Category Archives: Fat History Month

Art, Fat History Month, Local Music, Music, pictures, Tours, Video

Fat History Month/Guerilla Toss/Cave Bears Midwest Tour!

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Fat History Month

Photo from Boston Hassle

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Guerilla Toss

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Cave Bears

Photo from Boston Hassle
Midwest look out!
Sept 25 NYC Death By Audio
Sept 26 Bard College NY
Sept 27 Pittsburgh- THE VATICAN’T
Sept 28 Cropped Out Louisville KY, just hangin out
Sept 29 Cropped Out
Sept 30 Nashville Tower 2 WTC
Oct 1 Murfreesboro, TN TBA
Oct 2 Carbondale IL SKIHAUS
Oct 3 St. Louis Blank Space
Oct 4 Iowa City- The Mill
Oct 5 Chicago at Situations
Oct 6 Athens OH house show then Casa
Oct 7 NYC TBA
Oct 8 Purchase College, NY
We’ll update this as soon as things our finalized, but I figured I’d give y’all a headstart. If you live in any of these cities, get yer badass out to the show!
http://fathistorymonth.blogspot.com/
http://fathistorymonth.bandcamp.com/
http://soundcloud.com/guerillatoss
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muFMH-MaO2Y

Art, Fat History Month, Local Music, Music, pictures, Punk, SARALEE

Anonymous Dog Tapes and Records

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Check out Anonymous Dog Tapes and Records! They are putting out some fine cassettes for various artists including Boston KLYAM faves Fat History Month (“I Finally Understand What People Mean When They Say Drifting”) and SARALEE(“Untitled”). Click here: http://anonymousdog.com/

Art, concert review, Fat Creeps, Fat History Month, Freak Flag, Local Music, Music, pictures, Punk, reviews, The Migs, Video

Concert Review: Freak Flag Presents Fat Creeps, Migs, Fancytramp, Pile @ Moe’s Lounge (8/10/12)

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Artists: Freak Flag Presents- The Migs, Fat Creeps (EP Release), Fancytramp, Pile
Date: Friday, August 10, 2012
Venue: Moe’s Lounge (@ Radio) (Somerville, MA)
Comments:
Act I: The Migs!–   Alright hotshot you think you know your rock ‘n’ roll? You don’t know shit if you don’t know the Migs. The Migs are Dover, New Hampshire’s greatest creation and one of thee finest rock ‘n’ roll/garage/punk slime bands KLYAM has had the privilege to see live. Not to mention our Band of the Week (month). Tonight is my third time seeing these fine gentlemen, but Glen has never had the pleasure and part of my excitement stems from observing Glen’s reaction to their fun filled performance. Surely, Migs on recording is peachy keen, but Migs in the flesh rubbing up against you is a whole other beast.  From the first few seconds of the band’s perennial chant “WE’RE THE MIGS!” to the final, frantic moments of guitar feedback, The Migs put on one helluva show, a real physical performance of never ending enthusiasm and joy.  I seriously cannot think of too many other  bands that are having as much fun on stage as these guys. Their energy and rock ‘n’ roll spirit is fun to experience and in particular what I love about the Migs is how they make their show interactive with the audience. Singer/guitarist Kevin Lareau spends most of the set lurking around the crowd, which is always great!  I dig his display of showmanship, the whole band truly put their balls into this performance, making the loose, garage styled music they champion come all the more to life. Alas, the spectators do not seem to give back the energy the Migs offer them, but these dudes don’t give a fuck, they just keep rockin like true party animals. In fact fuck garage, call it “party rock.”  If it was 1960 they would all be in jail.
Hey Burger Recrords or any other amazing record label click this: http://themigs.bandcamp.com/

P.S. Hope y’all have a swell tour :)

