Tag: Alt rock

Gooseberry Release Debut Album “All My Friends Are Cattle”

Indie Brooklyn band, Gooseberry, have released their debut full-length album titled, All My Friends Are Cattle.

Gooseberry continue their buzz with the release of their debut album, All My Friends Are Cattle.

Gooseberry, formed in 2019, is a band which takes inspiration from genres such as alternative rock, indie, and blues to craft their sound. Asa Daniels (guitar, vocals), Evin Rossington (drums), and Will Hammond (bass) form the group and have played major venues across the east coast including, Baby’s All Right, the Knitting Factory, and The Bowery Ballroom in NYC.

Since the release of their 2022 debut EP Broken Dance, the trio has received praise from editorials such as Under the Radar, Ones to Watch, and more. In April, Gooseberry announced their debut full-length album, All My Friends Are Cattle. The album was released on Sept 6 and has been steadily growing in popularity since its release. The band has been on tour leading up to the release of the album over Aug and Sept, including four dates in New York.

“We are super fortunate to call a lot of really great – and buzzing – NYC bands our friends. We feel ourselves part of that community and eternally grateful for being welcomed with such open arms. Our hometown has truly shaped what this band has become.”
Asa Daniels

The ten-track album was recorded at Precision Sound Studios in New York City with an all-star production team including, Grammy-winner James ‘Jimmy T’ Meslin (Dream Theater, John Petrucci, Rush), Grammy-nominated engineer Colin Bryson (Zach Bryan, J Balvin, Willow Avalon), who served as producer and recording engineer (reprising his role from the Validate Me EP). They were joined also by Grammy-winner Phil Joly (The Strokes, Lana Del Rey, Daft Punk) who mixed the record, and Jennica Best (Colatura) who mastered it. The band’s “honorary fourth member” Dan Janis of Baked Goods, provided saxophone and flute for a handful of tunes.

The album begins with “Kikiyon,” a harder, driven track with an instantly recognizable riff that pays homage to many classic rock songs over the years, most notably The Kinks’ “You Really Got Me.” The solo on that song in particular has a distinct feeling to it that sounds much different than what is in vogue. As the album runs on, the songs grow softer and softer ending in the reverb-soaked “Start Over.”

Though powered by heavy 90s alternative influences, the standout tracks on the album are the gentler, simpler songs, like “Cherry Blossoms,” which remind listeners of artists like Jack Johnson. It is through these tracks that Gosseberry reveals who they can be.

The album contains a multitude of interesting musical ideas, most notably, the feature of the distinctive blare of the saxophone especially on “All The Same.” Many songs have clear Nirvana, Bush, and other 90’s alt inspiration, but the vocals on the record bear a recognizable similarity to more contemporary pop groups. As with many young bands, Gooseberry is still attempting to find their own sound.

The kaleidoscopic image on the cover is representative of the entire album in more ways than one. With just a glance, you see a menagerie of colors and feelings, each one notably different from its counterparts. While interesting for a moment, a deeper look renders the full image fractured and without a clear cohesion through all parts. Yet still briefly pretty.

Key Tracks: Cattle, Cherry Blossoms, One of the Good Ones.

Gooseberry will play the Richmond Music Hall in Richmond VA on Oct 3 and at the Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival, in NC on Oct 5.

September 16, 2024
In Focus: John 5 Shreds Albany’s Empire Underground

On Wednesday, September 4, guitar virtuoso John 5 delivered an unforgettable performance at Albany’s Empire Underground. The venue switched from the larger Empire Live to take advantage of the superior acoustics for a live album recording. This more intimate setting gave fans an up-close experience with one of rock’s most iconic guitarists, making for an immersive show that fans will not soon forget.

For over 30 years, John 5 has been a highly-touted guitarist, known for his work with acts like Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson, and Mötley Crüe, while also maintaining a prolific solo career.

The night kicked off with Albany’s own Tom Atkins Band, who brought their local flair to the stage. Los Angeles’ Turning Jane was next up, setting the tone with their dynamic performances.

John 5’s set at Empire Underground showcased his unmatched versatility, effortlessly blending genres and switching stringed instruments.

As the night came to a close, the crowd was left buzzing from John 5’s electrifying performance. With a live album soon to follow, fans can look forward to reliving the magic of the night. The combination of an intimate setting, stellar opening acts, and the possibility of a live recording made this show a standout.

