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Art, concert review, Durt Dog The Band, Gangbang Gordon, Local Music, Music, pictures, Punk, reviews, Ronnie Nordac

Video Review: Ronnie Nordac, Durt Dog the Band, Gangbang Gordon @ Club Bohemia (8/1/13)

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GBG
Bands: Ronnie Nordac, Durt Dog the Band, Gangbang Gordon, Animals & Sharp
Date: Thursday, August 1, 2013
Venue: Club Bohemia (Cambridge, MA)

So, I was not present for this wonderful, most likely life mutilating experience :(. Fortunately, Papa KLYAM viddied the whole show on his old school, analog, 1991 VHS styled camera. Good work sir! And with documentation being the name of the game I just had to write about the thing. In other words, this is technically not a live review, but rather a review of the performance via video. Ok ramblers, let’s get rambling.

Ganbang Gordon – Name a piece of music from the last twenty-five years that wasn’t influenced by Gangbang Gordon. Tough, considering this is only his third performance! His latest and greatest, a massive improvement from the last two shows, which were striking in their own fashion, but this one tops them all.

Firstly, GBG’s appearance is slightly different here. This time, he eschews the regular GBG garb (blonde wig, corona hat, shades, etc), wearing a casual shirt and shorts instead. Secondly, he is joined on stage by local musician and pal, Ben Tan on drums. Together the two bash through a set of standard GBG tunes including “Damn Shame,” “Passed In My MCAS Exam,” and my favorite “Life at the ABC,” a song by and for the working man. Another notable number comes in the form of a cover of Girls of the Gravitron’s “Weird World,” an obscure song from an obscure band; nonetheless, GBG captures it’s weird spirit.

In typical GBG fashion, the outside rocker runs around the venue, on and off the stage, playing on the floor, creating piles of feedback and often hasslin’ the audience in the process. Thankfully, the crowd is rather warm and receptive with shouts and cheers, oohs and ahhs alike. The biggest response comes when he unleashes his epic Spanish rapcore ditty “Orguello de Rappers,” bringing the mic with him out on the floor, rapping directly for the people.

The set concludes with GBG and BBT (BIG BEN TAN) simultaneously boppin’ the drums, each with one drum stick in hand. The crowd eats it up and applauds while the pair step forward, bowing for their audience in mutual appreciation.

If you would like to learn more about Gangbang Gordon, go to your local library or simply click the link here: http://gbgordon.bandcamp.com/

“Have you been Durt Dogging it man?”
“Yeah, I’ve been Durt Dogging it dude. I Durt Dog it four times a day.”
“No no, I mean rocking out to the infectious sounds of Lowell based folk slimers Durt Dog the Band led by the one and only Brian Donovan.”
“Ohhh.”

Well son, now is your time to experience Durt Dog the Band. And if you haven’t  listened to Durt Dog the Band, listen to Durt Dog the Band. I don’t know how to make it any clearer. Brian Durt Dog Donovan is accompanied by several of his comrades and they provide us with a vast, intimidating set that lasts for fifty minutes! They even tag along a violinist.

The music is mellow, may even make you reflect upon your life up until this very moment and what great music doesn’t do that anyway? I don’t recall if they play it or not (gimme a break I’ve only seen the video once!), but “Rat Traps” off the album Weight is one of my favorite things right now in life. It’s encouraging, like when you are riding your bike for the first time as a child (no training wheels) and you realize that the mailman is no longer holding on to you, you’re doing it all by yourself… and now you’re desperately trying to get away from the mailman. Heavy stuff. Listen to the Weight and everything Durt Dog here: http://durtdogtheband.bandcamp.com/album/weight

Golly. That’s the best word I have to describe the music of Ronnie Nordac. Golly, what a fine young man we have here. Fine with his long, black hair and shades like Joey Ramone. I imagine in High School Ronnie was constantly getting chased by all the girls.

“Gosh, I’d love to go to the Enchantment Under the Sea Dance with you Ronnie Nordac!” Of course you do, sweetheart.

Ronnie Nordac lives life the way God intended us to: eating pizza, drinking 40s, and making out with babes. Paradise. In fact, Ronnie would fit in well with the Garden of Eden crowd; plinking away on his guitar, whilst Adam and Eve hop around naked – save for the green leaves on top of their crotches, and naturally they will be tongue wrestling, sipping on 40s, and emptying pizza box after pizza box. No heart attacks, no hang overs, no HIVs, just Ronnie. Do iT!
Listen up kids: http://ronnienordac.bandcamp.com/

Art, concert review, Honorary KLAYMERS, Music, New Highway Hymnal, Nice Guys, pictures, Punk, reviews, The Fagettes

Review: Boston Fuzzstival (8/10/13)

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Bands: Nice Guys, Fagettes, Moniker, Guillermo Sexo, CreaturoS,  The New Highway Hymnal
Date: Saturday, August 10, 2013
Venue: Middle East Downstairs (Cambridge, MA)

I’m not the right person to be writing about the Fuzztival… and I assure you no one else will make that claim right off the bat to you in any other “review.” I also assure you that no one else has the the right to review this show more than me either. Reviews are pointless to begin with, don’t listen to reviewers, nothing but trouble. Never done me any good. But, I am going to write about this show anyway because that’s how it goes, that’s how it’s always been. The Middle East Downstairs, fuck man, this brings back memories. No other venue compares. KLYAM attended shows at Mid East Down way before there even was a KLYAM!  We saw Black Lips, No Age, The King Khan & BBQ Show, and Box Elders (opening for Black Lips) here. Here. These suckers, these fuckers, these icons were inches away from us; their saliva smoothly sailed down my beat up, gray Ramones shirt.  The next day at school I would brag about what I saw, oh boy! “Girlfriends” would feign interest, it was a glorious time to be alive. But, the fun can only last so long. Soon I would realize that they just thought I was cool because I read Noam Chomsky and Malcolm X, and indeed those men are cool, but these femmes never wanted me, they never wanted us, they never wanted rock ‘n’ roll . They just saw my slick, leather jacket and assumed I was cool. KLYAM began on the concept that cool was death, we were anarchists, rebels, nerds, dorks, sociopaths, retards,  reatards. Reatards. We didn’t know (and still don’t know) how  things work. Late at night/ early in the morning, you could listen to Black Lips, Jay Reatard, King Khan & The Shrines, The King Khan & BBQ Show or even that psycho gorgeous band Deerhunter and for two seconds it made sense! The world was a fucked up place, but these dudes were fucked up too and they loved it and they drank their own piss and  that was okay that gave us hope, honestly.

And with that lovely introduction, here are Nice Guys! Woooooo Nice Guys woooo. How many shows has it been? Fuck it, you been counting? Me neither (yeah right) have I, I don’t fucking know, calm down. NIce Guys are a funny band though they play this abrasive, semi-hardcore, quasi garage style of music that just makes the hairs on my testes jet up and dance, It’s fucking loud and fun and noisy. They shit out various hits y’all oughta know like “Herb Chambers,” “Cop Walk,” and “Burrito Boner,” which is a favorite among dental receptionists.

