2016: Trim, Pool, Grutch, Alto!, Off Land – Industry Lab; Puzzle Mansion, Midriffs, Tomato Dodgers, Bourgeois, Wydyde, Lady Pills – Theives Grotto
2013: Fat Creeps, Nice Guys, Bleeding Rainbow – Great Scott [REVIEW]
Category Archives: Nice Guys
Top 10 Shows of 2015
What up creeps. It’s been a long time since I’ve been on here rapping about your favorite bands, my favorite bands. Why should all those other writer twerps take away my spotlight? I’ve been, we’ve been busy… we threw down more shows than ever this year and attended many more. Here’s a list of my favorites, you’ll see a lot of the same names. You may even choke on your own vomit because you’re so sick of reading about the same bands over and over again and there’s no mention of Pile or Krill. Too bad freaks! Let’s go…
10) NOTS, (New England) Patriots, Ursula, Germ House @ Club Bohemia (October 23rd)
Jason Trefts (Illegally Blind) knows how to curate a stacked bill and that’s an understatement. But, this show right here is a chief example of his undeniable efforts. We KLYAMERS were beyond ecstatic when our beloved Memphis punkers in NOTS journeyed to our second home – the 100 capacity Club Bohemia in Cambridge, joining forces with local favorites Ursula and (New England) Patriots. New Mexico’s Germ House was a pleasant introduction as well. Dark, dank, and head spinning. Sounds like a regular night at Bohemia.
Flyer by G. Gordon Gritty
9) The Monsieurs, Atlantic Thrills, Feral Jenny, ACLU Benefit @ Lilypad (January 24th)
2015 is truly the first year we’ve consistently put on shows in Boston and this was one of my favorites. There was a snowstorm that night and the show was facing potential demise. Glen and I grabbed a beer at The Druid and as soon as 10:00 PM rolled around we headed over next door to the Lilypad to get ready for the show, expecting a sparse crowd. Quite the contrary my friends. As ACLU Benefit’s baritone vocals roared through the art gallery I was greeted with snowy friends and strangers alike. Each band turned it up a notch and I hold them all near and dear as you probably know. For what it’s worth, ego aside, I think this was one of the finest and most diverse bills all year. Where else have you seen The Monsieurs and ACLU Benefit on the same bill?! I could go on and on… Feral Jenny rocks. RIP :( and Atlantic Thrills are longtime homies. I hope to see and book more shows at Lilypad in 2016.
8) The King Khan & BBQ Show, Milk Lines @ Middle East Downstairs (November 19th)
To paraphrase something Mark Sultan said during the show, it’s a rare night when the stars align and you can see Nobunny and The King Khan & BBQ Show in one night. We did! But, I’ll get to the bunnyman later on. KKBBQ. Damn, we’ve been able to count on them to provide relentless, passionate rock ‘n’ roll entertainment for many years now. They are the best at what they do; soulful, punk infested doo wop. If you closed your eyes and didn’t know any better you’d probably think there were a whole bunch of fuckers up there. Nope, just two. I dug Ryan Major passionately singing along to their cover of Johnnie Thunders’ “You Can’t Put Your Arms Around a Memory” and King Khan dedicating “Lonely Boy” to one Gangbang Gordon. “Ladies, they don’t call him Gangbang Gordon for nothing.” Haha, they don’t win PC punk points and that’s fine by me.
Photo by Madison McConkey
7) The Barbazons, Earthquake Party, Jim Leonard, The Double Buscemis @ Theives Grotto (November 7th)
I’ve seen my fair share of Barbazons/Fagettes shows and probably your fair share and his fair share and her fair share and your snake’s fair share and you get the picture. They are a KLYAM staple, duh. This one stands out as one of the feistiest, sweatiest, and most fun. The Grotto is often the best place to see a band. Sidebar: Theives Grotto, best venue in Boston. Give it up for those kids. The picture above says it all: Melanie hanging from the pipes surrounded by a sea of doe eyed boys and girls. You can’t make that shit up.
Flyer by Jesse DeFrancesco
6) Nice Guys (tour kick off), Creaturos, The Mardi Kings, The Double Buscemis @ Grandma’s House (August 21st)
We said fuck off to all of our least favorite Nice Guys, which is all of them for me. I hate them all equally. Beer cans and bottles were flung, you crazy fuckssss I TRUSTED YOUUUUUUU. Basement shows can get wild sometimes and this place is pretty teeny tiny, so we were all smushed together and it was perfect. Creaturos set the bar high as always, don’t fuck with those guys or you’ll get a knuckle sandwich. Mardi Kings (they were Marty Kings at the time, what’s the scoop there?), damn that’s my jam. Those fuzzy bubblegum poppers, got all the crazy kids dancing hysterically. I too was not afraid to die, for a second. Anddd The Double Buscemis, this was my first time seeing this local duo. A couple of straight shooters; short, scuzzy rips about not wanting to be a fuckboi. Don’t. Keep your eyes peeled for these hellions in twenty sixteen.
