All posts by G. Gordon Gritty

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APRIL 2015 RECS: WHIP APPEAL, ANDY CALIFORNIA, JIM LEONARD

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There was a time six years ago in which your Kids, us KLYAMers, had no clue about the curious power of local rock ‘n roll bands. Right now, on this very April 22, 2015, that seems unheard of. Preposterous. It’s hard to track down when our precise journey into this HomeGrown began, but I’ll tell you what. Whatever is whatever and now is now. Now is always a perfect chance to document some “new” performers that I found particularly inspiring and exciting over the past few weeks of attending shows.

WHIP APPEAL – Saw ’em at Traphaus in New Bedford, April 4, 2015 –  The under the ground pride of Newton, Massachusetts but fuggit what ya say I mean Jamaica Plain, this mysterious trio had me curious the moment I clicked into their web 1.0 official website – http://lastchancestudio.com/whipappeal/ weeks ago. Technological aesthetics to the side (which I’m real fond of, ‘b t w’, I’m privy to repeat listens of their first record Troll Patrol: Spill Yr Juice : Chunk In Chains. Did not know what they’d bring to the live show…I mean does anyone. But they brought themselves, spilling away at clicky clinky noise pop (just some catch phrases to get yourself to listen to the damn record – which actually trolls the spectrum of rock ‘n roll and experimentalism), Dann and Pat switching between drums, guitar, and vox with James a mainstay on the beaten up keyboard and microphone. Some performances were nerve bursting hip hop – something I just don’t see around these parts but I’m like Mickey D’s, I’m loving it. I was in my own world watching them, just generally amazing that there is a crew doing THIS here and now. I can’t wait to catch them in a packed sweatbox. I CAN FEEL IT.

ANDY CALIFORNIA – Saw ’em at Middle East Upstairs, April 10, 2015 –  If there’s an old timey Boston based garage soul and raunchy impresario – legend even – it’s Andy. Alone he’s Andy California. With others, he’s no doubt a big part of the crunch catch all the slimers around here righteously dig, THE MONSIEURS, twirling a mic stand and shouting into your face. And I hear of THE MARTY KINGS, too. Anyway, on this night, Andy California is a ball of fun in the sea of cameras and smiling folks out to enjoy a night of music. He’s right on the floor, in other words, hell his microphone is taped securely to his guitar so he can do just as he pleases. He cranks out tunes that I’d safely call natural – wild-I don’t need anyone-else but ME throwbacks. If dude opened every local show, people would get the stick out the ass and move along ALL night. Powerful stuff.

JIM LEONARD – Saw ’em at Smokey Bear Cave, April 18, 2015 – Ty Segall, White Fence, Jim Leonard. Jim Leonard solo is something I’ve only before dreamed of as an actual thing. I knew he had it in him, I just didn’t know how when where and what. For clarification: this dude’s not a new performer – his damn near classic home-recorded entirely self produced debut A Brief History of Slime was quietly released in 2010, two years later he joined Fat Creeps on drums, and nowadays he’s bashed with Al Marantz and the Piffs and Ben Katzman’s Degreaser. With a fresh new psychedelic batch of oozy sous chef slime called Treble In Paradise (out now on BUFU Records), Jim Leonard, for the first times to my knowledge, is a live performing machine. With merely a tape player, mic stand, and effects pedal, dude karaoked over tunes from the album. Spazzing and getting up and close and personal with everyone and everything, intimately intimidating. This was literally the funnest way I’ve seen a solo musician tackling his own material. He cued guitar solos, simply bringing a personalized vibe to the basement  and better yet I b-b-bet everyone who attended agrees. Check out new album: http://jamesleonard.bandcamp.com/album/treble-in-paradise

Local Music, Music, The Barbazons

Listen To The Barbazons “Bad Catholics” (From Upcoming KLYAM Tape!)/Show @ ZuZu (3/30)

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For Bad Catholics, there is hope. This new one is coming soon on Avec Plaisir – the debut full-length from Boston’s slick, sloppy, and f-u-n rock ‘n roll quintet now calling themselves The Barbazons (and who we previously knew and loved for years as The Fagettes) coming on April 21 VIA our label KLYAM Records.

