Category Archives: Local Music

Art, concert review, Gymshorts, Honorary KLAYMERS, Local Music, pictures, Punk

Review: Gymshorts, Roz & The Rice Cakes, Hex Map @ Fabrik (4/12/14)

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Fabrik
Bands: Hex Map, Gymshorts, Roz & The Rice Cakes, Battle House
Date: Saturday, April 12, 2014
Venue: Fabrik (Boston, MA)

Where is this place? Lord only knows. After racing through the streets of Boston for a solid twenty minutes we finally find our destination, only to discover we have to scurry up what appears to be an eternal flight of stairs. At least we don’t have to lug up a bunch of gear hehehe poor souls. Upon reaching the final floor, there’s a series of enticing portraits and various art projects of some sort – you’re looking at the wrong guy when it comes to art art, if you got me. We scurry some more, see some heads, make our contribution/donation and open sesame, we’re here! This is not what I expected at all. I was picturing a shady looking, little art space. In my eyes, this place is gigantic and filled with people Glen and I have never met before. Brings me back to our early show attending daze.

Shortly thereafter, however, we are greeted by Justin and Roz Rice Cake of Roz & The Rice Cakes – a Providence based rock band we saw a little over a year ago with Atlantic Thrills and Ravi Shavi at the Firehouse 13, also in Providence. Speaking of Providence, a second later I bump into Sarah from Gymshorts and they fucking rock. Sarah clued me in to this place and you know as some scumbuckets say the rest is history. Both bands are playing this evening and I could just wet myself I’m that excited. Let’s go.

 Hex Map  – I am not a fan of this band. No beating around the bush. Sometimes people say that all we write here is praise and/or ass kissing. That’s not the case. I never hesitate to speak my mind, but the thing is it gets boring to rant and rave and be a know it all, especially when you don’t know it all, cause  no one does. So, I’d rather not waste any more space on bands that are not to my liking. I prefer to write about bands I love, because it’s way more fun.

Hex Map is the opposite of what I look for in bands. I want music to roll right through me, jostle me. Hex Map just drones and drags on for way too long.  Not sure if you call this prog or psych or whatever, but I can’t stand it. I’m not going to shit on them, for all I know they are fine people. For all I know you may like this music. Here it is: http://hexmap.bandcamp.com/

Gymshorts – These shorts are getting a butt load of love on KLYAM these days or at least they will be. I’ve seen the band four times in three weeks. I think that’s a record for me, then again I bet Fat Creeps could rival that number.

Gymshorts are heavily invested in fuzzy, surfy garage spunk. On stage, they are a lively bunch, hopping around and all about, wailin’, shreddin’, screamin’, and poundin’ – giving the old Gymshorts pound. For all of their feisty delivery and menace, the Bostonian crowd is tame in their appreciation. The audience is split up – I don’t know if anyone knows each other, it’s kind of odd. This is an odd place. It’s up so damn high, the elevation is giving me the creeps.

A zick part of  the set is when Sarah Gymshorts darts into the crowd, nearly tackling me to the floor. She could probably kick my ass. http://gymshorts.bandcamp.com/

Roz & The Rice Cakes – We first saw these cakes at the Firehouse 13 for the Ravi Shavi album release show a little over a year ago. This was a special time in my life when I was in college and perpetually exhausted, in another world entirely. I remember them covering The Pixies’ “Gigantic.”

Tonight is their record release show. Need to Feed is 12 inches of wax and the band is very excited to be putting out their first ever piece of vinyl. Congrats! This performance sends me right back to my initial Rice Cakes experience. Hazy, ethereal, very dream like. Dream pop I suppose. Check it out here: http://thericecakes.bandcamp.com/

 

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

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

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

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

Weirdo Records in Cambridge, MA

Armageddon Records in Cambridge, MA

Deep Thoughts in Jamaica Plain, MA

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

5a040-fat2bcreeps2bcover
You can also find the last remaining copies of this bad boy at Weirdo Records and Armageddon Records. OR you could order one directly from us: http://klyam.bigcartel.com/product/fat-creeps-10-ep-coke-bottle-clear

Earthquake Party, Free Pizza, Local Music, Music, Nice Guys, reviews, White Fang

Review: White Fang @ Middle East Upstairs (4/20)

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By Joanna Trachtenberg

The next night (which was 4/20 by the way) I saw White Fang who are The Band To See On 4/20™. That’s right, Boston was the lucky city to be graced by White Fang’s presence on that glorious day this year. Free Pizza were up first in this jam packed bill. This band is fairly new and I had never seen them before but I was quite impressed. They played power punk that I wouldn’t exactly call poppy. Their songs were for the most part short fast and not very sweet (by the way I mean that as a compliment). Next up were Boston’s version of FIDLAR, the Nice Guys. They like to party and rock hard. I am hoping for big things coming from them. Next up were Boston’s best synth punkers Earthquake Party! They recently recorded a bunch of new songs for an upcoming album and they played a number of them tonight. The one non local opener was Denney and The Jets from Nashville who at first I thought were gonna be an Elton John cover band or something. They were not. The name comes from the fact that their singer’s name is Denney. They played good ol’ fashioned rock n roll. They are homeboys of Natural Child who I saw the previous night with the Black Lips.