September 8, 2024
Alt-Rock Stars, Cowboy Junkies, Kick-off US Tour With Stops in Buffalo and Geneva

Country and folk rock band Cowboy Junkies has announced a new tour for the fall of 2024 that will begin with two stops in New York, one in Buffalo and the other in Geneva. The tour is in support of their most recent album, Such Ferocious Beauty, which is the band’s first release of new material in five years.

Formed just over the border in Toronto, Cowboy Junkies have been actively making and performing music for almost 40 years. Comprised of bassist Alan Anton, songwriter/guitarist Michael Timmins, drummer Peter Timmins and vocalist Margo Timmins, the quartet has recorded a total of 16 live albums and five live albums. Moreover, with Michael, Peter and Margo all being siblings, the band’s many years of unwavering togetherness only makes sense.

Cowboy Junkies’ first album, Whites Off Earth Now!!, in 1986, kicked off their careers and was then followed up in 1988 by the now-Platinum The Trinity Season. In a world where many bands chase whatever sounds are trending, the Junkies have stayed their course, maintaining the low-impact excavation of melody and evocative language that gave them so many fans in the first place.

About Cowboy Junkies

The band’s newest outing, Such Ferocious Beauty, is vintage Cowboy Junkies and another dimension from the lo-fi Canadian band comprised of, well, family. As a result the album is a tangle of sonic textures, ruminating on aging, losing parents, facing mortality and creating space for one’s life in the midst of the ruin that comes from merely living. “Mike has never shied away from the darker, harder and sometimes uglier realities of our human condition,” Margo Timmins explained of the band’s singular focus, “nor has he shied from its beauty. Thankfully, with one comes the other.”

Michael Timmins, the oldest, is the chief architect, songwriter and guitarist, who works with Margo on sculpting the emotional planes and vocal performances before bringing in younger brother Peter on drums and lifelong friend Alan Anton on bass to create the soundscapes that have made Cowboy Junkies a band that defies categories. Alternative? Rock? Americana? Roots? Perhaps the answer is a simple “yes.” Hence, the churning beauty builds on all those things, evoking the best of a group that’s evolved over three and a half decades. Michael adds, “This record is connected to All That Reckoning. I see our recent work in a cycle: Reckoning, Ghosts and Such Ferocious Beauty. They were all done in very violent and tumultuous times. The violent side is so much a part of our society now—not just the physical, but the way we relate to each other. It’s hard to escape.”

Photo Credit: Heather Pollock

Inside The Band

Whether drawing on a pop culture reference like a quote culled from Mike Tyson or mining Greek mythology, there’s an ease and fluidity to how Michael draws songs together. For the sinewy “Mike Tyson (Here It Comes),” he employs a high-plains spaghetti Western tension that marries a nervy acoustic strum and tympani rolls to a creeping bassline, while “Circe & Penelope” deploys a wheezy fiddle and an acoustic guitar with its strings more flicked than strummed.

“I love the blunt reality of this song,” Margo offers. “I love the two women’s strength and realistic view of the situation. They have a great love for their men, but also this discontent. The image of these two women waiting for their men to return but getting on with the work that needs to be done and living their lives as strong women is truly empowering and reflects upon many of the women I know today.”

“The expectations and responsibilities of what we all do—it’s a big part of this. We’re still amazed that we’re doing this, but the longer [we have], the more fun it’s become. We don’t take it for granted,” said Michael. “We do what we do,” Margo agrees, “and it feels right for all of us. After 30-plus years of playing together, the band and its music are more important to us than ever. The music we make brings each of us a great sense of contentment, a knowing of place and a sense of doing what we were meant to do.”

To catch Cowboy Junkies on tour and watch them perform Such Ferocious Beauty, visit their website for tickets and information. Additionally, see below for a written list of the tour dates and locations.

Tour Dates

9/19/24 Buffalo, NY Asbury Hall

9/20/24 Geneva, NY Smith Opera House

9/22/24 Kent, OH The Kent Stage

9/24/24 Detroit, MI Masonic Cathedral

9/25/24 Kalamazoo, MI Kalamazoo State Theatre

9/27/24 Madison, WI Barrymore Theatre

9/28/24 Evanston, IL Cahn Auditorium

9/30/24 & 10/1/24 Minneapolis, MN Dakota

10/3/24 Des Moines, IA Hoyt Sherman Place

10/4/24 Iowa City, IA Englert Theatre

10/5/24 St. Louis, MO City Winery

August 14, 2024
State Champs Prepare for Nationwide Tour, One Stop in New York

Albany-born and bred punk band State Champs gear up for a nationwide tour this fall, starting on November 8 in Austin, Texas. Joining them are supporting acts Knuckle Puck, Meet Me at The Altar, and Daisy Grenade.