Git ready!!!!!!!! KLYAM-006

The Barbazons next show is a KLYAM Presents event this upcoming MONDAY MARCH 30 @ ZUZU in Cambridge with MIAMI DORITOS AND GANGBANG GORDON. 10 PM! FB EVENT: https://www.facebook.com/events/1415996088706073/

Band Recommendation, Local Music, Music

Band Recommendation: The Shallow End Divers

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Every now and again, a mess-around, all-around fun local garage band comes to your attention. They might be new or old or some mysterious combination of those. The Shallow End Divers aren’t fly by night, lets get sauced and record it to 7″ toga wearing ’60s frat boys like The mighty Kegstands but to me they carry on that sweet sloppy casual trick. Yes, a beer or six sounds good to me. These Waltham, Massachusetts trouble makers have been carrying on their jam for well over three years, how could these dudes have fell through them KLYAM cracks? Stranger things have happened.

Sometimes garage is like dull and Shaws bakery cookie cutter throwbacky and all that, but sometimes it just isn’t that. With The Shallow End Divers, It AINT, specially on their most recent single game Dead Man’s Ladder/Forget Your Problems, they fall in that fine camp of rock ‘n roll that is deceptively clean and nicely listenable yet also begs to be heard in a more wayward show setting. Been continuously streaming their 2013 EP Melting Skies and I feel like I’m at King Khan and the Shrines or something, all puppeyed and shit, basking in the ole soul. Doing alright, more than alright, thank you.

Shallow End Divers are good people, I bet right. Setting all the imprisoned free.

FB: https://www.facebook.com/theshallowenddivers?ref=br_tf

Kal Marks, Wakes

Wakes, Kal Marks (Solo) @ Thieves Grotto (12/21/14)

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First things first – a big thank you to our pal Scott from TeleVibes for giving me a lift to the show and, before that, tipping off that there was a show happening at the bustling Thieves Grotto. Chris has compared this basement gem to a mini Great Scott. I like that description. This particular show – a little less than a week before Christmas – was not the super packed, sweaty, raging teen/young adult festivity of yesteryear BUT it was a fun time.

Wakes is big man on campus, big man in big basement Tim Oxton singing and slinging guitar with Hadden Stemp on guitar, Amelia Gormley on keys and J Cole on drums. Count me in as a supporter of this crew. The reverby guitars are real urban, real existential. Tim’s deep narratives reach massive pinnacles during the choruses of practically every tune here. These are the memories you don’t have. A cool core of the tunes remind me of speedy mid 2000s Walkmen, some of the more underwatery jams go in a Beach Fossils direction. Quite honestly though Wakes’ Feral Youth is a monster recording – the first two tracks ‘specially, “Widows” in my deranged musical comprehension has some parts reminiscent of BLITZKRIEG BOP. Think maybe Tim figured out what I meant. The more you know the less you understand. Some times lil self-descriptors are off but LATE NIGHT MUSIC rocks this crew’s roll. ENJOY ON BC

As you know Kal Marks are typically a sludgy, beastly pop trio but him or it has also been/is a lone dude, Carl, you know the singer the guy with that instantly recognizable voice. Tonight, it is solo Kal Marks and for me anyway the performance is just as fine as the whole schabang. This is a sit down electric affair, pedals and all, the songs arranged/done somewhat differently than the album cuts. Best way I can put watching this set is like a perfect flow from song to song, including some of the Piss of the Century that I positively fanned on about a couple of years ago and ending with Life is Murder from Life is Murder the big boy juggernaut jam that might be five amazing parts or songs in one. The quiet lonely ending from this solo doing turning itself into a whispering or silent sing-a-long for the un-initiated. Happy to see Kal Marks going strong since seeing ’em at the ole Problem House with Peach Kelli Pop. ENJOY ON BC

BUFU Records, Free Pizza, Music, Nice Guys, Tall Juan

TALL JUAN New BUFU Single / Show In JP With Free Pizza, Nice Guys, Petey

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That’s a loaded headline but we all know Tall Juan of Queens is worthy. For many, it’s an introduction to the man, the waste-no-time punk pop charmer. Falling Down is his latest single, out now on BUFU Records. To celebrate the occasion, he’ll be playing right here in Jamaica Plain house show style next Thursday, December 18. The openers couldn’t be more exciting and a little bit sad. Free Pizza will be playing their last Boston show before they move their inspiring homefront to the Miami area. They’ve been making it rain so to speak around here for the past few years, always being a most fun-loving live band and good people to boot. Wish ’em luck! Our partners in Wax and IceHouse, Nice Guys are on this thing, too, with your childhood friends Petey from North Carolina.

FB EVENT: https://www.facebook.com/events/1609168429312586/

Littlefoot, Local Music, Music

Littlefoot’s “Night Of The Living Dreams” Out NOW!

