Bands: The New Highway Hymnal, Empty Phrases, The Lonely Machines, Spooky Future Date: Friday, May 3, 2013 Venue: The Tip (Lowell, MA)
Spooky Future – Spooky Future is a first for me and I don’t know anything about them. Luckily, by the end of their performance, my interest is piqued. I am not the easiest guy to impress either; I tend to be more of a fan of the straight forward, loose rock ‘n’ roll style and it’s infinite number of imitators. Yet, the sophisticated musicians in Spooky Future don’t bore me at all like most sophistsos do, instead they provide a fairly entertaining set. They are “tight” for lack of a better term. I hate using that description because it sounds like I’m reviewing a bunch of pre-pubescent girls, but the sharp connotations it has does a better job of articulating how the band sounds to me than the wacky characterizations I typically implant in these write ups.
All of Spooky Future’s songs are instrumental and they remind me of another all instrumental band from Lowell: Big Mess. Like Big Mess, they are heavy, sludgey, and have a fierce, take no prisoners attitude. Whatever that means. I also hear a lot of Melvins and Primus in this band. So, if you dig those bands, keep your eyes peeled for Spooky Future.
The Lonely Machines – I’m not as into this group as the first band, but the crowd appears to enjoy them. Their set consists of grundgey, emo fused songs with perhaps a leaning towards metal and/or post-hardcore. They definitely have a lot of passion, especially in the vocals (though at times they are difficult to hear). Not the style of music I dig, but maybe you do, give them a shot: http://thelonelymachines.bandcamp.com/
Empty Phrases – The Empties are back and packing the basements with their dreamy post-punk. Like the last Empty Phrases show I caught, kids are moshing, headbanging, and just having an overall good time. These past couple of shows have had quite the positive feedback, unlike any other I’ve seen at previous Empty Phrases hootenannies. It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication the band has put forth over the years, making themselves a familiar face in the Lowell music scene.
Tonight, I particularly note that Ben Raymond’s vocals sound better than ever, he sure has some sweet pipes. Get a taste of Empty Phrases here: http://emptyphrases1.bandcamp.com/ and then go see them live!
The New Highway Hymnal – Speaking of familiar faces in the Lowell music scene, The New Highway Hymnal are some of the most recognizable and celebrated figures; along with Big Mess they are my favorite Lowell based band. Though, they have expanded far beyond the Lowell community playing a big role in the Boston underground and even touring the nation a few times including two trips to SXSW.
Indeed (yes, I feel this is “indeed” worthy), this trio has dazzled many a doe eyed college student in both the crowded clubs and crowded basements, and tonight is no different. The band plays a solid, psychedelic fueled set and the crowd responds with typical moshing, though it’s a little bit more reserved on this evening. Still, a fun time, hopefully had by all. I know I enjoy this set and with it being my last night in college, I can’t think of a better way to say good bye to Lowell.
Until I return for another kick ass show! In any case, The New Highway Hymnal play a shit ton of shows around Boston and beyond, do yourself a favor and listen to them here: http://thenewhighwayhymnal.bandcamp.com/
Bands: The Stampede, Yankee Power, Dave Crespo’s After Party Date: Saturday, May 11, 2013 Venue: Rosebud (Somerville, MA)
The Stampede – I hardly feel it. The Stampede are loud and they do their rock thang, but it’s rock, not rock ‘n’ roll, that ‘n’/and makes a key difference. You ever hear anyone describe Nobunny as “rock?” I haven’t. It ain’t rock high school either, it’s Rock ‘n’ Roll High School. Alas, The Stampede are a “rock” band playing typical, generic rock music you hear on modern, mainstream radio. To quote a pal of mine also in attendance, they have their Sublime song, their White Stripes song, their Chilli Peppers song. Now, to be fair, that very well may be the way you swang and in that case, The Stampede might be your thang. For what it’s worth, a large chunk of the crowd dance their asses off, so they must enjoy it. Not the worst band I’ve seen, but I’ve seen so much better. For the first couple songs, I can give them a chance and nod along, hey the singer/guitarist looks like Jared Swilley, but after a little while all I can think is “damn, this is too normal! Give me some punk slime, give me The Electric Street Queens! I’ll even take a whacked out Gangbang Gordon Karaoke session over this, please just make it stop, it’s been too long!” Thank God, my boys, Yankee Power are up next.
Yankee Power – I felt a kinship with vocalist/guitarist Jeff Gallagher the moment I met him at keyboardist Ben Tan’s party last August. He seemed like a gentleman, a Beatles man’s kind of guy, like a 21st century Beatle. I finally had the opportunity to see Yankee Power, which also includes Thomas Calvert (vocals/guitar), Mark Fallon (vocals/bass), and CJ Kanouff (drums) on December 29, 2012 at the Middle East Upstairs and that show was fantastic, featuring a cover of my favorite Beatles song “Hey Bulldog.” I told you Jeff was a Beatles man’s kind of guy. Well, nearly five months later, that charm is still intact and they are showing off some new songs to boot.
The Yanks, as I like to call them, are a fun live band and they play several of their classics from last year’s magnum opus Zoo Traffic. “Swing” is a slick, 50’s styled rockabilly number and one of the best from the aforementioned LP. “Real Folk” is also on display tonight and features some sweet vocals from Thomas Calvert. The band also play some new cuts from their latest release, Patriot Act [EP] including my favorite, “Hot Honey Jazz.” I can recall the band performing this song at the Middle East show, though up until this evening I haven’t listened to the tune since that show – nonetheless the song is so catchy, when they start playing it I recognize it immediately. “Hot Honey Jazz” has a smooth, 80’s vibe to it and could arguably be Yankee Power’s catchiest/finest song to date.
Yankee Power live is a pleasant experience and I can’t recommend the band enough, on stage and on record, but this performance is a bit sloppy, which is unusual for the band. Often sloppiness is an intoxicating ingredient in the rock ‘n’ roll dish, but in this case, The Yanks are fairly clean folk, so the sloppiness doesn’t really help. With that being said, it doesn’t overly hinder their performance either and all of their great qualities emerge beyond some troubling, technical difficulties. Besides having exquisite songs, this quartet has a lighthearted, fun loving sense of humor, which can be quite entertaining for the audience. I always get a kick out of Jeff Gallagher’s dance moves, whether it be his smug booty shaking or the way he awkwardly positions himself up against his band mates. In either case, it’s a subtle, silly characteristic that I thoroughly enjoy about this band.
Goddamn, I’m trying so hard not to make my reviews so flowery, but some of you cats are just too damn GOOD!
Dave Crespo’s After Party – Dave Crespo and his After Party have a lot of enthusiasm and attempt to make the Rosebud feel like a party for sure; Dave Crespo even pats my head, for whatever reason people like to do that. I say attempt because like the first band tonight, this is not the kind of music that sets my rocks off. “Generic Rock” is what I call it, it’s like the FM Rock music on the radio. No thanks.