Flyer by David Fowlkes
5) Nice Guys (‘Chips in the Moonlight’ EP Release), The Monsiuers, Slow Jerks, Black Beach @ Club Bohemia (February 12th)
I could make a list of my top ten Nice Guys shows in 2015, but then I’d just be sucking their dicks wayyy too hard and I’d rather save up all of my energy for 2016, sorry gentlemen. This list is pretty close to that anyway. You’ll see those fine boys on here again, trust me, I trusted you… This show was special, because “Chips in the Moonlight” is their finest release to date as far as I’m concerned and this was the perfect celebration for the occasion. Club Bohemia is the KLYAM haus, as you probably know and I love seeing the place packed to the gills, which is rare. Cheers Al Slounge.
Flyer by Jim Leonard
4) KLYAM 6th Anniversary Show featuring The Barbazons, Nice Guys, Atlantic Thrills, G. Gordon Gritty @ Middle East Upstairs (July 1st)
This was a massive love fest. Truly humbling and heartwarming. We were surrounded by all of our friends and favorite bands and I couldn’t have asked for a better anniversary party. The Barbazons set felt like it was being played just for us. I loved how they had us request each song before they played. They opened with my favorite Barbazons/Fagettes number, “Catholic Riffraff & The Allston Amazon.” Melanie shouts “I thought it was a hangover, but it’s my heart.” Well, the next morning, it was a hangover!
Poster by John Magnifico
3) Boston Fuzzstival @ Middle East Upstairs & Donwstairs (August 6-8th)
Several of the shows featured on this list were Illegally Blind shows and many more were attended by yours truly. Illegally Blind is run by Jason Trefts, a true mentor for KLYAM and a pillar of the Boston music scene. Fuzzstival is an annual event that brings various artists and fans together to build bridges within the community. The fest is a microcosm of what Illegally Blind/Jason does every day. This year was especially significant because it stretched across three days and featured 34 bands – 18 on the final day with sets shifting back and forth from the Middle East Dowstairs’ main stage and a little side stage near the bar area. It was incredible seeing so many great people and hearing the city’s fuzziest freaks all in one room. A positive vibe we can aspire to going forward.
Flyer by TJ of Midriffs
2) Nobunny, The Monsieurs, Nice Guys, Gymshorts @ Middle East Upstairs (November 13th)
This was a bruiser, but it was totally worth it. Nobunny is KLYAM’s top dawg, errr bunny. Seriously our favorite current live act. We go wayyy back ked, way back to 09 ked. Eight shows deeps and this was one of, if not, thee best. The bunnyman had some help from some of New England’s slimiest too. Stacked bill if I ever saw one.
Art via Rocket Science Audio
1) Gonerfest 12 @ Hi-Tone, Murphy’s, and Bucaneer (Memphis, TN from September 24-27th)
I can’t believe it either, we made it to Gonerfest! A dream six years in the making. Goner Records has always been a favorite of ours; just look at our vinyl collections. We hold Memphis in our hearts, bbq on our faces, and beers in our bellies. It was an amazing experience as a whole (first time in the South) roaming through literal rock ‘n’ roll history. The fest itself featured numerous incendiary bands, too many to mention them all. Highlights for me included Pookie and the Poodlez, Nots, Ty Rex ( Ty Seall T Rex cover set, got some sweet champagne poured in my eyes), Giorgio Murderer, Obnox, Sweet Knives (Alicia Trout fronted Lost Sounds cover set), Ar-Kaics, Quintron, and Nobunny (duh). What is special about Gonerfest is that the bulk of the attendees are non-locals. Like ourselves, most festers traveled from all over the world just to see some good old fashioned rock ‘n’ roll. We met folks from DC, Kentucky, Washington, Finland, Australia. You name it. We even met some Boston peeps, shout out to Tom! As monumental as the fest is, it’s still relatively small when you think about it and that’s not a bad thing. It’s cool to think 1,000 (or less) freaks from all over the globe are gathering to drink beer and geek out over some underground bands. It’s rock ‘n’ roll camp, that’s all you need to know.
There you have it. 2016 be my baby, be my bitch, you’re next.
*SHOW TONIGHT*: Nice Guys, Black Beach, Jacques Le Coque, GBG @ Club Bohemia (4/17)!