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The wait is over – Boston’s loveliest, heavenly sounding group Littlefoot have dropped their debut album Night Of The Living Dreams on BUFU Records. 10 dreamers that were recorded this past summer! I remember my first Littlefoot show – it was February 1st (2014) in Providence at Dusk as part of Atlantic Thrills record release. One of my favorites of the year!! Don’t hear Littlefoot’s kind of early rock ‘n roll and dream pop every day, you know? They played all tunes from this release, but of course I didn’t know that at the time. They real good! The record is so well done. I’d feel almost cheesy ‘properly’ reviewing it. Waves of excitement and smiles abound like old times like when I heard Beach House’s Teen Dream about five years ago. When I’m in my late 20s I’ll look back fondly at discovering Littlefoot. So on that note, Erica’s voice and songwriting…just listen!!!!!

Boston Hassle, Hands & Knees, Local Music, Miami Doritos, Music, The TeleVibes

Live Review: Miami Doritos, Hands & Knees, The TeleVibes @ Lilypad (12/6/14)

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It’s Hassle Night – for the unacquainted, this is a night of rock ‘n roll in Inman Square at the trusted Lilypad space. It was more than that though – branded a Christmas giveaway. Free drinks, free records and tapes. All for attendees. Much thanks for that and for putting together this line-up.

I’ve seen all the bands several times. Not going to lie, some more than others. First up, Miami Doritos. A class act, at this point rivaling my fervor for likewise noisy duo No Age circa 2008/2009. Kurt and Al have an ole time, not afraid to tease and torture the crowd every now and then with rawness and mister tom foolery. In between those spaces, those designed or happened upon lapses, are power tunes. Get yourself acquainted with their stuff, come to the show ready. You could be like Chris or something and he’s always dying for some “Bike Cops,” a beast from their tape Scoop Dreams. I’m good and ready for anything Doritos got, though I am that way as well like Chris. I have some songs in mind that click with me in what some might say insane manners. In this instance, it is “Rush Hour / Piss Take” – that fuzzzy interlude or break or whatever the jargon calls for it – before the second half of the jam. It’s unreal , and then the third and final scum build-up. Quintessential Doritos, this is the one to bring to the job interview. I can see (though not quite clearly opting to say no to glasses and contacts) the ladies shaking and grooving, the guys opting more often for some bobblehead stick. That maybe overused expression you do you, the Doritos do the Doritos and that is profound. [MD Bandcamp]

Hands & Knees been around this area, playing rock and roll music for longer than I’ve been around this area listening to rock and roll music. Local music I’m talking. I’ve always been around this area. Just saying. Anyway, I’m happy to see Hands & Knees tonight, first time since their record release show in July at Whitehaus. They are a really funloving quartet, bringing to the table heaps helpings and spoonfuls of soul and pizazz. You don’t really forget seeing this band – media friendly types might go off on tangents of indie pop or something like that, some tidy buzz to streamline your consciousness – and what I mean is this. They are very with it but still a ball of energy and quirkiness that tunes me right in. Younger me would be more cynical, worried about the polish in the otherwise perfectly fine moldy basement but Hands & Knees might just be able to unite the folks, the garagers, and the mainstream pub drunks or at least have something in their repertoire that’d get those types going on, continuing in some night’s direction. They’re the local openers I wish I had seen at Great Scott in 2009. Course I’m really going to go back with H & K, been around since ’07 don’t even think Wavves was around then. Feel it out some more. Happy to recognize “Freakshow” (course any one paying attention I’d hope would remember) and the swaying Margarita downing “Tony The Bookie”. Probably won’t see members of this crew doing kegstands. I wouldn’t go there either. [HK Bandcamp]

I’ve missed out on key TeleVibes shows, frankly something that doesn’t sit with me well, knowing the implications of not seeing three Rowleyites going beyond the dimensions of psychedelic rock ‘n roll. I try to recreate the experiences when I can. I can hold tight for a quick moment, the visual and kinetic freakouts of the Lysergic Factory Lightshow setting up their projectors and the band taking the stage. And no time is wasted, you know it. The opening three licks shredded by Charlie soon complemented by longtime co-conspirator Scott (bass) and new stickman Jesse. It’s TODAY and as significant as it sounds, The TeleVibes taught me how to play music with this song. For references, it’s found on their Washed Up tape. Crazed excitement, perfectly suited for any occasion, Right Now surf garage. I could see them renting a giant ole building and throwing down constantly on the weekends, some Wikipedia noteworthy succession of events. Thieves Grotto is close enough but can you tell I’ve missed this racket, the TeleVibes. Their set leans heavy on the new – post Washed Up, if you get me. If we’re up for water remarks and I am, it’s like the TeleVibes are Nahant Beach and their homies The New Highway Hymnal are Wells Beach. The water’s probably colder, the sky grayer at one versus the other, but you getting into roughly the same thing. Remarkable band carving their creative stamp into decades of the good stuff. [TV Bandcamp]

The Hassle’s got underground and all ages shows and events (like this) galore, check out their online presence if this is your stuff which it surely should be: http://www.bostonhassle.com/

Mark Sultan, Music

Mark Sultan / BBQ Releases New Songs, More Coming!!!!