I heard that this is the last show at the Rosebud. Is that true??? If it is, then RIP. I saw some of my favorite bands here: Fat Creeps, Fagettes, and now Yankee Power. I hardly knew ye, but so long. Twas great while it lasted.
Bands: Colleen Green, Fat Creeps, Fedavees, Ronnie Nordac Date: Thursday, April 25, 2013 Venue: Radio (Somerville, MA)
Ronnie Nordac – The infamous Ronnie Nordac. I don’t know much about Ronnie, but I have seen his name appear in Boston Compasses for the last year and a half or so (give or take). He’s the dude that makes those rad drawings. Ronnie Nordac. His name sure sounds funny and it’s fun to say. Ronnie Nordac. Sounds like a comic book super hero. If a super hero looked and sound like Joey Ramone – tall, long black hair, black shades. Ronnie is hard to miss.
Ronnie Nordac sings and plays guitar and he usually plays solo, but tonight he is accompanied by a bassist, a drummer, and another singer named Kara. From what I hear, this is a recent development and apparently this the first time the band has played together, having only practiced for a week. Despite (or because of) their novice status, I admire practically every song they play. I hear teeny bits of outsider rock, particularly in Ronnie’s clanky, amateurish, but ever so sweet and hooky guitar riffs. It’s eccentric garage surf pop.
Definitely memorable songs; sadly I cannot find them anywhere! One song I love is called “Rock ‘N’ Roll USA,” I especially love Kara’s vocals and her adorable dancing. Her vocals are my favorite part of the set. When she sings, it reminds me of The Pixies/Kim Deal. I can still hear it in my dreams.
Word around the campfire is that Ronnie is playing a show on August 1 at Club Bohemia (Cambridge) with rampant twat diddler Gangbang Gordon and Lowell superstar, Durt Dog the Band. That’s going to be a fine ass show, but hopefully I’ll see him and all of those dudes before then. http://ronnienordac.bandcamp.com/
Fedavees – I’ve seen these guys a couple times before and they didn’t blow my mind the way they have blown other people’s minds. They are a decent band, but this droney, laid back style of music just doesn’t do it for me. It’s like getting on a roller coaster that never takes off. I’m more of a Black Lips guy, listen to “MIA” and “Sea of Blasphemy,” and see what I mean. I won’t babble or rant anymore, because what’s the point of a “negative” review? If a positive review is to get people turned on to what’s turning you on, then is a negative review supposed to make people ignore the bands you don’t like. That is ridiculous. Don’t listen to any music blog swine, you heard it here from a music blog, no swine. Think for yourself and question authority. http://thefedavees.bandcamp.com/
Fat Creeps – Ohh dear, I have written about this band way more than I ever anticipated writing about any band, except for maybe the Black Lips. I’ve sucked so much Black Lips and Fat Creeps dick, I’m putting some serious sluts to shame. It must be kind of strange for the Fat Creeps, having some weird music nerd (and by weird I mean incredibly awesome) writing about nearly every one of their shows. As a fan it’s cool because I get to document one of my favorite bands and see how they change overtime. Around this same time last year, they were just starting to hone their craft with the arrival of drummer, Jim Leonard. Now, a year later, it’s hard to imagine the band without him (I never saw the trio pre-Jim anyway). Through writing about many of these shows, I’ve seen the group introduce several Creeps standards such as “Secrets,” “Daydreaming,” and “Going to the Party,” all of which are played tonight. Some of the more recent (though not brand spankin’ new) Creeps numbers include “Blue” and “I’ve Got.” I’m still getting into these new tunes, I can’t say I love them, but I have a feeling my opinion will change if they are fleshed out more. “700 Parts” is my favorite Fat Creeps song; it’s morbid and it doesn’t sound like any other band, which is pretty much what I look for in every artist I hear. Distinct, enticing songs. Watch “700 Parts” and all of the great Avi Paul Weistein videos from this show right here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLtjuBLOutc
Colleen Green – Colleen Green is the coolest to quote one Ronnie Nordac. Damn straight Ronnie. Like Mr. Nordac, Ms. Green rocks the black shades and she also rocks out on her happy birthday Jeff! guitar, but unlike the last time we saw her, she isn’t backed by a full band. This time, the Massachusetts native turned Cali garage punk brings back her beloved drum machine and a friend named Marissa, also rocking shades (and bass).
Tonight, Colleen and Marissa deliver a fun, mellow set featuring both old and new Colleen Green songs. The Ramonesian “I Wanna Be Degraded” and “Nice Boy (I Want A)” are among the older classics that I have come to love in the past couple years. I swear the latter was written for me ;) haha jk.
Colleen and Marissa also play a steady batch of hits from the latest Colleen Green record, Sock It To Me (Hardly Art). Check out that album, if you haven’t, for it may be the greatest 2013 has to offer. The audience at the Radio has the pleasure of hearing new songs such as “Only One,” “Darkest Eyes,” and “You’re So Cool.” I love hearing all of these new tunes and this performance is even better than the last time I saw Colleen, way back in September.
For some of the songs later in the set, Colleen plays solo and Marissa sits back, watching her friend play like everyone else. Then, for the encore, Marissa joins her pal again in a cover of The Queers “Number One.”
Artists: The New Highway Hymnal, Empty Phrases, Boogie Boy Metal Mouth, The Real Tom Hanks, Sam Sawyer Date: Saturday, April 20, 2013 Venue: Wilder Zangcraft (Lowell, MA)
420 is here again! In addition to April 20th’s weed themed holiday and record store day, this date also marks the one year anniversary of the Wilder Zangcraft. At least as far as basement shows go. Since then, I have seen some Zick shows here including, but certainly not limited to, Fat Creeps, The Migs, The New Highway Hymnal, Big Mess, Nice Guys, Kal Marks, and Atlantic Thrills. Last year I attended and “reviewed” the first Zang basement show and it was a blast. (https://klyam.com/2012/05/15/concert-review-new-highway-hymnal-wilder-zangcraft-42012/). That was the first time I saw Lowell’s Friendship and New Hampshire’s scruffy, garage ragamuffins, The Migs! The New Highway Hymnal and Empty Phrases were also on that bill and they reprise their roles tonight along with Boogie Boy Metal Mouth and The Real Tom Hanks. Sweet, to the show!
“Ever dance with the devil in the pale moon light?”
No, but I”m sure Sam Sawyer has. Sam kicks things off in the living room with his harsh brand of stand up comedy. Sam is an angry, funny dude. Everyone sits on the floor around him as he rages through a ten minute (or more) series of rants about feces, organized religion, and fat guys. I do not recall any of the specific jokes, but I laugh my ass off and so does everyone else. More stand up or sit down or sideways comedians should play at house shows. They are funny and they need our support.
