If you don’t reside in the Boston area, you may just be in luck, cause both bands are heading out on a two week U.S TOUR starting tonight. Check the dates here: https://www.facebook.com/events/260378950794102
Lastly, I know I know more linkz up yer ass, but you’ll thank me later. The Nice Guys/Miami Doritos Splifft 7″ (KLYAM-002) will be available at all of these shows! The record will also be available through our online store VERY SOON, we’ll keep you posted. https://miamidoritos.bandcamp.com/album/splifft-7
Shit, I don’t think a work of art has made me want to drink so badddd since Dazed and Confused! Watch the epic onslaught of 40s in the music video above for Free Pizza’s latest single “Boston, MA” an ode to our fair city. Then catch em’ on tour with fellow Bostonians Designer in March including a stop at SXSW. Full-Length comes out on BUFU Records on March 8th.
The Panduhs fuck. Fuck it, these panduhs don’t give a fuck if you are feeling blue or if you’ve had a bad day. No, they are going to keep rockin’ and rollin’ in their own little Panduh way. They exist in their own Panduh world. A world fixed on marshmellow pop, Hunxian hooks, and straight up rock ‘n’ roll that celebrates the oldies as well as the modern age. If you dig Beach Boys, Magic Kids, or Peach Kelli Pop you should dig the Panduhs or else. Or else I will track you DOWN. Just listen to the group’s song “When I Grow Up,” in all its Barbara Anne esque glory. A friend of mine said that these songs rub him the wrong way. And that’s just it. I want music to rub me the wrong way, as long as I’m getting rubbed, that’s all that matters. It doesn’t matter if it’s wrong, if I’m getting rubbed (if I’m feeling the magic) then it’s always right.
Mmmm yeah, let me have a piece of that. That water is so delicious, it goes down so smooth with the Uruguayan voice and words of Mr. Juan Wauters. The song/video before you is called “Water,” and if you dig the folksy, mind bending stuff this cat has brought to you before both solo and of course in The Beets, then you will dig this. The video is directed by Beets/Juan vet Matthew Volz.
Don’t leave just yet. Juan has a new album out on Captured Tracks entitled N.A.P. North American Poetry. Ok, now you’re dismissed.
In 1956, Elvis Presley shook his hips on national TV. Later in 1956, Elvis Presley shook his hips AGAIN, being shot from the waist up. Then for a long time nothing happened… Until now. We bring you the Nice Guys/Miami Doritos Splifft 7″ out on KLYAM Records on March 3rd and at the Nice Guys/Miami Doritos tour kick off show and subsequent shows on February 28th. For far too long, rock ‘n’ roll has been neutered, packaged, sold, resold, twittered, tweeted, repeated, and cheated again and again. I for one have had enough. This Splifft here is a grenade in your sweaty hands. Use it wisely.
Four fresh, gahridgerawk cutz to terrify the neighbors. Shambling, scuzzy noise. BLASTS!
Nice Guys :
1) Jamaican Vacation
2) Medical Envy
Miami Doritos:
1) Price 2 Pay
2) Rush Hour/Piss Take
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NICE GUYS / MIAMI DORITOS TOUR DATES
February 28th – Boston @ THIEVES GROTTO
March 1st – Syracuse, NY @ HOUSE SHOW
March 3rd – Detroit, MI @ BLACK LODGE
March 4th – Chicago, IL @ WALLY’S WORLD
March 5th – St. Louis, MO @ PLUSH
March 6th – Memphis, TN @ LAMPLIGHTER
March 8th – SOMEWHERE IN KENTUCKY~!
March 9th – Asheville, NC
March 10 – Chapel Hill, NC @ NIGHTLIGHT
MAR 12 – Arlington, VA @ CD CELLAR
MAR 13 – Baltimore, MD @ HOLY FRIJOLES
MAR 14 – Philadelphia, PA @ THE NUTHOUSE
MAR 17 – Cambridge, MA @ CHARLIES KITCHEN
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And whaddya know there is a new music video from the Doritos themselves. Check it out below.
