Category Archives: reviews

Art, Bent Shapes, Best Of 2012, Fat Creeps, Honorary KLAYMERS, Hunx and His Punx, Kids Like You and Me, King Khan, King Khan and the Shrines, Lists, Local Music, Music, New Highway Hymnal, Nice Guys, No Age, Nobunny, pictures, Punk, reviews, SKIMASK, Slimers, Smith Westerns, The Electric Street Queens, The Migs, The Strange Boys, Ty Segall, Ty Segall Band, White Fence, Yankee Power

My Top Shows Of Twenty-Twelve

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I saw more shows this year than any other (47 total) and all of them were FUN . The following is a list of my top ten (most fun) shows all year:

10) The New Highway Hymnal, Creaturos, Leamers, The Migs, Nice Guys @ Big Stink (10/6/12)
Damn, this was a solid night. I mean with the bands on this bill, how could it not be? Going in to this show I only knew NHH and The Migs, but I came out a fan of local stalwurts, Creaturos and Nice Guys, and our neighbors to the North, Montréal’s Leamers. Kids bashing and bopping around like they ought to. I’ll link you up to the KLYAM review: https://klyam.com/2012/10/09/concert-review-nice-guys-the-migs-leamers-creaturos-new-highway-hymnal-big-stink-10612/

9) The Migs, Nice Guys, Cult Fluorescent, Slimers, Chillcity Icon @ Wilder Zangcraft (11/24/12)
Best Migs show I’ve seen! Nice Guys played a sick set of Coachwhips covers and it was great to see the experimental one mon band Cult Fluorescent again. This show was also my introduction to the mighty Migsian two piece, Slimers and the twisted no wave/noise duo, Chillcity Icon. https://klyam.com/2012/12/06/concert-review-the-migs-nice-guys-cult-fluorescent-slimers-chillcity-icon-wilder-zangcraft-112412/


8) Hunx and His Punx, Heavy Cream, Radio Control @ Great Scott (4/2/12)
I’m a Hunx freak, so words can’t describe my excitement for this show. Having missed the past two Hunx Boston gigs :( I’ve waited for two and a half years to see the band live again. The first time back in October ’09 was opening for Jay Reatard and this served as my intro to Hunx. This time around was even better because I actually knew and loved all of the songs. Throw in Infinity Cat noise makers, Heavy Cream and Somerville rockers, Radio Control and you have one of the finest shows all year. https://klyam.com/2012/04/04/concert-review-hunx-and-his-punx-great-scott-4212/


7) Fat Creeps, Earthquake Party, Fedavees, Fagettes Halloween Show @ Rosebud (10/13/12)
2012 very well could be called the year of the Fat Creeps, especially on this site. We’ve seen a dozen Creeps shows this year, more than any other artist. In fact, I think I’ve seen them more than any other band I’ve seen. Every show has had its own special quality, but for Halloween they played a set of Ramones covers and the crowd ate it up. It was the marriage of two of my favorite bands, and on top of that there were stellar sets from Earthquake Party! (Nirvana), Fedavees (The Wipers), and The Fagettes (Nancy Sinatra & Lee Hazlewood).
https://klyam.com/2012/10/16/concert-review-halloween-show-featuring-fat-creeps-earthquake-party-fedavees-fagettes-rosebud-101312/


6) On Broadway Fest 2008 @ Dirty Douglas/Ant Cellar (5/5/12)
I haven’t been to any music festivals, except this one, well and the first On Broadway Fest, but I arrived at night for that one. Therefore, this show was a unique experience. It was a blast seeing 15 or so bands all in one day, especially with memorable performaces from Fat History Month, Big Mess, The New Highway Hymnal (shit water yay!), and Guerilla Toss – I literally felt the Guerilla Toss, woooo. https://klyam.com/2012/06/08/concert-review-onbroadway-fest-2008-5512/


5) No Age, Make It Up @ Chum’s Coffeehouse (3/10/12)
KLYAM and No Age go way back, way back before there even was a KLYAM. The first show we saw at Middle East was No Age, and that took place in 2008. They were one of the first of our beloved, HONORARY KLYAMERS. As popular as No Age is, they still carve out their own DIY aesthetic and playing a little Coffeehouse in Waltham is a testament to that. Some of the best moshing/crowd surfing I’ve seen all year! https://klyam.com/2012/03/12/concert-review-no-age-chums-brandeis/


4) Ty Segall, Thee Oh Sees, K-Holes @ The Well (9/22/12)
This is one of the few shows I have seen outdoors. I need to experience more of these! Outside on a rainy night in Brooklyn with a thousand or more bodies. I usually prefer smaller gigs, but Ty Segall’s music is so gigantic it feels right in this setting. Of course, this show is also special because this marks my first and only experience with Thee Oh Sees, one of America’s greatest live bands. Can’t wait for the next NYC trip and/or Ty/Oh Sees show. K-Holes, stay solid. https://klyam.com/2012/09/23/concert-review-ty-segall-thee-oh-sees-k-holes-the-well-92212/

3) Ty Segall, White Fence, Strange Boys @ Space Gallery (5/14/12)
Ty it is again! You just can’t stop this guy from popping up on our year end lists. Ahh, our first Ty Segall show ever! An event in heavy anticipation for nearly two years. The Space Gallery is one of the finer venues in the New England area that I have attended: larger capacity without that corporate rock feel, art gallery, steady rock ‘n’ roll, and two dollar PBRs! Yeah, so if the show above at the Well felt like a big time House of Blues event, then this Space Gallery show was more akin to a rowdy, packed Black Lips show at the Mid East Downstairs. And of course, Strange Boys were better than ever!
https://klyam.com/2012/05/15/concert-review-ty-segall-white-fence-strange-boys/


2) King Khan & The Shrines, Hector’s Pets @ Brighton Music Hall (7/23/12)
As far as showmen go, you’d be hard pressed to find anyone that competes with King Khan. We were blessed this year to catch Khan and all the classic Shrines at a sweaty, fun filled show this past July. It’s just one big party y’all. https://klyam.com/2012/07/25/concert-review-king-khan-the-shrines-brighton-music-hall/

Who will be number 1?…..

NO NO NO NO NO!!!
NobunnyTyOhSeesNYCSep2012 009
NOBUNNY!!!!