Now it was time for the mighty White Fang! Guitarist Kyle Handley, Drummer Jimmy Leslie and Bassist Chris Uehlein started playing with lead singer Erik Gage in the background. When he was ready to sing Gage stormed to the front of the stage and started jumping around like a madman. Their songs border between punk, hardcore, metal and hard rock with the band into it the whole time. Some of the funnier moments included when Gage backhumped the stage for about a minute and when Gage lifted Uehlein while he was playing bass and spun him around. I am planning on seeing Gage and Handley again later this month with The Memories, their mellower other band. After the show I saw for merch they had a number of gnarly Gnar Tapes.

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

BUFU Fest 2014, Music, The Jellyfish Brothers

Recollecting BUFU: The Jellyfish Brothers (4/26)

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Oh did Miami FLA’s Jellyfish Brothers ever bring their twisted surf sludge to the Elks on Saturday night. I had spent the previous few days listening to them on YouTube and Bandcamp and yeah, you bet I was excited. Perched on top of one of the platforms in the room, I got a nice view of the band rocking out as well as the crowd going crazy. Jellyfish’s attack crashes into you with more force than your typical surf group and for this I salute them because they are rip roaring off the chain. Can’t wait to see them again as soon as possible — I’m going to listen to “Ordinary Kidnapping” non-stop now.

BUFU Fest 2014, BUFU Records, Fat Creeps, Local Music, Music

Recollecting BUFU: Fat Creeps (4/26)

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Fat Creeps have been the KLYAM band for about two years – yes of course you might have noticed with our countless posts, releasing their debut on wax, going to and reviewing as any many shows of theirs as we can. We’re enthralled by the music of Gracie and Mariam, which is groovy and harmonious and noisy and heavy and light and dark. On this very night, they play a set of oldies and newbies gems, ranging from the dance inducing “Secrets” and “Daydreaming” to some 2014-era material like “Comes In Loudly” and a couple others I don’t even know the names of! Gonna have to wait for their Gnar Tapes release. I feel like I hadn’t seen the Creeps (live, I mean, and for the first time with new dawg Travis Hagan) for a long long while so it was quite the pleasure to take it all in, notably these newer tunes that have a more MAJESTIC feel than the more immediate pop luster of times past. So that’s pretty sick! Also, the spirited background dancing of Noah of ACLU Benefit that hilariously accompanied the Creeps set made me grin big during “Loudly” as he would chill for just occasional seconds before going ape shit flailing around, half naked, just like everyone should during a celebratory Fat Creeps occasion.

Local Music, Music

Recollecting BUFU: The Lentils (4/26)

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BUFU Fest 2014 was quite a time in the history of modern rock ‘n roll. In a time of Bonaroos and Coachellas and the masses that flock to those large events of questionable entertainment, there is no need to kid ourselves by understating the importance of a community nurturing weekend of artistry and rocking out. One need only navigate in the crypts of Bishop Allen Drive in Cambridge to take part in the elation of live music that goes down on a daily basis and is supported by truly dedicated bands, fans, and advocacy groups like sites, labels, bookers, spaces, newspapers, organizations, zines, and etc. It was really amazing to see hundreds of people having fun so be sure to thank BUFU – psychedelic gangstas as Frank Hurricane might put it – who made it happen. 

The Lentils is a band I was real real pumped to witness. For one, I never got the great chance to see Happy Jawbone while they were in existence. I don’t know how that happened and I’m not particularly well endowed to admit such a thing. Their quirky pop orientation is something I’ve dug hard from bands across the rock N roll spectrum for years and if I had to say their 2013 LP kinda proves the point that good sounding things can be really demented at their core. With all this in mind of course I’m giddy upon hearing in-the-know-bro Chris Collins tell me that The Lentils rise from Happy Jawbone mastermind Luke Csehak. I knew good things were to come from this guy who looked familiar from way back when we were patiently waiting in the Gentlemen’s Room section of the Lodge.  And ya a superb performance followed from the three Brattleboro Vermont based Lentils. Luke is an interactive frontman, moosying his way into the crowd, you know, sorta erupting twangs from his guitar with real ease and character. The tunes feel a half a century old in the best way, but what draws me hooked is Lou Reed would be smiling just the same. Being bizarre is being endearing and The Lentils could try anything out, give it their own Lentil spin, and well who knows as far as I am aware they don’t have any recordings up, so we gotta wait and see! Soon I hope, I’m ready!!!!

FB: https://www.facebook.com/thelentils