Bands: Nobunny, The Hussy, The Fagettes, Banditas, Gangbang Gordon Date: Tuesday, February 4, 2014 Venue: Middle East Upstairs (Cambridge, MA)
Gangbang Gordon – “I have two announcements to make. I’d like to wish my father, Papa KLYAM, a happy birthday. He turns fifty-three today. And I want to thank Nobunny, because if it wasn’t for him I wouldn’t be here today. Literally and figuratively.” That’s it, you heard it right from the bunny’s mouth, I mean horse’s mouth. Gangbang Gordon, a mere seven shows deep, is playing on the same stage (well, he’s on the floor actually) as his two heroes: Nobunny and The Hussy. As a fellow KLYAMER and massive fan, this is a distinguished accomplishment. Let’s just take that in for a moment. You play a few shows and then you open up for two of your favorite singers. Except you don’t, unless you’re Gangbang Gordon.
GBG sings lead vocals and strums on guitar, being accompanied by his WTF (Wakefield Track & Field of course) band which includes Brian Hickey on guitar, Dan Gerry on bass, Justin DeCarlo on drums, and Ben Tan on tambourine. While GBG resides on the floor, the backing band holds the fort on stage. Mr. Tambourine Man, Ben Tan, however, often hops back and forth, “dancing” and intimidating the crowd of puzzled on lookers.
Bewilderment is nothing new at a GBG show. That reputation is solidified here as the would be gangbanger careens around the Middle East venue, bopping into the audience, wrapping himself around poles, and singing directly to individual members of the crowd. It’s odd, but it’s still showmanship and I’ll give him that. It’s better than watching someone perform “for the people” as if they are some demagogue, above everyone else. GBG plays with the people, he plays with their minds. He gets his hands dirty, filthy.
In terms of the band, you have a variety of players. Some are seasoned pros, others are amateurs. Throw em’ together playing GBG songs and it can get messy. That being said, this is the best GBG has ever sounded and I will give the WTF band the credit they deserve. It’s a lo-fi, ramshackle that doesn’t care if you are a Boston college student or a teenager in an insane asylum. GBG and his manimal barebackers are here for you and they are here to stay. Catch them before they catch you.
Set-List:
“It’s a Damn Shame”
“Lost Touch With the Youths”
“Life At the ABC”
“Warm, Warm, Warm”
“I Can Testify”
“Last Day of Work”
“Orguello De Rappers”
“Slide Paper”
Banditas – Just about anything that follows Gangbang Gordon is going to seem conventional, but I’d say Banditas are a massive transition. The trio consists of two women on vocals and guitars and one man on drums. This isn’t the first time we’ve seen this band, but it was so long ago, it’s hard to remember specifically what they were like. We saw them open for Mark Sultan at PA’s Lounge, nearly two years ago. It was fun.
Of all the bands on the bill, Banditas are the easiest on the ears, though they still have some garage grit in them too. “When He Comes Home” has its country twang and stands out the most to me. They also perform a sick cover of The Stooges’ “No Fun.” Check out their music here: http://banditasboston.bandcamp.com/
Set-List:
“Whiskey”
“When He Comes Home”
“So Cool”
“Sing About Me”
“Harmony”
“No Fun” (The Stooges cover)
“Number One”
“Mine to Lose”
“Hang Up”
The Fagettes – Fagettes are always an essential band for Boston punk slime shows. When we heard that the bunnyman and the hussyman were heading our way we knew the Gettes had to be playing alongside em’. If they weren’t, there would be riots in the streets I tells ya!
The dudes and dudette open with a newish cut entitled “Street Queens in Heat.” It’s fine and dandy, and the packed crowd of new and old faces are digging it. The next song is “On Drugs,” one of the quintessential Fagettes numbers. Just makes me feel sick in a very, very satisfying way. Just look at the lyrics. “Take me back to your place girl and I’ll show you the atomic bomb. ON DRUGS.” Love it!
They conclude the set with another vintage tune known as “I Wanna Feel Good.” As do I fellas, as do I. Ryan hops off the stage and walks through the crowd, staring through all of our souls. Eerie. http://thefagettes.bandcamp.com/
Set-List:
“Street Queens in Heat”
“On Drugs”
“Chilly”
“Bad Catholics”
“Tsunami”
“Stems & Seeds”
“Gonna Die Out Here”
“I Wanna Feel Good”
The Hussy – That’s Bobby (vocals/guitar) and Heather (vocals/drums), and don’t forget it. The Hussy are a two beast – a rock ‘n’ roll two piece from Madison, Wisconsin that sends most two pieces crying for their mothers. The Hussy have toured their Mid Western asses right off, releasing a shit ton of records and tapes along the way, but this here tonight is their Boston debut and they destroy! Bobby even burns his guitar apparently. I don’t know how I could have missed this, but according to Glen it happened. Where is my mind?