The Real Tom Hanks is the first band to play and they live up to my expectations as one of the best bands I have seen as of late. I was a fan before I even heard them. On one hazy afternoon in September 2012, at the UMass Lowell South Campus Dining Hall, drummer, Kevin Dacey told me he was starting (or had already started) a surf rock band named The Real Tom Hanks. I was sold, it doesn’t get more real than Tom Hanks. Months went by in agonizing anticipation until I finally saw Tom Hanks at Wilder Zangcraft with the Atlantic Thrills, The New Highway Hymnal, and Polaroids. That was a joyous occasion (https://klyam.com/2013/03/08/concert-review-the-new-highway-hymnal-atlantic-thrills-polaroids-the-real-tom-hanks-wilder-zangcraft-22313/), but I wanted mo’ Tom Hanks…
And so on 4/20/13 the great glam goddess of rock ‘n’ roll came before me and said, “Your wish is my command, honey.” The realest of Tom Hanks, play a fun set chock full of surfy, Dick Dale/Ventures odes and probably other surf dudes I am not familiar with, but rest assured, I am positive a surf sicko would dig Tom Hanks and appreciate their surfness. I don’t know anyone that wouldn’t like this kind of music, if they exist, bring them to me and I will castrate them with a big fucking smile on my face. Perhaps, a bit harsh, maybe just a few words will do,
Any fun loving guy or gal can get down with the tom hanks, these four gents (Alex Sargent – guitar, Ben Dickinson – guitar, Johnny Gelsomini – bass, and Kevin Dacey – drums) are fantastic musicians and they create a series of insanely impressionable and danceable instrumental surf jams that bear a never ending quality. I mean that in the greatest of senses, like the movie, Dazed and Confused – I wish that movie never ended. I pray for the lad that listens to these fellas on Ecstasy or Special K or one of those club drugs that my boy from Queens constantly extols. I seriously hope he doesn’t catch a Tom Hanks set whilst tripping, tripping so far that he traps himself in a K hole of surf punk noise for the rest of his days. That’s the power of Tom Hanks, these kids aren’t fooling when they say this shit is real.
Songs like “Monkey Man,” with its hip shakin’ 60’s – Adam West era Batman and Robin finesse and self-tilted chant and “Aunts on the Beach,” are among my favorites. The latter of which makes me want to go to the beach this summer and ask some girl to dance. Too bad, most people at the beach listen to shitty music.
Boogie Boy Metal Mouth continue the fun spirit of The Real Tom Hanks and they are the first hip hop/rap group I have ever seen live. Though, they are unlike most rap groups, their style and presentation is more akin to that of a punk rock/hardcore group. The performance begins as the fiery vocalist/rapper, J. Ring tells everyone to grab a hold of something, and like that the crowd starts moving to J. Ring’s words.
J. Ring is in a frenzy while he jumps around the zancraft, making use out of all the space around him and often making his way into the enthusiastic, moshing crowd. While J. Ring spits, Emoh Betta stands behind him, taking care of the turntables and sound manipulation.
I can’t say I am overwhelmed or blown away by Boogie Boy Metal Mouth, but it’s definitely worth checking out and I’m glad they are the first hip hop/rap oriented group I have experienced. Check them out here: http://boogieboymetalmouth.bandcamp.com/
J Cole, J Cole, J Cole. No matter how many times you say it, it never gets old. J Cole is here and he’s ready to party. He bashes away on the drums with Thee Empties aka the Empty Phrases – Lowell stalwarts – Andrew Dennis (bass), Evan Walters (guitar), and Ben Raymond (vocals/guitar). Tonight, they are fresh off a set of 420 shows including one at Somerville’s Deep Heaven Now. They are also introducing their latest single, “Sleeping Army” and it displays the band’s knack for mellow, dreamy, Deerhunter esque rock.
This performance is far from mellow, however, and the crowd moshes more than I have ever seen before at an Empty Phrases show. Overall, one of the finer sets I’ve seen from the guys. You can hear their “Sleeping Army” single and all of their songs here: http://emptyphrases1.bandcamp.com/
The New Highway Hymnal are one of the best bands in Boston, and I am sure I have said that a million times before and I know I will say it again. They are a ubiquitous presence in New England rock music (the best of it anyway) and they have played at most of the major bars/clubs around Boston. I’ve seen them at P.A.’s Lounge and Great Scott, but nothing beats seeing them in a packed, sweaty basement, therefore the Wilder Zangcraft is typically the best place to take in a NHH show.
It’s packed to the gills by the time Hadden Stemp (vocals/guitar), Amelia Gormley (bass), and Travis Hagan (drums) begin their set. As usual the Lowell crowd goes bonkers to the primal, droney, psychedelic rock this threesome is known to unleash.
The band plays many of the songs off of their Vanya Records LP Whispers including personal favorites “More,” “Out With The Lights,” and “Hey Kid (Gotta Run).” All of which spark a skull cracking raucous and feature some of Hadden Stemp’s best vocals. My mom thinks it sounds like he is being stabbed to death. Moms are funny like that.
The band as a whole has a very explosive sound to their music that is hard not to move to and it doesn’t hurt having Hadden’s body crash into you at any given moment. Always a thrill of mine.
Bands: The Orwells, Palma Violets Date: Monday, May 6, 2013 Venue: Brighton Music Hall (Brighton/Allston, MA)
Before I kick into this evening’s performances, let me flash back a few months to Wednesday, February 27. The Orwells, an up and coming rock ‘n’ roll band from Chicago, made their live debut in Boston at T.T. the Bears, where my KLYAM co-conspirator, Glen, a long-time Orwells fan/early supporter (https://klyam.com/2011/01/31/band-spotlight-the-orwells/) was enthusiastically in attendance and ecstatic to finally meet the men behind one of his favorite bands. Local pizza punks, Nice Guys opened. It was a great show (https://klyam.com/2013/03/03/concert-review-the-orwells-tt-the-bears-22713/) or so I am told, for I could not be in attendance that night. Alas, for the last few months Glen has had the bragging rights to say he’s seen The Orwells live and I have not. Now, as the Spring semester is coming to a close, I am outside the realm of academic requirements and ready to take in one of the music world’s most promsing bands: The Orwells
Not to make it seem like The Orwells are this untouchable force, they are actually just mellow, fun loving dudes, appreciating their time on the road, being able to play for fans – new and old – and spreading the gospel of Black Lips stylized rock ‘n’ roll. Like last time, as Glen noted, the boys are playing a quick round of pool before they hit the stage. I briefly chat with Mario Cuomo (vocals) and Matt O’Keefe (guitar) and we discuss the Chicago punk scene/HoZac Blackout Fest, their current tour with Palma Violets, and opening for our favorite band, the Black Lips this past New Year’s Eve at One Eyed Jacks in New Orleans (http://artofcl.com/features/photos-nye-black-lips-king-louies-missing-monuments-orwells/). But, before diving too in depth into a conversation, Matt politely says, “alright man, I’m going to do my thing, we’ll talk to you after the show.” Five minutes later, The Orwells are up on stage.