Flyer by Jim Leonard
Hello local mischief makers, boy do we have a shoe for you tonight. Tonight, tonight, at Club Bohemia (Cantab Lounge basement) in Central Square, Cambridge, KLYAM Presents: Nice Guys, Jacques Le Coque (CT), Black Beach, and Gangbang Gordon. 8:30 PM, $8, 21+ sorry kids :( Facialbook event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/748501435268691/
It’s been nearly two years since we’ve seen our punk slimy Connecticut brethren in Jacques Le Coque, but now they’re back and with a new record, may I add. Hooky (King Pizza), pick that sheet up at the show and listen to it here: http://jacqueslecoque.bandcamp.com/ I WANT YOU TO GET SOME COQUE!
Joining the Coque, will be some local ruffians if I ever saw any. I’d like to give a shout out to URSULA first though, they were originally scheduled to play this show, but couldn’t make it due to illness. :(, we send our best wishes their way and you need to LISTEN to them immediately: https://ripursula.bandcamp.com/
Filling in for them is bizarre noisemaker, occasional hipshaker nonmusician Gangbang Gordon. https://gbgordon.bandcamp.com/ Playing a quick solo set to warm y’all up for…
Black Beach is a newer band to me, but one that has consistently shaken my soul with their aggressive brand of psychedelic garage grunge mish mash. Picture The Doors partying in a van with Mudhoney and Nirvana. Throw in some blistering surf rock for good measure. http://blackbeachma.bandcamp.com/
A fantastic addition to the messy, care free rock ‘n’ roll embodied by fellow Bostonians in Miami Doritos, Midriffs, and…
KLYAM Records’ own Nice Guys. Needs no introduction or explanation. Look thru the archives sucka. http://niceguys666.bandcamp.com/
*SHOW ALERT*: NANCY, ROBOT DEATH KITES, NICE GUYS, GYMSHORTS @ JP CHURCH THIS SAT!
Flyer by Bryce Davidson
Holy hell, LOOK AT THIS BILL! Here’s what you’re doing this Saturday (3/7), you’re joining Boston Hassle and us in celebrating the worldwide Burger Revolution! It’s a stacked line up featuring some of the feistiest punk slimers in the nation: NANCY (New York), Robot Death Kites (Brooklyn), Gymshorts (Providence), and hometown heroes Nice Guys!
Show starts at 8 PM at the JP Church. ALL AGES. $5-10 Sliding Scale. Don’t miss this!
EVENT PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/events/1557013551223248
Music Video: Nice Guys – “Stinker”
Film by Andrew Gibson
Woah, these guys aren’t as nice as you thought they were! KLYAM Records own Nice Guys make NWA and Body Count look like Backstreet Boys and N’sync in their brand new video for “Stinker” off the upcoming Chips in the Moonlight EP (456 Records). Catch the band at the release show this Thursday (February 12th) at Cantab Lounge/Club Bohemia. The Monsieurs, Black Beach, and Slow Jerks are playing too, so you know you’d be a damn fool to miss it. FB Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/374262442755502/?ref_newsfeed_story_type=regular
My Favorites Albums From 2014
I’m going to do my best to just stick to full length albums. Here we go in ABC order..
Atlantic Thrills – Atlantic Thrills (Almost Ready) – I’ve been a life long fan of music, but it wasn’t until a few years ago that I became enamored with local music. Atlantic Thrills was one of the first bands I gravitated towards and it’s not hard to see why. They capture the punk slime sound we crave better than anyone else in New England and that is fully on display on this long awaited debut LP. Besides the music itself and the commaraderie that comes with it, one of the other great things about seeing a favorite band over and over again is becoming accustomed to their signature songs, so when you finally hear their album it sounds like a greatest hits collection – trust me I mean that in the best way possible. For what it’s worth, the alphabet just happens to work this way, but I’m glad this album is up here first because it is indeed my favorite album of the year. #1. I will say Free Pizza’s Boston, MA is a close second though, but we’ll get there when we get there. Top Song: “Lie To Me”
Ausmuteants – Ausmuteants (AARGHT) – Yes, I’m aware this is an album from 2013, but I first heard it in 2014, so I said fuck it why not just slap it on there. This will happen at least one more time. Top Song: “Tinnitus”. LISTEN:
http://ausmuteants.bandcamp.com/album/amusements
Ausmuteants – Order Of Operation (Goner/AARGHT) – I just couldn’t get enough of these Aussies. This is just fun, funny garage pop with some vicious keyboards. It sounds like an 80s new wave band that got mixed up in the garage punk scene. You’ll be singing along to these gems all year. In addition to the kickass music, as with the first record, subject matter always slays me. Just listen to “Publicity Stunts.” Top Song: “Freedom Of Information” http://ausmuteants.bandcamp.com/