I’ve seen my fair share of Nice Guys sets, yeah yeah yeah yeah, and they typically rock, but this one is a comparatively exceptional rocker. Cam Slays on the drums, up on that little drum riser thing like a Greek God –  must be new to the Mid East Down, cuz I’ve never seen it before. Jake, Matt, and, Alex jolt back and forth on the guitars, bashing into one another, crawling over their bandmates’ sweaty skin, tangling in wires and such. My favorite moment in the set is when Cam rushes up from his drum set and tackles Jake to the floor. That’s what I like to see, I love aggression, I guess I am just a sick guy. Nah, metal folk are sick, I am just having fun. Nice Guys are fun and sweet! http://niceguys666.bandcamp.com/

Set – List:
“Gary”
“Herb Chambers”
“Unholy Sacrifice”
“Free”
“Finale”
“Cop Walk”
“HD”
“MD”
“Burrito Boner”
Watch Nice Guys play “Draggins” at the Fuzzstival HERE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdqiUk8gGi0

Nice Guy Matt Garlick is back again in The Fagettes and he’s joined by Ryan, Melanie, Peaches, and Joe. Fagettes are a KLYAM fave, only a fool couldn’t tell you that. They lean toward the nastier side of rock and roll that we cherish. Besides delivering humorous and informative weather reports, they unleash many essentials including “My Girl Looks Like Johnny Thunders,” “On Drugs,” “Water, Tea, and Alcohol,” “Tsunami,” and “Gonna Die Out Here.” In addition to the gunky classics, the fivesome also bash out some new numbers with “Bad Catholic” being my top jam for this holy evening. I too was a bad catholic, drank the holy water, bopped the bishop, and licked plenty of peanut butter.

A cool breeze just splashed over me, it’s a sign that Fagettes are the future of American pop music OR a favorite band of mine, Either way the future looks bright. http://thefagettes.bandcamp.com/
Watch The Fagettes play “On Drugs” at the Fuzzstival HERE:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jug1J4cAub0

Moniker – I catch flashes of  Moniker’s set, I dig, but I need to hear more to judge.  Find out for yo self here: http://whatsyourmoniker.bandcamp.com/

Now to Guillermo Sexo. Not as sexy as I would have thunk; not enough gunk punk in thee old junk. That’s okay though, I think some of y’all would dig them. For the first ten minutes or so, I’m feeling sexy, but then it just drags and my psyche yearns for some “Light Shines,” but that’s another band for another day, Ultimately, this is a decent band, just not exciting enough for my tastes. http://guillermosexo.bandcamp.com/

CreaturoS are a psych outfit that often pop up on local listings and rightfully so.  While, I can’t say that they are the right kind of punk slime dish that I prefer,  they do rock pretty hard, enough so to garner an onslaught of fuzzstivalers, friends, and fans up on stage moshing and boppin’ about.  A killer way to conclude a set.  http://creaturos.bandcamp.com/

During CreaturoS’ and Sexo’s sets, I”m clutching on to the monitors and dreaming about a three way between Betty Rubble, Wilma Flintstone, and myself. Gee whiz, that would be a swell time, but I must be at least a tad bit insane in the old membrane for me to conjure up such images. Ironically, The New Highway Hymnal put me in my place. Arguably, The NHH are the freakiest of the bands tonight and that works to their  advantage. Vocalist/guiarist Hadden Stemp utters “Let’s give it up for CreaturoS,” receiving very little crowd response. “That sucked,” Stemp accurately asserts.  He gives the Boston crowd one more chance and with a slight improvement we segue way into the New Highway Hymnal’s diabolic set. The trio, which includes Travis Hagan on drums and Amelia Gormley on bass and vocals, open with “Whispers,” the title track off their epic LP released last year on Vanya Records.  The fuzziness continues with the grimy album opener “Through Stained Glass,” and then my memory is fuzzy after that (yes just a few hours later). I think there’s some new cuts tossed at us or just stuff that’s fresh to my ears. Last I remember is “Hey Kid” and then Hadden i s suddenly on the floor with us in the audience, jumpin’ around and what not, and then he’s back up on stage like a ninja. He’s quick and I’ve had too menty, a deadly combination. In any setting, listen to The New Highway Hymnal’s Whsipers LP here: http://thenewhighwayhymnal.bandcamp.com/releases

concert review, Music, Paul Weller, reviews

Review: Paul Weller, Matthew Ryan @ Royale (7/28/13)

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JULY_2013PAULWELLER 009

Bands: Paul Weller, Matthew Ryan
Venue: Royale
Date: Sunday, July 28, 2013

I’ve seen shows at the Royale with a decent degree of irregularity since the posh club opened its doors in 2010. No complaints as far as the performances were concerned; King Khan and the Shrines, Deerhunter, The Walkmen – all bigger names that have pleased me nicely over the years. Seeing Paul Weller fits right in there, especially in a standing room only setting like this one.

Kicking off the night was Matthew Ryan – one man with an acoustic guitar. He said it’s not easy being one man with a guitar opening for a legend such as Paul Weller. I agree. I’m not sure many solo performers of Ryan’s variety could do an adequate job of entertaining me in this kind of setting. He did seem to garner some interest, but there were just as many people chitchatting among themselves and ignoring the performance as there were genuinely curious onlookers. His set didn’t do anything for me, but I didn’t expect it to.

Paul Weller – I’m no expert on him, but seeing him a couple of times before this, and listening to his solo albums since I was very young, I’ve grown very appreciative of what he’s done. This was definitely the most fun I’ve had at a Paul Weller show. I would say that this might just be how other attendees feel as well. It may have been years since some of these people have gotten the chance to see Paul up close and personal. Having him and his band (made up of another guitarist, a bassist, an organist, and two drummers) wail away just feet in front of me is something I won’t forget. From this mini-tour’s itinerary, it seems like Paul made it a point to play at smaller sized venues, at least in comparison to the gigantic structures he regularly plays in his native country. As far as what the audience was treated to… about twenty songs from his old Jam days up through his latest Sonic Kicks LP. I was familiar with most of Paul’s set (shout out to setlist.fm for preparation), but the Stanley Road back-to-back of “Whirlpools End” and “The Changingman” is my favorite. Eight hundred 50-somethings chugging $13 mixed drinks may agree with me there. Paul came back for an encore and finished things off with customary Jam hit “Town Called Malice.” We were all pulling for a second encore, but hey that’s alright, we enjoyed a very memorable hour of music.

concert review, Fat Creeps, Local Music, Miami Doritos, Music

Review: Snow Wite, Secret Lover, Fat Creeps, Miami Doritos @ A Basement

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JULY_2013PAULWELLER 003

Bands: Snow Wite, Secret Lover, Fat Creeps, Miami Doritos
Venue: A Basement In Boston
Date: Friday, July 26, 2013

I think arriving to shows early is a very great thing. I’ve always felt this way. Going to a stranger’s basement to see a rock ‘n roll show early is even better. In that time between when the first band comes on, you can get to indulge yourself in talking to other attendees and the bands, and drink your own beers. This particular show didn’t kick off ’til much later than planned, but when domes came down the stairs, they came in bunches.