1) Nobunny, Bad Sports, Xray Eyeballs, Liquor Store @ Living Bread (9/21/12)
For the past three years, the almighty Black Lips have filled the number one slot in this category. Alas, we did not see them this year, they had bigger plans – touring the Middle East. Beautiful, those kids need em’ more. Fortunately, we witnessed somebunny else on stage, this bunny we’ve also consistently seen the past 3-4 years, and he’s never let us down. 5 Nobunny shows deep and this was the best. I felt like I was watching Darby Crash or Keith Morris, but singing bubblegum and garage. I love that feeling, when you look up at a bunnyman in his underwear and say to yourself “this is the only kind of rock ‘n’ roll that matters.” https://klyam.com/2012/09/24/concert-review-nobunny-bad-sports-xray-eyeballs-liquor-store-living-bread-92112/

Ahh what a year, 2012, the best I’d say. In this year I saw the following exceptional/favorite bands for the first time (some of which I noted above): SKIMASK, Bleached, Smith Westerns, Dirty Virgins,  Fat Creeps, The Migs,  Ty Segall, Beach Boys,  Bent Shapes (as Bent Shapes), Colleen Green (two nights in a row!), Thee Oh Sees, Nice Guys, The Fagettes, The Electric Street Queens, Yankee Power.

And now I’m off to bring in 2013 with Fat Creeps,  The New Highway Hymnal, Color Channel, and Yale, MA at Great Scott. Peace.

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

Concert Review: Dirty Virgins, Slimers, Krill, ABADABAD @ Great Scott (12/18/12)

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Eye Design Presents: Treat Yo Self Christmas Edition With Music From:
Dirty Virgins, Abadabad, Krill and Slimers
Date: Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Venue: Great Scott (Allston, MA)

December2012Show 028
Act I: Slimers– Ahh, it’s good to be back in ye olde Great Scott. Tonight, the place is looking festive, decked out in various Christmas decorations. For those that don’t know (you oughta be ashamed of yourselves), Slimers is Lukas Goudreault (vocals, guitar) and Keven Lareau (vocals and drums/percussion) of The Migs and MMOSS  and they are dressed in equally festive raiment: some badass Cosby looking Christmas sweaters. Da Slimers start their sound checkin’ and for a few brief moments I feel like we’re at some house show. No, I don’t mean house as in a basement, living room, DIY sorta thang. I mean house as in electronic, trance, dubstep, etc. It’s trippy, loud and intense brah, where are the glowsticks and euphoric blockbusters? Nowhere to be found, because  Slimers aren’t a hair cut band and more importantly this is just their sound check.  Christ, why am I reviewing sound checks? That would be pretty funny though if we at KLYAM  just reviewed sound checks from here on out. Fuck the set tonight, I just want to hear a killer sound check, man. Good lord. In all seriousness though, when Slimers are sound checking, they start playing for a little bit and I’m fucking immersed in all their sliminess. I look to my right at Glen and I can see in his eyes that he feels the same way. Then I look behind me and I notice that we’re the only ones in front of the stage. I’m thinking “what is a matter with all of these jokers?” Then the band immediately stops like a car going 90 slamming on the breaks. They walk off the stage, and Glen and I look at each other, both thinking the same thing: “fuck, we’re idiots!”  We were both thinking that that was the beginning of their actual set, not just a sound check.  Aww man, this sound check is like the pre-cum that cums out before the real cum. No worries, the real cum arrives shortly and better than I expected.  Slimers produce a blast of noise, psych, and the kind of  rock ‘n’ roll we consistently champion here, the only kind.  It’s a fun, loud set and in fact the best of the night. I’m still acclimating myself to their songs, but I find it hard not to sing along to “SPAGHETTIANN,” a catchy number that draws comparisons to early Ty Segall.  The duo close their set with a cover of “Louie,  Louie.” YEAH YEAH YEAH YEAH YEAH!  Get  yer ya-ya’s out with Slimers here: http://slimerz.bandcamp.com/

December2012Show 031
Act II: Krill– Krill is a three piece from Somerville that I am not particularly fond of, but it appears as though others in attendance are digging them. They seem to have some noisy garage vibes like  the other bands on the bill this evening, but they don’t diddle my twat the way Slimers diddled my twat. This is just my first impression, sometimes I change my mind, so I plan on giving them more listens. Here’s their bandcamp page, check it out : http://wheretheresakrilltheresaway.bandcamp.com/

December2012Show 035
Act III: ABADABAD– At this point in the evening, the Great Scott is pretty packed. I mean actually throughout the whole show, the turn out for a Tuesday night has been spectacular. ABADABAD, what a name for these dudes! ABADABAD is a band I have never heard of until now.  I enjoy their set for it’s mellow, danceable, power pop quality. And yes indeed some dancing emerges during their peformance, which is always positive.  Click on their bandcamp page, they have plenty of releases you can dance your ass off to: http://abadabad.bandcamp.com/

December2012Show 037
Act IV: Dirty Virgins– It’s been an excellent year in music, each year seems to get better, but what makes this year so special for KLYAM is the fact that we have had more exposure and experience with local- Boston/ New England based music more than ever before. Dirty Virgins are certainly a part of the Boston underground music scene and definitely one of the best local bands I’ve seen all year. I saw them before at the Dirty Douglas and that was a bastard of a show. Good times.  Tonight, the Dirty Virgins are just as fun as before, if not more. The crowd dances and moshes (a little bit) and in general all are in high spirits. They deliver a ball busting, rocking set filled with several great tunes. I especially dig the headbanging inducing anthemic rocker, “Cheap Talk” as well as the country droolin’ ballads in “Bar Rot” and “Company Store,” two jams that make the band earn the description in the first half of their moniker. The latter number in particular is a terrific sing-a-long. Listen to all their punk slime here: http://dirtyvirgins.bandcamp.com/

Art, concert review, Honorary KLAYMERS, Mark Sultan, Music, pictures, Punk, reviews

Review: Mark Sultan, Future Spa, Headband, Squall @ Starlab (12/8/12)

Sultan Starlab
Bands: Mark Sultan/BBQ, Future Spa, Headband, Squall
Date: Saturday, December 8, 2012
Venue: Starlab (Somerville, MA)

