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Art, Music, pictures, Punk, reviews, Show Alert, Those Darlins, Tours

*SHOW ALERT* THOSE DARLINS & HEAVY CREAM @ GREAT SCOTT (10/28/12)

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Photo courtesy of Rollogrady.com

Ahh Autumn, that time of the year when the leaves turn brown, the kids return to school, and Those Darlins headline in Boston! Well, at least based on the past two years, which KLYAM attended and reviewed: https://klyam.com/2011/10/20/concert-review-those-darlins-mid-east-downstairs/ and https://klyam.com/2010/09/19/concert-review-those-darlins/

Those Darlins are kickin’ it with fellow Nashville female rockers, Heavy Cream (by the way,  couldn’t think of a more perfect combo) and hitting up Allston’s Great Scott on Sunday, October 28, 2012.

By the way, if any of you Bostonians caught the Darlins opening for Best Coast the other night at the Royale, how were they? How was Best Coast?

Art, concert review, Girlfriends, Honorary KLAYMERS, Mark Sultan, Music, New Highway Hymnal, pictures, Punk, reviews

Concert Review: Mark Sultan,Banditas,NHH, and BFs @ PA’s Lounge (5/12/12)

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Artists: Mark Sultan, Bent Shapes (formerly Girlfriends), The Banditas, New Highway Hymnal, The BF’s
Date: Saturday, May 12, 2012
Venue: PA’s Lounge (Somerville)
Act I: The BF’s– The BF’s or the Boyfriends play a noisy, power-pop fueled set. Alas, the band announces in between songs that they are missing one of their guitarists. Missing as in they literally do not know where he is. Despite the abscence of a key player, the BFs manage to prevail and bash out some solid numbers. Towards the end of their performance, their guitarist finally pops up and joins his bandmates on stage. I cannot say I am blown away by these guys, but their songs are catchy and I can recommend them for sure. Check it http://thebfs.bandcamp.com/

Act II: The New Highway Hymnal– I saw New Highway Hymnal for the first time last September at the Ant Cellar in Lowell. I had never seen or even heard of them before (if you can believe that!), but their performance had a truly lasting power that kept me thurston for moore.* Five Lowell basement shows later, I can say with thee utmost sincerity that New Highway Hymnal are one of the greatest live bands I have seen in the past year. In particular, I adore the group’s ability to just let go and often go nuts! freak out if you will, which you should. Okay. In previous shows, I have noted this chaotic character to their music and at first I think the change of setting from underground basement to conventional establishment (P.A.’s Lounge) would perhaps curtail this charming feature to their live shows, but fortunately for madmen like myself, all is well. In fact, I am going to say this is the best I have seen them. The sound is top notch (quite loud per usual) and the band is as energetic as ever. What I love about NHH is how every member provides their own special flavor to the mix. Hadden Stemp is a mezmorizing singer; his vocals and performance as a whole evoke the likes of Jim Morrison. He always appears to be in some sort of trance when he is on stage, and these vibes seem to spread throughout the whole band. Badass guitarist Lukas Goudreault freaks out in the form of creative moving and shaking that reminds me of John Dwyer of Thee Oh Sees. This enthusiasm coupled with their harsh brand of psychedelia is infectious and hooks me in like few other bands can. Travis Hagan is a powerhouse drummer, constantly slamming those damn things to death! The whole band is excellent, but musically, bassist Amelia Gormley steals the show. In fact, her bass playing was one of the first things I admired about NHH and it sounded phenomenal at the P.A.’s Lounge. All around stellar set!
Check out their new single, “Out With The Lights” http://soundcloud.com/vanyarecords/the-new-highway-hymnal-out

*Poweranimal- “Thurston for Moore”

Act III: The Banditas– The Banditas continue the evening’s strand of fun filled rock and roll, only a bit lighter than the New Highway Hymnal. Banditas certainly can rock though and their set is chock full of  power pop blast after blast. My favorite part of their performance is when the singer/guitarist has to make some chord changes and so she suddenly flips off her top revealing a very patriotic bra covered in the stars and stripes of America! She insists this is only to serve as a distraction while she deals with the technical difficulties. I concur with the dude that shouts “nice distraction!”  Here’s a link to their bandcamp page: http://banditasboston.bandcamp.com/