Act II: Fat Creeps-  To put it simply, over the past few months Fat Creeps have become a massive KLYAM fave, not just one of best around Boston, but one of best bands in general. I know that may sound crazy to some readers, but it is true. Their songs are stripped down, no filler, instant pop gems. I stress the instant quality. Each number has a clear and catchy hook(s) that rests smoothly in my gulliver for hours at a time, often making work significantly less painful. Tonight, the Creeps are releasing their EP, which contains most of the classics, including my personal favorite, “Secrets.”  Much like the Migs, the Fat Creeps are awesome in the studio, but the live experience is outstanding. I know I am really sucking the band’s  dick (which would actually only be one dick), but I am truly flabbergasted by their performance. Mariam Saleh’s vocals on “Secrets” are even more powerful live, and it hit me during this show that her voice reminds me of Sara’s from local fave SARALEE. I don’t know if anyone else hears this, but I definitely see some resemblances. Or maybe I am just really fucked up? Which is a definite possiblity (reality). The band introduces us to some new tracks entitled “Dad Weed” and “Daydreaming,” which can be seen in the You Tube clip below.  They also play two kickass covers in the form of Gun Club’s “Sex Beat” and Devo’s “Gates of Steel,” both of which have become  Creeps  classics in their own right.  Overall, this is the best show I have seen from them, each time gets better! Or I have become more of an excessive fan.  I think it is a little bit of both.
Here is the tracklist for the EP:
1) Secrets
2) Horoscope
3) Fooled
4) Leave Her Alone
5) Cherry
6) 700 Parts
LISTEN TO IT HERE! http://fatcreeps.bandcamp.com/

Act III: Fancytramp– Cool band name! Fancytramp are fresh out of Nashville, Tennessee- a place which has unleashed several fine bands in the past few years and these dudes are no exception to that. They have a nice blend of garage rock and noise, and I am definitely feeling Sonic Youth vibes. What I really like about Fancytramp is the way they communicate with the audience, making jokes and praisng the other bands on the bill, amongst other in between song banter. Their set certainly does a number on my ears and this serves as a healthy reminder that I need to pick up some earplugs soon. The volume of their music is not a bad thing though. I also want to note the fact that one of the member’s mothers came out to the show (well for the whole tour I presume), which is great! I would like to see that kind of parental support more often at rock shows.  Check out Fancytramp’s new EP Singing Tower At Sunset: http://fancytramp.bandcamp.com/

Act IV: Pile– Pile is a band that frequently comes up in conversation when discussing noteworthy Boston bands; hell they toured with Fat History Month! That right there is enough to spark my interest. Admittedly, I do not know too much about Pile coming into this show and honestly I cannot remember most of their performance. BUT! I do notice that they garner the biggest crowd response the whole evening, with some moshing erupting during their set. Listening to their Bandcamp now, I can defintely see what folks are raving about,  check it out here: http://pile.bandcamp.com/ I will have to see the band again in the future and give them the attention they deserve.

So, this was KLYAM’s first time seeing a show at  Moe’s Lounge and it was a blast! It’s a cool, little, “basement” esque venue, I’d recommend the place. I was also glad to see some familiar faces, I think this show gets the award for most kids from my hometown haha. More importantly thank you to FREAK FLAG (Cory, Ellie, Anya) for being totally rad and putting on this show!!! Their DJ’n was superb and fit really well with the music and mood of Moe’s Lounge on this particular evening. I especially loved hearing Black Flag’s “TV Party” (the EP version)!

Fat History Month, Local Music, Music, PUJOL, SARALEE

TT The Bears Show Alerts: Saralee/Fat History Month & Pujol

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Next Wednesday August 22, local KLYAM faves Saralee and Fat History Month will be playing a show together along with Arvid Noe opening for Caddywhompus @ TT The Bears. The show starts at 9 PM!

Two months from today (October 14) Pujol, who I’ve been wanting to see for a couple of years now, will also be playing at TTs. Openers and starting time to be determined!

Art, Fat History Month, Local Music, Music, pictures, Punk

Fat History Month- Live at The Bruce Manor (6/2/12)

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Nice! Here’s a new live release from our beloved Bostonians Fat History Month. http://liveatthebrucemanor.bandcamp.com/album/live-at-the-bruce-manor-06-02-12-fat-history-month Click it, click it fool!

Here’s a tracklist, why not.