State Champs will end their tour in their home state, closing the tour at Manhattan’s Webster Hall on December 7.

CREDIT: Manuel Barajas

For the last decade, State Champs have become a household name in the world of pop-punk. The band is comprised of singer Derek DiScanio, guitarist Tyler Szalkowski, bassist Ryan Scott Graham, and drummer Evan Ambrosio. Starting with the release of their debut album, The Finer Things, State Champs have been gathering fans of all generations to enjoy

Together, they have played at numerous festivals, including Alive at 5 and Frozen Fire. They have written alongside some of the genre’s biggest names, including Mark Hoppus of Blink-182 and Alex Gaskarth of All Time Low.

Over the years, State Champs received massive critical acclaim. From Kerrang!, to Upset, Alternative Press, and Rock Sound, they have been met with astounding support from fans and rock critics alike. In 2018, after the release of their third album, Living Proof, Billboard dubbed them “modern-day pop-punk torchbearers.”

Live performances with State Champs are nothing if not passionate and energetic, this tour being no exception. They always focus on keeping their energy and giving the crowd something they will never forget. Authenticity is the priority, exemplified by Evan Ambrosio’s statements in a past interview: “We focus on life as we experience it, not an event we didn’t have a part in. We write about things that stay true to what we experience, and not try to jump on a trend of ultimate sadness or TikTok videos, so we can maintain authenticity and stay true to what the band has built up.”

Tickets are on sale to the public this Friday, August 16, at 12:00 PM local time. They can be purchased on Sate Champs’ website.

State Champs 2024 North America Tour Dates

November 8 – Austin, TX – Emo’s

November 9 – Dallas, TX – House of Blues

November 11 – Phoenix, AZ – The Van Buren

November 13 – Anaheim, CA – House of Blues

November 14 – Berkeley, CA – The UC Theatre

November 15 – Portland, OR – Crystal Ballroom

November 16 – Seattle, WA – Showbox Sodo

November 18 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Depot

November 19 – Denver, CO – Summit Music Call

November 22 – Detroit, MI – The Majestic

November 23 – Indianapolis, IN – Egyptian Room

November 24 – Cleveland, OH – The Agora

November 26 – Toronto, ON – Danforth Music Hall

November 27 – Cincinnati, OH – Bogarts*

November 29 – Nashville, TN – Cannery Mainstage

November 30 – Atlanta, GA – The Masquerade

December 1 – Orlando, FL – House of Blues

December 3 – Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore

December 4 – Boston, MA – House of Blues

December 6 – Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore

December 7 – New York, NY – Webster Hall

*No Knuckle Puck

August 13, 2024
Waterparks: Live from MGM Music Hall

Waterparks is a dynamic, genre bending trio hailing from Houston, Texas, consisting of charismatic frontman Awsten Knight, guitarist Geoff Wigington, and drummer Otto Wood. With their high-energy stage presence and genre-defying sound, Waterparks has become a force to be reckoned with in the alternative music scene.

Waterparks brought their electrifying energy and infectious enthusiasm to the MGM Music Hall at Fenway Park as part of “The Sneaking out of Heaven Tour,” with fans lined up around the venue as early as 3 AM, these fans left in awe with a high-octane performance and unforgettable moments.

From the moment they stepped onstage, frontman Awsten Knight and his bandmates captivated the crowd with their signature blend of pop-rock anthems and irresistible hooks. The atmosphere was electric as fans sang along to every word, their voices blending harmoniously with the band’s infectious melodies.

Throughout the night, Waterparks delivered one memorable moment after another, from Awsten’s impromptu phone call to a fan’s boss, quitting their job on their behalf, to the spirited chants of “fuck these kids” and “support the moms.” Awsten’s playful banter and charismatic stage presence kept the energy levels high, while guitarist Geoff whirlwind performance earned him the endearing nickname “Hurricane Geoff.”

The band’s setlist was a perfect mix of old favorites and new hits, with standout moments including fans making Awsten wear a gifted shirt that said “I F*ck Fish”, followed up by their hit “Fuck About It” resulting in a hilarious exchange between Awsten and Otto. Awsten’s solo piano performance on the B stage showcased his versatility as a musician, while his humorous attempt to coax crew member Lucas into an Ed Sheeran cover provided a lighthearted moment of fun.