Act IV: Mark Sultan– Glen and I- Kids Like You & Me love attending and reviewing  shows and over the past few years this has become a major part of our lives. We have the privilege of seeing endless intriguing and inspiring artists on a regular basis, but it is an even rarer privilege when we have the opportunity to witness an honorary KLYAMER. Mark Sultan is just that, one of our favorite artists, whether it be The King Khan & BBQ Show, The Almighty Defenders, The Spaceshits, Les Sexareenos, or his amazing solo work, which is what we are being served tonight. We first witnesed Mark Sultan in concert when he opened for fellow Montreal bretheran, King Khan & his sensational Shrines at the Paradise Rock Club on May 7, 2009. I remember being blown away by Mark’s musicianship and how he could create such a sonic force all by himself. Over the years I have grown to love most of his solo output, so seeing the man live is just a further extension of my admiration for his work. The PA’s Lounge is pretty packed by the time the BBQ begins to play and everyone appears to be excited. Mark rips through his classic “Beautiful Girl” and euphoria spreads through the room.  I think this is my favorite, there’s something really special about it. Obviously, much of his music is channeling various forms of early rock and roll, but if I had to choose one song that best exemplifies this quality it would have to be “Beautiful Girl.”  It is right up there with any other great love song from that era. The song has strong pop hooks and it is hard not to get wrapped up in it; which is basically true about most of Mark’s tunes. I know this has been said before, even by me, but part of what makes Mark Sultan live a sight to see is the fact that he is playing everything by himself, but he does NOT sound like a solo act. This is not just some wimpy dude with a wimpy guitar singing boring, exhausting songs. Instead, Mark is able to unleash a fun, vibrant, and sweaty show. Unfortunatley, towards the end of his performance, some dumbass started heckling him. These kind of people should cease attending rock and roll shows or simply cease existing.

Act V: Bent Shapes (formerly Girlfriends)- We missed :(

Art, concert review, Fat History Month, Local Music, Music, pictures, Punk, reviews, SARALEE

Concert Review: SARALEE, Elephant, Masingo, Elephants @ Ant Cellar (5/16/12)

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Flyer by Lauren Garant (of Elephants)

Artists: SARALEE, Elephant, Masingo, Elephants
Date: Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Venue: Ant Cellar (Lowell, MA)
Comments:
Act I: Elephants– Elephants play simple, mellow music that is easy to enjoy. They give off similar vibes as SARALEE at least to me, so it is nice to see them on the same bill. Like SARALEE they are a duo, except this band strictly consists of two members on vocals and guitars. They play off each other really well and I appreciate their guitar work. It is a cool, intimate performance. I wish I could provide a bit more info or insight, but to be honest my memory of this evening is starting to fade, excuse the extremely late arrival of this write-up. I figure better late than never! Anyway, here is Elephants’ Bandcamp page: http://those-elephants.bandcamp.com/album/the-sea-ep

Act II: Masingo– Masingo is a fun band and they tend to be more on the heavier side than their predescessors on this evening. The vocalist/guitarist is pretty energetic as he jumps around and off his amp from time to time. I love when he informs the audience how they can “like” them on facebook or fuck it… here’s their page, do it! http://www.facebook.com/masingomusic

Act III: Elephant– Perhaps the strangest of all the bands tonight, Elephant (not to be confused with the first band, no s!) is an intriguing, experimantal, psychedelic, outsider esque outfit. I enjoy their performance, but I do not remember being overly enthusiastic about it either. Now, listening to their Bandcamp page I am more impressed and find their bizarre, off kilter music to be fascinating and unique. It is not for everybody, but what is? Nothing. And even if there was an artist for everybody, they would probably suck. Check out Elephant here: http://laughablerecordings.bandcamp.com/track/ostrich-egg

