Category Archives: Art

Art, Fat Creeps, Honorary KLAYMERS, Kids Like You and Me, KLYAM Records, Local Music, Miami Doritos, Music, Nice Guys, pictures, Punk

Nice Guys/Miami Doritos Splifft 7″ Now Available At…

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Nice 7
Looking for a last minute Mother’s Day gift? You’re in luck!

KLYAM-002: Nice Guys/Miami Doritos Splifft 7″ is now available at the following Boston area record stores:

Weirdo Records in Cambridge, MA

Armageddon Records in Cambridge, MA

Deep Thoughts in Jamaica Plain, MA

And you can always order the splifft directly from KLYAM Records: http://klyam.bigcartel.com/product/nice-guys-miami-doritos-splifft-7

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You can also find the last remaining copies of this bad boy at Weirdo Records and Armageddon Records. OR you could order one directly from us: http://klyam.bigcartel.com/product/fat-creeps-10-ep-coke-bottle-clear

Art, concert review, Local Music, Music, pictures, Punk, reviews, Video

Review: Dot Wiggin Band & In Heat @ Lilypad (4/5/14)

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Dot
Bands: Dot Wiggin Band, In Heat
Date: Saturday, April 5, 2014
Venue: Lilypad (Cambridge, MA)

Dot Wiggin Band – First and foremost, it’s a pleasure and privilege to have  Dot Wiggin of the legendary Shaggs in our city. I’ve been a Shaggs fan since high school, so it’s exciting.

I can’t speak for other fans, but I’ve never been one to say “ohh this sounds so bad it’s good!” I’ve never understood that logic. I am just a fan of “pop” music and as long as I feel the passion behind that music and its pleasing to my ears then I can get behind it, regardless of technique or fidelity. Dot and her sisters created “outsider” rock ‘n’ roll back in the 60s and it is still being celebrated today as this show is evidence of that.

Tonight, Dot Wiggin takes care of the vocals while Brittany Anjou plays piano, organ, and also sings, and bashing away on the drums is Laura Cromwell aka Helen Jr – her mother Helen Wiggin, Dot’s sister was the original Shaggs drummer. Apparently, this isn’t the usual Dot Wiggin Band line-up, in fact not even half the line-up because the other members had other commitments though as Dot puts it “they are here in spirit.” Word, this one night deal works for me. The unusual is only fitting.

The Lilypad is a sweet, little spot and it is filled up with Shaggs/Dot Wiggin nuts. It’s amusing watching these devotees geek out over the Dot. Their eyes light up when Dot and her band rip through classics such as “It’s Halloween,” “I’m So Happy When You’re Near,” “Who Are Parents?,” and the biggest “hit” “My Pal Foot Foot.”

The Dot Wiggin Band isn’t just a Shaggs tribute band. They are their own entity and they have a new album entitled Ready! Get! Go! out now on Alternative Tentacles. Among this new material is a catchy, little number known as “Banana Bike”, very much keeping that freaky deaky Shaggs spirit alive and well.

It’s great to see an older performer that’s out there playing shows and not doing the typical shitty reunion WE OBVIOUSLY NEED MONEY BADLY! tour. I may not be a hardcore Shaggs/Dot Wiggin fan and honestly there’s only a few songs I really love, but I still admire the music as a whole and recognize its place in history. The influence is indisputable. http://www.dotwigginband.com/home.html

In Heat – I saw these Providence dawgs back in September at the JP Drive In. Goodtimes. Indeed, In Heat is massive contrast from the marshmellowy Dot Wiggin Band. In Heat are loud, hardcore, perhaps even death metal, though I am not totally sure on this. They certainly scream their lungs out and it’s a big wall of  noise. It’s ok, my ears are dead at this point anyway. In Heat is the nail in the coffin.