I was really excited to hear Miami Doritos, being a fan of previous performances of ThighMasters and Nice Guys…other bands of Kurt and Alex, respectively. Kurt belted out these tunes and Alex crushed drums. I remember being immediately impressed by the jams. It was like seeing the full Ty Segall Band drive forth with brief tantalizing punk tunes. These songs were really catchy – at least to ears that can readily identify hooks underneath loud loud noise. Like other fascinating duos, Miami Doritos made the most out of just a little. For local garage punk, I’d stick these dudes right up there in the ranks. I got a tape of theirs that is bound to be reviewed on this very site soon.

The KLYAM obsessed/debut KLYAM Records signees Fat Creeps played second. I haven’t reviewed them in a while as that has been the forte of Chris, rock ‘n roll’s youngest dirty old man. According To Jim. The 24th time (seeing them live) is the charm. Not to say the other 23 weren’t the charm, oh you bet they were. My eyes had not previously witnessed the Creeps in a true basement setting, Starlab not included. Seeing them at a rate now three times that of the Black Lips – an incredible feat given our steadfast devotion to those dudes – I sort of know what to expect of a Fat Creeps performance. Yet not really. There’s Gracie switching between her three guitars, by all means something we take for granted given the outrageously amazing sonics which I call tasty swells that are procured throughout the set. So you know, tonight brought all the classics of old (like on the EP), several new-ish jams that deserve their own acclaim, and a cover – ‘Sex Beat’ by The Gun Club, which brought back old memories of last summer when I heard the Creeps play it for the first time. I really dug seeing the Creeps in this setting, the unmanned PA system doing its job just as nice as any old sound guy.

Secret Lover gathers their instruments. This Worcester band is one that I’ve seen before. And I’ve listened to them after the fact as well. I can’t help but chuckle to myself as I’m standing inches away from the singer who is making rounds in and around the invisible stage. I say they’re like the Barbaras or Ariel Pink instrumentally with a spooky, Disney Rock n Roller Coaster vocalist. I’m blown away compared to the first time I saw them. I’ll take more time out of my daily regiment to recall this truly bizarre group. Even bizarre doesn’t seem like the right word, it’s just that in this day and age, rock ‘n roll combinations of Secret Lover esque proportions are rare. Maybe the closest modern comparison could be Screaming Females, if only in the singing department.

Last up is the headliner from LA. This is Snow Wite. The logistics of this band, the members more specifically, include three members of Secret Lover as backing musicians to vocalist and guitarist, Andy. Snow Wite’s an interesting character for sure. There’s a legion of what I presume are genuine fans from a distant past (one year, tops) standing at the front, gushing over Andy for the duration of the set. These folks are having what appears to be the time of their lives. On the other side of me is Chris, who is not impressed one bit by Snow Wite. My stance on this issue is sorta like how I was standing: middling. I saw all the music videos before this show and I had some suspicions. It seems too intense to be purely pretentious or jokestery so I didn’t make any superficial judgments (as I try not to). The music itself, for the most part, is a blend of late ’90s mainstream pop rock and classic guitar rock psychedelia. Don’t count me in as a meaningful fan of either of those, but I did appreciate some of Snow Wite, particularly his flashy guitar work.

Art, Atlantic Thrills, concert review, Honorary KLAYMERS, Local Music, Music, New Highway Hymnal, pictures, Punk, reviews

Review: The New Highway Hymnal, Atlantic Thrills, First Creature, CreaturoS @ O’Brien’s Pub (7/12/13)

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NHH OB
Bands: The New Highway Hymnal, Atlantic Thrills, First Creature, CreaturoS
Date: Friday, July 12, 2013
Venue: O’Brien’s Pub (Allston, MA)

CreaturoS get the Freakfest started right and they are some loud motherfuckers, that’s  for sure. The kind of band where you may look deep into the eyes of the person standing next to you, who you have never met before, and say “CreaturoS bro, CreaturoS” and they will say “YESSS.”  Their brand of psych rock has some garage flavor, not in the sloppy sense, but plenty of grit like one’s hands after a hard day’s work. I honestly can’t think of too many comparisons here, but if you dig the headliners, The New Highway Hymnal (whom they have often shared a bill) I am sure you will also wet your pants when you hear theses guys, or you just have bladder control issues, I don’t know, I’m trying to help us all man!  http://creaturos.bandcamp.com/

Up next is the freaky deaky stylings of Virginia’s First Creature. In my short time on this planet, I have never come across First Creature, but there’s a first for everything as y’all know. Alas during their set, the crowd is sparse, but First Creature still does their thing and they do it quite well. Their knack for psych punk fits with the other bands on this bill and while I can’t say I got a complete taste of their potential, I am definitely intrigued. Check them out here:  http://firstcreaturerva.bandcamp.com/

The moments before Atlantic Thrills go on is like standing in line for a kickass roller coaster ride you’ve taken before, but one you never get tired of hopping on again and again. You know the ride is going to make you scream, possibly puke, and most importantly leave you with a frazzled mind, body, and soul. It’s been a good while, since we have taken the Atlantic Thrills ride (March I believe), so that certainly amplifies my excitement.

As usual, Glen and I are right up front bashing back and forth to the gut bustin’, beer chuggin’, slimy mess that is the Atlantic Thrills. Much like the Black Lips, the emphasis is placed upon pure fun and less about solos and other virtuoso garbage. That isn’t to say these dudes can’t play, they know their shit and they execute it well.

My attempts at encouraging others to come up and dance are futile at best, but the KLYAM crew makes the most out of it. We don’t give a fuck, so we continue to slam each other into the poles and on the floor and back again. At one point,  Glen even falls on to Dan Tanner’s equipment, making his guitar and vocals go out of tune for a few seconds. Most uptight bands would get their panties caught in an uproar over such shenanigans, but the Thrillz  realize that rock ‘n’ roll ain’t perfect. Their only concern comes from one  Kelly Riley (guitar/vocals): “just don’t knock over the whiskey.”

Atlantic Thrills are heading on tour later this week, check out the tour dates here: https://klyam.com/2013/07/21/atlantic-thrills-summer-tour-2013/  and stay tuned for an upcoming single entitled “A Day At The Beach”  on Almost Ready Records on August 13.  The label will also be releasing the band’s full length LP this fall.

Speaking of tours, this evening’s Freak Fest serves as the tour kick off for Boston’s psych monsters, The New Highway Hymnal. The New Highway Hymnal are a trippy band to begin with, but it gets even trippier when you throw The Lysergic Factory Lightshow into the mayhem. LFL’s own Peter Colpack describes the music of NHH better than I can myself.  He asserts that it’s like getting trapped in a fucked up acid trip you can’t escape. I can testify that the light show he and his companion Dylan put on certainly reflect the psychedelic experience of a New Highway Hymnal show.