Act IV: SARALEE–  In the past year I have seen numerous mind expanding, truly riveting rock and rollers, but few can compete with SARALEE.  Their demo is fantastic pop music. Maybe not pop in the conventional sense, but nonetheless catchy and inclusive.  In other words, the songs are not hard to get into, they rope you in and toss you right back out with their satisfying brevity. That is SARALEE on record. For those who have not caught one of their shows, do it!  Live, the songs are even more astounding. Their performances always put me in this ethereal, wonderous state of mind.  Much of this is due to the chemistry between vocalist/guitarist Sara and drummer Lee. With the exception of noise pop champions, No Age and local favorites, Fat History Month, I have not seen a two piece so in touch with one another’s approach to music as SARALEE.  The songs all sound solid per usual, but one of my favorite moments is in between one of the tunes when Lee asks the crowd “what’s the difference between your mom and five cocks?…. Your mom can’t take a joke!”  And then he proceeds to do that little drum thing that drummers do after they crack a joke. I get a big kick out of that, I think I am the only one.  Here is a link to their glorious bandcamp page, seriously cannot advocate it enough. http://saralee.bandcamp.com/

Art, concert review, Fat Creeps, Local Music, Music, New Highway Hymnal, pictures, Punk, reviews

Concert Review: Fat Creeps & Migs @ Wilder Zangcraft (6/4/12)

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Photo by the Metro

Artists: Fat Creeps, The Migs, Spook Houses, Bad Sound
Date: Monday, June 4, 2012
Venue: Wilder Zangcraft (Lowell, MA)
Comments:
Act I: Fat Creeps– In the past couple of months Fat Creeps have slowly risen to the status of KLYAM faves, ever since we saw them play one helluva show with Fat History Month, Big Mess, and Onslo at O’Brien’s Pub back in April. After that show I started listening to the Fat Creeps on a regular basis. Just last Thursday, Glen and I saw them open for The Coathangers at Great Scott, and it was mind blowing. Tonight, I get to see the trio in a small, intimate setting: the Wilder Zangcraft, the premiere basement venue in Lowell. Zangcraft is a cozy, little space, perfect for the catchy, easy to sing along to style of the Fat Creeps songs. Tonight the group is comparatively underdressed, though vocalist/guitarist Gracie Jackson is rocking a sweet, blue poncho, a wise choice on this rainy evening. I love pretty much all of the Fat Creeps songs and they rock through all the classics, so I am a happy camper. The Fat Creeps open with “Horoscope,” which they actually closed with last week at the Great Scott; it is good to switch things up, keep it fresh. “Horoscope” is a strong opener and sets the mood for the rest of the performance. I adore Gracie’s singing, reminds me of Kim Gordon, but the best is when fellow singer/bassist Mariam Saleh’s vocals also come in and they sing simultaneously.  In general, I think I appreciate that aspect of their music the most. And of course, cannot forget about Jim Leonard on drums! Solid job dude. This song also features a special guest appearance from a cute, little dog that ran around the Fat Creeps as they rocked out. That dog has some good taste in music. “Leave Her Alone” and “Nancy Drew” are awesome as usual. The latter is one of the best/catchiest songs I have heard all year. The lyrics are hilarious and always get stuck in my head. Live, the song is definitely amplified and I am always  excited when they rock into the “Do do do doo, hey Nancy Drew.” The guitars are simple, but effective and the way they repeat the line several times and then again at the end of the song just reinforces its memorabe quality. “Kerry” is a favorite of mine as well. I don’t know what it is, but I find this song to be quite amusing and I can picture my brother awkwardly dancing to it in his hilarious Justin way. I know this means nothing to most people, but fellow KLYAM administrator/co- conspirator, Glen knows exactly what I am talking about! Anyway, it is a nice little ditty. Gracie’s vocals on “700 Parts” is another stand out for me personally. All the songs are sound, it is funny because when I see them live it feels more like a band playing all of their “hits”  from throughout their discography, not just singles and demos. I cannot wait to hear a full length LP from these guys. KLYAM Luvs You!
To any readers I am sure you will love them too: http://fatcreeps.bandcamp.com/