Here’s a video of this evening’s performance from the Dot Wiggin Band You Tube Channel:

 

 

 

 

Art, concert review, Dylan Ewen, Honorary KLAYMERS, Local Music, Miami Doritos, Music, pictures, Punk

Review: Miami Doritos, Dylan Ewen, Tacocat @ The Womb (3/30/14)

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Taco
Bands: Tacocat, Dylan Ewen/Teenage Springsteen, Miami Doritos, Dylan Ewen & The Sulk Scouts
Date: Sunday, March 30, 2014
Venue: The Womb (Allston, MA)

Dylan Ewen & The Sulk Scouts – The Sulk Scouts is just one of the many faces of Dylan Ewen. Dylan’s music is often in your face and snarky, but the Sulk Scouts are a bit of a departure. This project stays consistent with Dylan’s sense of humor, but in a light and playful manner. They even have a song called “Handcuffs” about light bondage.

As with my prior Sulk Scouts experiences, the highlight of the show is when the band performs a cover of Girls’ “Lust For Life.” It’s such a dreamy, nostalgic piece of music and honestly it sounds better here than anywhere else, and I heard Girls themselves perform ‘Lust’ twice. The female Sulk Scouts harmonize so well, it’s insane. Totally making out music. Totally.

Another highlight for me is D. Ewen classic “Korean Girlfriend.” That’s the money maker right there. It’s all about the ca$h flow and having a good time. Much more the latter. In any spot, preferably a basement such as this womb here, Dylan Ewen & The Sulk Scouts is a hot band to catch live. http://dylanewen.com/

Miami Doritos – A grimy Allston basement is the perfect place to see Miami Doritos. Up close and personal until it’s uncomfortable, no way! I’ve written about these Doreets several times now, so yeah they’re a two piece (vocals/guitar/drums) and I have a thing for two pieces and so on. Not to mention the fact that this two piece is on my own record label. YEAHH BUDDY!

We almost didn’t have our little Miami Doritos dessert tonight, for drummer Alex has been feeling under the weather this evening. Thankfully, this dorito is a trooper and he powers through a slimy, sweaty set without a hint of error.

This set is chock full of classic Doreets material, like vh1 classic, except not at all. “Price 2 Pay,” “Rush Hour/Piss Take,” “Bike Cops,” “Ice Age Cream,” and more. These are all funny songs, but it’s not a joke. Do you fucking hear anyone laughing, HUH??? Didn’t think so. No jokes. No bullshit. That’s what is great about this kind of music. In fact, most bands that play in basements around this scene. There’s no careerism, at least not overtly. The music isn’t being made to advance a career or some other horrible political motivation. No babies being kissed. I don’t know what goes on in Kurt’s and Alex’s minds, but I am sure there is a constant riot going on.

Get yer greedy little paws all over this masterpiece of modern art: http://klyam.bigcartel.com/product/nice-guys-miami-doritos-splifft-7

Dylan Ewen/Teenage Springsteen – Dylan Ewen is back with an impromptu performance under the Teenage Springsteen pseudonym. He is also accompanied by a drummer, a dude from the band Designer. Right on. The pair flash through a batch of fast and feisty numbers including a half assed cover of Violent Femmes’ “Blister in the Sun.” Check out Springsteen here: http://dylanewen.bandcamp.com/ It’s a lot cooler than the other Springsteen, there I said it.

Tacocat – I can’t say I know all too much about Seattle’s Tacocat, but I am intrigued.  It looks as though a lot of heads flock out to see these Tacocats. And indeed they eat it up and start dancing/moshing. They’re definitely a lively band and they have a strong sense of lighthearted garage mixed with gritty girl group vibes. Picture Colleen Green as a full band and not just CG with a backing band, but imagine if she was a full band entity. I also feel a lot of 90s rock in them like The Breeders. Lastly, local faves Silkies roll through my psyche, especially with the girl group vibes and definitely in the vocals. I’m going to check out Tacocat more now. Ride that crimson wave over and over again. http://tacocat.bandcamp.com/

 