The trio plays most of my favorite songs including “Whispers,” the title track off of their debut LP – pick it up, it’s a doozy.  For some reason, this song stands out to me more than any other song tonight; I am really tripped out by Hadden Stemp’s  line “Can you help me find my voice?” I suppose that is the reason, duh. Indeed, it is an odd line and Hadden delivers it well, honing in his Jim Morrison esque vocals.

As the set closes, all hell breaks loose as it appears that The New Highway Hymnal are on a mission to destroy their instruments, themselves, and everything else in their path. Atlantic Thrills’ Eric Aguiar says this is his favorite part of the set, and I have to second this notion. The whole show is a lot of fun, they play out often in the Boston area and beyond, so go out and see these talented kids.

LISTEN: http://thenewhighwayhymnal.bandcamp.com/ For fans of psychedelic, blues, rock ‘n’ roll, punk, noise pop, garage, yeahhh all that good stuff. Click it.

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

Review: Beware the Dangers of a Ghost Scorpion!, Jacques Le Coque, The Zookeepers, Polaroidz @ O’Brien’s Pub (7/5/13)

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Bands: Beware The Dangers Of A Ghost Scorpion!, Jacques Le Coque, The Zookeepers, Polaroidz
Date: Friday, July 5, 2013
Venue: O’Brien’s Pub (Allston, MA)

Polaroidz – Alright, alright, alright, alright, it’s Polaroidz! Polaroidz were originally known as Polaroids until recently it was unearthed that another Polaroids (of most likely, significantly less importance) already exists. Aww shucks! Unless, this is some sort of sick trick the band is playing on all of us and I fell for it, looking increasingly foolish with each word I type. Hopefully, this is not the case…

Anywho, last time I saw them was at a packed basement show at the Wilder Zangcraft and it was pretty ethereal. Since then, the band has changed a little bit with not just the alleged subtraction of the letter s and the zany addition of the  letter z, they have also added a new guitarist named Al. Oh and I should have probably mentioned by now that Polaridz also consists of Hadden Stemp (who you may have seen as the skull crackin’ vocalist/guitarist for The New Highway Hymnal) on guitar and vocals and Tim Oxton on lead vocals and keyboards. Altogether, the trio create a dreamy, mellowy brand of pop music not too unfamiliar to most music fan’s ears. Wow, that was convoluted. What I mean to say is that Polaroidz have a strong sound that bears resemblance to various artists in the modern rock/pop landscape such as Interpol, The Editors, Handsome Furs, New Order, and one that I never conjured up but Glen points to – Beach House. I feel ya man.

Polaroidz have summery vibes, but not like Beach Boys or anything of that sort, but akin to you just broke up with your girlfriend, so now you spend all of your nights alone at the beach with a pair of headphones, a bottle of wine, and an old book by some author with a last name I cannot pronounce. When all is said and done, the music is evocative, a bit trippy, but above all powerful – especially in the vocals. Lend your ears to their fine tunes. http://polaroidz.bandcamp.com/

The Zookeepers – For the record, I have never understood pop punk. I like pop music. Scratch that I la la love pop music. And as far punk goes, if it’s in the traditions of old school garage, Ramones, Germs and anything with similar aesthetics, then I am typically a fan or at least a supporter. But, pop punk, with very few exceptions (Descendants and Wavves) I disdain. It’s strange, because separately I love those two words, but together they make me want to vomit bags of blood.

And so with that introduction in mind, The Zookeepers are of the pop punk variety. Here’s the twist, they’re actually pretty good and if I was a fan of this style of music, I’d say they were amazing. As far as sweaty, balls out passion and enthusiasm go, these dudes have it and they also have some solid songs to boot. Seriously though, for fans of pop punk and that kind of music, check these guys out because they ROCK. The members often switch up instruments, but unlike most other bands that do this, they don’t stop for a single moment, they keep the momentum while they do the switcheroo, creating a nice little sing a long in the process.

As far as comparisons go, I’m not the best guy for this, but I can think of a few artists that remind me of The Zookeepers or vice versa. Firstly (and admittedly the glasses are a factor) the only original pop punk band I love, Descendants, appear to be an influence, especially in the band’s speedy songs. Another influence is the hip, stylish electronica outfit, Head Automatica. Lastly, one that feels very close to home is the phenomenal, virtually unknown Memphis monster: The Barbaras!  Like this band (one of my all time favorites), Zookeepers have this gauche, “I don’t give a fuck,” nerdy attitude to them; at times just plain zany, but ultimately fun. Though it’s not exactly my bag, if you’re looking for a pop punk that will offer everything they got and more  and some strangeness on top for you and your lover to dance to, then The Zookeepers are your men.  https://myspace.com/thezookeepers

Jacques Le Coque – Seeing Jacuqes Le Coque has held a spot on the KLYAM to do list for over a year now.  Coque (pronounced COCK) are on the same wavelength as KLYAM as far as punk slime goes. So, finally meeting these fine, upstanding gentlemen is a total pleasure. Pete Mazza (vocals/guitar), Jason Kyek (drums), RJ DeAngelis (lead guitar), and Brendan Toller (bass) are the four men that comprise Stamford, Connecticut’s hottest rock ‘n’ roll band. Though this is our first encounter with the dudes, we are able to reminisce of past shows that lie deep in our collective punk slime unconsciousness, such as Saralee and one particularly rambunctious Black Lips warehouse show in Brooklyn.  Can’t stress enough how great it is to come across some people that know their contemporary garage punk, and this quality totally comes through in Coque’s spirited rock ‘n’ roll.

Before the boys hit the mini O’Brien’s stage, Pete tells me that he is “ready to rock ‘n’ roll” and believe me it sounds significantly cooler in person than in print. And Pete and his brethren fully deliver – dishing out just what the doctor ordered – balls out garage punk slime with comparisons to Black Lips, Atlantic Thrills, and The Kinks (especially in Pete’s vocals, remind me of Ray Davies). It’s just fun, rowdy music, plain and simple.

Most of tonight’s set consists of brand spankin’ new material, tunes that are entirely fresh to my ruined ears. Tis a pleasure to hear these fine ass offerings, but I get the biggest boner when I can sing along and dance to some of my favorite Coque numbers such as “Sidewalk,” “Ain’t No Fun,” and the band’s catchiest ditty, “Grow Up,” a youthful, rebellious anthem I can identify with all too well for better or worse.