Act I: Squall – Last time I heard this name was at a Mark Sultan show in Boston almost exactly a year ago tonight. Squall (along with The Sinbusters) opened for Sultan at the Magic Gallery last December. Twas a great show, here’s the review: https://klyam.com/2011/12/16/concert-review-mark-sultan-magic-room-gallery/ and here’s a clip of Squall’s set:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGXGZcFDeWg&feature=related. Alas, we actually missed Squall that night. Fortunately, this time around we arrive early and are able to catch all four bands on the bill. Squall plays first and it is a pleasant experience. Going into shows, I don’t anticipate anything from bands I have never seen before, other than that I hope I will like them of course. I was asked earlier in the evening that very question: “Do you predict what the bands will sound like before the show?” No, not at all. It is better that way. I like to get a sonic punch in the face from every new band I see.  I want that to be our little moment.  If I had sat around dreaming up the possible sounds of Squall, it would have less of an effect on me.  Anyway, the band is a three piece consisting of one dude on vocals and a “1970s electonics set up” to quote one attendee, another on guitar, and the last on drums. Together they create a cacophonous, deafening blast of noise pop that reminds me of Jesus and Mary Chain but with a Nick Cave/ Glenn Danzig combined beast on vocals. This performance is solid and I am intrigued by Squall, but tonight I can only hear hints of their talent as songwriters. I feel like if the sound is just a smidgen better than the songs would be more effective. Listen to their BandCamp, the songs are sick and even better than I imagined. http://squall.bandcamp.com/

Set List: 

“Repulsor”
“No Life Here”
“The Vessel”
“Tiny Hammers”
“Imperialized”
“Black Marks”

Act II: Headband– Headband is a cool band that I’ve never ever come across in all my years on this planet. Which is funny because they have existed since I was in Kindergarten! But, I am pleased to have made their sonic acquaintance tonight. Speaking of the 90s, I definitely get a lot of 90s “indie rock” vibes, chiefly Pavement, Dinosaur Jr, and Sebadoh. I mean I’d be shocked if one didn’t. Headband even display that mellow, laid back demeanor often attributed to those bands or that style/era. The dudes casually switch instruments during their set, which is always fun. After the performance, I briefly chat with members Brad and Matt, solid dudes! http://buzzardrock.bandcamp.com/

Act III: Future Spa–  Tonight’s host, D.J. Murray and crew kick it in Future Spa, a noisy, hardcore punk drenched out fit, fresh on the scene. D.J. feverishly belts out the vocals with the classiness of  G.G. Allin. Is it me or did I just hear Gibby Haynes. Nope, I’m not going insane, a clip of Ministry’s “Jesus Built My Hotrod” plays in the middle of their set, specifically the part with Gibby Haynes on guest vocals, y’all know the part! One of the last songs the band performs is a cover of KLYAM fave, No Age’s “Everybody’s Down.” I’m down, are you? https://soundcloud.com/futurespa/sets/starlab-demos

Act IV: Mark Sultan– Damn, KLYAM is four Mark Sultan shows deep. If you read this site, then you know Sultan has played a pivotal role in shaping our tastes in music with his various bands: Spaceshits,  Les Sexareenos, The King Khan & BBQ Show, and his solo work. I feel like if you enjoy any of these bands you would dig Mark Sultan/BBQ as is. It’s all straight up,  rock ‘n’ roll as it always has been. It is thrilling to see Sultan in a basement, to be so close to such pure,  rock ‘n’ roll. It’s crazy.  I almost feel vulnerable in a way. Here is rock ‘n’ roll as it should be done and despite unfortunate illness, this is the best set I have seen from Mark Sultan. As countless, including myself,  have stated before, the vocals are mesmerizing in general, but live is insane. As usual, classic after classic is unleashed – virtually all beloved songs during my youth. Yet, it’s really just like one giant song, one take. The War On Rock ‘n’ Roll. Honestly, that’s the best way to appreciate it. I recommend you see Mark Sultan live when he comes to your town. http://marksultan.com/

Art, Bent Shapes, Local Music, Music, pictures, Punk, reviews

Single Review: Bent Shapes – “Panel of Experts”/ “Bites and Scratches”

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Band: Bent Shapes
Songs: “Panel of Experts” and “Bites and Scratches”
Release Date: 12/12/12

I’ve had the pleasure of seeing Bent Shapes live a couple of times this fall and in both instances nearly every song had at least one memorable quality. In fact, their Bandcamp page (http://bentshapes.bandcamp.com/album/demo) contains some of these fine pop tunes. With this release, the trio further this reputation, adding two more catchy, jangly numbers to their catalog.  The first song “Panel of Experts” kicks off with some simple, steady drumming from Andy Sadoway and soon vocalist/guitarist Ben Potrykus and vocalist/bassist Supriya Gunda chime in with sunny guitar riffs that remind me of Weezer. I know I’ve compared Bent Shapes to Weezer before, and believe me they extend beyond that comparison, but I can’t help but note the easy on the ears, direct hooks that both bands possess. “Panel” is a catchy song, for sure, but I prefer the second half of this single – “Bites and Scratches.” This is a really killer tune. I distinctly remember this song sticking out during the live performances, so it is exciting to hear the final version. “Bites” is instantaneous, wrapping you in from the first few seconds – and Lord knows I’m a sucker for such pop songs. I hear a lot of pop songs about couples holding hands, but the words usually don’t mean much to me. And I’ll be honest, I don’t pay attention to lyrics that much anyway, but in this song Ben’s vocals are so strong I can easily picture him (or the character in this song) grabbing a girl’s hand and sharing in their mutual feeling of self-disgust or “damaged goods” as they call it. “Bites” exemplifies what I love about Bent Shapes: fun, but not the kind of fun you would have with Black Lips or The Migs. More along the lines of feeling sad, frustrated, and moody (don’t worry I’m getting to my point) – but not in an emo, stay alone in your room and listen to sad music sort of thing. More like, I feel like shit, but I’ll go to this party anyway, and stay up to watch the sun rise. And a hazy feeling of euphoria, “it will be alright,” takes over. I guess that means fun to me. If you can evoke those emotions in me in less than two minutes, then you get an A in my book.

klyamrecommended

Art, concert review, Local Music, Music, Nice Guys, pictures, Punk, reviews, The Migs, Uncategorized

Concert Review: The Migs, Nice Guys, Cult Fluorescent, Slimers, Chillcity Icon @ Wilder Zangcraft (11/24/12)