Fat Creeps – Must Be Nice (Sophomore Lounge/Gnar Tapes) – Your favorite Creeps are at it again and they’re heavier than ever on their debut full-length LP. I’m naturally biased, so the EP will always be my #1, but this is a solid follow up that won’t disappoint FC fans. Top Song: “Daydreaming” http://fatcreeps.bandcamp.com/album/must-be-nice
Free Pizza – Boston, MA (BUFU/Feeding Tube) –The title track says it all. This was/is a local anthem for Boston, specifically the Boston underground music scene. I’d never thought I could embrace any notion of civic pride, but this song actually did it for me and it’s always a pleasure hearing it live. Sad to say these slices recently waved good bye to us for their hometown of Miami :(. At least, we have the music and the memories. Top Song: “Boston, MA” http://freepizzarocks.bandcamp.com/
Gymshorts – No Backsies (Self-Released) -This was my kick you in the balls, lay back and smoke, chug a 40 in the alley way, fuck you dad album of 2014. Yes, yes eat all of their gymshirts. Fill those little bellies. Top Song: “HEY PARENTS!” http://gymshorts.bandcamp.com/
Juan Wauters – N.A.P. North American Poetry (Captured Tracks) – Let me hip you to something, this kewl kat known as Juan Wauters, you may have seen/heard/spiritually merged with the man before in his previous happening, Jackson Heights, Queens, NY’s #1 The Beets. If you doug (ehhhhhhhhhh) The Beets, then you’ll love Juan solo, you’re wack if you don’t. Dude channels The Beatles, Piero, and Los Mockers – the last two are groups Juan hipped me to. It’s like soft, serene Ramones too, if you’re still not convinced. Gotta rep Queens, even though I’ve only been there three or four times. Top Song: “Sanity” http://juanwauters.com/
The Lemons – Hello, We’re The Lemons (Burger/Gnar Tapes/Tripp Tapes) – Holy shit, definitely one of my new favorite bands. It’s hard to not be happy when you hear/see The Lemons. You’re submerged in this little, Lemons world that’s all gooey and yummy it’s like a Cheerios commercial from 40-50 years ago. There’s no bad feelings. SHORT SHORT songs about lemon limes, candy girls, jelly beans, ice cream, kool aid, Chubby Checker! Picture The Archies, The Monkees, The Partridge Family, I think. Perhaps the sweeter more innocent version of their Gnar brethren, The Memories. It’s all that and it’s super sweet and super short. A little injection of sugary pop. It’s so quick you want it to keep going, but it leaves as quick as it came. It’s that fast high, that five second orgasm, that day you discovered you had five bucks left in your pocket. When life hands you lemons, eat em’ up, eat all the sweets up and get those cavities, it’s worth it.
Believe the hype! Top Song: “My Candy Girl” http://thelemons.bandcamp.com/
Littlefoot – Night Of The Living Dreams (BUFU) – 2014 was the first time I saw or even heard of Littlefoot. I can remember it like it was just last year. I remember seeing them open the Atlantic Thrills album release show and screaming to Glen HEY! they have that sound I love, it’s like Earth Angel and shit! All of those odes to golden oldies are heavily on display here, Erica is on top of it, she’s done her homework and the extra credit assignment. Surf on some dreamy pop waves with this album. Top Song: “Worrydoll” http://littlefootlittlefoot.bandcamp.com/
The Marty Kings – XVII (Self-Released) – Yeah, yeah, yeah, this isn’t from 2014. I told you this would come up again and I’m a man of my word. Well, I first heard this thang just this October and it’s too fucking fantastic for me not include it. I was cruising around with those sweet ass Nice Guys and I thunk what the funk is this? It’s so bubblegummy and poppy, but in that raw, off kilterish way I always luv. Those boys informed me that this was the mastmerind Andy Macbain, the man behind Tunnel Of Love and another band you’ll be seeing on here very shortly… Top Song: “Little Arthur” http://themonsieurs.bandcamp.com/album/xvii
The Memories – Hot Afternoon (Burger/Gnar Tapes) – I had/have a huge boner for last year’s Love Is The Law and it’s lasted longer than four hours. Here we are again in 2014 and the vibes are still groovin’. It’s the same spirit, a bit funkier and even more laid back. If Love’ was the 60s, then Hot is the 70s. Do it up. Top Song: “Dad’s Not Home” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aE_vAq1wRO4
The Monsieurs – The Monsieurs (Black Gladiator/Slovenly) – This is pure, primal rock ‘n’ roll slime with a splash of punk and a pinch of pop. Real pop, bubblegummy in your tummy fun. Innocence… well not so innocent. It’s fun to be bad and this is about as badass as it gets. Various Boston garage legends here maintain their reputation and lurk the streets of beantown to fight again and again and again. Top Song: “Kari Ann” http://slovenly.bandcamp.com/album/the-monsieurs