Art, concert review, Gangbang Gordon, Local Music, Music, pictures, Punk

Review: Gangbang Gordon, Vaporubs, Lady Pilot @ O’Brien’s Pub (3/28/14)

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GBG O
Bands: Gangbang Gordon, The Vaporubs, Lady Pilot
Date: Friday, March 28, 2014
Venue: O’Brien’s Pub (Allston, MA)

Gangbang Gordon – I’M WALKING HERE! I’M WALKING HERE! Gangbang Gordon is walking here and he’s playing here too. The party animal himself has brought along a whole  crew of hooligans. BBT (Big Ben Tan) on bass, Justin DeCarlo (my bro) on drums, and Brian Hickey on guitar. They are all crammed in together on the tiny O’Brien’s stage.

Tonight, GBG’s vocals are a bit clearer than usual and the band sounds like they have rehearsed, just a little bit. Saving some of the typical GBG theatrics for another night. Though, at one point he kicks the men’s room door wide open. GBG plays for the all of the people, even if they have to take a whiz. He comes to you.

Covers. BOY, you got it. The WTF band perform a little ditty known as “Cherry” from a band (Fat Creeps) we first saw here at O’Brien’s many moons ago (April 13, 2012).

Pop your cherry to GBG here: http://gbgordon.bandcamp.com/

The Vaporubs – The Vaporubs hail from Providence, RI, a city that has given us its fair share of crunchy, spankin’ rock ‘n’ roll goodness in the last few years, and these fellas offer us a slice from that humble pie.

Vaporubs play a fast power pop/punk/new wave sounding set. It’s loud and feisty, and naturally would serve better with a larger audience. Alas, it’s a tad sparse in the haus. Nonetheless, they rub it all out, even hopping off the stage and into the crowd.

I must be losing my marbles these days, because I forgot to cop a set list! and this wasn’t some ordinary set list, no way. Vaporubs go all out with their set lists, they laminate them! Anywho, my eyes light up when they shred through their rendition of The Go Go’s “Vacation.” I could use one.

Lady Pilot – I don’t remember most of Lady Pilot’s set, it all happens so fast! It kept up the same punk energy of the first two bands, falling much more in line with The Vaporubs though. This show is Lady Pilot’s tape release and it is being released on La Parca. La Parca put on the show tonight, so big shout out to them! http://ladypilot.bandcamp.com/

Art, Beware the Dangers of a Ghost Scorpion, concert review, Local Music, Music, pictures, Punk, reviews

Review: Beware The Dangers Of A Ghost Scorpion! and Sun Lions @ Middle East Upstairs (3/22/14)

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Beware
Bands: Beware The Dangers Of A Ghost Scorpion!, Sun Lions, Soft Pyramids, Whiskey Warpath
Date: Saturday, March 22, 2014
Venue: Middle East Upstairs (Cambridge, MA)

We missed Whiskey Warpath and Soft Pyramids. Damn, next time!

Sun Lions – I have mixed feelings about this band. They are pleasant in some respects, especially in a live setting, but I’m not going bonkers over them either. It’s just too clean and proper for my savage tastes. I need an extra kick in the gut to loosen me up a little bit. This set feels like it lasts forever too. http://thesunlions.bandcamp.com/

Beware The Dangers Of A Ghost Scorpion! – Now, here is a band more to my liking. BTDOAGS is a trippy, all instrumental surf rock outfit, a surf nut’s wet dream, if you will.

Staying true to their name, the guys bear an air of mystery to them. Dressed in black shirts and blue jeans and wearing bandannas that cover most of their faces, they never verbally interact with their audience, not once. Instead, they communicate with their music.

I am always biased when it comes to surf music. I find it hard not to enjoy it, even if it is extremely generic. Frankly, it actually all sounds the same to me, but that’s just it, it’s a sound and one that I never get tired of hearing. Still, BTDOAGS picks it up a notch with their sinister, horror punk take on the genre. Anyway you look at it, it’s fun.