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YEAHHHH
Bands: The Migs, Nice Guys, Cult Fluorescent, Slimers, Chillcity Icon
Date: Saturday, November 24, 2012
Venue: Wilder Zangcraft (Lowell, MA)

Act I: Chillcity Icon – The chillest of city icons, Travis and Kevin are two good heads you can find around the city of Lowell and tonight’s first band. I don’t even know where to begin here: my description will not even come close to doing justice to their performance, you just have to see it for yourself.  But, what the hey, since this is a “review,” I’ll throw in some of my thoughts and reactions. Well, firstly, you have to know about the visual: there’s a table in the middle of Travis and Kevin and upon this table are various objects such as a big bicycle wheel, which the drummers (ohh yeah, I forgot to mention they are both sick drummers) use to get some zounds with their drumsticks. There’s plenty of electronics as well. You could say this is a noise affair, I’m going to say that, despite its quiet, mellow charm. I can’t say that I could watch this over and over again, but for someone that typically doesn’t like 80-90% of music that doesn’t contain immediate pop hooks, I honestly walk away impressed. During the set, I find myself locked in a trance, rarely able to escape it, and that, my friends, usually never happens. It’s cool to watch a performance every now and then that defies the conventional, song begins, songs ends, everyone claps for approval, song begins, song ends, etc. Instead this experience is akin to one colossal vomit session – just hurling out the music until it’s over, feels fresh.  I also really dig how there’s complete silence (or no spoken words) from the two performers until the end when they wish everyone a HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Well, after Chillcity Icon, I feel stuffed for sure.

Act II: Slimers– Some slimy punkers right here – Migs/Mmoss men Keven and Lukas in a two man musical attack on all the senses. The pair are decked out in matching army jackets, it looks like they are fresh off a hunting trip, ahh these two fine lads couldn’t hurt a fly, or could they? They take it all out on their drums and guitars, with Keven shouting vocals and slamming away on the drums and Lukas up front strumming thee olde 12 string and screaming his pipes off as well. If you dig Migs, you will probably be down with Slimers, they have that gah ridge feel like Migs, but the songs are stripped down and a bit more intimate. These fellas know the meaning of punk slime (they ought to, being Silmers), which is great because I have no idea what the fuck that means. Little help? Here’s my grandmother’s favorite Slimers stain, “Spaghetti Ann,” when the band was briefly known as Heroin Mom, ahh those were the days. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=XOdRrox28ew

Act III: Cult Fluorescent– Saw this motherfucker last February at the Dirty Douglas, alongside New Highway Hymnal, Big Mess, and Dirty Virgins. Easily one of the most memorable sets all year. Now Now, you may be thinking that that is some cheesy stock line and granted the syntax and lack of more enticing adjectives may make it appear as so. Let me assure you that’s the truth and several AIM chat convos w/ Gangbang Gordon have occurred since then discussing that very performance; yep we still use AIM, cuz Facebook chat just doesn’t feel right. Why have nostalgia when you could just constantly relive your life experiences over and over again? Well, I’d certainly love to relive that show experience again, and in a way I can and so can you, here take a gander: https://klyam.com/2012/03/13/concert-review-new-highway-hymnal-lowell-7-release-show-dirty-douglas-21712/ Back then he was known as Between Tall Saints and Sinners, and now Brad is back as Cult Fluorescent. Just like last time, he is a unique performer, simultaneously permeating chaotic, yet gentle vibes. This time around, the songs seem more accessible, but still retain the same atmospheric, dreamlike quality I felt before. [My memory is a bit fuzzy, longgg week, then and now] Brad Cult Fluorescent concludes his set by slamming his keyboards to the floor and removing his shirt (or some variation of that, use your imagination). Do something for good once in your useless, moronic life and like him on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CultFluorescent?fref=ts

Act IV: Nice Guys– Holy smokes! Batman, we’re at Act IV!!! NICE GUYS!!! Throw your panties in the air, these upstanding gentlemen deserve it. Nice Guys are the Nice Whips tonight, because they play a set full of Coachwhips covers. Y’all know Coachwhips, right? Well, if you don’t check out a fun video of them playing at a Boston basement in 2004, right here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcgwMO23obA  Nice Guy Matt Garlick was nice enough to post this vid on the event page, what a nice guy! I myself am not too familiar with The Coachwhips, though I know them because of the John Dwyer/Oh Sees connection. I’ve been listening to them a little bit now and they are pretty sick (with Dwyer on board, how couldn’t they be?), so seeing a solid band like Nice Guys cover the Coachwhips is an absolute pleasure. My fellow KLYAMER Glen is a big Coachwhips fan and so he’s as hard as Chinese arithmetic during this set. We both agree the guys’ version of “You Gonna Get It” is a stand out (listen to the OG here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99w92KScdac). This is definitely the most rocking, pumped up set so far and some moshing ignites during their performance, leading up the explosion of The Migs, the fifth and final act. Got some links for ya to gobble up as a post Thanksgiving Dinner dinner,  be thankful for all these KLYAM bands or I should say KLYAM beloved bands.  http://niceguys666.bandcamp.com/ http://www.facebook.com/niceguys666?fref=ts