Of all the bands on this bill, Jacques Le Coque is the best and I’m really going to miss them. Until next time, I’ll just be rocking out to this beast: http://jacqueslecoque.bandcamp.com/album/jacques-le-coque

Set – List:
“Dead & Gone”
“Just Last Night”
“Don’t Wanna Fight”
“Stay With Me”
“Ruler Of My Heart”
“Can’t Keep Away”
“Pass It Around”
“Sidewalk”
“Grow Up”
“It’s Raining”
“Ain’t No Fun”

Beware the Dangers of a Ghost Scorpion! – Here’s a band that offered us one of the greatest live debuts of 2013, that is to say a KLYAM debut, having never seen or even heard of this all instrumental, horror surf punk machine until a key show this past January at the Great Scott. That performance was like a tornado hitting you with massive force and energy that I have rarely seen matched before or since, especially for a relatively unknown band. Needless to say, these disguised surf punks (and in particular a magnetic, tambourine playing gentleman) left a lasting impression on me.

Tonight’s performance is exciting and they reprise their roles as surf mad men on a mission to get the whole place moving and shaking. While, I can’t say that they are as successful in this endeavor as they were in my last experience at the Great Scott, they certainly unleash some gnarly, slimy sounds that stay true to the fun, relaxing, cool like vibes that often come with surf music, yet they are not afraid to veer off into weirder, more complex instrumental territory. So, yes it is fun and lively, but not as intense or as exhilarating as my initial experience, and I attribute this to two reasons:

1) O’Brien’s Pub is a small venue, optimistically speaking it is cozy and this works quite well for cozier bands like Fat History Month and Fat Creeps, among  several other local heavyweights  – but there is a bigness to BTDOAGS that simply is too giant for the cozy O’Brien’s space. Great Scott has a bigger stage and I think it lent itself to a higher quality performance from these mysterious men.

2) This time around the man playing tambourine is nowhere to be found OR somewhere in his musical journey he decided to pick up an instrument. In any situation, one of the most enjoyable features of that past Great Scott show was watching this one peculiar man bouncing around, on and off the stage, bashing away at a helpless tambourine and carrying a sign that read “Beware the Dangers of a Ghost Scorpion.” This doesn’t occur tonight, and I have to say I am a little bit disappointed. Then again, I  could see this tactic coming off as a gimmick to some, so who knows, maybe we’ll see it again, maybe not, I’ll keep my eye out for it anyway.

One last thing I would like to note is the strength of this music off the stage. Initially in January, I felt like these fellas were superior in the flesh, but after having listened to their music online, my appreciation for their musical  prowess has increased. Oddly, my notions are reversed – this time around I feel more flabbergasted by their work in the studio than being in the midst of a sweaty, steamy live performance. Nonetheless, I highly recommend you listen to their music on bandcamp  and go see them live. They are playing at Great Scott on Saturday, August 3 and word around the campfire is that a full length studio LP will be dropped upon us in the coming weeks. Don’t make yourself a stranger, check out these fine, talented gents right here: http://ghostscorpion.bandcamp.com/

Set – List
“Haltway”?
“Heads Will Roll”
“We Welcome The Living (But Only If They Come Here To Die)”
“Caught Dead”
“Cateye”
“Lovers”
“Texas Blood Money”
“SoS”
“Blood Drinkers”
“Black Crescent”
“Red River Tombstone Hustle”
“Rainmaker”?

Art, concert review, Fat Creeps, Honorary KLAYMERS, Kids Like You and Me, KLYAM Records, Local Music, Music, Nice Guys, pictures, Punk, reviews

Review: Bleeding Rainbow, Fat Creeps, Nice Guys @ Great Scott (7/2/13)

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Bands: Bleeding Rainbow, Fat Creeps, Nice Guys
Date: Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Venue: Great Scott (Allston, MA)

Nice Guys – When the show was just Fat Creeps and Bleeding Rainbow I was intensely anticipating this evening, but when Co – KLYAMER Glen informed me that Nice Guys were added to the bill, hot damn! Seriously, a great thing to hear when you’re sweating your balls off at work. Speaking of sweating balls off, Nice Guys consistently produce sweaty, screaming, clamorous (KLYAMorous!) sets that jostle the hairs on my sweaty testicles and tonight’s show fits in well with that description.

I have seen a healthy chunk of Nice Guys sets now and most of them have been in DIY settings that tend to lend themselves to looser, wilder behavior. These nice dudes however, don’t let the typical rock venue, performer/crowd barrier get in the way of a good time and they put on one of their most entertaining sets thus far. Guitarists Alex Alexson and Matt Garlick even hop off stage into the crowd at one point during the set.

The foursome play several familiar tunes such as boneshakin’  essentials like “Drunk As Fuck, Stoned As Fuck,” (aren’t we all guys? aren’t we all?) “Pizza Bong,” and my favorite “Cop Walk.” I’ve sucked Cop Walk’s sonic dick (sonic dick, ooohhh I smell a band name!) long enough now, but you know what? I think I’m going for seconds or should I say fifths or sixths, I lost count. When Cop Walker hits those violent bolts of guitar fuzz and sledgehammer drums it’s like those little, involuntary spasms a dude’s dick gets before an orgasm is achieved. Well, the orgasm is achieved tonight at Great Scott. Jesus Christ.

Set – List:
“Free”
“Herb Chambers”
“Unholy”
“New” as in a new, untitled song.
“HD”
“Cop Walk”
“Drunk As Fucked, Stoned As Fuck”
“Pizza Bong”
“Pilgrim”
“Finale”

Make it your life mission to listen to these bad boys, errr I mean Nice Guys right here and for all eternity: http://niceguys666.bandcamp.com/

Fat Creeps – Local outlaw Ben Tan has created a drinking game in my name in which one of the rules is every time Chris DeCarlo name drops Fat Creeps in a review you take a drink. I would advise you not to play this drinking game, for I see various lawsuits against KLYAM in the near future. Point being, Fat Creeps have been a household name on this site for over a year now and I am proud to say our first release (10″ Vinyl EP) on KLYAM Records! So, it is exciting to catch the band live at Great Scott in the middle of their first major tour ( https://klyam.com/2013/06/19/fat-creeps-bleeding-rainbow-summer-tour/) with Bleeding Rainbow. Congrats guys!!!

The trio kicks things off right with Creeps classics such as “Nancy Drew” and “700 Parts,” which are often, if not always played side by side. The former is an upbeat, jangly pop number while the latter is a slow, murky ballad – both are immediate and showcase the band’s talents better than anything else in their catalog.

The band continues with some songs introduced in 2013 including “Blue” and “He Comes In Loudly.” It’s funny, I always mistake “Blue” for “He Comes In Loudly”  until they play “He Comes In Loudly” and I don’t realize it until they sing “he comes in loudly.” Wow, that’s a lot of he comes in loudlys. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many he comes in loudlys  jam packed into one regular sized paragraph ever before in my life. Now, I’m curious exactly how he comes in loudly.

In addition to Fat Creeps (you know I be pluggin’ that 10″ EP YO!) gems like the surfy hits “Fooled” and “Leave Her Alone,” and one of my favorite album openers “Secrets,” the band also performs a new song entitled, “Having So Much Fun.” I’m not exactly sure how it goes or what it sounds like, but I’m going to keep my eyes and ears open for this newbie at future Creeps shows.