NOTS – We Are NOTS (Goner) – You can never go wrong with Goner. Some kids way back said Memphis was dead, but damn it sure as hell is alive on this record. NOTS is straight up no holds barred fun with violent keyboards to add fuel to the fire. It’s one of those bestial sounds that makes me climb on top of the refrigerator and hop off like I’m five years old again, much to the chagrin of the folks downstairs. TOP SONG: “Insect Eyes” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Yvjewj28wU
The Orwells – Disgraceland (Atlantic/Canvasback) – I’ve heard a lot of talk about this being too clean and commercial in comparison to their previous LP Remember When. Fair, but honestly it’s not that much cleaner and as far as I’m concerned The Orwells have always been mershy, radio friendly in a way, in a FABULOUS way. These feel like radio songs. Hit songs. One after another (some definitely stronger than others). Even when these dudes were fourteen and trying to sound like Black Lips and Back From the Grave comps, they still sounded rather accessible. You could see what they were going for and how they completely drove past it. That isn’t to say I think they’re better than the Lips or whoever, it’s just that even when they were a garage band they didn’t really sound like one. Whatever it is, they hit it right and they have the songs, the talent, and the live show to back it up. TOP SONG: “Blood Bubbles” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g87QQ4RX_KU
Ty Segall – Manipulator (Drag City) – Ty again, big surprise buddy! Yes, Ty is back on my year end lists. There are no surprises here, there shouldn’t be. We rep the shit we love all year long and admittedly most of them fall under similar genres, hail from the same regions, and appear on the the same or similar labels. I’m okay with that, while I always love expanding there is such little time on this planet I intend to spend it with the music I love. As much as I dug Ty’s all acoustic effort in last year’s Sleeper, I’m really happy to see the dude rocking out once again. This is his longest monstrosity to date and while it’s not the same fuzz of early Segall, he maintains his true flavor and destroys. TOP SONG: “Feel” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4VA-b5ORxI
Now hold up, before y’all pack up your shit and leave, I must give a massive shout out to all of the KLYAM Records releases we love and are insanely proud to have put out in 2014. More cumming in 2015….
KLYAM-002: Nice Guys/Miami Doritos Splifft 7″
http://niceguys666.bandcamp.com/album/splifft-7
KLYAM-003: Back Pages Singles 13 TAPE
http://klyam.bigcartel.com/product/back-pages-singles-13
KLYAM-004: The Electric Street Queens – Live From Your Dreams, We’re The Electric Street Queens TAPE
http://electricstreetqueens.bandcamp.com/
All releases available here: http://klyam.bigcartel.com/, at the the following Boston area record stores: Deep Thoughts in Jamaica Plain, Weirdo Records in Cambridge, and Armageddon Records in Cambridge, and at all KLYAM Presents shows.
That’s all folks!
My Top Ten Favorite Shows of 2014…
I know this sounds like bullshit and I do say it every year, but each year gets better. I’d be lying if I said 2014 was the best year of my life, but as far as KLYAM goes it was definitely the best year for KLYAM. Every year does get better, just look at our label. We put out three more releases that we’re very proud of – Nice Guys/Miami Doritos Splifft 7″, Back Pages – Singles 13, and The Electric Street Queens – Live From Your Dreams, We’re The… and we have more on the way. Just look at our calendar, we went to more shows than ever this year. I counted 85 shows I attended this year, I know for some people that’s nothing, but considering I’m not in a band, I don’t have a car, I’m broke, and don’t live in the city, I’d say that’s pretty good. But hey, it’s not quantity, it’s quality (though we got both!), so here’s my top ten favorite shows from 2014:
10) The Orwells & Twin Peaks @ Great Scott (3/4) – Our dudes, The Orwells always put on a fantastic show and we saw them three times this year, but the Great Scott set was by far the best. Right up against the stage where the action is, no douchebag security guys or broseph stalins, just straight up fun. Oh and who could forget Mario hucking the mic stand into the crowd. Classic. KLYAM Review: https://klyam.com/2014/04/05/review-the-orwells-twin-peaks-great-scott-3414/