They blast right into Remember When classic, “In My Bed.” The whole band rocks like they are seasoned veterans, it is nuts to think that this is a band that formed just a few years back. The quality sound system (minus the vocals, which aren’t bad, but could be better) further amplify the loud, firece delivery of The Orwells.
Lead vocalist, Mario Cuomo best captures the rock’n’roll/garage attitude of the band. He is an energetic performer and he never slows down for a moment. His charisma brings even more life to the group’s already vibrant songwriting. Mario rolls his eyes back like they are two inches away from dropping out of their sockets. His showmanship nicely complements his vocals, which are naturally loud, baritone, almost doomy. Unfortunately, the mics are not nearly loud enough to capture his vocals and other members of the crowd agree with me on this account. You can hear pretty much everything he sings, but I want it to be a bit higher. Overall, not a big deal and merely a flaw of the PA, not the band.
My favorite part of the show is when they play my top Orwells song, “Halloween All Year,” a slow, epic ballad that shows how Orwells can expand far beyond the typical, youthful garage band making noise. It’s like a dark, slow dance number from a derranged 50s-60s pop group meets the poppiest cuts from New England based garage rock revivalists, The Migs and Atlantic Thrills. The band also plays a new song entitled, “Other Voices,” which can be heard here – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uS9VrCmM3iI. This is one of the quintet’s best songs to date, drawing comparisons to crisper, cleaner sounding “garage” bands such as Arctic Monkeys, The Strokes, and The Libertines, while still maintaining some punk slime flavor, perhaps easier for a Spaceshits fan to digest. The band closes with a cover of The Stooges’ “I Wanna Be Your Dog,” and to quote a fellow attendee, “What else can you ask for?” Gentlemen, well done.
We came to see The Orwells. Just to make that clear to anyone reading this. We don’t know much about Palma Violets, but it’s only 10 P.M. why not stay for the headlining band?
Palma Violets are a UK based rock band, and I stress rock. No “and/’n’ roll.” If rock ‘n’ roll is like The Ramones soaking up the sounds of the 50s and 60s with bubblegum, surf, and garage, then just plain rock is like hard rock or to be pejorative, generic rock. That’s how I feel about Palma Violets. Very generic, too commerical sounding, almost like wannabe rock stars or wannabe Arctic Monkeys or Editors. They appear to be too in love with themselves, like this is the greatest rock and roll show ever! I appreciate the enthusiasm, but I am not feeling it. I feel no connection with these songs at all. Most of the crowd, however, does. People mosh and dance and sing along to the songs of the apparently great Palma Violets. It looks like a mini soccer riot on the dance floor of the Brighton Music Hall. Seriously, one of the most enthusiastic, yet small, crowds I have seen in a Boston club. Despite my apathy, Palma Violets put on a fun show (for the fans) and they crowd surf and play their instruments in the crowd at times, and I’m jealous. I’m jealous that I can only muster a few headbangs, for this isn’t The Migs, this isn’t my music. Or as the English would say, this isn’t my cup of tea.
Here’s a video of The Orwells performing “Mallrats (La La La)” from their last Boston show at T.T. The Bears (2/23/13).
Bands: Nice Guys, Teenanger, The Soupcans, Thigh Masters Date: Friday, April 12, 2013 Venue: Discovery Zone (Allston, MA)
Thigh Masters – Correct name? I hope so. Thigh Masters aka Kurt opens the festivities with some mind bending one mon noise. Noise – kind of a vague term, but I think noise enthusiasts would dig this. It certainly is loud, so I will call it noise to make it easy for all of us. Kurt Thigh Masters plays guitar and I believe he is accompanied by a drum machine. He also wears a mask and within this mask is a microphone attached to Kurt’s mouth a la Lightning Bolt/Black Pus. I’ve never seen this set up before, so that’s a plus. With that being said, I feel like I’ve seen this performance before and I’ll see it again, just different names. That isn’t to say it’s bad. Kurt Thigh Masters is cool and any local venue/DIY space would be happy to have him.
Soupcans – I’ve always loved Canada. Only been there once and like a good, little American I watched pornography on late night television and ate McDonalds every day. I also bought a present for my grandmother. Soupcans are from Toronto and they are tall, kind-hearted gentlemen. They too enjoy icy cold beers, rock ‘n’ roll music, and perhaps late night pornography and fast food. They will shotgun a beer with your brother, make love to your sister, but when they come home at night they’ll kiss their mothers, and I’m positive that when they are away they buy gifts for their grandmothers.
Fine gentlemen, who aggressively knock your ass out cold on the dance floor with their punk rock music that just greeted my ears in recent weeks. The nicest guy in Allston, Matt Garlick (shake his hand, buy him a drink, give him a high five) introduced me to the mighty Soupcans at approximately 9 P.M. on Friday, March 15, 2013. Fresh off a Nice Guys/Fagettes tour himself, Garlick spoke of a band heading on tour to Boston in the following month. Not usually one for band recommendations, I didn’t know what to expect. I know the guy that recommends bands all of the time doesn’t like band recs, Slutever. What happened next, however, was “a great moment in rock ‘n’ roll history.” Only hearing half of what Garlick said, I was instantly hooked when he mentioned that one of the Soupcans (at this point I thought he was saying “suit cans” too) sings through a beer can! And then when I found out that they were Canadian, my God, that’s it. No more descriptions needed. Perfect band rec. Most kids will tell you something along the lines of “they’re post-punk fused with psych garage punk.” No! We all do it though. But, beer guzzling, swinging, rowdy, Canadian nuts is all I need. It planted an image in my head of the almighty Soupcans. Bandcamped it up and here I am now. Ready to rock ‘n’ roll and you can’t erase those words from history.
Jumping back to this evening, Soupcans open with “Shocked,” a pulsing slammer that shows off the trio’s (classic guitar, bass, and drums y’all) ability to produce fast, pummeling, difficult to describe, but undeniably catchy, raw, punk. Punk in the purest sense. Bestial, no nonsense, straight to the point, simple, but not dumb. No fancy smanchcy bullshit, but not sloppy either, you’re gonna wanna kiss and tell after seeing this band. Lead singer Dave’s vocals are monotone, reminding me of hardcore punk legends, DOA and Joey Shithead’s vocals – also Canadian! Low, baritone, monotone but simultaneously chaotic, exciting – shouts and screams that captivate my heart. The guitars smoothly roar like a serial killer that poetically hacks his victims to death. Right up in your face – raw – but calculated like the work of Jay Reatard in just about all of his bands. The drums are equally frenetic, drummer Gideon slams his kit with extreme precision, kind of feels like my attempts at playing drums, the thrill of hearing the stick smack the snare drum like a slap across the face, except this guy actually knows what he is doing and can control his destruction.