After nearly two weeks of shows, Fat Creeps are still kicking it and sounding fresh as ever, without a single hint of weary. Their lively and fun filled performance is well appreciated as Great Scott attendees sway and bop back and forth to the Creeps’ light noise pop; a sweet soundtrack for a sweet Summer night, brings me back to last Summer when I first started actively listening and seeing these guys on a regular basis. Fittingly, they close their set with a heavy, headbanger known as “Going to the Party!”

Party with the Fat Creeps here: http://fatcreeps.bandcamp.com/

And pick up  dat 10″ EP (VINYL – Coke Bottle Clear & White) from KLYAM Records! http://klyam.bigcartel.com/

Got me another set list!
“Nancy Drew”
“700 Parts”
“Blue”
“He Comes In Loudly”
“Leave Her Alone”
“Fooled”
“Having So Much Fun”
“Secrets”
“Going to the Party!”

Bleeding Rainbow – I don’t know a whole lot about Philadelphia’s Bleeding Rainbow other than checking out a couple of songs before the show, so I am going in with an open mind, expecting to hear some sweet, chill tunes and while I can’t say I am in love with the band, I do enjoy myself. At this point in the evening, I am pretty sauced and Bleeding Rainbow is a smooth, dreamy soundtrack  to my intoxicated state of mind. The only song I recognize is “Waking Dream,” that guitar riff is pretty neat!

Bleeding Rainbow don’t fuck around and they are most likely hitting up your city some time in the not so distant future. Check em’ out: http://bleedingrainbow.bandcamp.com/

Art, concert review, Local Music, Mikal Cronin, Music, pictures, Punk, reviews, Shannon and The Clams, The Migs

Review: Mikal Cronin, Shannon and The Clams, Roomrunner, The Migs @ Great Scott (6/17/13)

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Bands: Mikal Cronin, Shannon and the Clams, Roomrunner, The Migs
Date: Monday, June 17, 2013
Venue: Great Scott (Allston, MA)

The Migs – HOLY SHIT, IT’S THE MIGS!!! Man oh man, it’s a huge pleasure of ours to see New Hampshire’s finest up on stage once again, it’s been way too long. Wayyyy too long. Vintage Migs Keven, Lukas, and Craig are joined by a new drummer by the name of Alex (well new to us, but apparently he’s been rockin’ with the fellas for several months). What up Alex?!

The Migs are one of the greatest live bands I’ve seen. The songs are solid, if a little bit rough around the edges, but in a live setting the songs simply hit you with a greater force. In addition to The Migs’ undeniable grasp on 60’s garage rock, R& B, soul, blues, and a pinch of doo wop, they provide pure entertainment.  It’s the little things that separate them from most other garage/rock ‘n’ roll groups. Their coy, innocent dancing and sudden bursts of laughter effectively match the joyful, tension free style of music they embody.  It’s fun. It’s joy, like the Black Lips taught me, joy could be an aesthetic – could be meaningful. And The Migs do their best to make sure everyone has  a fun time.

The band’s unhesitating interaction with their audience is a feature of The Migs that I have admired since day one (4/20/12 for me). I remember back then, fanatically telling people about  a band I saw the other night (which is what usually happens after I experience a special band). I extensively proselytized my love for The Migs, “you have to see this band, they play in the crowd, they play with the people!” It was like something out of Fugazi or Lightning Bolt or something crazy like that, something I had only seen in videos. Tonight, The Migs don’t play in the crowd or on the floor, but it’s not a big deal because it’s not quite the same unless it’s a grimy, crowded basement. Nonetheless, the enthusiasm and entertainment is still very much intact.

Up until now, I have suffered through endless months of Migs withdrawal, but this performance brings me back to the good old times. The quartet concludes with a cover of The Rolling Stones’ classic, “The Last Time.” I certainly hope it’s not the last time.  Go see em’ live! http://themigs.bandcamp.com/

Roomrunner – Naturally, going into a show like this I’m biased. I’ve been a longtime fan of Shannon and the Clams, seen Mikal Cronin in the Ty Segall Band (not to mention liking and enjoying some of his music) and of course I hold The Migs near and dear – taking in several of their shows in the previous year. Roomrunner, on the other hand, is foreign to me. For the first few songs, I can nod along to this Baltimore based band, but after a while I’ve had enough. It’s certainly not as upbeat as The Migs, but Roomrunner do have some power in them and they definitely write some decent songs, but they’re simply too sad for me or not sad enough haha. I did find their in between song banter to be quite amusing though. The vocalist/guitarist even introduces the classic “we have one/two more songs left” ( a line that practically every band utters at one point in their lives) as a phrase that everyone loves to hear; in this instance I concur. That being said, I do appreciate Roomrunner’s sense of humor, even if their sound is not exactly my bag. Apparently, they are also on a string of tour dates with Shannon and the Clams and Mikal Cronin. Kudos gentlemen. Check them out here: http://roomrunner.bandcamp.com/

Shannon and the Clams – I’ve been waiting two years to see this band! I love Shannon and the Clams and tonight I can finally cross them off of my “top 5 bands to see live” list. The trio, which includes vocalist/guitarist Cody Blanchard (King Lolipop), vocalist/bassist Shannon Shaw (Hunx and His Punx), and new drummer Nate are known for creating a raw, analog flavored, bizarre take on 60’s  pop music, implementing elements of garage and doo wop – not to mention 70’s punk, making the band a sheer bestial force.

So, with these elements in mind, one can understand why weird, off kilterish pop/rock ‘n’ roll,  garage punk rock fans such as myself would simply adore the music of Shannon and the Clams. Their recordings are near flawless, but seeing them up on stage is incredible. They open tonight’s show with 2011’s “Sleep Talk” off the album of the same name and what appears to be the main source of  this evening’s set. A solid opener and a favorite of mine at that, they continue with other Sleep Talk tunes such as the soft, doo wop morphed fast punker “You Will Always Bring Me Flowers” to the straight up slower, ballady gems in “Oh, Louie” and “Done With You.”

The finest cut from Sleep Talk/my all time favorite Shannon and the Clams song and the one that seems to generate the greatest crowd response is “The Cult Song.” This number showcases what is  fantastic and utterly strange about Shannon and the Clams. The song builds with a fast, pulsing drum beat backed by Cody’s  bizarro vocals and Shannon’s seemingly endless chants “one of us! one of us! one of us!” as made infamous by 1932 cult horror classic, Freaks.  The band attempts to persuade their audience that they are sane in the lines “WE ARE NOT UNDER MIND CONTROL” but by the end of the song I think most of us would happily join the Shannon and the Clams cult! This song in particular reminds me of why I admire a band like this what with all of their little idiosyncrasies and good old fashioned weirdness. Maybe, it’s not even weirdness. Just taste.