9) TIE: Nice Guys & Miami Doritos Tour Kick Off w/ Malportardo Kids and Grave Ideas & Nice Guys, Free Pizza, Ladybones, Dinoczar, both @ Thieves Grotto (2/28 & 11/21, respectively) – This is just one big shout out to the Grotto and Nice Guys. Nice Guys are honorary klyamers and so are Miami Doritos, and we love Free Pizza, we’ll miss those Miami boys. Ahh so much Miami! Guys, pizza, doritos. All the bands are named after food! Haha, but ya Thieves Grotto throws the most insane basement shows and it’s always a party. I wish every show was like these shows. KLYAM Review (2/28): https://klyam.com/2014/03/22/review-nice-guys-miami-doritos-tour-kick-off-thieves-grotto-22814/ & (11/21): https://klyam.com/2014/11/26/nice-guys-free-pizza-thieves-grotto-112114/
8) Cumstain, Free Pizza, Gangbang Gordon (BUFU Tape Release), White Pages @ JP Drive In (8/24) – I still haven’t gotten over this show, not even just the show itself, but the very fact that it happened. Call me crazy, call me wild, call me a cocksucker, I don’t give a fuck. I’ve been waiting to see this band for four years now, I still can’t believe it. It was awesome to finally meet the stains themselves as well. This show is also significant because it was the first KLYAM Presents show in nearly a year and it was my homie, Gangbang Gordon’s BUFU tape release show. Cheers buddy. KLYAM Review: https://klyam.com/2014/09/20/review-cumstain-free-pizza-gangbang-gordon-tape-release-white-pages-jp-drive-in-82414/
7) Nobunny, The Hussy, The Fagettes, Banditas, Gangbang Gordon @ Middle East Upstairs (2/4) – NO NO needs NO introduction. It’s always a blast seeing the bunnyman in action, especially in front of a rowdy, sold out Boston crowd filled with tons of my friends. Solid set of openers including one of my favorites, The Hussy, whom made both their Boston and KLYAM debut. A highly memorable show that brought us some joy and warmth in the middle of a shivering, cold ass winter. KLYAM Review: https://klyam.com/2014/02/15/review-nobunny-the-hussy-fagettes-banditas-gangbang-gordon-mid-east-upstairs-2414/
6) Black Lips & Natural Child @ Paradise (4/19) – Of course, my favorite band, Black Lips, of course you’d see them here and you’ll see them again my friends. At last, I can finally put them on my year end lists again; we haven’t seen the flower punkers live since 2011. WHATT?! This was also my first time seeing Natural Child, yet another band I’ve been anticipating seeing for years. KLYAM Review: https://klyam.com/2014/05/31/review-black-lips-natural-child-paradise-41914/
5) Black Lips, The King Khan & BBQ Show, Coke Weed @ Port City Music Hall (9/27) – I always love seeing a show at a venue I’ve never been to before, even if it’s a traditional music hall, it’s still new to me. I haven’t been in Portland (Maine) for a while, so that’s an added bonus. More importantly, this is a KLYAMER’s wet dream bill. Two giants of contemporary garage slime, straight up Rock ‘n’ Roll all in one night. Definitely some of best I’ve seen from the Lips and KKBBQ in years. No KLYAM Review, because my dog ate it. Do kids still say that?
4) Ty Segall, La Luz, Boytoy @ Great Scott (9/19) – At this point in his career, Ty Segall can and will sell out large clubs, but that wasn’t the case this time. The show was sold out, of course, but it was at Great Scott, a relatively small venue. This is Ty here. I never thought I’d see him on that small stage. It was nuts. A vicious set with tunes from all over his career. Why can’t all my favorites just stop here? No bigger clubs (except Middle East). Ty’s the face of our rock ‘n’ roll and this show is a testament that Boston loves him. KLYAM Review: https://klyam.com/2014/10/06/review-ty-segall-la-luz-boytoy-great-scott-91914/
3) Black Lips, The King Khan & BBQ Show, The Kominas @ Paradise (9/28) – Christ, what a Black Lips whore. You knew what you were getting into when you started reading this. Night II of my Black Lips/KKBBQ Rock ‘n’ Roll Weekend and as you can probably tell the superior of the two nights. In particular, the Lips shined through cranking out golden oldies such as “I’ve Got A Knife” and “Ain’t No Deal” among other classics from all over their fifteen year reign of terror. These Atlantans were as feisty as ever (including newcummer/oldcummer Jack Hines, welcome back Jack!). Speaking of bodily fluids, never thought I’d see Cole peeing in his mouth again, damn I thought that was over after 2006 haha. Best of all, the Lips and KKBBQ merged as one and performed as the gospel supergroup, The Almighty Defenders. I SAW THE LIGHT. Oh and we got to enjoy a beer with some of the guys backstage, also something I’d never expect at the Paradise. I told Jared that I lost my virginity while The Spooks were playing in the background, which is true, he said “Well, cheers to that!” Yes, cheers.
