiating a way back to Earth so this edition features the song “The Deal.”

Now the complete animated story wraps up with the band, who successfully “merge” electronic DNA with the aliens and spread their music throughout space. This gets the Disco Biscuits their requested trip home and is highlighted by the track “To Be Continued” which may imply that this story isn’t quite over yet.

See the full animated video for Revolution In Motion above and below for audio of the full album. After tonight’s Webster Hall release party, the band trucks up to Western NY and Buffalo for two nights at the Town Ballroom.

March 29, 2024
In Focus: Samantha Fish Brings Bulletproof Tour to Westcott Theater in Syracuse

On an otherwise cold and snowy day, things heated up quickly inside the Westcott Theater on Saturday, as blues rock icon Samantha Fish brought her Bulletproof Tour to Syracuse, with JD Simo served up as the opening act this evening.

Fish, 35, has been a major player on the modern blues-rock scene since launching on to the circuit in 2009. The Kansas City native has become a favorite in the Central New York area, headlining several shows in the area over the last fifteen years. Fish most-notably served as direct support for Buddy Guy at the 2023 New York State Blues Festival, which took place in Syracuse last summer. (Get the scoop on the 2024 lineup here!)

The evening started with a set by blues guitarist, JD Simo, who gifted the early arriving crowd to a set that showcased his diverse style. Showcasing himself as more than just dabbling in blues rock, Simo’s 40-minute set also displayed elements of jazz and psychedelic rock, while performing tracks such as “Mortgage My Soul” off of his 2022 release Songs From the House of Grease.

After a brief set change over, Samantha Fish took to the stage. Armed with her signature cigar-box guitar and flanked by her bandmates, Fish launched in to the high energy “Bulletproof”. Fish paced the stage and took turns showcasing her guitar skills for those on each side of the theater. “The jewelry is coming off!” Fish proclaimed early in the set, hinting to the audience there was much more guitar prowess to come this evening.

Fish dazzled the crowd with her diverse musical catalog. Late in the set, Fish donned an acoustic guitar for three songs (two of which featured Fish on stage, solo). Certainly there are instances in the concert world where this would remove the energy from the venue, however this was not the case on this evening. Fish maintained captive hold of the audience all the while.

After a near 90-minute set, Fish and her bandmates would return to the stage with opener JD Simo. “Let’s party for one more song” Fish would announce, before launching in to “Bitch on the Run”. Fish and Simo would trade guitar solos through out the track while the packed theater took their last opportunity to dance about. Soon the show would be over and the packed theater would spill back out in to the cold Syracuse air.

March 27, 2024
Fall Out Boy brings “So Much for (2our) Dust” Tour to MVP Arena

On Sunday, March 24, Fall Out Boy’s “So Much for (2our) Dust” tour stopped at MVP Arena in Albany. The line up consisted of Games We Play, Hot Mulligan, Jimmy Eat World, and Fall Out Boy.

Games We Play kicked off the evening with a high energy performance of “Get a Job.” They played a total of 4 songs during their 30-minute set. Hot Mulligan was up next with their 9-song set which included songs such as “Drink Milk and Run,” “OG Blue Sky” and “Bckyrd.”

Jimmy Eat World promptly took to the stage and amped up the crowd playing their song “A Praise Chorus.” Putting on a fantastic and energetic set, Jimmy Eat World had the crowd engaged. They played many well-known songs such as “Sweetness,” “Bleed American,” “Big Casino,” and “Pain.” They closed out their set with “The Middle” which had everyone singing along.

At 9:10pm, Fall Out Boy took to the stage, starting with song “Love from the Other Side,” transitioning to an incredible performance of “The Phoenix” and, “Sugar, We’re Goin’ Down.” The pyrotechnics and loud booms during their 1st three songs elevated the energy in the arena to a new level. The visual effects and props used throughout the show added to that excitement.

Performing new songs from their latest album “So Much (for) Stardust” as well as many hits from earlier albums such as “Uma Thurman,” “Dance, Dance,” “Thnks for Th Mmrs,” and “Centuries.” The crowd was also treated to a piano medley.

This show was nothing short of amazing. Each band delivered high-energy performances, solid vocals, and nonstop action throughout the evening.