I’ve gone on and on about my love for Sleep Talk, but the band has actually just released their debut for Hardly Art entitled Dreams in the Rat House. I have to admit I am not overly familiar with the songs on this album, having only heard it once or twice now. With that being said, I do recognize them playing the song “Rip Van Winkle” tonight and as expected they kill it.

As I have noted thus far, the vocals are one of the hallmarks of Shannon and the Clams’ music. With this in mind, a rather distinguished moment in the set is when Shannon and Cody both see how loud they can sing with each Clam trying to top the other. This is entertaining, but also shows us just how phenomenal their voices are.

Point is, go see Shannon and the Clams live if you get a chance or better yet pick up one or all of their amazing records.

Mikal Cronin – For starters, I am only vaguely familiar with a couple of Mikal Cronin songs, but Co-KLYAMER Glen is a huge fan. He’s shown me some sweet Mikal Cronin tunes in the past and I agree that it is solid psychedelic pop/garage rock.

I mentioned earlier that we have seen Mikal Cronin before in The Ty Segall Band, well Mikal is joined by fellow Ty Segall band mate Emily Rose Epstein on drums. Mikal and Emily are just as talented as they were with Ty; the whole band is exceptional actually. If you like Ty Segall, then I’d recommend you check out Mikal Cronin, as you will most likely enjoy the similar style. Mikal and crew seem to perform more solos however, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but typically not my thing.

I mainly came to see Shannon and The Clams (and The Migs!), but Mikal Cronin and his band are also impressive. The crowd appears to be a bit of a mixture of Clams and Cronin fans with some natural overlap. Considering he is the headliner, more people probably came to see him, but I am positive that all four bands tonight left the sold out crowd with a lasting impression.

Art, concert review, Fat Creeps, Honorary KLAYMERS, Kids Like You and Me, KLYAM Records, Local Music, Music, Nice Guys, pictures, Punk, Quotes, reviews

Review: Fat Creeps, Headband, Nice Guys @ Discovery Zone (6/8/13)

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Bands: Fat Creeps, Headband, Nice Guys
Date: Saturday, June 8, 2013
Venue: Discovery Zone (Allston, MA)

As soon as Glen and I enter the Discovery Zone, Allston’s Nice Guys are already kicking out the jams, just inches away from us. The nice dudes are decked out in their beach garb: short shorts and pasty whites and what have ya.

Nice Guys are a truly fun group and they provide some comical on stage (floor) back to back banter. This aspect of the group brings to mind early Smith Westerns (1st album) and early Black Lips, not to mention their garage punk tendencies. There’s something charming about them, like young male bonding or some shit like that, I don’t know anymore, I’ve been doing this for too long (says the twenty something). I have notes, I came prepared I swear, they just never seem to make it to the reviews. ANYWAY…

They appear to be at  home in the Discovery Zone space, after all they have played several shows here before. It’s best to see this foursome in an underground setting such as this as opposed to a club, and this has to be the best set I have seen from the guys. It’s loud, fast, and fuzzy, reminding me to invest in some serious ear plugs in the not so distant future.

Nice Guys certainly have a sharp sound that rattles my bones and mangles my teeth, uh huh, but I feel like the songs could be stronger. They are fun for sure, but they could use more character/personality to fully bring those pizzas, boners, and bongs to life as if they were being placed in my lap. With that being said, “Cop Walk” is a juicy beast and I never get sick of it’s factory like guitar riffage at the beginning and how it just bursts into heavy, spastic jolts of primal rock ‘n’ roll. Up close and personal (I wouldn’t have it any other way), I can feel Jake Gilbertson’s hollering vocals vibrate down my spine, a feature of the band I had overlooked in the past. Dude can scream.

I should also mention that drummer Cam Smithers hops on the mic (mike?)  for what is apparently a cover of an Andy Kaufman song. I didn’t know that Andy Kaufman made music…

Towards the end of the set, Jake and Alex shake things up a bit,  rushing into the crowd with their guitars, even breaking a fan in the process. Just to clarify, when I say fan I mean the kind that provides cool air for all of us, not a human body. After all, these are Nice Guys.

And Matt Garlick is also the man. I just realized that he was the only Nice Guy (and Fagette!) I haven’t mentioned yet. I don’t want him to feel left out, because  he is a pimp, and pimpin’ ain’t easy.
http://niceguys666.bandcamp.com/

Set List:
“(I Trusted You)”
“Herb Chambers”
“Street Surfer”
“Draggins”
“Molten Donut”
“Unholy Snack”
“Cop Walk”
“HD Snobs”
“Finale Dead”

The rockin’ and rollin’ grande times ramble on with Headband – a Boston mainstay. To quote one, Jake Gilbertson, “There was a Headband before I could even spell Headband.” Jake isn’t letting his mind run wild; Headband has existed since 1996, damn that’s quite a feat! Most bands don’t last more than a mentos, let alone two decades. Beyond being impressed with their longevity, I am genuinely impressed with some of their music. At times it reminds me of the strange, cave pop of the Box Elders and then at other times, I feel like the music drags or never takes off. They have a wealth of material on their bandcamp. Knock yourself out. http://buzzardrock.bandcamp.com/

Fat Creeps are the last band to play tonight and their performance is nothing short of thrilling. Twenty one Creeps shows deep, I can safely say this is one of their best yet, and that appears to be a popular sentiment among tonight’s attendees. Straight up, being one half of the people that put out the band’s 10″ EP on KLYAM Records, naturally I am an ecstatic fan of the trio, but I don’t bullshit when I write about bands, even ones on my label, so when I say this is one of their best, I mean it. Oddly enough, it’s kind of hard to articulate exactly why this show is finer than most I have experienced in the past. I am going to attribute the high quality of this gig to two features: set and setting. Much like a psychedelic experience, the Fat Creeps evoke an altered state of consciousness in me, one that I feel is shared with everyone in the room.

The set, that is the mindset, as one Dr. Leary labeled it, is a young band performing in front of a sea of familiar faces – a collective group of friends and fans alike, an audience that has grown to know and love the songs that the band has mastered over the past couple of years.

The setting is an intimate, cozy living room space and when combined with the aforementioned set, it creates a serene feeling, an aura if you will. It’s as if everyone is simultaneously appreciating the music of the Fat Creeps all as one consciousness. From the first chords of “Horoscope” the crowd is hooked and the Creeps never let go. Besides playing an outstanding set, part of my joy is simply observing the reactions of others in attendance; seeing kids’ faces light up in anticipation for the do do do doos in “Nancy Drew” or getting pumped for Mariam’s belting line “COME CLOSER I CAN’T HEAR YOU!” in “Secrets.”

The  Discovery Zone setting itself is an impressionable one. I always get a kick out of the ubiquitous, random barrage of bizarre films being projected behind the bands while they play. During the Creeps set however, the video material is familiar, but equally enticing. There is an outburst of cheers as a clip of Beavis and Butthead comes on. This is followed by a Wendy’s commercial during the haunting ballad “700 Parts.” That’s trippy.