Soupcans play a sound show and they bash out some of my favorites from their LP Good Feelingshttp://thesoupcans.bandcamp.com/releases including “Shocked,” “Outlander,” and “Deadbeat.” Great to meet the dudes, especially chatting about other sick Canadian bands like The King Khan & BBQ Show and Vomit Squad. Nick knows his Alice Cooper too haha! Great performance, but I wish more people would move and mosh and what not, but still a fun show. Next time will be a wild, drunken, Soupcans riot.
Teenanger – I’ve been calling them Teenager this whole time! What a waste of breath. Ahh well, in the line for the bathroom I notice a bald dude wearing a yellow Suburban Lawns shirt. I vaguely know who they are, late 70s punk band I think. I ask the dude if this is correct and he confirms this. At the time, not knowing much about Teenanger other than the name, which I fucked up anyway, I do not realize who this man is. Moments later, I notice he is singing with his band Teenanger. They blast through a fast, 70’s punkish set. Their music fits very well on a bill with Soupcans and Nice Guys. The singer is enthusiastic, prowling around, hopping into the crowd, making use of the living room space around him. I dig it, but Glen seriously digs it, even more than Soupcans. Speaking of Soupcans, Teenanger also hails from Toronto, Canada. https://soundcloud.com/teenanger
Nice Guys – Nice guys, eh? Just how nice are these guyz you may ask. Sweethearts. Pizza punks from Bawlston – proudly reppin’ the Boston underground. Tonight, the foursome celebrate one of the best first years I have seen for any band. I thought they had been around for a few years. Over the past twelve months, these pizza punks have played many a show, toured twice, and won over the hearts of Kids Like You & Me, in the process making a name for themselves around town.
Nice Guys are like The Beatles. Four Beatles, four Nice Guys, and everyone’s got their favorite. Ahh, I like them all: Drummer Cam (rhymes with Jam, easy enough), Alex “sick moustache dude” Alexson on guitar, Matt Garlick on guitar – hey isn’t that the guy from Fagettes?!, and Jake Gilbertson – vocals/bass. He reminds me of a young Jared Swilley (Black Lips). Hopping and bopping about, right slab in the middle. He and his bandmates get the crowd moving a little bit with their Germsian take on sludgey garage punk. Alas, we KLYAMERS, have to make it to that damn train station, so we only catch the first few tunes. I want to say I hear “Pizza Bong,” one can only hope. You can hear it and all the jaw droppingly exquisite Nice Guys numbers here: http://niceguys666.bandcamp.com/album/mean-songs-demo
Here’s a big shout out to some of the kewl cats we ran into tonight. So Onam/ Fast Apple (who put on the show! like their page – https://www.facebook.com/fastapplebooking?fref=ts), Jen Knight – really nice to meet you!, DJ John Freeman, always spinning the classics like Vivian Girls, Daniel Johnston, George Baker, Tina Turner, you name it. Tim, if you’re reading this, keep drinking those 40s son. Then, my boy Ian, you and your acid tales. You represent the youth of America, the wave of the future. And of course, the Prof$t, who is always lurkin in the shadows at the best shows.
Here’s a video from this show of the nice dudes playing my favorite NG song, “Cop Walk.”
Bands: The King Khan & BBQ Show, Bloodshot Bill, Aykroyd Date: Wednesday, April 10, 2013 Venue: The Sinclair (Cambridge, MA)
First time at the Sinclair, place gives me the willies! What is this monstrosity before me? I almost feel like I’m at some quasi House of Blues. For a few moments, I forget where I am, I think I am in some other city, some foreign land. Then I see King Khan and Mark Sultan/BBQ at the merch table and all is well. I am in the right place, it’s April 10, 2013 and The King Khan & BBQ Show are back in Boston! Last time, we saw these two on stage was way back in October 2009 at the Middle East Downstairs. Great times! One of the finest shows we have ever witnessed. Since then, we’ve seen King and Mark separately several times as King Khan & The Shrines and Mark Sultan solo, respectively and those were all kick ass shows, but KKBBQ is superior. After saying some hellos, we make our way to the stage.
Aykroyd plays first and you may remember them as The Needy Visions, y’all know. The one from that Maine Coons song, “Fast and Easy Livin.” Maine Coons, you know, one of the greatest bands of all time. Quick, here’s their bandcamp page: http://themainecoons.bandcamp.com/album/s-t We’ll just act like this never happened. But, enough of those dogs, I mean cats, I mean that dude, ehhhh, Aykroyd/Needy Visions is the topic of discussion and they totally rule, looking like mighty beings on top of this massive stage in front of me. I look up and see lead vocalist/guitarist Dan Shea making bizarre faces and awkward, uncomfortable, high pitched shrieks that are oddly appealing. The whole band sounds top notch, like a blend of 90’s “college rock,” right cause everyone who plays music goes to college – err like Dinosaur Jr, Sebadoh, and other bands of that era that didn’t hail from our great state of Massachusetts mixed with classic rock. It’s ginormous Sam Potrykus flails about and passionately rocks out on bass, whilst he boogies around in his funky, unusual dance style. With all of this eccentric behavior in mind, it brings me back to nearly three years ago when I first saw The Needy Visions opening for No Age. That was a sick performance, but I enjoy this one even more.
Sam and Dan are the masterminds behind Bodies of Water Shows, Boston Hassle, and the Boston Counter Cultural Compass. They represent the Boston underground better than anyone else and best of all they have a killer taste in music. Dan name drops the Compass, which is available at the merch table and the band expresses their gratitude for being on this bill tonight. Dan says, “We love King Khan & BBQ, A LOT.” So, do we, Dan! You guys rule and promote so much great music around here that I probably would have never heard of otherwise. In fact, any Boston garage/punk slime KKBBQ fans reading this, if you haven’t heard of Boston Hassle or B.O.W. check it out. I’ll bet you a PBR that you will dig at least one if not numerous fun loving rebel rousers making plenty of punk slime noise in your very own backyard. Here’s some links: http://www.bostonhassle.com/ http://bowaac.blogspot.com/ http://www.bostoncccompass.com/ http://theneedyvisions.bandcamp.com/
And then there was Bloodshot Bill… Bloodshot Bill has appeared on my list of people to see live for at least two years now. Much like King Khan and Sultan, who he has collaborated with in Tandoori Knights and The Ding Dongs, respectively, Bill is no bullshit, real, old school, greasy rock ‘n’ roll. No trendy, mindless fluff; it’s not a haircut band to paraphrase one, Ian St. Pe. Though he does slick his hair with his own brand of grease known as “Nice ‘n’ Greasy!” But, greasy hair aside, also like his Canadian comrades, he is an incendiary performer, and tonight is a blistering, steamy show.