Fall Out Boy Setlist: Love from the Other Side, The Phoenix, Sugar, We’re Goin’ Down, Uma Thurman, G.I.N.A.S.F.S, Reinventing the Wheel to Run Myself Over, Grand Theft Autumn/Where is Your Boy, Calm Before the Storm, This Ain’t a Scene, It’s An Arms Race, Disloyal Order of Water Buffaloes, Heaven, Iowa, Bang the Doldrums, Headfirst Slide Into Cooperstown on a Bad Bet, Fake out, The Kintsugi Kid (Ten years)(Partial, Piano Medley), What a Time to be Alive (Partial, Piano Medley), Don’t Stop Me Now (Queen Cover)(Partial, Piano Medley), So Much (for) Stardust, Baby Annihilation ( with “20 Dollar Nose Bleed” spoken word snippet), Song 2 (Blur Cover), Dance, Dance, Hold Me Like a Grudge, I Am My Own Muse (Magic 8-Ball Song, Tour Debut), My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark (Light Em Up), Thnks fr Th Mmrs, Centuries, Saturday.

Fall Out Boy “So Much for (2our) Dust” Tour Dates:

3/26: Van Andel Arena – Grand Rapids, MI

3/27: PPG Paints Arena – Pittsburg, PA

3/29: Schottenstein Center – Columbus, OH

3/30: Rupp Arena – Lexington, KY

3/31: Bridgestone Arena – Nashville, TN

4/2: Fiserv Forum – Milwaukee, WI

4/3: Wells Fargo Arena – Des Moines, IA

4/5 – CHI Health Center Arena – Omaha, NE

4/6: Target Center – Minneapolis, MN

March 27, 2024
Matt Maltese Wows the Crowd at Irving Plaza

On Friday, March 22, UK-born singer-songwriter Matt Maltese took the stage at Irving Plaza for his sold-out show as part of his “Touring Just to Tour” NY run. The beautiful stage truly set the vibe of the concert—the lights, the vines, the street lamps—they all created a cozy and whimsical experience that complemented Matt’s soft and buttery vocals.

Matt Maltese — Photographed by Sarah Hyun

Matt Maltese got his start with music in Reading, Berkshire, where as a young kid he took a particular interest in songwriting. Drawing inspiration from the blues and jazz genres, Maltese wrote about heartbreak, falling in love, and the world ending—in a way like no other modern artist. His raw, poetic, and deeply heartfelt lyrics revealed his experiences navigating adolescence and adulthood. Maltese is halfway through his American leg of tour, where he has twelve more dates at venues in Massachusetts to California. He previously played at the Governors Ball Music Festival.

Matt Maltese — Photographed by Sarah Hyun

Prior to Matt’s entrance onto the stage, opener The Army, The Navy, put on a beautiful acoustic show for the crowd of twelve hundred. The pre-show playlist included jazzy background music that excited concertgoers swayed back and forth to. Upon Matt’s entrance, the crowd screamed in excitement. One fan yelled, “Matt you’re so British!,” where he responded with, “Yes, I am very British.”

Matt Maltese — Photographed by Sarah Hyun

During his opening song, “You Deserve an Oscar,” Maltese kept impressive eye contact with the audience as he belted sincere lyrics and beautifully played his piano. Halfway through the show, he played a game with the audience where he asked which out of three statements about his bassist, Jamien, was true—1. He fed his friend’s pet koi fish chips and chili oil, causing them to die; 2. He pretended to be a waiter at a random restaurant in order to get a woman’s number; and 3. He was fired from his ice cream job for using a single spoon to try every flavor there. He later revealed that all three were true.

Jamien Randall Pepper (right) and Madden Klass (left) — Photographed by Sarah Hyun

Towards the end of the show, he played his most well-known song, “As the World Caves In,” singing lyrics like “And here is it, our final night alive / And as the earth runs to the ground / Oh girl it’s you that I lie with / As the atom bomb locks in / Yes it’s you I welcome death with.” Anyone who has listened to Matt Maltese would not deny his true talent in crafting lyrics and melodies.

Matt ended the night with an encore, singing “Strange Time” and “Everyone Adores You (At Least I Do).” Although Matt does not have any New York dates left for this tour, he will likely return during his next run.

Matt Maltese – Irving Plaza – March 22, 2024

Setlist: You Deserve an Oscar, Mother, Irony Would Have It, Curl Up and Die, Hello Black Dog, Little Person, Mystery, Madhouse / Jupiter, Krystal, Krakow, Driving Just to Drive, The Earth is a Very Small Dot, Kiss Me (Sixpence None the Richer Cover), Rom-Com Gone Wrong, Nightclub Love, As the World Caves In / Intolewd

Encore: Strange Time, Everyone Adores You (At Least I Do)

March 26, 2024