Act II: The Migs– The Migs, everybody’s favorite New Hampshire based garage rock band! The Migs are kind of like KLYAM buddies Atlantic Thrills (RI): pure, no bullshit, rock and roll. Last (and the only) time I saw the Migs was here at the Wilder Zangcraft, the 420 show, which proved to be a spectacular show. On that great evening and tonight, Migs bring out their best and destroy. This time around, New  Highway Hymnal’s Lukas Goudreault is a full time member and he kills it on bass. The band opens with their signature “We Are Da Migs” and everything gets off on the right foot. The Migs are all about having fun, which is what true rock and roll is about anyway. The music of the Migs reminds me of why I love most of the music that is near and dear to me in the first place, because it is FUN! During the Migs set, singer/guitarist, Kevin Lareau and bassist Lukas spend most of the performance  rocking through the crowd, getting people exicted and encouraging eveyrone to dance their asses off. At one point  Kevin’s pants even fall down, but he does not seem to give a flying fuck whatsoever, the right attitude bro. This is what I love about the Migs, their enthusiasm; their devotion to communicating the joy of rock and roll through their music to the audience.  Towards the end of the show, fellow New Highway Hymnal member, Travis Hagan (drums) joins in on tambourine. Gotta love that guy! My favorite Migs tune is a slow ballad known as “You and Me.”  Folks seem to  respond the best to this number with lots of kids dancing in all sorts of unique ways. Indeed, the kids like you and me. I just had to toss in a horrible joke, it would not be a show review without it. In both Migs shows I have seen now I feel like 2012 is thown out the window for a half hour or more and it is 1965 again. An intoxicating and rare feeling.

http://themigs.bandcamp.com/ Don’t be a square, check it out!

HEY!!! Guess who also loves da migs?!  While I was googling images for the Migs, I  stumbled upon Nu Rave Brain Wave’s love for the Migs: http://nuravebrainwave.com/2011/06/introducing-the-migs/

Nice!

Unfortunately we missed the last two bands,  Spook Houses and Bad Sound :(

Here are their band camp pages respectively:

http://spookhouses.bandcamp.com/

http://badsound.bandcamp.com/

Art, Big Mess, concert review, Entertainment, Fat History Month, Local Music, Music, New Highway Hymnal, pictures, Punk, reviews

Review: OnBroadway Fest 2008 (5/5/12)

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Date: Saturday, May 5, 2012
Venue(s): Dirty Douglas & Ant Cellar (Lowell, MA)
Artists:
Inspector 34 @ Ant Cellar– We missed :(  http://inspector34.bandcamp.com/

Crinkleface @ Dirty Douglas– Crinkleface starts the show off (at least for me) with a loud, rocking set filled with 90s esque metalcore tunes. It is not my personal taste, but the band is good at what they do and they sound pretty tight today, so for that I will commend them. Also, the vocals are remarkably memorable. As I am typing this now, nearly a month later, when I listen to their music I can instantly identify the singer’s voice. I have to say that that is a rare stand out for me, especially since it is not a voice I particularly enjoy hearing, with all due respect because the vocals ARE in fact strong, just not my thing. It is funny though because I feel like this is the kind of band I would have adored in sixth or seventh grade, when I attended my very first shows. Glen thinks they have more of a Nirvana feel, with the whole “loud/quiet/loud dynamic.” I get what he is saying, but I do not think it all boils down to just that. In general, I feel like people use that line way too often. Ahh well, here is Crinkleface’s bandcamp page, take a look: http://crinkleface.bandcamp.com/

Friendship @ Ant Cellar– Friendship is a cool trio from the heart of Lowell. Every Friendship show (at least the two I have seen) shares two distinct features: a hanging, inverted American flag and a little tape recorder that unleashes all of your favorite pop hits. This time around the show opens with Ace of Base’s “I Saw the Sign,” before they rock into their noise fueled set. I am still getting into Friendship’s music, but I am always impressed with their unique performances. There is a charm to their prescence that I can’t quite articluate, but I do not see it in most bands. They end the set with the tape recorder playing Berlin’s “Take My Breath Away” and a fantastic, serene vibe flows through the ant cellar, just a stellar ending to a fun set.