Act V: The Migs–
“”I’ve seen The Migs six times my boy, six glorious times. Magic really.”
“Mister, I don’t even know who you are.”
Manager walks over…
“Sir, I’m going to have to ask you to leave Chuck E. Cheese immediately.”
Ahh fuck em. No, that didn’t happen. But, I have seen The Migs six times and it’s been like Christmas morning each time. And I’m not just saying that to suck their dicks, if I wanted to suck a dick, I could just lean forward and break my neck performing a little bit of the old autofellatio (hey, that’s a word don’t give me that red squiggle line WordPress!), okay I just looked it up, I guess it’s two words. Auto Fellatio or could be combined as Auto-Fellatio. I learned something today. Haha, I love that word fellatio; its meaning aside, I always thought Bill Shakespeare should have named one of his characters, fellatio. Prince Fellatio. Ohhh well, I’ve dived into yet another digression, “I get so lost inside the rooms inside my mind.” MIGS! That’s where we were heading before all this blowjob business reared its ugly shaft into my review! Goddamn, I’ve been listening to way too much Hunx. Speaking of Hunx, y’all like a sweaty, slimy rock ‘n’ roll set? Migs deliver it. Better than ever, for real, in my experience anyway. The audience reaction and/or participation is top notch as well. The moshing continues and never really stops, not even for a breather. Kids are just bashing around to all the classics, “Follow Me Home,” “You & Me,” “Fuzzy Son,” and more. “Fuzzy'”with its waves catchin’, bird doggin’ appeal particularly captures the ears of one Gangbang Gordon. As I mentioned before, best/funnest Migs show I’ve experienced: pants fall down, shirts fly off, and Keven (in classic Migs fashion) bolts into the crowd with his gee tar, as relentless as ever. They close the show with a cover of “Louie, Louie” (the greatest song of all time according to vocalist/guitarist Lukas), but they ask for a little help with the words. To quote Nice Guys, fuck if I know! My dad- Big Guy or Big G as he’s known in hip hop circles- the guy who’s dick would plop right up if he heard The Migs (read here under Migs section: https://klyam.com/2012/10/28/concert-review-sic-alps-fat-creeps-bent-shapes-the-migs-radio-102512/) he used to play in a band in the mid-late 60s known as The Pacers (before the Basketball team) and they would cover “Louie, Louie” at school dances. He told me as a kid that that was the “baddd song” “the song your principal didn’t want your band to play.” Tonight,  The Migs made it bad again, in a good way.
When all is said and done, Craig, my main man, hands me the set list without me even asking for it. He knows the routine by now. I have a set list fetish – any ladies out there share in this bizarre, quasi psychotic, sexual infatuation? KLYAMERS need love too. So yeah, Craig comes through with the set list, Craig knows best. That should be a show, Craig Knows Best on ABC Family. I’d watch it. That channel could use some subversion.

Set List:
“We’re The Migs”
“Follow Me Home”
“Gravestoned 666”
“When She Says My Name”
“You & Me”
“Pretty Ricky”
“Fuzzy Son”
“Take Take Take”
“Cosmo Nots”

LOOK NEW SHEEEET!!! http://soundcloud.com/the-migs/he-aint-so-great
AND
http://themigs.bandcamp.com/
and for fuck’s sake, here’s da fascist book page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Migs/114318615312674?fref=ts
Now, please put your goddamn wiener back in your pants son, before someone gets hurt!

Art, concert review, Fat Creeps, Honorary KLAYMERS, Local Music, Music, pictures, Punk, reviews, The Electric Street Queens, Video

Concert Review: Fat Creeps, 28 Degrees Taurus, Secret Lover, Electric Street Queens @ PA’s Lounge (11/17/12)

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Bands: 28 Degrees Taurus, Fat Creeps, Secret Lover, The Electric Street Queens
Date: Saturday, November 17, 2012
Venue: PA’s Lounge (Somerville, MA)


Act I: The Electric Street Queens– I have seen countless two pieces in my day, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen a two piece consisting of two ladies. I’ve seen two dudes, one dude and one dudette, but never two dudettes. Electric Street Queens, where have you been all of my life?! Electric Street Queens is Melanie Bernier ( also of Fagettes- I admired her drumming in the past) on drums and vocals and Coco Roy on bass and vocals, so basically the greatest duo of all time. Simon & Garfunkel ain’t got shit on you! This is some real good shit, don’t walk away…. if I could hold a live LP from these gals in the palm of my hand, I’d be a happy man. But, for now I have to cherish the moment. And indeed it was a great moment. Like The Coathangers, but better and sassier. Simple, stripped down songs- very catchy, fun, playful/nasty sense of humor. I can relate to that, being a sick bastard myself. They don’t seem to take themselves too seriously, which is always refreshing to see. Like I said, funny songs about beefcakes and bruises, puke and scum, you know the usual Thanksgiving family dinner convo. There is also plenty of in between song banter, such as cracking jokes about diapers and other sexualized comments that I love to hear.  The band’s closer “Doncha Want To Work At The Brewery” is an amusing, macho, testosterone drippin’ anthem that demands the universal question stated in the title. During the song, Coco makes her way out to the crowd, rockin’ right up against KLYAM’s very own Glen! I’m sure he’s now looking for employment in one of our local breweries.

Set List (written on a brown paper lunch bag, no lunch though):
“Roadkill”
“She’s Gotta Bruise”
“Brew ha-ha”
“Beefcake”
“Puke”
“Molly Brown”
“Divorce Court”
“Scum”
“Brewery” (“Doncha Want To Work At The Brewery”)

Some links: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Electric-Street-Queens/454252407931289?fref=ts
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AoRyl_S9z-k&feature=relmfu


Act II: Secret Lover–  The whole band sounds delightful, for lack of a better adjective, okay we’ll go with peachy keen, sure that works, I prefer that. Secret Lover sounds fairly dynamic, especially the lead vocalist. I enjoy watching her slither on and off stage, twirling the mike with ease. She has a loud, powerful voice that sounds familiar, but I can’t quite explain what or who it is. I recognize the last song they play, “Rubber.” It’s a catchy, little number and the backing vocals (“bahhh buppp bah bah bah”) are memorable.  Check out their music here: http://secretlover.bandcamp.com/


Act III: Fat Creeps– This is my first time seeing the Fat Creeps at PA’s Lounge. YAYYY!!!!  Before this moment in time, I had to solely rely on You Tube videos (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkFImOf5kZI) Tonight, they switch things up by opening with what are in my opinion (and I can imagine others) their strongest songs “Nancy Drew” and “700 Parts”. These are tunes that typically fall towards the end of their sets, but I must say I like seeing them at the front of the set, starting the show on a solid note. In general, the sound is excellent, and much of this is a debt to PA’s sound system, but it’s not just that. I think this is simply one of the Creeps’ best shows, at least one of the best I’ve seen. I announce this 700 times on the ride home as Glen can testify. Okay Chris, settle down, have another Narragansett please. My favorite part of their performance is the transition from “Dad Weed” to “Daydreaming,”  it’s practically one big ass pop song, it’s continuous, one right into the next. Creeps stand outs, “Fooled” and “Secrets” and two new numbers “Go to the Party” and the cute, little instrumental closer “Back to School” round out the set. The latter can be seen below, shot by good old Bernie.

