Category Archives: Music

Art, concert review, Fat Creeps, Honorary KLAYMERS, Local Music, Music, pictures, Punk, reviews

Concert Review: Fat Creeps, Muck and the Mires, Electric Mess @ Precinct (8/17/12)

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Artists: Fat Creeps, Electric Mess, Muck and the MIres, Paul Collins Beat
Date: Friday, August 17, 2012
Comments:


Act I: Fat Creeps– Fuck, this past week I have been blasting the Fat Creeps EP I purchased last Friday and I have just been in this Fat Creeps zone for a while now. It takes me back to when I caught Black Lips fever back in ’08, and you can see how that turned out…  Intensely listening to the FC recordings has made me love their music  even more. Perhaps I have not painstakingly analyzed every line of their lyrics like some jokers I know (haha jk!) but I definitely have gained a bigger appreciation for these tunes. So yeah, hearing the songs live tonight is just another shot of Fat Creeps in my life. It is funny cuz when I hear “Leave Her Alone,” (especially towards the end) all I can think of is John Travolta injecting heroin into his arm, a lovely image. “Sex Beat,” The Gun Club cover you motherfuckers ought to know by now is definitely beefed up tonight, the band rocks pretty fucking hard and it is zee best rendition I have heard from them. Jim Leonard pounds those damn drums. I am paying close attention to his drum-work like a wacky detective and I like it, dude keeps a steady beat. Man oh man, the whole band rocks… a little too good. Like I was given some drug ahead of time (minus the drugs already in my system), that’s the way I feel when I see/hear these Creeps. You can’t deny the power of a fantastic pop song like “Nancy Drew,” another cool detective. Earlier in the evening I had a conversation with some lads about the excitement of seeing bands live and how I get a boner every time I get to see a favorite of mine; a No Bunny or a Black Lip or a Deer Hunter, if you will. Well sir, I go bananas whenever I can see a fat creep (or three) and it has been six times now and it’s just as splendid, I am grateful for that. Seriously, cannot wait for the next show. Until then, take it easy, where we’re going we don’t need roads… http://fatcreeps.bandcamp.com/


Act II: Electric Mess–  Electric Mess came all the way from New York and I am glad I got a chance to catch their set. I enjoy their straight up rock ‘n’ roll  sound, delivery, and overall attitude- who can’t forget their dress; ties, Beatles-esque hair doos, and the whole nine. Electric Mess have a slick, garage sound, wow I don’t think I have ever used those two words in the same sentence before! EM is a fun, energetic band and they keep up the momentum Fat Creeps initiated. The lead singer is especially outgoing, dancing in the crowd during one of their songs. Not as solid as their openers, but still a cool group to check out, here’s their BandCamp page:  http://theelectricmess.bandcamp.com/


Act III: Muck and the Mires–  Hell yeah, the rock ‘n’ roll continues with Muck and the Mires!  These dudes seem to generate the most reaction, with plenty of dancing  from various femmes in the audience. In fact, I would say that Muck  and the Mires brings out the MILFS at a Boston rock show or at least the overwhelmingly attractive older women at a rock show. Muck’s set is filled with fabulous odes to The Beatles  and they really just capture the good time vibes of that era altogether. I cannot say I am as spastic  as a  schoolgirl in Liverpool  1963, but hey Muck and the Mires can put on damn  fine show and for that KLYAM salutes you. (Raises PBR as a token of appreciation). http://www.muckandthemires.com/muckhome.html

Act IV: Paul Collins Beat–  Aww shucks we missed it :(   Check it – http://thepaulcollinsbeat.com/

Art, Fat Creeps, Honorary KLAYMERS, Local Music, Music, pictures, Punk

Boston Globe Reviews “Fat Creeps”/ Show @ Precinct Tonight!

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http://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/2012/08/16/noisy-neighbors-fat-creeps-fat-creeps/icFolkCOsgzjOLT8SNWrGL/story.html
Cool review, but “Cherry” is not a “low point” it’s the EP’s sunshiney, fun, unique jam! To each his own.

Fat Creeps play at Precinct tonight  with Paul Collins Beat and Muck and the MIres. GO!

Music, The Orwells

The Orwells Aquarium Drunkard Session/Prefix Interview

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The Orwells recently played four songs for Aquarium Drunkard – three from Remember When (including perennial favorite “Halloween All Year”) and one new one. Check it out: http://www.aquariumdrunkard.com/2012/08/16/the-orwells-aquarium-drunkard-session/

And they got “Artist To Watch” honors at Prefix, which features an interview with the band. Check it out: http://www.prefixmag.com/features/the-orwells/prefix-artist-to-watch-the-orwells/67695/

Art, Band Recommendation, Local Music, Music, pictures, Video

Band Rec: Guerilla Toss

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Guerilla Toss is a crazy, cool band that are hard to miss around the Boston underground scene and one that I highly recommend to those out there that need an extra kick in the balls when consuming music. Just check out their mind bending music and you’ll see what I mean: http://soundcloud.com/guerillatoss By the way, here’s a live review I did from a little while back:
“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!!!”