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Mark Sultan aka BBQ has a lengthy solo discography dating back to 2003 of all sorts of fun, soulful rock ‘n roll. He’s been playing for far longer in various bands. I can say confidently – pretty much everything MS/BBQ related is EXCITING and Interesting. So, too, is the new stuff that Mark has put up on his Bandcamp. Fuzzy slasher “Steppin Out” is from a couple years back with Mark on all instruments except for Helene Grotans (The Okmoniks) on organ. “Dandelion” is a more recent BBQ set-up Rolling Stones cover.

Mark recently put up an unofficial video for new 45 “Agitated” out on Wild Honey Records. Check it out below! Also on the radar are more singles and a full-length on In The Red in 2015. God bless em.

ACLU Benefit, Big Buck Hunter, concert review, Local Music, Music, Nice Guys, reviews

Review: ACLU Benefit, Big Buck Hunter, Nice Guys @ Weenie Hut (11/22/14)

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ACLU Benefit is on stage at the Weenie Hut, nothing new for Noah, whose been playing his bitingly honest music for decades. It’s only in the past year or so that I have had the fortune of discovering and seeing Benefit play. I say fortune because his performances are spectacles. No outrageous antics – more like a community, participatory atmosphere led by a tall, deep voiced dude on electric guitar. He guides fearless sing-a-longs “It’s a lonely lonely world, it’s a lonely lonely world” and “We will hold you when you fall down” and “BEEEERRRRRRRR” and “Everyone is going to die”. Written after the passing of Robin Williams. I typically feel uncomfortable in these situations and so do you, but there’s something about just not caring and enjoying life’s special moments. ACLU Benefit makes it all well and lively. If I had my way, I’d want him to play a set at every show. Every time I write about ACLU Benefit I have deja vu about writing about ACLU Benefit. I’m satisfied with that. This set was my favorite I have seen – the mixture of new songs and old standards and Lil B MIT lecture references. World music fans (not the genre but like everyone), there’s a real gem here.  Old and young, college student or veteran Axis attendee – you’ve been missing out or you’ve been missing in. [BANDCAMP]

Back to their home after a tour with Sun Young…the Big Buck Hunter trio. Nah maybe foursome, thanks to Kurt’s trusty tape player that was somehow perfectly timed with the band’s set. Not really sure how that came to be, but it was a perfect addition. Buck Hunter’s all over the map stylistically speaking, comedic dissonant pop through and through. Something like “Garden” is a real big, big tune. A mover; it never lets you settle down. That’s admirable. Kurt transforms into guitar hero status early and often, economical playing in tough times. Keyboards hold things down for the most part, but even that dude isn’t afraid to venture off on his own. As long as there’s Couch (drums) powering through, always bearing an acute sense of timing and brute. There’s not really a Boston comparison to ’em though Sun Young (who we missed tonight, damn!) are outstanding complements. At times I felt like I was watching the Grateful Dead Pavement Redux and there ya go I never saw either of them, but pretty sure I’d have a good old time. [BANDCAMP]

In a hallway in a basement two nights a row seeing Nice Guys that’s what we do here at KLYAM. They even got a set-list this time. They’re “Legit”. Well, so the night before last, that was Friday Night at Thieves Grotto. I don’t know what they give the kids there, what’s in that magic marker that brandishes you a number upon entry. But for some good reason, it’s always packed and there’s always some serious moshing and fun when these Nice Guys start wailing. They can go up there and cover who knows, Kaufman’s “I Trusted You” with drummer Soul Eater on vocals and everyone goes ape shit all the same. Well, I think that review is coming soon from Chris, so I’ll stick with last night at the weenie hut. A bit more subdued affair at the hut but the sound and passion, the oozin rampant punk it’s slightly addicting if not more. For no bullshizz rock ‘n roll, these guys remain at top of the Pyramid around here. They’ve played a ton in 2014 so the word tight might come up but really anything can happen. No crowd member is ever safe as this is something of a lively bunch, willing to bring the show to your face. [BANDCAMP / KLYAM RECORDS 7″ ]

So we missed Sun Young and Rosie and the Rosies. Click on their hyperlinks