1) Free As A Cat
2) Things I Enjoy
3) Ponyboy
4) Bad History Month
5) The Future
6) Wrench
7) Old Lady Smokers
8) Free As A Cat On A Leash
9) Nature
10) Everyday Is Christmas
11) Accept This One (Ugh God Cover)

Additional information from the Fat History Month blog : “released 28 June 2012 . Recorded at the Bruce Manor in Athens, Ohio by Elliot Nicolson to 4-track; 06/02/12. A Barnstorm Production”

Art, concert review, Fat History Month, Local Music, Music, pictures, Punk, reviews, SARALEE

Concert Review: SARALEE, Elephant, Masingo, Elephants @ Ant Cellar (5/16/12)

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Flyer by Lauren Garant (of Elephants)

Artists: SARALEE, Elephant, Masingo, Elephants
Date: Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Venue: Ant Cellar (Lowell, MA)
Comments:
Act I: Elephants– Elephants play simple, mellow music that is easy to enjoy. They give off similar vibes as SARALEE at least to me, so it is nice to see them on the same bill. Like SARALEE they are a duo, except this band strictly consists of two members on vocals and guitars. They play off each other really well and I appreciate their guitar work. It is a cool, intimate performance. I wish I could provide a bit more info or insight, but to be honest my memory of this evening is starting to fade, excuse the extremely late arrival of this write-up. I figure better late than never! Anyway, here is Elephants’ Bandcamp page: http://those-elephants.bandcamp.com/album/the-sea-ep

Act II: Masingo– Masingo is a fun band and they tend to be more on the heavier side than their predescessors on this evening. The vocalist/guitarist is pretty energetic as he jumps around and off his amp from time to time. I love when he informs the audience how they can “like” them on facebook or fuck it… here’s their page, do it! http://www.facebook.com/masingomusic

Act III: Elephant– Perhaps the strangest of all the bands tonight, Elephant (not to be confused with the first band, no s!) is an intriguing, experimantal, psychedelic, outsider esque outfit. I enjoy their performance, but I do not remember being overly enthusiastic about it either. Now, listening to their Bandcamp page I am more impressed and find their bizarre, off kilter music to be fascinating and unique. It is not for everybody, but what is? Nothing. And even if there was an artist for everybody, they would probably suck. Check out Elephant here: http://laughablerecordings.bandcamp.com/track/ostrich-egg

Act IV: SARALEE–  In the past year I have seen numerous mind expanding, truly riveting rock and rollers, but few can compete with SARALEE.  Their demo is fantastic pop music. Maybe not pop in the conventional sense, but nonetheless catchy and inclusive.  In other words, the songs are not hard to get into, they rope you in and toss you right back out with their satisfying brevity. That is SARALEE on record. For those who have not caught one of their shows, do it!  Live, the songs are even more astounding. Their performances always put me in this ethereal, wonderous state of mind.  Much of this is due to the chemistry between vocalist/guitarist Sara and drummer Lee. With the exception of noise pop champions, No Age and local favorites, Fat History Month, I have not seen a two piece so in touch with one another’s approach to music as SARALEE.  The songs all sound solid per usual, but one of my favorite moments is in between one of the tunes when Lee asks the crowd “what’s the difference between your mom and five cocks?…. Your mom can’t take a joke!”  And then he proceeds to do that little drum thing that drummers do after they crack a joke. I get a big kick out of that, I think I am the only one.  Here is a link to their glorious bandcamp page, seriously cannot advocate it enough. http://saralee.bandcamp.com/

Art, Big Mess, concert review, Entertainment, Fat History Month, Local Music, Music, New Highway Hymnal, pictures, Punk, reviews

Review: OnBroadway Fest 2008 (5/5/12)

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Date: Saturday, May 5, 2012
Venue(s): Dirty Douglas & Ant Cellar (Lowell, MA)
Artists:
Inspector 34 @ Ant Cellar– We missed :(  http://inspector34.bandcamp.com/