 

CD Review, Music, reviews, Thee Oh Sees

Album Review: Putrifiers II (Thee Oh Sees)

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Band: Thee Oh Sees
Release: September 18, 2012
Label: In The Red

Comments: Thirteen albums deep, Thee Oh Sees made me think: just what will their next album sound like? If there were any indications before we got to preview some of the songs, it was that this was not a full band album. It was primarily written by John Dwyer in the role of multi-instrumental captain with help from long-time engineer Chris Woodhouse (drums) and Mikal Cronin (sax) just to name two. Dwyer’s done this before; actually, just last year with Castlemania. I love Castlemania’s wildly psychedelic moments and distinctive tape production. With the longest song clocking in at 3 minutes and 20 seconds, that record stands in contrast to the full band’s lengthy inclinations on Carrion Crawler/The Dream. With Putrifiers II, it sounds like Dwyer is interested in trying some new things, but with a keen remembrance of past successes. On the opener, “Wax Face,” I think of Carrion Crawler/The Dream, with its buzzing bass-line, fast pace, and array of effects for Dwyer’s guitar playing. The one thing that stands out on this track and stays that way for the rest of the album is Dwyer’s vocals. Dwyer doesn’t seem to be straining himself too much, just letting melodies stand as most distinct and the vocals as a creepy, yet squeaky clean and well-mixed after-thought. “Hang A Picture” is more Castlemania than Carrion, thanks to that acoustic guitar that Dwyer likes to bring out on record sometimes. It’s also easy to get lost in the sea of instrumentation. You might miss some horns if you aren’t paying attention. The fuzz sounds like a synthesizer, maybe it is, maybe it is.  “So Nice” is a stand-out track for me. “Remember a day when fat kids got high? A light twisted sky enlightening me.” With a Velvet Underground styling (eastern influence and all — is that a viola?), this song marches along, sounding much briefer than its near 4 minutes. Ya wouldn’t know this on record though with “Cloud #1” serving as a continuation/instrumental. “Flood’s New Light” – which has just made the online media rounds, receiving very high praise – seems to channel the supreme energies that resulted in Help, the 2009 release that had some “ba-ba-ba-ba-ba” hooks to its own credit! You might even stop and think, ‘wait is that King Khan and the Shrines?’ at the beginning. I did. By “Putrifiers II,” Dwyer’s talent becomes abundantly clear. He makes some strange music (with some strange titles and some strange album art), but can so easily craft an identifiable pop gem, which I’d say this title track is. The flute and saxophone parts toward the close of the track are superb additions and slightly surprising – I wasn’t sure if Dwyer would break out into a full-out jam or some experimentally savvy finish or something of that nature. “Will We Be Scared” has me thinking Atlas Sound in more ways than one: 1) vocals (namely!) and 2) that old timer chord progression. Still, though, “Will” is distinctively Oh Sees, credit some extra psychedelic moments and choice picking. If I could see the band perform any of these Putrifiers II live, I’d bet “Lupine Dominus” would be one of them. It’s as ‘complete’ as they come on this record. It surprises me when it ends. “Goodbye Baby” is an odd-duck, culled from a long line of brief ’60s pop songs. “Wicked Park” is much the same way, but is just about a perfect closer. That acoustic guitar makes a comeback and for me I imagine Dwyer just strumming along on someone’s abandoned back porch. Just fun loving stuff that might serve as a nightcap to bizarre entertainment. With Putrifiers II, I feel like there will be a new breed of listeners that are just starting to get into Thee Oh Sees, perhaps because they caught them live after going to a show with a friend or saw the name on some high capacity music site. I sure hope they take this album for what it is — a few left and right turns within a familiar framework of past work. Great, awesome, cool, whatever, I feel it’s necessary to end this review with the mindset of how it started. What will #15 sound like? Not that it matters because I sense this will be getting many spins throughout the fall.

Top Three Tracks:
(1) Putrifiers II
(2) Will We Be Scared
(3) Flood’s New Light

Art, Big Mess, Music, pictures, Punk, Tours

Big Mess Heading On Tour Next Week/ Show @ Butcher Shop (8/23/12)

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8/23 Boston, MA – The Butcher Shop w/ Kal Marks, Caddywhompus and more
http://www.facebook.com/events/330046390422942/

…8/24 Barre, MA – Barre Fest w/ Kal Marks, Motel Mattress and many more
http://www.facebook.com/events/505274812821293/

8/25 Upstate NY – TBA
8/26 Columbus OH – Villa Villa Coola
8/27 Kalamazoo, MI The Corner Record Shop http://www.facebook.com/events/340390142716460/?notif_t=plan_user_invited
8/28 Chicago IL – TBA
8/29 Athens OH – TBA
8/30 Kent, OH – Stone Tavern
8/31 Washington DC – Casa Fiesta
9/1 Mont Clair NJ – The Meat Locker
9/2 Lowell, MA – ALS Fest
http://www.facebook.com/events/431437186877404/See More– Big Mess Facebook Page

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!