What I do remember, however, is The Hussy rocking my socks OFF! For the first half of the set, the crowd is a bit stiff, sort of just doing the headbob and perhaps some headbang. Then not too long after “Undefined” the Bostonians start to move and dance and slam and bam about.
Quite the debut from Madison’s finest. I’ll kill to have another Hussy onslaught come my way again in the near future. Let’s do it.
Nobunny – NOBUNNY!!!!! KLYAM are Nobunny freaks and it looks like we aren’t the only bunny freaks in attendance. Among the sold out crowd, there are somebunnies lurking around wearing their cute, little bunny masks. Yep, everyone loves Nobunny, unless you’re a killjoy. But, fuck those guys.
This is our sixth time seeing ‘that bunny fuck’ as one attendee likes to shout out ha! Yes, the bunny fuck, the bunny man, our masked hero represents the dirty, slimy, balls out fun (quite literally) rock ‘n’ roll that we champion. He is our shining king, an ambassador for love, peace, and non stop horny bunny fucking. Non Stop. Won’t stop, can’t stop. For the love of rock ‘n’ roll. Shock ‘n’ Troll. Twenty – Fourteen. Sweet Sixteen, ain’t so pristine. No Bunny, No Problems.
So yeahhhh, The Hussy come back for more, those crazy fucks. They back up Nobunny alongside another long, blonde haired gent. The quartet kick it all off with Secret Songs (2013) opener “Bye Bye Roxie.” And I’m always getting highhhhhh awww yeahhh! The set list varies with blasts from the past – Love Visions (“I Am A Girlfriend,” “Chuck Berry Holiday,” “It’s True,” “Mess Me Up,” “Nobunny Loves You,”), First Blood (“Motorhead With Me,” “Gone For Good,” “Live It Up,” “Blow Dumb”), and my favorite, thee olde seedy, slutty, Sneaky Pinks anthem, “I Can’t Wait.” I don’t think I ever screamed along so hard to the lyrics of a song at a show before. I just feel the pain. I identify with the words the bunny spits when he sings his song. I too cannot wait for forbidden love. Ahhahahahahaa, I swear officer, she told me she was thirty six!
In addition to all of the wacky, wonderful songs Nobunny cums out, he also shoots out a load of theatrics, which are actually just simple off shoots of his personality. He can’t help but pull down his undies and moon all of us. And honestly, why can’t one’s under garments serve as a mic stand? Why not???
BUNNY FREAKS FUCKING FOR LIFE!
EPITAPH:
The world is a fucked up place, I can’t change that. It’s a terrible place really. I don’t blame people that kill themselves or want to kill themselves, I’ve been there. But, maybe we can start by making the world a better place for them to live in first. We can make a better world (laughs from the reader). I’m serious though. Dead serious, so help me God. A great song to me is a perfect place, a place where I can escape for a little while. These are the only songs I am interested in hearing. Nobunny makes trashy rock ‘n’ roll, but we live in a trashy world. Think about that.
I guess this is the part of the review where I tell you what I’ve learned so far. I am confident in myself and all I can say is that rock ‘n’ roll should…
Bands: Atlantic Thrills, Ravi Shavi, Gymshorts, Littlefoot Date: Saturday, February 1, 2014 Venue: Dusk (Providence, RI)
“Hey, you’re the titties sucking guy!” Ahh, it’s that warmth I’ve come to know and love in Providence. Everyone seems to be so kind and friendly here. Glen, Paul, and I drove up from Wakefield, MA to come and celebrate an event we’ve been greatly looking forward to for years: Atlantic Thrills debut album release. Not to mention, another visit to Caserta Pizza to devour a full course of their mouthwatering cheese pizza. We don’t venture out to Providence very often, but when we do it’s always a blast and usually consists of a wild, debauched party featuring the music of Atlantic Thrills and fellow Providence, revolutionary rockers Ravi Shavi. Additionally, two more excellent Providence rock bands fill out the bill with Gymshorts – a group we’ve been seriously digging as of late and Littlefoot, whom make their KLYAM debut tonight.