Bloodshot Bill has the Mark Sultan set up: stomping the drums with his feet, clutching his guitar real, real close, and melting everyone’s brains with an incredible voice. It’s an obvious comparison, considering both men are collaborators, they play solo, and they play this raw, original style of rock ‘n’ roll. The original rock ‘n’ roll as it was meant to sound. But, the comparison should end there, because they are actually quite different. Bill channels Chuck Berry, Elvis, country, and rockabilly with a nasty, fiery punk edge. Dude sweats and spits unlike any other performer. He spits more than that lady in Heavy Cream!
What I love about Bloodshot Bill is his interaction with the audience. He can hold a crowd real tight and when he wants to let them loose, he can. When he tells them to shout “YEAHHHH!” They do it on command. It’s hard not to obey Bill, with his enigmatic, unique sounding voice. His range is unbelievable and he switches back and forth from high to low, low low. Sounds like an animal at times. How is a human making these noises? It’s not just Bill’s voice, however, that entices me. The musician sounds like a full band all by himself and he puts his entire body and soul into his performance. He shakes his hair violently and taps on his guitar, banging on the strings. You can tell he’s having fun, everyone’s having fun, that’s the idea. One woman even throws her black bra up on stage haha. Definitely one of the more distinct and skilled performers I have seen to date. Catch Bloodshot Bill live or on record. Check him out here: http://www.bloodshotbill.com/
The King Khan & BBQ Show is one of the original KLYAM beloved bands. King Khan and Mark Sultan/BBQ are legends, responsible for much of the music I have come to love over the years. As usual, the duo come out on stage, dressed up in some wacky, colorful attire. King Khan stands towards the front of the stage, on guitar and vocals, while Mark sings, plays guitar, and plays drums with his feet. Together, the two rip through three albums worth of rock ‘n’ roll classics, getting everyone in the Sinclair to dance and mosh in the process. KKBBQ represent the fun spirit of rock ‘n’ roll as a whole. Their mixture of punk and doo wop is unmatched. Some bands may be able to master these styles and combine them in an effective way, but this duo’s music ranks up there with the best of the best themselves. Sultan’s crooning is comparable to that of Sam Cooke, while King Khan’s deep, doo woppy voice harkens back to 50s groups like The Five Satins.
In between songs, there is constantly inner band banter in which the pair crack jokes, amusing themselves even more than the crowd itself. You can tell these two are good friends and there’s a sarcasm to them that is pure entertainment. The set tonight is not too different from the one we experienced three and half years ago, which isn’t a bad thing, because the band plays most of the songs a die hard KKBBQ fan would want to hear. Some of my favorites include fast, punk driven bohemoths, “Fish Fight” and “Zombies,” sing a long, doo wop anthems, “Waddlin’ Around” and “Invisible Girl,” or soft, gentle, love songs such as “Into the Snow,” which display Sultan’s vast, intimidating vocals. Then there’s the straight up funny songs like “Tastebuds.” I love screaming out the filthy nonsensical lyrics to this song (“Tastebuds on your cunt/So you can lick my booty from the front”), but I get an even better kick out of hearing most of the kids around me completely fucking up the words. They also play one of my favorite songs from Invisible Girl, “Truth Or Dare,” a great, heavy punk number with some of King Khan’s best vocals tonight. I don’t recall this one from the previous Boston show, so it’s a pleasure to finally hear it live.
The moshing is fun, definitely a sweaty, beer flying frenzy, but not nearly as chaotic as I expected. I never lose my sense of place or whatever. Per usual, King and Mark are exciting, lively performers, but I feel like King is more animated when he is performing with The Shrines. Mark, on the other hand, seems to be more fervent in this setting than when he plays solo. That’s just my reaction anyway. I’ve seen Mark Sultan only a few times and he’s just as passionate, but I feel like he is more entertaining when he interacts and plays beside King Khan. In some ways, they bring out the best in each other. At the end of the day, these two are legends and they bear their souls for rock ‘n’ roll. This show is a lot of fun, but not nearly as marvelous as that initial KKBBQ performance I experienced several years ago. Still, I’m always grateful to see one of my favorite bands live and I look forward to the next show.
Set List (in no particular order):
“Fish Fight”
“Zombies”
“Too Much In Love”
“Waddlin’ Around”
“I’ll Be Loving You”
“Into the Snow”
“Pig Pig”
“Hold Me Tight:
“Treat Me Like A Dog”
“Dock It #8”
“Invisible Girl”
“Tastebuds”
“Truth Or Dare”
“Shake Real Low”
“Why Don’t You Lie”
There may have been more…
KEWL CATS: This is the latest segment in KLYAM live reviews. A shout out to the new and old pals we encounter at shows. It was terrific seeing Eric and Kelly from the Atlantic Thrills, Ryan from Fagettes, Justin from Earthquake Party!, Dan from Aykroyd/Needy Visions, and of course Kiyal, the KLYAM guardian angel. Y’all rule.
This was the first song I ever heard by The King Khan & BBQ Show!