Overall, a strong set, but I’ve seen better from the band. The venue is mostly filled and the crowd is digging the band, rightfully so, but I’d rather see at least one of the members leap off the stage and dance around with the audience or entice them to move more as I have seen in the past. Regardless, always a pleasure to see these dudes. BTDOAGS in a basement/underground setting, now that is something I need to see next.  http://ghostscorpion.bandcamp.com/

ACLU Benefit, Art, BUFU Records, Dylan Ewen, Fat Creeps, Free Pizza, Gangbang Gordon, Honorary KLAYMERS, Local Music, Music, Nice Guys, pictures, Punk

BUFU Fest 2014 Schedule Announced

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BUFU sch
Yo, check it out! Here’s the schedule for this weekend’s BUFU Records Fest. Our GBG starting at 420 on Saturday, tight. 4 mo info, here’s da fascist book page: https://www.facebook.com/events/695215827208809/709038109159914/?notif_t=plan_mall_activity

Art, concert review, Honorary KLAYMERS, Kal Marks, Local Music, Miami Doritos, Music, Nice Guys, pictures, Punk, reviews

Review: Miami Doritos, Kal Marks, Buttercup @ Charlie’s Kitchen (3/17/14)

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st
FAST APPLE presents: Nice Guys, Kal Marks, Miami Doritos, Buttercup
Date: Monday, March 17, 2014
Venue: Charlie’s Kitchen (Cambridge, MA)

I haven’t been taking care of my show “reviews” the way I should be. You can call me out on it, you can pinch my nipples extra hard when you see me next. Extra hard. So, here’s a show from a few weeks back.

Buttercup – Aww, look at the cute little buttercup, aww. Nope, not these guys. They’ll eat you up and tear you a new asshole. Tear you three. Buttercup is Nathan (guitar/vocals) and Lee (drums) of local favorites Saralee. This performance is a departure from the soft, serene pop of Saralee. Buttercup is blistering noise without a hint or care for melody or pop. With that being said, their song “Fucked You In My Car” has stuck to me for the last few weeks. It’s sticky.

Rough, unsafe at any speed, and harmful for all ages. Buttercup: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tE1sKFwe9j8

Miami Doritos – The Miami Doreets are back in Boston! These Doreets just got back from a slammin’ tour with fellow rough riders NICE GUYS and they aren’t even stopping for a breather.

I first saw Miami Doritos last July and in the subsequent months I have come to adore everything about them. Which is actually funny because I often have a hard time describing the band to people. Mad people (I don’t know why they are so maddd) will go up to me and say “hey, what’s up with these doritos? Are they really from Miami? What’s going on? Who am I?” I don’t know what to tell them, but here’s a shot. Musically, this vocals/guitar/drums based two piece, are a rough mixture of  bizarre garage punk and screechy noise pop. It’s not all brutality though, they are a fun, charming bunch of ragamuffins.

I’ve never been to Charlie’s before. I know, it’s whack, but I also have never lived in the city. It’s a tight venue and the place is bumpin’, bumpin’ to the doreets in all their wacky goodness. For more wacky goodness. Hit up their bandcamp: http://miamidoritos.bandcamp.com/

Kal Marks – Kal Marks is a straight up epic band. It’s hard not to get swept away in this group’s overwhelming sound and emotion. They have almost a classic rock feel to them, but not in a cheesy or pretentious way.

I’ve seen Kal Marks several times over the years, but this is the first time my brother has seen them and he’s going nuts and he’s not the only one. Alas, we have to depart earlier than expected on this evening and aren’t able to catch the full set :(. In time, we’ll catch you again Kal. http://kalmarks.bandcamp.com/

Nice Guys – The name ain’t a misnomer! Listen to them here: http://niceguys666.bandcamp.com/ and seriously pick up a copy of the Nice Guys/Miami Doritos Splifft 7″ from KLYAM Records!