Crinkleface @ Dirty Douglas– Crinkleface starts the show off (at least for me) with a loud, rocking set filled with 90s esque metalcore tunes. It is not my personal taste, but the band is good at what they do and they sound pretty tight today, so for that I will commend them. Also, the vocals are remarkably memorable. As I am typing this now, nearly a month later, when I listen to their music I can instantly identify the singer’s voice. I have to say that that is a rare stand out for me, especially since it is not a voice I particularly enjoy hearing, with all due respect because the vocals ARE in fact strong, just not my thing. It is funny though because I feel like this is the kind of band I would have adored in sixth or seventh grade, when I attended my very first shows. Glen thinks they have more of a Nirvana feel, with the whole “loud/quiet/loud dynamic.” I get what he is saying, but I do not think it all boils down to just that. In general, I feel like people use that line way too often. Ahh well, here is Crinkleface’s bandcamp page, take a look: http://crinkleface.bandcamp.com/

Friendship @ Ant Cellar– Friendship is a cool trio from the heart of Lowell. Every Friendship show (at least the two I have seen) shares two distinct features: a hanging, inverted American flag and a little tape recorder that unleashes all of your favorite pop hits. This time around the show opens with Ace of Base’s “I Saw the Sign,” before they rock into their noise fueled set. I am still getting into Friendship’s music, but I am always impressed with their unique performances. There is a charm to their prescence that I can’t quite articluate, but I do not see it in most bands. They end the set with the tape recorder playing Berlin’s “Take My Breath Away” and a fantastic, serene vibe flows through the ant cellar, just a stellar ending to a fun set.

Styk @ Dirty Douglas– We missed this :(

Necklacing @ Ant Cellar– Necklacing plays heavy, hardrcore/death metal and if you know KLYAM well, then you know that really is not our thang. But, it is always nice to see an energetic, screaming frontwoman, so here’s to more ladies in the rock world! http://necklacing.bandcamp.com/

Ponds @ Dirty Douglas– Ponds play a similar style of music as Necklacing, but the crowd appears to be a bit more enthusiastic as some moshing and dancing emerges in the middle of the set. Being a short dude, I do not have to worry about thee unfortunately low ceiling like most dirty douglas desciples and I am a grateful for this, one of the few benefits to being short. I bring up this point because during Ponds’s set, another form of headbanging occurs when one  enthusiastic lad rocks so hard, he knocks his head against the pipes and plummets to the floor. Sorry dude, but I just think this is too hilarious not to mention! Rock show scars and injuries aside, here is Ponds’ Band Camp page: http://ponds.bandcamp.com/

Host @ Ant Cellar– We missed :(

Guerilla Toss @ Ant Cellar–  Ahh yes Guerilla Toss, a name I have heard literally tossed around these parts for several months now. Finally, I have the opportunity to see what other music lovers have christened as “amazing.” And I must say I truly did not anticipate them to be as awesome as they are.  Guerilla Toss’ set is filled with walls of noise, weird time signatures, insanely danceable grooves, and the  lead vocalist’s unending shrieks. I have seen countless vocalists scream their hearts out, but this frontwoman totally steals the show. Her enthusiasm is unlimited as she bops around, up and down, demolishing through the sausage fest that consumes the Ant Cellar; she turns all the men into boys in two seconds. I usually am not a huge fan of this kind of screaming in vocals, but her yalps just seem more genuine, like they are coming from some deep, dark place. It sounds as if she is being bludgeoned to death, I love it!  I also have to note the slick, stylish, bright red, “Beat It” era Michael Jackson leather jacket being worn by the guitarist, looking good my man, looking good.  Guerilla Toss’ performance is one that will stick with me forever (literally Glen says this to me during the show, and he is correct at that, though I remember all the shows!) for my favorite moment in their set is when the vocalist leaps toward me, grabs my skull and hurls my wee body back into the crowd. This jostling, trance-like  gesture of showomanship sends the pre-pubescent boy in me into paroxysms of ecstacy. When the set finally hits its conclusion, I notice that there is some blood pouring down my arm. In fact, as I am writing this now, I can still see the little dent in my arm from which the blood flows. If I could frame that  teeny scar as a mini Guerilla Toss @  the Ant Cellar memento I would. Though that seems unecessary because after this KLYAM debut the band will be rocking in my psyche anyway. FUN!!! http://guerillatoss.com/

Motel Mattress @ Ant Cellar– I am not going to lie, I do not remember too much of Motel Mattress’ set, but I do remember enjoying it very much. I also recall my good friend Justin Cole being blown away and possibly purchasing a record? Either way, Mr.Cole is typically a  solid barometer for excellence in musical taste, so here’s a shout out to Motel Mattress!  I plan on checking out their music a bit more in the future. http://motelmattress.bandcamp.com/