Bands: Guerrilla Toss, Fat Creeps, ZEBU! Omnivore, Don Gero Venue: Discovery Zone (Allston, MA) Date: Friday, April 5, 2013
It is like running through a maze to get to this place, but thanks to some friendly Allstonites, we finally land on our desired location. Making our way into the space, I start to hear blistering, ear splitting noise. This assault on my deafened ears is brought to you by one man powerhouse, Don Gero. Dude smashes the drums with lightning fast precision and has some sort of electronic set up as well. We come into the set mid way, so I hope we didn’t miss much, but from what we see it is pretty nuts. He has this siren sounding thing, which adds to the sheer noise that’s still ringing in my eardrums. Towards the end of the set, he provides vocals on one of the songs. Meanwhile, random movies are being projected behind Don Gero (this occurs during each of the band’s sets). I recognize a young Sly Stallone and some actors I’ve seen in John Waters films, but I don’t know what the actual movie is. Looks kooky and campy and most likely the product of vast amounts of cocaine use. In any case, Don Gero is a sweet soundtrack to the images being projected on the screen. I’ve never seen him before or listened to any of his music, but I am going to give it a listen right now. Oh, and I should probably inform you that Don Gero is Zack D’Agostino (of Arvid Noe). Here, read this exciting review from Boston Hassle, they always know what’s up: http://www.bostonhassle.com/tag/don-gero-review/ http://dongero1.bandcamp.com/
Omnivore plays next and it is a bit of a departure from Don Gero and most performers I see live. It’s a quiet, calm experience and nearly everyone is sitting on the floor, gazing up at the woman behind the music, Glenna Van Nostrand. I don’t know too much about this kind of music, but it is heavy in loops and experimental pop, if you dig that sort of thing. In the background, there are shots of nature, animals, waterfalls, and more that appropriately complement Omnivore’s music. Check out her bandcamp here: http://omnivoresounds.bandcamp.com/
ZEBU! is Ted Lee (vocals/drums) and Steve D’Agostino (guitar) and they are the dudes behind Northampton’s Feeding Tube Records, responsible for a vast amount of weird noise rock over the years including their latest release a split with Fat Creeps! I’ve never listened to ZEBU!, so this is my introduction to them. I can’t say I’m instantly hooked, but they are intriguing, no doubt. They remind me a lot of fellow two piece, experimental noise poppers and Feeding Tube boys, Great Valley, who I saw for the first time a few weeks back opening for Peach Kelli Pop. This duo shares similar eccentric tendencies and they lean toward the messy side of pop and that’s what I like. But, a lot of the time I feel like the songs get lost in the chaos, which may be appealing to some, but I’d like to hear them pursued. This is still just my first experience though and I don’t know much about the group, so I am curious what I will think after hearing this split record and perhaps other releases. In terms of the performance itself, it was pretty rad, rather physical and entertaining. Ted, I believe, leaps into the audience and tears off his shirt. He also jams the mic in his mouth like a teenage Jay Reatard, ha what a character. Check em’ out they’ve been around for ten years now, that’s quite a feat. http://zebu.bandcamp.com/
At this point, does the world need another Chris DeCarlo Fat Creeps review? *Insert bitch slap from another struggling, young band that wants, perhaps deserves, more attention.* Well, you’re gonna get one! Anywho, it’s cool to see Fat Creeps tonight in a different setting than usual. This crowded living room is smokey and sweaty, balls sweaty. In the midst of this hot mess, the Creeps blast through a sick set of signature originals and two gut busting covers. In fact, they open with a cover of X’s “Nausea,” which they played at their New Year’s Eve show at Great Scott, if any of y’all recall. X is a legendary LA punk band for those that are illiterate in nasty rock ‘n’ roll music from the 80’s. It’s a groovy, heavy song that sets the tone for this performance: heavy, sludgy, sweaty. They also perform another vintage 80’s hit with Devo’s “Gates of Steel,” a notable cover in past Fat Creeps sets. But, enough of those old dudes, to the originals! Like I said, it’s a louder set and keeping in that style they play some of their faster, slimier songs such as “Secrets,” “Fooled,” “Going to the Party,” and “Daydreaming,” which appears on the split with ZEBU! which everyone should pick up; I’m enjoying it very much. http://fatcreeps.bandcamp.com/
Guerrilla Toss closes the show and they destroy like they always do. Well, actually I have only seen them once before, but it was one of the more memorable show experiences in my young life. It was nearly a year ago when I saw Guerrilla Toss at the Ant Cellar in Lowell, it was unforgettable, just read the review: https://klyam.com/2012/06/08/concert-review-onbroadway-fest-2008-5512/. Guerrilla Toss is one of the most notable and original bands in the current Boston scene, but more importantly they put on a kick ass, crazy, amped up show that gets people moving instantly. Some nice moshing ensues and barely stops. All of the members of G Toss frenetically rock out, but vocalist Kassie Carlson is the best. She stands in the middle of all the bedlam, jumping up and down and passionately screaming as she puts her entire body and being into her performance- unlike anyone else I have ever seen. Her brutal enthusiasm is exhilarating and just gets me more pumped as a member of the audience. I should mention that G Toss’s music can also be genuinely light and danceable (in a slightly more conventional sense) despite its overall brute character and delivery. For the most part, it’s just good old fashion FUN! Listen to their music now or better yet go see them live, so you don’t look like an idiot to the other kids at recess. http://guerillatoss.com/
Seemingly never ending perspiration and a few bruises here and there are always solid indicators that it was a good show. Great to see drummer Pete from Guerrilla Toss again. With all the shows you guys and gal play I can’t believe you remembered the KLYAM. Though we are such sweethearts, it is hard not to. But, Pete, you the man. That was fun in Lowell, walking down Broadway Street to TLC Liquors, offering us love/girl advice. Good times and good times at this show. Speaking of Pete, motherfucker has just co-opened a record store in Jamaica Plain, known as Deep Thoughts: http://www.deepthoughtsjp.com/ pay a visit when you’re in town. Speaking of good heads, always a pleasure to turn around and see some dudes you know, specifically, Moontowers Taylor and Tim. Last, but certainly not least, a shout out to my boy Jeff from Yankee Power!!! Totally deserves all of those exclamation points.
Freak Flag Presents Bands: Peach Kelli Pop, The Fagettes, Great Valley, The Scamps Date: Wednesday, March 27, 2013 Venue: Radio Upstairs (Somerville, MA)
The Scamps – The Scamps are a straight up fun band. KLYAMER Glen likens them to the Meat Puppets and I can definitely see that. Country mixed with pumped up rock and a slight leaning toward the bizarre. As I noted in the past, The Scamps play a fast set, with each tune rolling right through you. They open with “Stuck On You,” a catchy little ditty that I recall standing out to me last time I saw them all the way back in February of 2012 at the Middle East Upstairs. That was an intense performance, not so much from the band, but particularly from some diabolical rice krispie treats given to me from KLYAM buds, Atlantic Thrills. Goddamn, I had a love/hate relationship with those suckers (the treats that is). Mini psychedelic experiences aside, I remember “Stuck On You” being highly memorable, so much so that I thought it was a cover of a 70s hit song that for some reason I really dug. Long story short, The Scamps are a powerhouse band that will sonically punch you square in the balls, when you least expect it. http://scamps.bandcamp.com/
Great Valley – These two chaps from Brattleboro, VT are up next. They are quite different from The Scamps, and well all the bands on this bill. Though, they do have some definite pop elements to them like the other bands. Great Valley is kind of awkward and off kilter, but hey what two piece isn’t? Wait, did I say awkward? I meant off the hook. Certainly, some fun weirdo pop stuff here. They remind me of Sunset Rubdown and High Places in that mellow yet equally deranged sort of way. Unpredictable. Go on a trip with Great Valley here: http://thegreatvalley.bandcamp.com/
The Fagettes– The Scamps and Great Valley are kewl cats, for sure, but The Fagettes are a KLYAM reader’s kinda band. They dish out vintage rock ‘n’ roll that will make your head spin and your hips shake. I’ve been falling in love with their recordings, but the live show is a whole other monster. There’s five of them up on stage (is there a stage? I don’t think so) and it feels overwhelming, like they’re all gonna grab you or eat you, and maybe in a way their music does. Tonight is no different than my previous Fagettes experiences in that it is a sweaty, physical, and visceral performance filled with hit after hit. I know I sound like some jackass for saying “hit,” and you know what I am a jackass, but pop music is pop music to me and when I go to a show I like to hear my favorite songs, which are like pop hits in my little world. For the most part, Fagettes deliver, playing fast punk rock ‘n’ roll numbers like “Water, Tea, and Alcohol,” “Gonna Die Out Here,” and “I Wanna Feel Good,” with the last one really showcasing vocalists, Ryan Major’s and Melanie Bernier’s abilities to scream their lungs out. So glad, Fagettes play along side Peach Kelli Pop on this wonderful evening, since they are perhaps the most fitting Boston band for the bill. They have mastered and in some ways transcended the kind of garage rock, for lack of a better term, that fans of Peach Kelli Pop, Burger Records, Infinity Cat, and similar bands on or affiliated with those labels would seriously dig. That’s your cue to click on the bandcamp page: http://thefagettes.bandcamp.com/
Peach Kelli Pop– Ohh boy, Peach Kelli Pop! I can’t tell you how ecstatic I was when I found out that Peach Kelli Pop was hitting up Boston. We saw Peach Kelli a couple of years back and it was marvelous. Just look at this video from Melody Matters: (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-OQSlRc0kY). Those were fun times, but tonight is even better. Peach Kelli aka Allie plays guitar and sings with the rest of her band, bashing out a set chock full of bubble gummy rockers from both of her albums, which I highly recommend. Classics like “Do the Eggroll” and “Doo Wah Diddy” are instantaneous and fun to dance to – well that can pretty much be said about all of the songs. I loved hearing those songs before and they sound even better this time around.