Styk @ Dirty Douglas– We missed this :(

Necklacing @ Ant Cellar– Necklacing plays heavy, hardrcore/death metal and if you know KLYAM well, then you know that really is not our thang. But, it is always nice to see an energetic, screaming frontwoman, so here’s to more ladies in the rock world! http://necklacing.bandcamp.com/

Ponds @ Dirty Douglas– Ponds play a similar style of music as Necklacing, but the crowd appears to be a bit more enthusiastic as some moshing and dancing emerges in the middle of the set. Being a short dude, I do not have to worry about thee unfortunately low ceiling like most dirty douglas desciples and I am a grateful for this, one of the few benefits to being short. I bring up this point because during Ponds’s set, another form of headbanging occurs when one  enthusiastic lad rocks so hard, he knocks his head against the pipes and plummets to the floor. Sorry dude, but I just think this is too hilarious not to mention! Rock show scars and injuries aside, here is Ponds’ Band Camp page: http://ponds.bandcamp.com/

Host @ Ant Cellar– We missed :(

Guerilla Toss @ Ant Cellar–  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!!! http://guerillatoss.com/

Motel Mattress @ Ant Cellar– I am not going to lie, I do not remember too much of Motel Mattress’ set, but I do remember enjoying it very much. I also recall my good friend Justin Cole being blown away and possibly purchasing a record? Either way, Mr.Cole is typically a  solid barometer for excellence in musical taste, so here’s a shout out to Motel Mattress!  I plan on checking out their music a bit more in the future. http://motelmattress.bandcamp.com/

Big Mess @ Dirty Douglas– Big Mess is always a great big kick in the balls, just right in the nads. The Dirty D is the best place to see Big Mess, or at least my favorite, and I am sad to see it go. I am also sad to hear that this is most likely the last time I will see bassist Josh Tracy with the band.  Tonight, the charismatic musician is bare chested and bearing a surgeon’s mask, I dig. In the past six months or so, I have come to love Big Mess and they never have dissapointed me live or in the studio. This evening is no exception and the trio destroy per ususal. The guitars are heavy, the drums roar, and it all adds up to one gigantic explosion of classic rock and roll. As I have noted before, the sound of Big Mess is one of familiarity, but these guys make it sound fresh. You can hear the hard rock of Black Sabbath and the noise  rock of Shellac, but it does not sound anicent at all. You can really hear their appreciation for music in these songs. Big Mess might also win the award for best band to headbang to!  Whether it be headbanging, moshing, or any -ing one desires, do it to Big Mess: http://bigmessma.bandcamp.com/

Atlas the Atom Smasher @ Ant Cellar– Atlas the Atom Smasher brings out the most attendees by far. The place is packed with bodies all the way and through the exit and it is not hard to see why; Atlas has served  as punk rock stalwurts in Lowell for years and sadly tonight is their final performance. I am fairly new to their music, hearing them for for the first time last fall, but I can appreciate their musical chops and lightning fast delivery. Drummer Tyler Bisson is pounding on his drum kit like a madman. His and the entire band’s charisma is as admirable as their DIY ethics. I am glad I caught Atlas the Atom Smasher while I did and I hope every member has an equally gratifying future in music and all other endeavours. http://atlastheatomsmasher.bandcamp.com/

Districts @ Dirty Douglas–  We missed :(  http://districts.bandcamp.com/

Fat History Month @ Dirty Douglas– Fat History Month are like the Black Lips of Boston for me. Which means we suck their dicks digitally on KLYAM. In other words, they are a beloved favorite worthy of the highest praise. Tonight, Sean Historymonth (I guess that is what the kids are calling him nowadays) informs Glen and I that Mark and himself  were painting all day before they arrived in Lowell.  Hard working men on all accounts!  Indeed. This performance is filled with laughs, cheers, and Naragansett beers; loads of fun. Fat History Month are at ease as they rock through many of their classics including, but not limited to “No Safe,”  “Thing I Enjoy,” “Fucking Despair,” “Free As A Cat On A Leash,” and “Old Lady Smokers,” which is played twice by request.  I do not know about you, but this is the best Fat History Month show I have seen in 2012 and the last one at the Dirty Douglas.
Hey shithead, check this out if you haven’t! http://fathistorymonth.bandcamp.com/album/june-tour-tape-bad-history-demos

New Highway Hymnal @ Ant Cellar– One of the best Boston bands right here and certainly one of my favorites. I have seen NHH several times now and it seems to get better, honestly, not just saying that for no reason. Glen, on the other hand, has not experienced NHH up until this point. The group is a tour de force live and it is great to see what the bands sounds/looks like through a new set of eyes. Tonight, people are moshing to the wild, psychdelic zounds of the music whilst singer Hadden hops into the crowd.  He has a crazed look on his face, it is as if  he is staring right through my soul. Their performance is easily one of the funnest from the whole fest. The set climaxes in destruction as bodies and instruments are tossed around like a town whore. Then in what  feels like a split second I hear an explosion, I am covered in water, and the room reeks of feces. Fortunately, I am not covered in actual shit,  just shit water. So, drummer Travis and I essentially are shit brothers! A lovely way to conclude OnBroadway Fest 2008.
http://thenewhighwayhymnal.bandcamp.com/