Yes sir, Mr. DJ Studs Jerkel, thank you for reminding me of a fond memory from the canon of KLYAM attended punk slime shows. Last time we stepped foot in this city was indeed a wild, debauched, titties sucking hootenanny accompanied by the rampant music of the Thrillz and Ravi on a lovely, lush, and unforgettable Summer night. Summer ends. Work sucks. School sucks. Most vividly, New England weather sucks. I’m freezing my nips off in the cold, so I look to Dusk to seek out that warmth I’ve come to know and love here in Providence.
This is our first time here at Dusk, although I have heard the name pop up on a number of occasions in local listings and just general conversation over the years. I know it’s one of the hot spots for local music in Providence and one of the times KLYAM Records’ own Fat Creeps played in Providence they played here. Needless to say, I’m curious. It’s a cool spot with a big bar area and a fair amount of space for the audience to stand and see the bands, and hopefully much more rambunctious activity.
Littlefoot – The evening begins with Littlefoot and of all the bands they are the most serene and surreal. The music is very mellow and gentle. It places me in a ethereal state of mind. The music warms everyone up for the rest of the bands, which are all more of the heavy, garage variety. That isn’t to say that Littlefoot doesn’t have any rock to them. They are very dream pop and there’s elements of early rock ‘n’ roll. They remind me of Dum Dum Girls, Polaroids, and The Smashing Pumpkins at their softest. My favorite tune is set closer “Worry Doll,” which makes me think of headliner Atlantic Thrills’ “Foreign Lands.” It just has that classic 50s, early 60s slow chord progression to it. Makes me want to lay back on the grass and stare off into the stars. http://littlefootlittlefoot.bandcamp.com/
Set-List:
“Backwards Lullaby”
“Night of the Living Dread”?
“Fever Dream”
“Head in the Clouds”
“Bleak”
“Maps and Hands”
“Worry Doll”
Gymshorts – Here’s a band we’ve been getting into a lot recently. I wish they were from Boston, so we could see them on the reg, but you do what you can. We saw them on a sick bill in December with Nice Guys and The TeleVibes at the Middle East ZuZu. This set is similar to that one and the band is pretty dirty and heavy. It’s the muddier, less attractive version of garage rock. It’s not cheery bubblegum, that’s for sure.
About half way through the set one of the guitarists condemns the crowd of stiffs, “Did you guys all come out here just to stand around.” Well, that set the fireworks off, and the stiffs start to loosen up and slamdance like they oughta. I’m pretty much out of it by this point, if you want to know the truth. In a split second, I’m flung from one side of the room to the next, barely able to stand. And I do the same to other patrons, you know how these things go.
“Hey Mom, Hey Dad” is my favorite from the night. Lead vocalist/guitarist Sarah’s vocals are delivered in ferocious, devilish yalps that bring to mind Kim Gordon, except Gymshorts are much more fun.
Another highlight includes “Bed (Stuy).” It’s hilarious when everyone is moshing and the band is going like 90 mph then SLAMS on the breaks and stops playing for a moment and everyone stops moshing. Then they start playing again and the moshing starts up again, and it’s just start, stop, start, stop. It’s really hilarious. Like they are dictators and we are all robots. I could live under a Gymshorts dictatorship. http://gymshorts.bandcamp.com/
Ravi Shavi – The mighty Ravi Shavi, my second favorite Providence band (Thrillz are number one). I haven’t seen these fellas as much as the Thrillz, but I have seen them several times in Providence and I’m more than excited to add another exhilarating Ravi Shavi show to the books.
As the band prepares to launch into their set, I overhear two gentlemen behind me discussing the American Revolution. The roar of inebriation washes over me and I clutch both their hands, proclaiming “let’s start the next revolution tonight!” With that I jump back and forth, bashing into them among other peers, the music kicks off and from then on it’s a non-stop frenzy.
Ravi Shavi is quite different from the first two bands on the bill; not as delicate as Littlefoot, but not as ravenous as Gymshorts. Their brand of soulful, vibrant power pop allows you to dance to them in both conventional and unconventional manners, I prefer the lather. Either way, it’s going to be sweaty.