In general, this performance is superior and I think the sound system at Radio helps out a lot, but I’m sure relentlessly touring over the past couple of years doesn’t hurt either. The set is like a quick injection of sugary pop goodness. Fast, catchy, rock ‘n’ roll; the songs arrive, tackle you, and then vanish. You’re singing along to “Panchito Blues” at one second and before you know it the riff to “ABC” hits your ears. Other stand outs include “Julie Oulie,” “Dreamphone,” and “Knockout.”
When the band is about to dismantle their equipment, the crowd demands an encore! To wrap up the show Peach Kelli unleashes a somewhat slower tune and a personal fave in “Lover,” I seriously can’t get enough of those “ooooo ooooo” vocals, alright I know it just looks like Froot Loops in writing, but you have to hear it! I can’t imagine not liking Peach Kelli Pop. What kind of sick, depraved individual despises this kind of music? Killjoys, curmudgeons, mean people, cops, metalheads, ehhh whatever I’ll shut up now, just listen: http://peachkellipop.bandcamp.com/
Normally, I would be posting a set-list here, but some joker took it before me. Doesn’t he know that I’m the guy that grabs set lists in this town?!
Big shout out to the masterminds known as Freak Flag. They put on this shindig and they put on TONS of nasty happenings in Boston and they’re the coolest DJs. Get yer grimey hands on their newsletter, it’s zick. http://www.freakflagboston.com/
Steep Leans are a new band and in fact this is their third show ever, which is pretty incredible considering how smooth their set is. If I had to guess I would have thought they had been playing shows for at least a few months. Going into the set, I do have somewhat high expectations because moments earlier Moontower/Spacebum, Tim Cushing delivered some serious accolades for these dudes. Indeed, the Steep Leans put on a good show and Tim’s enthusiasm seems to be shared among most crowd members. There’s a fair amount of folks upfront dancing and swaying along to Steep Leans’ mellow, tropical, psych rock. I almost feel like I’m on a cruise, like that sort of music but with a bit more experimentation. I also get some Pink Floyd/prog vibes. Lastly, I particularly dig Wakefieldian, Chris Eddleston’s guitar playing, especially when he plays it lap style like Memphis legend, Will McElroy. Solid start to the show. Check out their bandcamp here: http://steepleans.bandcamp.com/
The second band tonight is Guilty Party and they are a three piece. Guilty Party plays loud, fuzzy garage punk, perhaps even leaning towards metal at times. There’s definitely a loud, headbanging, in your face quality to their music, but it’s not overly sloppy or stripped down either. Overall, pretty good, but not exactly the “garage” I adore, I plan on listening to their music more in the future though. http://guiltypartyboston.bandcamp.com/
Up next is our homies, Fat Creeps, yes I just used the term “homies,” most likely a first for KLYAM. The great thing about being a fan site, if you will, is that we get to see and write about our favorite bands on a consistent basis. As always, I am ecstatic for this Creeps show and they satisfy my expectations. The set begins with a cover of Devo’s “Gates of Steel,” a past staple for Fat Creeps that has been popping up every now and then in their live shows. I love hearing this as the opener and it gets me even more pumped up for the rest of their performance. I’m a big Devo fan, but I honestly prefer their cover, it’s heavy and almost feels like another Creeps song, because they make it their own. With very little breathing room in between songs they transition to their fastest and heaviest cut, “Daydreaming,” and you can watch its badass music video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pP0l0Xg6-ZQ. They continue with more ear spliters such as “Going to the Party” and “Secrets,” which showcase some of bassist Mariam Saleh’s greatest vocals. At one point in the set, Mariam plays the bass on her knees and even on her back. The trio closes the set with the quick, instrumental jam “Back to School.” If you haven’t heard or seen Fat Creeps live, YOU FAIL AT LIFE! You can start by listening to their self-titled EP: http://fatcreeps.bandcamp.com/album/fat-creeps-ep Stay tuned for its 10-inch vinyl release on our very own KLYAM Records! Release date TBA.
Headlining the show tonight is one of the city’s finest, Nice Guys. The Nice Dudes are fresh off a tour with The Fagettes, which included stops at the legendary (and apparently smokey) 529 in Atlanta, GA, a vibin’ house show in Charlotte, NC, among other sweet spots in Brooklyn, Baltimore, Philly, and Richmond. Happy to hear the tour went swell. Now, to this show. I’m excited to see the Nice Guys again, especially since the first time I saw them I didn’t know who they were and the second time I saw them they did a Coachwhips cover set. This time, I am familiar with most of their songs and I enjoy all of them. Nice Guys have a calculated ramshackle to them. The sounds they make aren’t pretty in the conventional sense, but they sound beautiful to me. My mom says it sounds like the singer is walking on hot coals, maybe, probably not though because that would hurt a lot. This set consists of some crazy Nice Guys tunes like my favorite, “Cop Walk,” which is like Black Flag meets Black Lips. In general, as I’ve stated before, Nice Guys create a sick marriage of garage and early hardcore punk (early 80’s, the only hardcore style I dig). It’s fast, it’s slimy, it’s noisy, and it’s full of slams and shrieks, but best of all it will give your noggin the perfect floggin. Listen up: http://niceguys666.bandcamp.com/album/mean-songs-demo
Kids Like You & Me (KLYAM) 