P.S. I can’t forget to mention that there is a brief “O-o-h Child” (Five Stairsteps) interlude at some point during their set. I’d love to hear a full fledged cover! Whenever I hear this song I think of the movie Over The Edge (1979), y’all know this flick? No? Know it.

http://fatcreeps.bandcamp.com/

Act III: 28 Degrees Taurus–  Our second two piece of the evening, 28 Degrees Taurus headlines tonight’s show. The band consists of  Karina Dacosta on drums and vocals and Jinsen Liu on guitar and vocals. They have a very atmospheric/pop song dynamic to them that I liken to that of No Age, and no not just because they are also a vocals/drums  and guitar duo. I mean there certainly is that element,  but the mellow, atmospheric  meets hard edge punk feel strikes me more. Glen hears this as well and makes a comparison to early Wavves, particularly the live show circa September 2009 when it was just Nathan Williams and Zach Hill in the band. I do not walk away with this impression as much, but I guess that’s because I wasn’t cool enough to catch that Wavves show way back when brah. Anyway, I dig the first few songs, but after a while they start to fade on me and I feel a little bored. Listening to their bandcamp page now, I feel less bored though and I enjoy some of their songs much more. Overall, the set just seems too long, but the band appears to be having a lot of fun and that’s all that matters. Not to mention, various attendees are intensely fascinated by their set. Lastly, I am just finding out now that this group has been active since 2005, which is pretty rad, what’s also rad is the fact that they list artists as diverse as The Carpenters to Lightning Bolt as influences on their facebook page. Right on!
Check out their bandcamp here, you can listen to a shit ton of releases from over the years: http://28degreestaurus.bandcamp.com/

Most of this review was written under the influence of Genesee, Busch Light, and The Cardigans’ “LoveFool” on repeat.

Art, Atlantic Thrills, concert review, Local Music, Music, pictures, Punk, reviews

Concert Review: Atlantic Thrills, Ravi Shavi, Nude Beach @ Firehouse (11/10/12)

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Bands: Nude Beach, Atlantic Thrills, Ravi Shavi
Date: Saturday, November 10, 2012
Venue: Firehouse No. 13 (Providence, Rhode Island)
Comments:

Preliminary Activities– When I come home from a hard day’s work, I like to treat myself to three things: Pizza, Beer, and Rock ‘n’ Roll. Add a trip to Providence, RI to see one of my favorites, Atlantic Thrills and it’s like Thanksgiving Dinner came early this year. As we make our way into the city of Providence (which, by the way, I believe this is my first time in this city!) our stomachs are still a rumblin’ and the show doesn’t start for a good hour or so. What to do, what to do. Well,  thank  God (and also thank him for the sinners, since we got our boy Ty Segall’s Twins rollin’ on the radio) Caserta Pizzeria is nearby. Being a connoisseur of pizza myself, I am looking forward to this; I eat pizza 8-10 times a week, I need help. But, at least this is quality pizza, Glen himself heralds it as “New England’s best pizza.”  I’ll be the judge of that Mr. Maganzini. So, we get there, take our seats and when we finally ingest the Caserta Pizza, I concur with my co-conspirator on this matter. Damn, this shit is mouthwatering, and I have a Coors Light to wash it all down. I proclaim this to be a perfect moment, well not entirely perfect. I have satisfied 2/3 of the equation, with the only ingredient missing being my beloved rock ‘n’ roll. Off to Firehouse 13 we go! To give y’all a brief history lesson, this place in fact used to be a real firehouse. In general, I dig the architecture and lay out of this place. It reminds me of some of my favorite venues like the Middle East (downstairs) in Cambridge and the Space Gallery in Portland, Maine.  It’s a fairly large place- long floorboard leading up to an awesome stage. The surrounding walls are covered with unique,  awe inspiring portraits painted by people with mental disorders. And these portraits carry into the restrooms- where one cane see paintings of toilet seats around the walls! I appreciate these features in the Firehouse, gives the venue character that you most likely won’t find elsewhere.  Before the show starts, Glen and I chat it up with our buds in Atlantic Thrills and meet some new friendly folks as well, including the bartender, who is a sweetheart :) .


Act I: Ravi Shavi– Ravi Shavi is hailed as Providence’s finest by one, Kelly Riley. Well sir, that’s the best damn introduction I could ever hear, let’s go for it!  I’d say the Atlantic Thrills (going on next) our Providence’s best, but I don’t know much about the Providence scene. Ravi definitely is a notable act though, and shares a similar aesthetic to the Thrills, and that is an allegiance to pure rock ‘n’ roll fun. Ravi frontman Rafay Rashid is a natural showman/entertainer/performer, call it what you want, he’s got it, and I get the feeling he’s had it for a while, perhaps even on the playground. He has this King Khan quality to him, except he’s all dressed up in a nice suit. It’s like Khan if it was the 1950s, highly sexualized music just squeezing to get outta those suits and spread some love, some evil, and most definitely some rock ‘n’ roll into some fresh, innocent teen blood. I hear a lot of Talking Heads, Clash, and Gentlemen Jesse and His Men. Hard hitting, catchy as fuck, power pop. Well done boys. http://ravishavi.bandcamp.com/


Act II: Atlantic Thrills!– Da Thrillz! It’s been way too long since I’ve seen these gentlemen, April, Fuck! I’m so pumped for the show, it’s glorious when these four dudes arrive on stage. Even more glorious than the pizza I devoured earlier. I see lots of “garage” bands, but the Thrillz seem to just get it  more than anyone else around this area. It’s always a blast with the Thrillz.  They establish a party atmosphere and simply go nuts without the help of the crowd. Though, there was some fine dancing on display as well. Thrillz just don’t give a fuck, they are going to rock out and have fun no matter what.  Of course, they bust out key songs such as “Acid Rain” and “Shotgun,” among other classics. This could be the finest Thrillz set I have experienced, full of all the ass kicking guitar riffs and maniacal howls one could ask for. Just plain fun above all. Spittin’ beer and hurlin’ Naragansett cans. The best thing about these guys is that they’re essentially just like you and me; there’s no divide between fan and musician- fuck all that uptight, pretentious bullshit that often comes with musicians.   The Thrillz are in their 30s, but they have more piss and vinegar in em’ than all the teens and twenty something rockers alike. One might think at first that they’re a typical, shitty bar band that plays to the same, boring, older crowd. Don’t be mistaken, it’s quite the opposite. I can’t think of another local act with as much party/fun loving spirit in em’ as the Thrillz. When we say punk slime on this site, they exemplify that. I can’t wait to see the Atlantic Thrills kill it in a packed basement in Lowell, Allston (or anywhere) filled with kids ready to let loose and go wild. Now, that would be a stellar way to close this review, but I can’t forget to note  the ending of the band’s performance. Just as it looks like the band is about to the depart, they kick into my favorite Thrillz song, the passionate ballad, “Foreign Lands,” which features guitarist Kelly Riley screaming his heart out on lead vocals. They then transition into their now famous cover of Los Saicos’ wild teen punk classic “Demolicion,” cementing their status as one of KLYAM’s top live bands.