As the night came to a close, Waterparks left the crowd wanting more with an electrifying encore performance of “Turbulent” and “Real Super Dark” solidifying their status as one of the most exciting acts in modern alternative music. With their infectious energy and undeniable talent, Waterparks proved once again why they are a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.

Setlist: Watch What Happens Next, Blonde, Greatest Hits Medley (Fuzzy / Violet! / American Graffiti / The Secret Life of Me / Just Kidding / See You in the Future / Lowkey As Hell), Why Can’t I [Liz Phair cover], Stupid for You, You’d Be Paranoid Too (If Everyone Was Out to Get You), SOULSUCKER, SNEAKING OUT OF HEAVEN, Magnetic, RITUAL, SELF-SABOTAGE, BRAINWASHED, FUCK ABOUT IT, High Definition, Snow Globe, Crying Over It All, 21 Questions, I Miss Having Sex but at Least I Don’t Wanna Die Anymore, FUNERAL GREY

Encore: Numb, Turbulent, REAL SUPER DARK

March 20, 2024
Meet Me @ The Altar – Irving Plaza Edition

Meet Me @ The Altar, the vibrant and genre-defying trio, is redefining the punk and pop-punk scene with their electrifying energy and empowering anthems. With lead vocalist Edith Victoria, guitarist Tea Campbell, and drummer Ada Juarez, the band’s dynamic sound reflects their diverse influences and shared passion for breaking barriers in the music industry. Hailing from different corners of the U.S., MMATA found their common ground, and swiftly became a force to be reckoned within the world of punk.

MMATA’s “Say it To My Face Tour” stop at Irving Plaza on January 25 was an exhilarating celebration of punk, diversity, and unapologetic self-expression. The night kicked off with stellar performances by Elliot Lee, John Hardie, and Honey Revenge, setting the stage for a high-octane headlining act.

As MMATA took the stage, the atmosphere crackled with excitement. A fan in the front row held a sign that declared “Ada is my everything,” a testament to the profound connection the band fosters with their supporters. The show became a participatory experience when Edith let the crowd choose between two songs, playfully warning them about the sad backstory of “A Few Tomorrows” before launching into it, resulting in playful banter between the band and their adoring audience.

Edith, Tea, and Ada’s banter with the crowd showcased not only their musical prowess but also their genuine connection with fans. They acknowledged a dedicated fan who had attended 10 shows with applause, reinforcing the reciprocal love between the band and their followers. The concert marked a significant milestone for MMATA, as they headlined at Irving Plaza for the first time, reflecting on their journey from opening for MUNA in 2022 to sharing the stage at Madison Square Garden with 5 Seconds of Summer.

Inflatable beach balls bounced through the crowd, adding to the playful atmosphere, while Edith’s confusion about the continued existence of BeReal revealed a charming, down-to-earth side. The concert took unexpected turns, such as Tea’s witty remarks during the intro to “Hit’s Like a Girl,” celebrating love and adding a personal touch to the night.

A standout segment dubbed “Songs We Wish We Wrote” featured spirited covers, including “Since You’ve Been Gone” and “Burnin’ Up,” showcasing the band’s versatility and sense of humor. The fan project during “Garden,” where paper flowers bloomed in the crowd, was a visually stunning moment, and Edith’s acceptance of a flower from a fan emphasized the symbiotic relationship between the band and their admirers.

Meet Me @ The Altar used their platform for more than music, incorporating activism into the show with the presence of Headcount volunteers promoting voter registration. Crowdsurfing added a final touch of chaos to the night, encapsulating the raw, unfiltered spirit of punk.

In summary, Meet Me @ The Altar’s concert at Irving Plaza wasn’t just a show; it was a riotous celebration of individuality, shared experiences, and the unifying power of music. The trio’s ability to seamlessly blend punk, pop-punk, and heartfelt lyrics created an atmosphere that resonated with the diverse audience, making it a night to remember.

Setlist: Same Language, Now or Never, Try, A Few Tomorrows (Crowd voted for this over May the Odds Be Ever In Your Favor), Hit Like a Girl, It’s Over for Me, Since U Been Gone (Partial Kelly Clarkson cover), Take Me Away (Partial Christina Vidal cover), Burnin’ Up (Partial Jonas Brothers cover), T.M.I, Garden, Feel a Thing, Kool, Say It (to My Face)

February 4, 2024