Get totally tripped out by the Fat Creeps here: http://fatcreeps.bandcamp.com/

Even better order the Fat Creeps 10″ EP (VINYL) on Coke Bottle Clear and/or White from KLYAM Records!  http://klyam.bigcartel.com/ ORRR pick up a copy at one of the following Boston area record stores:

Deep Thoughts (Jamaica Plain, MA)
http://www.deepthoughtsjp.com/

Weirdo Records (Cambridge, MA)
http://www.weirdorecords.com/

Armageddon Records (Cambridge, MA)
http://www.armageddonshopboston.com/index_boston.php

Brothers and sisters, don’t stop there! Fat Creeps are currently on a big ass tour with Bleeding Rainbow (http://bleedingrainbow.bandcamp.com/) and they may just be hitting your town any day now. Here are the remaining dates. Boston peeps, they’re hitting up Great Scott on Tuesday July 2!

Fri – June 28: Toronto, ON The Drake Hotel
Sat – June 29: Montreal, QC il motore
Mon – July 1: Winooski, VT The Monkey House
Tue – July 2: Boston, MA Great Scott
Wed – July 3: New Haven, CT BAR 254 Crown St.
Fri – July 5: NEW YORK Mercury Lounge
https://www.facebook.com/events/121765888020343/

In the immortal words of The Doors “The time to hesitate is through.”

Art, Big Mess, concert review, Local Music, Music, New Highway Hymnal, pictures, Punk, reviews, The Fagettes

Review: The New Highway Hymnal, CreaturoS, Fagettes, Big Mess @ Mid East Up (5/16/13)

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Bands: The New Highway Hymnal, CreaturoS, Fagettes, Big Mess
Date: Thursday, May 16, 2013
Venue: Middle East Upstairs (Cambridge, MA)

Big Mess – Big Mess are one of my favorite Boston/New England bands and it’s always fun to see them live.  It’s been a few months since I’ve had the pleasure and in that time the Lowell based trio has played a shit ton of shows including a gigantic tour with Allston rockers, Kal Marks (https://klyam.com/2013/02/21/big-mess-kal-marks-march-tour/). My friend Justin Cole, who has seen the band more times than I have (which is a lot), claims the band has gotten even better since the tour. I am going to go and agree with Mr. Cole on this account.

As always, Big Mess creates a colossal assault on the ears with massive, noisy guitar hooks and piledriver drums. Indeed, Justin Cole is correct, Big Mess appear to be more diabolical than ever before. Heavy songs like “The Hook” and “Side A” (on their Split w/ S’eance) truly come alive when the band is on stage and at the Middle East they sound better than ever. The latter is a slow, lingering menace that like most Big Mess songs is easy to head bang to, but it’s the song’s quietest moments that are the most menacing. Just listen to the song here: http://bigmessma.bandcamp.com/album/split-w-seance. If you listen at 2:29-2:54 then you’ll know what I mean. It hits you pretty hard on bandcamp, but live is even crazier. I am especially fond of the sound system at Middle East and it is cool to see Big Mess in this setting as opposed to a crowded basement in Lowell,  which is my usual preference. Either way, see these guys any way you can and they play a lot! http://bigmessma.bandcamp.com/album/big-mess

Fagettes – Big Mess is a tough act to follow, but Fagettes are sound competitors and as far as I am concerned they take the cake. Also like Big Mess, Fagettes are one of my favorite local bands and just a favorite overall. Much of this admiration stems from the fact that Fagettes play a dirty, loose style of  rock ‘n’ roll that we at KLYAM  repeatedly gush over, over and over and over again. It fits in the lineage of flabbergasting, modern day garage punk (particularly on the West Coast a la Nobunny, Hunx and His Punx, and Shannon and the Clams).

I’ve seen Fagettes five times now and by far this is the best show. It’s not only the best show, it’s also the sloppiest and when it comes to garage/punk slime/beer guzzlin’, finger poppin’, good times music, whatever you like to call it, I like it sloppy, rough around the edges – as long as the songs are still intact and everyone is having fun. Otherwise, what’s the point? These guys and gal look like they are having a fun, drunken, wild time on stage; Vocalist/guitarist, harmonica guy, Ryan Fagette looks like he can barely stand up at times, yet he still keeps his cool as always. No one else in Boston makes this kind of music like Fagettes! Providence’s Atlantic Thrills and New Hampshire’s Migs are on the same level, but in beantown it’s Fagettes turf. They just get it. They have the sound and style down pat, they have the songs to back it up, and they put on a sweet show.

Speaking of the songs, the usual intoxicant themed favorites are on display: “The AA Took My Baby Away,” “Water, Tea, And Alcohol,” and the pointedly titled “On Drugs,” among other notable gems like “My Girl Looks Like Johnny Thunders,” which is dedicated to Cam Smithers of Nice Guys.

The set closes with an extended (or I am just really fucked and it seems longer than usual), extra rowdy version of “Water, Tea, and Alcohol,” culminating  with vocalist/drummer, Melanie Bernier kicking a monitor into my face, sending  some tingles down my wee body.

Set List:
“Street Queens”
“The AA Took My Baby Away”
“On Drugs”
“Tsunami”
“Stems”
“My Girl Looks Like Johnny Thunders”
“Gonna Die Out Here”
“Water, Tea, and Alcohol”

http://thefagettes.bandcamp.com/

CreaturoS – Unfortunately, we miss a portion of CreaturoS set, but upon our arrival back into the mighty Middle East, we see CreaturoS up on stage and they are accompanied by the colorful, psychedelic mind fuck that is the Lysergic Factory Light Show, a perfect visual for a freshly lit concertgoer.

During this set, I spot Domenic (SKIMASK, Viva Via) on drums, which is new to me. In my previous two CreaturoS experiences they had a different drummer. Well, he is a solid fit for the band.

CreaturoS are a fine band and they have elements of psych and garage that I can surely get behind. On the other hand, I feel like they drone on for longer than I would have liked. Still, I can recommend their music and I advise you to give it some ear time: http://creaturos.bandcamp.com/

The New Highway Hymnal – Here’s a trio that I never get tired of seeing. If you take a gander at the KLYAM Concert Calendar (Do iT!) you will see that we have attended and adored many a hip shakin’, gut bustin’, saliva drippin’ New Highway set. Though, we have never seen them at the Middle East before, tis a pleasure. The PA is terrific, further accentuating the group’s furious sonic attack.

The Lysergic Factory Light Show can make pretty much any band look cool with all of their swirling, acid trippy visuals, but the light show fits best with The New Highway Hymnal, at least in my experience. Their music is already trippy, so when you toss those fancy lights on them it’s a striking presentation.

Tonight’s performance is riveting per usual, though the crowd is a bit mellower than most audiences at a NHH show. Nonetheless, the place is packed (if not sold out) and kids seem to dig the onslaught of psych grit that NHH has to offer. Most, if not all, of the songs are from last year’s Whispers, a record I cannot recommend enough.

Listen: http://thenewhighwayhymnal.bandcamp.com/