2) Atlantic Thrills (Album Release), Ravi Shavi, Gymshorts, Littlefoot @ Dusk (2/1) – Providence consistently dishes out the wildest shows and this was total debauchery, one of the craziest shows I’ve ever seen. While, I don’t think anyone was hurt (though I had several bruises) I do mean crazy. The word gets tossed around all too often, but this one is up there. Pandemonium. At the very least, just good old fashioned fun. Whether it was all the nudity, moshing, silly string, beer flying, or simply singing along to all the songs we’ve come to know and love, it was a special little feeling you don’t get often and if I could trap it in a bottle and sell it to all of ya’ll, I’d be a billionaire. And we KLYAMERS have really been waiting for this record to come out, three years now. An epic show with stellar opening sets might I add. What we call in my line of work a “stacked line up.” Keep up the craziness in 2015 and beyond. KLYAM Review: https://klyam.com/2014/02/10/review-atlantic-thrills-album-release-show-w-ravi-shavi-gymshorts-littlefoot-dusk-2114/
1) BUFU Fest @ Cambridge Elks Lodge (4/25 & 4/26) – I’ve been to a few local music festivals now, but this one tops them all. Easily the closest to what a KLYAM Fest would look like (Fuzzstival is a close second though). A wide variety of acts being thrust in your face. One moment you’re rocking out to the Nice Guys, the next you’re singing along to ACLU Benefit’s one man show, then the next minute you’re shouting about “living in Boston, Massachusetts” with Free Pizza or you’re caught in a mosh with Guerrilla Toss. I’m ready to do it all over again this year. KLYAM Review: https://klyam.com/2014/06/14/bufu-fest-recap-425-2614/
So, that’s that. As I said before, there were a ton of excellent shows I/we attended this year, I could make an honorable mentions list, but the list would go on and on. At the very least, here’s a list of my favorite bands I saw for the first time in 2014 in chronological order: Littlefoot, The Hussy, The Sulk Scouts, Buttercup, Tacocat, Durt Dog The Band, Natural Child, Juan Wauters, ACLU Benefit, The Ar-Kaics, Beach Toys, Robot Death Kites, Black Beach, The Lemons, Cumstain, (New England) Patriots, Ben Katzman’s DeGreaser, Good Nature (formerly known as Phaze), Ausmuteants, Ursula, Show Me The Body, Buck Gooter, Big Buck Hunter, and Feral Jenny.
Show Review: Vundabar, The TeleVibes, Nice Guys, Midriffs @ Overlook (12/13/14)
Bands: Vundabar, The TeleVibes, Nice Guys, Midriffs
Date: Saturday, December 13, 2014
Venue: The Overlook
DAN! DANNY BOYYYY!!! Glen and I race over here to the old Overlook like a couple of Jack Nicholsons; freezing, drunk, and losing what’s left of our minds, no baseball bat though. We just came from the Lastfest over at the old Lasthaus. That was an extravaganza, lots of angsty, awesome bands. Tough competition, hard to follow or so we’ll see at the old Overlook. Let’s back up, this Overlook isn’t old though, it’s in fact a new spot – unless I’m hearing wrong or I’m drinking some bad liquor or something, but this is apparently the Overlook’s first show. Well sir, I’m happy to be a part of it. Let’s back up our sweet asses even a few more steps. I LOVE The Shining, if you couldn’t already tell. And if you’ve seen The Shining then you know that the Overlook is a monstrosity, a maze you won’t find yourself escaping from anytime soon. Well sir, house names sure are peculiar, funny little gems and this one is no exception, except it is. The title is fitting, cause this place is a huge motherfucker.