The best part of Ravi is the build up to the final song “Accidental.” The crowd knows their Ravi Shavi well and all together there is a slow hum – “OHHHHHHHH” it’s like a fucked up, primal, tribal orgasm. At first, I’m like huh? But, I notice the band reacting to this and I realize it is in fact the beginning of my favorite Ravi Shavi song, so I join in the lunacy. It’s the band’s strongest/highest point, the pinnacle, the best way to close a stellar set. Listen to Ravi Shavi here and better yet go seem them live! http://ravishavi.bandcamp.com/
Atlantic Thrills – “This is three years in the making.” Glen says this to me as the foursome are setting up to play. Atlantic Thrills have been kicking it for 3+ years and the first KLYAM attended show was nearly three years ago, so this show and specifically this album has been a long anticipation for us, and one that’s been worth the ride. The songs on the band’s self-titled debut, with a couple of exceptions, have not been available anywhere else. If you wanted to hear “Light Shines” or “Drugs In It” then you had to get off your lazy ass and go out and see the band in the flesh. This is what separates them from most other contemporary groups and definitely makes the release of this album that much more substantial. Speaking of which, tonight the band plays the new record in its entirety.
Before we even hear the first few chords of “Problems,” drunken pandemonium shifts into first gear. Silly string and beer cans fly across the room as a hurricane of eager bodies and a poor, stuffed unicorn mascot swing to and fro. Eric, Dan (wearing a mighty fine sombrero may I add), Kelly, and Josh do what they do best, blasting through a set filled with hit after hit. Glen and I hop on and off the little stage from time to time to sing along to the various garage fueled, doo wop drenched anthems we know by heart. Whether it’s the “ohhhhhhhh oh oh oh ohhhhhhh” in “Boozin’ All Night” or the ” Lie lie lie lie lie lie won’t you lie lie to me” in “Lie to Me,” we never miss a beat.
This set also marks the debut performance of “Blind Lead the Blind,” a politically tinged sermon of sorts. Still, most of my joy stems from hearing and singing along, and hysterically dancing my white ass off to all the classics. I am certainly not alone in this fanaticism, as I look around and see naked fans, crowd surfing, and a demolished brontosaurus unicorn.
I haven’t mentioned this yet, but originally this show was set to be an underground party, but some pesky porkers stepped in and nearly ruined everything for everyone. Fortunately, the party was moved to Dusk. Initially, I was still pumped for the show, but thinking damn, that underground party would have been really sick. Honestly, by the end of this show I could care less. This is not only the best/most chaotic Atlantic Thrills show I have seen, but one of the gnarliest shows EVER! At least as far as we’re concerned.
I walk outside the Dusk to a cool breeze, still just wearing my Fat Creeps shirt, almost forgetting my jacket and the fact that it is probably 20/30 degrees or less outside. With my clothes soaked in beer, my body jostled and mangled up, I stare at my newly purchased Atlantic Thrills record (yeah, get that shit from Almost Ready Records!) looking down at each song and thinking about how rare a show like this comes through, and how awesome it is to hear all of these nuggets in one setting. I can’t wait to listen to this animal when I get home. Of course, if I can I still stand up straight.
ATLANTIC THRILLS: http://atlanticthrills.com/
So, you made it through this long winded and, if I say so myself, amusing review. Good for you. Thanks. More importantly, do in fact check out all the bands up to and including Atlantic Thrills. If you are a Boston peep go see them Saturday, February 15th @ Tasty Burger (Cambridge). https://www.facebook.com/events/254030581431595/
And for the rest of you, the Thrillz are heading out on a 33 day tour in support of their debut album. GO!: https://www.facebook.com/events/480886382022874/
The Orwells destroyed the other night opening for Arctic Monkeys and Deerhunter at Agganis Arena. Yes, Agganis Arena, a corporate monstrosity, not very rock ‘n’ roll, but damn we just had to catch three bands we’ve loved over the years all packed together on one fine bill. Check out The Orwells on the rest of their tour with Arctic Monkeys and take a gander at the music video above for “The Righteous One” directed by Eddie O’Keefe.