If you dig Atlantic Thrills and Ravi Shavi (and you should), then get yer ass to this show on 11/29 @ the Parlour (Providence, RI) with Yankee Bang Bang and DJ Studs Jerkel. FB Event here: http://www.facebook.com/events/166856466792633/

And don’t forget to check out the Atlantic Thrills’ music here: http://www.reverbnation.com/atlanticthrills

Set List


Act III: Nude Beach–  Brooklyn’s Nude Beach headline this amazing show, and they rock pretty damn hard, fitting very well with the first two acts. They are a bit overdressed tonight, what with clothes on and everything. Then again, this isn’t a beach. They close their sweet set with a cover of Foo Fighters’ early hit “Big Me,” one of my favorite FF songs, and Nude Beach does justice to the original.  Before tonight, I had never heard of these dudes, but after this performance I will definitely make sure I keep an eye out for them.  Send em’ some love: http://nudebeach.bandcamp.com/

Art, Big Mess, concert review, Local Music, Music, Punk, reviews

Review: Big Mess, Pissbath, Slurred Speech, Haldol, Regret, the Informer, Districts @ Wilder Zangcraft (11/9/12)

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Bands: Big Mess, Pissbath, Slurred Speech, Haldol, Regret, the Informer/Districts (12 inch release)
Date: Friday, November 9, 2012
Venue: Wilder Zangcraft (Lowell, MA)
Comments:
Act I: Big Mess- I’ve never been huge on strictly instrumental music, but in the past year, my ears have had the pleasure of being jostled by Boston behemoths, Big Mess. As I’ve said before, this here is a band you need to experience live. Sometimes I fall in love with a band’s studio (or bedroom) work,  but when I see them in person, the songs don’t translate as well. This isn’t the case with Big Mess; quite the opposite. Live, they are a sonic beast, a total wall of headbanging inducing noise. Much of their music is heavy, but there’s also a quiet, intimate quality to the band that can be best appreciated at a nice, little basement spot like Wilder Zangcraft. I can honestly say tonight’s show is one of the best I’ve seen, with the band sounding as fierce and intense as ever. In particular, I want to note the drumming of Nick Egersheim, which is one of the first things that struck me about the band. There’s an undeniable frenetic character to his style; he smacks the drums so hard, it’s as if his sticks are his fists and the drums are a body, like a fistfight and each smack is another punch. I don’t know why I always conjure up violent images when I listen to Big Mess, I guess I am just a sick guy. In any case, they’re a badass band and I heavily recommend them to all of y’all. http://bigmessma.bandcamp.com/album/big-mess

Act II: Pissbath– I love this name, especially coming after Big Mess. Well, I can imagine the pissbath would come first and then it would be a big mess, for sure. But, not tonight. This Nashville quartet plays fast, hardore punk inspired jams. In the traditions of  old school hardcore, this group blasts through each cut in a matter of seconds, keeping it short, but sweet. You can listen to their demo tape here: http://funkyfrankenstein.bandcamp.com/album/pissbath-demo-tape

Act III: Haldol– Unfortunately, we missed these fellow Nashville punkers, but you can check out their bandcamp here: http://haldol.bandcamp.com/releases

Act IV: Slurred Speech– Slurred Speech is one man powerhouse Josh Tracy. Tracy’s music  consists of one man, one guitar, and a fine set of pipes. He sings with a lot of emotion and is able to get a crowded, sweaty basement full of drunken students to sing along with him. Slurred Speech may not be my cup of tea, but I genuinely enjoy the intimate, interactive charm of Tracy’s performance/music and overall sense of humor. I especially love when he mentions feeling badass about listening to System Of A Down and how everyone else most likely had the same reaction as a youngster. Well, I felt badass listening to System Of A Down, I still do. Check out Josh’s jams here: http://slurredspeech.bandcamp.com/

Act V: Regret, The Informer– Regret, The Informer has embarked on tour all the way from Missouri and tonight they are here alongside Districts (the band up next) in honor of the release of their split 12″.  Regret shares the same hardcore sound as some of the other bands on the bill tonight, but they seem to  permeate a slower, more melodic sound. If you want hear Regret, The Informer, click here: http://regrettheinformer.bandcamp.com/

Act V: Districts– Lowell’s own, Districts close this fun filled evening of diverse local and national music. Districts play energetic screamo/hardcore and it looks like they have some dedicated fans in attendance singing along to their impassioned vocals. It seems like Districts have made a name for themselves around town and beyond, catch em’ if you can or start by listening to them here: http://districts.bandcamp.com/

Black Lips, Music, reviews

LP Review: Black Lips Live @ Third Man

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Band: Black Lips
Release: 2012
Label: Third Man Records

[A Side]
1. “Family Tree” (Arabia Mountain)
2. “Stuck In My Mind” (7″)
3. “O Katrina” (Good Bad Not Evil)
4. “Make It” (7″)
5. “Lock and Key” (Good Bad Not Evil)
6. “Modern Art” (Arabia Mountain)

[B Side]
1. “I Saw A Ghost (Lean) (Good Bad Not Evil)
2. “You Must Be A Witch” (Cover)
3. “Fad” (Black Lips!)
4. “Dumpster Dive” (Arabia Mountain)
5. “Drugs” (200 Million Thousand)
6. “I Got A Knife” (Black Lips!)
7. “Bow Down and Die” (Almighty Defenders)

Comments: Here we are at last, another Black Lips live album! Fear not all ye doubters, this one is the real deal! There are no promotional clips that try to sync audio with visuals, but rest assured – this event was recorded live to tape at Third Man Studios on a nice June 11th 2012 evening. So if you can insinuate what I am alluding to, good for you. For others, the Black Lips tried their hand at a live album a half decade back. The result was Los Valientes Del Mundo Nuevo, a helluva record that really brings to life some of the best cuts on Let It Bloom and We Did Not all while maintaining the live energy of one of the best, if not THEE best rock and roll bands the 21st century has been blessed with. Well, live wasn’t live, at least by the traditional definition; a show did occur in Tijuana, some sounds from the show were captured and can be heard (you can’t fake a Mariachi band, can ya?), but a good deal was the result of some ole fashion studio trickery. This according to Cole Alexander himself. Either way, I argue it does not matter one bit. That album is my favorite.