I ain’t kidding you though about the place being massive. As I’m walking in I stop by the Nice Guys merch table to say some hellos, shake hands, kiss babies, etc and this is in the foyer, if you will, the rest of the basement space where all the attendees are is around the corner. So, I walk around the corner expecting a bigger basement, but HOLY SHIT I didn’t expect it to be this huge. The room is very long, narrow. It’s just body after body after body of excited, partying college kids. I can’t even see the band, which by the way is Midriffs and they’re pretty rad. I can only hear them though. It’s so damn packed. Check out their sheet here: http://midriffs.bandcamp.com/
Set-List:
“Swamp Don’t”
Taboo Tattoo”
“Fresh”
“White Washed”
“Death Beach”
“Sunday Morning Cigarettes & Orange Juice”
Nice Guys – The last time I wrote about a Nice Guys show I fell a little off the old wagon. To be frank, I may have had too much Haddenbear and booze in me and by may I mean absolutely. Here have a look, if you feel so inclined: https://klyam.com/2014/12/14/show-review-the-monsieurs-record-release-free-pizza-nice-guys-club-bohemia-12514/ Stumbling on my own words. Inadvertently, however, I did raise a few points about their music. You won’t find a Nice Guys love ballad or a Nice Guys song about the alienation of the modern age. Maybe, they need more of this, maybe not. Either way, they’re the perfect band for a place like the Overlook. It’s packed to the gills, but we manage to make our way to the very front and like many other Nice Guys sets, it’s a rollercoaster from start to finish. We’re practically falling over, on top of the band, mic stands are falling down, it’s a wild affair. Alas, we’ll have to wait another month or so before we can enjoy another wild affair from these Allstonites. Eat up their bandcamp here: http://niceguys666.bandcamp.com/
The TeleVibes – Love me some TeleVibes, tellies as I say. This is my first time seeing the crew in a long while, I think. Once again, kids moshing and sloshing, just as much as there was during Nice Guys’ set if not more. There’s even some crowd surfing, all in this basement with a low ceiling. Everyone is having a rambunctious old time, it’s pandemonium. Perhaps the craziest basement show I’ve ever seen. Not best, but perhaps craziest.
The TeleVibes are one of my favorites in Boston right now. They’re a little smoother than the frenetic noise of Nice Guys, but they share similar vibes, if you will. It’s fun, rock ‘n’ roll, the exact kind we encourage and extol on this site. “Fun, rock ‘n’ roll” can be pretty vague, I admit. I know what it means to me and it might mean a totally different thing to you. In the case of The TeleVibes, it’s possessed punk slime surfing on the edge of a nasty acid trip. And these boys know a thing or two about surfing or at least the beach. Contrary to popular belief, the whole band IS NOT from Rowley, they also from Salisbury Beach. Get your shit straight wack ass music journalists scumfucks. Though, most likely Glen or I popularized this myth, I’d have to check the archives. Either way, it’s the Northshore. It’s the NOTSURE KID. Well son, I’ll give you something to be sure about, The TeleVibes. http://thetelevibesofficial.bandcamp.com/ Grab a beer, a babe or a dude however you roll, roll a splifft, and lay back and listen to this sheeet. Give you those warm, summery (tele)vibes in the dead of winter. Trust me, you’ll need em’.
Vundabar – “WHAT DID YOU COME HERE FOR? TELL ME WHAT YOU COME HERE FOR.” Well mister, I’ll tell you what I came here for, I came here to get my mind blown by these various local rock musicians, that’s vat I came here for. I too love the German language and using Vs in places of Ws. It’s been a vunderful night thus far Vuy not end vith a band like Vundabar? I’ve seen them a few times now and while I prefer things to sound trashier, I can admire their music and I find much of it to be catchy. You can actually dance to it in both conventional and unconventional ways. I can best compare them to the “Post-Punk Revival” ilk of the double ohhs such as Interpol and Editors. http://vundabar.bandcamp.com/
NICE GUYS – “COP WALK” MUSIC VIDEO!
Behold the official music video for “Cop Walk” from every kid’s favorite KLYAM band NICE GUYS. Holy sweat Robin, this is the real deal. It’s even got Kevin Bacon in it and he’s doing the Cop Walk too! I bet you can’t do six degrees of Kevin Bacon and Nice Guys? I can, but I’m not giving away my secrets…
NICE GUYS – LIVE AT THIEVES GROTTO
OHH MY GOD, ARE YOU LISTENING? IT’S AN UNHOLY SNACKRIFICE. It’s unholy for sure, a little unholy Christmas present for you and me, and all other kids on the naughty list. Nice Guys forgive you.
Dude, check it out. 10 bangers from KLYAM Records own Nice Guys including back to back Splifft seven inchers “Jamaican Vacation” and “Medical Envy” for those of you that like their shit heavy. TURN IT UP LOUD AND BREAK YOUR SPEAKERS. This bad boy was recorded by TJ Freda at Thieves Grotto on February 28, 2014, ohh what a night. One of the best shows all year and now you have a sweaty slice of it. HUCK YOUR EMPTIES AT YOUR COMPUTER SCREEN WITH THE WHOLE FAMILY!
LISTEN UP
And hey if you ever want a Nice Guys/Miami Doritos Splifft 7″, you know where to find it: http://klyam.bigcartel.com/product/nice-guys-miami-doritos-splifft-7
Kids Like You & Me (KLYAM) 