Big Mess @ Dirty Douglas– Big Mess is always a great big kick in the balls, just right in the nads. The Dirty D is the best place to see Big Mess, or at least my favorite, and I am sad to see it go. I am also sad to hear that this is most likely the last time I will see bassist Josh Tracy with the band.  Tonight, the charismatic musician is bare chested and bearing a surgeon’s mask, I dig. In the past six months or so, I have come to love Big Mess and they never have dissapointed me live or in the studio. This evening is no exception and the trio destroy per ususal. The guitars are heavy, the drums roar, and it all adds up to one gigantic explosion of classic rock and roll. As I have noted before, the sound of Big Mess is one of familiarity, but these guys make it sound fresh. You can hear the hard rock of Black Sabbath and the noise  rock of Shellac, but it does not sound anicent at all. You can really hear their appreciation for music in these songs. Big Mess might also win the award for best band to headbang to!  Whether it be headbanging, moshing, or any -ing one desires, do it to Big Mess: http://bigmessma.bandcamp.com/

Atlas the Atom Smasher @ Ant Cellar– Atlas the Atom Smasher brings out the most attendees by far. The place is packed with bodies all the way and through the exit and it is not hard to see why; Atlas has served  as punk rock stalwurts in Lowell for years and sadly tonight is their final performance. I am fairly new to their music, hearing them for for the first time last fall, but I can appreciate their musical chops and lightning fast delivery. Drummer Tyler Bisson is pounding on his drum kit like a madman. His and the entire band’s charisma is as admirable as their DIY ethics. I am glad I caught Atlas the Atom Smasher while I did and I hope every member has an equally gratifying future in music and all other endeavours. http://atlastheatomsmasher.bandcamp.com/

Districts @ Dirty Douglas–  We missed :(  http://districts.bandcamp.com/

Fat History Month @ Dirty Douglas– Fat History Month are like the Black Lips of Boston for me. Which means we suck their dicks digitally on KLYAM. In other words, they are a beloved favorite worthy of the highest praise. Tonight, Sean Historymonth (I guess that is what the kids are calling him nowadays) informs Glen and I that Mark and himself  were painting all day before they arrived in Lowell.  Hard working men on all accounts!  Indeed. This performance is filled with laughs, cheers, and Naragansett beers; loads of fun. Fat History Month are at ease as they rock through many of their classics including, but not limited to “No Safe,”  “Thing I Enjoy,” “Fucking Despair,” “Free As A Cat On A Leash,” and “Old Lady Smokers,” which is played twice by request.  I do not know about you, but this is the best Fat History Month show I have seen in 2012 and the last one at the Dirty Douglas.
Hey shithead, check this out if you haven’t! http://fathistorymonth.bandcamp.com/album/june-tour-tape-bad-history-demos

New Highway Hymnal @ Ant Cellar– One of the best Boston bands right here and certainly one of my favorites. I have seen NHH several times now and it seems to get better, honestly, not just saying that for no reason. Glen, on the other hand, has not experienced NHH up until this point. The group is a tour de force live and it is great to see what the bands sounds/looks like through a new set of eyes. Tonight, people are moshing to the wild, psychdelic zounds of the music whilst singer Hadden hops into the crowd.  He has a crazed look on his face, it is as if  he is staring right through my soul. Their performance is easily one of the funnest from the whole fest. The set climaxes in destruction as bodies and instruments are tossed around like a town whore. Then in what  feels like a split second I hear an explosion, I am covered in water, and the room reeks of feces. Fortunately, I am not covered in actual shit,  just shit water. So, drummer Travis and I essentially are shit brothers! A lovely way to conclude OnBroadway Fest 2008.
http://thenewhighwayhymnal.bandcamp.com/

Matahari @ Ant Cellar– We missed :(  http://matahari.bandcamp.com/

I would  like to thank Anthony Richerdz , Nick Egersheim, and Gregory Ragnio for putting this shindig on as well as all the bands that played OnBroadway Fest 2008. KLYAM loves you all long time.