Onto Live @ Thirdman. First things first, the record sounds GREAT. It doesn’t pretend to be a by-the-books Black Lips experience, but it does do a naturally amazing job at becoming one. The stage banter is priceless and genuine – Ian mentions Coors Light and after parties, Cole is random (“fuck me slowly”, “there’s nothing to fear from reading a book!”), and Jared warns against the consumption of fried foods.

The choice of tracks is interesting and fairly sensible, if not down right surprising in some spots. The Lips steer clear of their In The Red material, opting for a barrage of cuts ranging from their very early stuff (“Stuck In My Mind,” “Fad,” I Got A Knife”) to some Good Bad Not Evil staples (“O Katrina,” “I Saw A Ghost”), an inkling of 200 Million Thousand (“Drugs”), and finally some Arabia Mountain classics. For fans of all ages and time periods, Live @ Thirdman showcases in one sitting more of the complexities behind the band’s songwriting. If ya haven’t noticed, the Lips aren’t all about sweeping mosh inciting garage punk. This is where the principal contrast with Los Valientes is at. The Black Lips early stuff sounds just as good now as it did ten years ago and I’d like to say that’s a testament to their aptitude at crafting a keen dirty melody. A tune like “I Saw A Ghost (Lean)” is probably one of the band’s most spirited attempts at going beyond the traditional BL framework and extending it into a three plus minute jam of epic proportions.

The Lips aren’t afraid to reveal their roots, either. They throw in a cover of The Lollipop Shoppe’s “You Must Be A Witch,” famously released on the Pebbles garage/psych compilation of ’60s rarities. I absolutely love the inclusion of “Fad,” which has probably been performed by the band live less than a dozen times in the past few years. One of those times was April 2011 in Pawtucket, Rhode Island at the request of me to Jared. Cole dedicates “Dumpster Diving” to the gospel/country duo of Bill Anderson and Brenda Lee. Another surprise is “I Got A Knife,” which embodies the multiple vocal simplicity that dominated those old recordings (“we wrote this before we knew what a guitar solo was”). Finally, the band ends with a cover of their own song as Almighty Defenders – “Bow Down and Die”. This track has been a closing staple in their live performances for a couple of years now. A great sing-a-long to end things as only Black Lips know best.

Live @ Third Man is a record to put on when you want to sit down and appreciate a genius band. Whereas Los Valientes has you front and center in the pit, Live @ Third Man places you back stage behind the band. You aren’t being continuously thrown around. You are admiring and dancing at your own rate. Pick this essential up!


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

Concert Review: Fat Creeps & Creaturos @ Great Scott (11/4/12)

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I love this flier, for the record, which I’m sure is a surprise to no one.

Bands: Creaturos, Fat Creeps, Grass Widow
Date: Sunday, November 4, 2012
Venue: Great Scott (Allston, MA)
Comments:
Act I: Creaturos– It’s been a while since my last time at the Great Scott, roughly five months to be exact. It feels good to be back and to be seeing some kickass bands to boot. Creaturos are a nasty garage trio I saw about a month ago at the Big Stink. They were the fourth (out of five) bands to play and at that point in the evening I was heavily intoxicated and I don’t remember much of their performance, though I do remember it being fun and everyone was bopping and bashing into each other, good times. Tonight, there isn’t so much of that, but on the bright side I gain a good sense of what Creaturos are all about. They are some loud motherfuckers and they serve their brand of catchy, psych drenched  rock ‘n’ roll with fast, heart pounding intensity, guaranteed to wake up the neighbors. Here’s their bandcamp page: http://creaturos.bandcamp.com/ Knock yourself out.

Set List:
Face
Summer
UFO
James Day
Charity
Bead
Go Out
Get Low
Corners

L-R: Gracie Jackson and Mariam Saleh of Fat Creeps


Act II: Fat Creeps– It’s funny to think  that it was only seven months ago when I first discovered this band.  Discovered haha, makes me sound like I am fucking Christopher Columbus, I could be. Over the course of the past seven months I have seen the Fat Creeps ten (10) times! That’s right, ten. A personal record that no other artist can touch. So, what is it that keeps me consistently fascinated, you may ask (or not give a flying rat’s ass, I don’t care,  either way I’m going to tell you). What I find appealing in the Creeps is what I admire and desire in all bands I/we excessively promote on KLYAM, put simply: strong songs and personality. Maybe it’s just me, but only a handful of music makers can fully satisfy these two standards of mine. Each Creeps song is unique and instantaneous; you can pick them out of the batch immediately. Their memorable quality can be attributed to the strength of the hooks, which are present in pretty much all of their songs. So, I get giddy when I hear those first few gorgeous guitar riffs to tonight’s surfy set opener “Fooled,” one of the trio’s catchiest tunes.  They go on to perform some of  my other favorite hits and also include two new songs that seem pretty rad, one of which is an instrumental that closes the set. Before the closer, however, they play my favorite Creeps song, “700 Parts.” I always thought it was a dark song, and even after listening to the thing a million times and seeing it performed on numerous occasions, I still get shivers from Gracie’s powerful vocals. It’s just another reminder of how badly more people across America and beyond need to hear this band.

You can start here http://fatcreeps.bandcamp.com/

Jim Leonard of Fat Creeps


Set List:
Fooled
Secrets
Horoscope
Dadweed
Daydreaming
Go to the Party (*WORKING TITLE*)
Nancy Drew
700 Parts
Back to School (*WORKING TITLE*)

Act III: Grass Widow– Unfortunately, we missed these San Franciscans (is that the correct nomenclature?) :( next time!