Bands: Potty Mouth, Malatese, Kal Marks, DB Cooper Date: Friday, January 31, 2014 Venue: Craft House/ Crab Haus (Medford, MA)
We KLYAMERS scramble around Tufts University looking for this place for a good while until we finally see a big van with musicians unloading equipment outside of it. This is the place. I love these little clues when you’re searching for the right house that’s holding the show. I remember one time I overheard some dude respond to the doorman’s donation request with “hey man, this PBR 40 is all I have on me.” That always killed me, cause I knew right away this is the place.
I’ve never been to a show here before, but it looks like a lot of fun. A living room is packed with college kids, blowing off steam after a long, hard week of working and/or partying. It’s a relatively decent space and in fact there’s a camera set up on a tripod in the back of the room, catching all of the evening’s activity. I feel like this space is a much cleaner version of what the Die Slaughterhaus (Atlanta house venue, early double ohhs) must have been like. Ohh God, I would have killed to have caught just one Black Lips basement show in 2001 or 2005 or whenever. At least, I am here now and that’s all that matters. I am just going to sit back, wet my whistle, and let DB Cooper do all the work.
DB Cooper (formerly known as Dumpster Banana) – DB Cooper. Never heard of him or them before, but supposedly he or they are local Tufts legends. Before the show started I was informed that DB has elements of Husker Du in em’ and I can kind of see that, perhaps earlier, more hardcore driven Du, for there is plenty of fast, testosterone droolin’ grit to the DB Cooper band. I’ll point to fellow Minneapolis, alt rock losers ( and by loser I mean winners) The Replacements as a means of comparison. There’s that party hardy, loud, fast punk element, but there’s also a softer side with a heart to them. In fact, one of the songs is introduced as their “Replacements song.”
DB surely keeps the kids rocking as a tornado of smelly, perspiring bodies slam back and forth into each other at a rapid pace, crashing right into me as I stand in the back of the room on a tiny couch, trying to knock back as many bud lights as I can; I’m trying to catch up with you kids, but don’t knock over my damn beer! Makes me sad, I am no longer in college :(.
I have mixed feelings about DB Cooper. A part of me likes that Husker, Replacements vibe and just the sheer animal quality of their performance. Then again, I feel like, it’s sort of emo, death metaly high school stuff I am not too fond of, it could go either way. It’s fun, but not something I’d go out of my way to see again.
Kal Marks – Kal Marks is just the band I came to see. I fancy myself somewhat of a garage punk nut, though I don’t claim to be an expert or anything, but Kal Marks is one of the few contemporary bands I really dig that doesn’t fall under that category. Their songs may be bleak and brutally honest, but the band still rocks with so much vigor, it’s hard not to get excited when they play. Most of the songs are also quite catchy, but not in a cutesy or bubbly way. It’s all genuine, powerful, and ultimately profound.
For Kal’s set, I make sure I get a nice spot right up front, just inches away from the performers. It’s a packed crowd and like the first band, there’s a solid crowd response with lots of moshing and such. I’m actually surprised I’m able to stand up front the whole time without flying straight into the drum set.
As far as the songs go, there’s a lot of terrific material on display, much of which appears on their latest and greatest release Life is Murder. My favorite tonight is album opener “Love is a Song, Not an Answer.” Check out the whole album here: http://kalmarks.bandcamp.com/
Malatese – Malatese are on tour from Harrisonburg, Virginia and they are playing a couple of shows with their good buddies in Kal Marks. Tonight here and tomorrow night at Death By Audio in Brooklyn. Some day, I will attend a show there.
I didn’t get a good grasp on Malatese, but they were interesting to say the very least. Definitely far out and more experimental in nature than any of the other bands on the bill. Some say they are no wave and noise. I feel y’all on both accounts. If you’re into weird, but still rockin’ music, check out Malatese here: http://malatese.bandcamp.com/
Potty Mouth – I’ve heard a lot of folks rave about Northampton’s Potty Mouth, but I’ve actually never listened to them myself. Sometimes, seeing a band live for the first time is the perfect introduction. The band sounds decent with some tight, noisy, 90’s flavored rock, but for most of their performance I’m unable to actually visibly see the band play. There are too many bodies in front of me and I am simply too lazy to move up further at this point. To be frank, I am not sure if I stuck around for their entire set. Those bud lights finally caught up with me. Check out Potty Mouth here: http://pottymouth.bandcamp.com/
This show was presented by the good folks over at Apple Jam Productions. Let’s do it again sometime.
Kids Like You & Me (KLYAM) 