Matahari @ Ant Cellar– We missed :(  http://matahari.bandcamp.com/

I would  like to thank Anthony Richerdz , Nick Egersheim, and Gregory Ragnio for putting this shindig on as well as all the bands that played OnBroadway Fest 2008. KLYAM loves you all long time.

Art, Atlantic Thrills, Gangbang Gordon, Kids Like You and Me, Local Music, Music, pictures, Punk, reviews, The Roaches

Review: GBG’s debut @ PA’s Lounge W/ Atlantic Thrills & Roaches (4/29/12)

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Artists: Atlantic Thrills, Roaches, Gangbang Gordon
Date: Sunday, April 29, 2012
Venue: PA’s Lounge (Somerville, MA)
Comments:


Act I: Gangbang Gordon– Do you wanna Gangbang Gordon? I sure hope so. Gangbang Gordon is the product of endless, gruesome hours spent alone in a bedroom with the Black Lips, Jay Reatard, Nobunny, and Ty Segall. Three years and hundreds of songs later, tonight is GG’s night.  GG appears on stage wearing a blonde hair wig, black shades, a crooked Cornoa hat, a pair of blue jeans, and a tard shirt, ready to destroy the PA’s Lounge with unbelievable  outsider, tard rock.  GG’s vocals are mumbled, but they fit perfectly with his simple, “what the fuck is a chord?”, guitar strumming. He rocks through his set rather quickly, rocking so hard he leaps off the stage (in a humorously planned stunt), playing on the floor on his knees, and similar awkward antics ensue. My favorite moment is when he randomly brandishes a recorder for a few seconds before tossing  it aside, deeming the instrument as unworthy. Thee (outside of) outsider finishes his set claiming that there will be no encore. Good, to have an encore after Gangbang Gordon is like asking for sloppy seconds. When one sees or listens to this man, you have to ask yourself, is it all a  joke? At the same time, even asking this question means you are taking rock and roll too seriously. Isn’t it all a joke? I don’t know. GG certainly thinks so. In any case, I hope more kids hop on the gangbang.

Set List:
A) Damn Shame
B) Wanna Go
C) Same Meat
D) Slide Into Mountain
E) A Place To Cool Off
F) Do You Wanna Gangbang Gordon?
G) I Can Testify
H) Ping Pong With Natalie Pietrzak
I) The Breeze

Act II: The Roaches– The Roaches keep the garage rock flowing, but this time with much more musical chops. I have never seen the Roaches, but I have been meaning to for about a year. In fact, Glen and I actually met Eric and Joe Roach at PA’s Lounge, nearly two years ago during an epic Nobunny show. Great times! and the great times would continue on this evening. As I pound back a few more beers, the Roaches unleash a fiery performance filled with Oblivians esque garage rock. I love the guitar sound; these guys have some seriously great guitar riffs rolling. The bass is equally raw and the drums are fast and pouding. It’s a sweaty set that demolishes what is left of my hearing.

Set List:
Words
Hole
Our Mind
J. Roach
Sleepwatching
Worm
Afraid
Slob
Time
Mad

Act III: Atlantic Thrills: Atlantic Thrills is a fantastic way to conclude our evening of fun, garage rock and roll. In the past year I have seen them a few times now and each time it truly gets better. With the Thrills, the small crowd, really take it up a notch. People are dancing and moshing, singing their lungs out, the whole nine. Simply put, having fun. It is a classic Thrills set: psychedelia, fast rock and roll, slow ballads, and unmatched odes to the Black Lips and the King Khan & BBQ Show. They open with the strong rocker and one of my favorites, “Give It Back.” “Shotgun” and “On My Mind” are also stand outs to me personally. The set concludes with two classics. The first being an unexpectd, Los Sacios cover, “Demolicion,” which is the equivalent to injecting steroids for a garage rocker. The song instantly gets the KLYAM & friends rockin’and singing along! The final number is Thrills classic “Acid Rain,” the perfect way to end the night.

Set List:
Give It Back
Problems
Filthy Mind
Try & Try
Foreign Lands
Lies
Light Shines
Tamale
On My Mind
Beach
Shotgun
Demolicion
Acid Rain

I want to say thanks to all that came and particpated in the first Kids Like You & Me Presents show! Stay tuned for many more.

P.S. here’s a link to some more exclusive photos of Gangbang Gordon in action. http://www.flickr.com/photos/51832704@N07/7591243854/in/photostream/ Taken by a buddy Kiyal Canareo. Thanks dude!

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

Concert Review: New Highway Hymnal, The Migs, Friendship, Empty Phrases @ Wilder Zangcraft (4/20/12)

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Artists: New Highway Hymnal, The Migs, Friendship, Empty Phrases
Date: Friday, 4/20/12
Venue: Wilder Zangcraft/ Wilder Woodcraft (Lowell)
Comments: So, I am glancing at my 30 rack of Natti Ice and thinking I should start my Spring Weekend festivities off early this year. I have a lot of work to do this week, but nothing is more important than the music. So, here’s a review, if you want to call it that.

Firstly, 420 was so much apart of this show, I might as well give it its own section. So, I will.

Act I: 420– I myself am never overly enthusiastic about 420, because I don’t smoke “on the reg,” so to speak, but it seems to bring out the party in everyone. And I am glad for that because that always makes a show special. If people are joyous, then the occasion will be spectacular. High spirits (no pun intended) always makes an excellent concert dish. I’ve had some fun 420s in the past, but this one will go down as my favorite thus far. This is the first basement show at the Wilder Zangcraft and I am happy to have been apart of it. I hope they put on many more shows! Before the music begins, I take a gander at the space. Walking down the narrow staircase, using my poorly lit, 2001 model flip phone, I do my best to find my way to the basement and not fall flat on my ass, which has happened before. When I reach the floor, I see an interesting space indeed, which I was promised. The set up is odd in a good way. I suck describing shit like this, but basically the basement is more rectangular shaped. So,  if one was to walk down the steps they would see a group of kids facing the band to the right of them, if that makes any sense. Also, I have to mention there is a nice little “stage,” here, which is in fact just a little step up, but it sure is fun to leap off of when you are rocking out! Tonight, we have Empty Phrases, Friendship, The Migs, and none other than the New Highway Hymnal. I like to write about my life experiences, so here is my reaction to what I saw. Happy 420 kids.

Act II: Empty Phrases– Empty Phrases are a Lowell based quartet and it is always a pleausre of mine to see them do what they love. I have dubbed them “The Empties,” and I am hoping that others will continue this trend, though it seems I am alone in this. Speaking of empties, I need to grab a few more beers. What’s a lowell basement show without a few beers or many beers or my lovely back pack full of beers as singer/guitarist, Ben Raymond points out to me. Yeah, that is right this back pack is locked and loaded, and no studying will be taking place tonight. I left the books behind. As the band is about to go on, I crack open another beer. Everyone is feeling pretty high at this point and Empty Phrases, thee empties themselves, begin their set. A great transition I must say. I have always thought their music had summery vibes to it, even in the dead of winter when I froze my balls off many a night. On those cold evenings I could have made myself a cup of hot cocoa or turned the nozzle up on the thermostat, but instead I turned on Empty Phrases, and a feeling of warmth ran through my soul. On this evening, I am practically sweating, but even in April it feels like Summer and the band’s music becomes a fitting soundtrack. Perhaps that is where the Incubus vibes people (including myself) speak of come from; a mellow, almost psychedelic tone, but with an ability to rock and get you moving at the same time, hopefully get you moving, unless you are a square. Earlier in the evening I discussed Incubus with some fine gentlemen and I believe one of them spoke of Incubus’s albums having this seasonal appeal. Incubus aside, I think the empties have got a great sound and this is my favorite performance by them. They are astounding young musicians, but what is even more astounding is how they got J Cole to this show on such late notice. Haha, I just had to say that! J Cole core is the next big thing.
http://emptyphrases1.bandcamp.com/

Act III: Friendship– Friendship is a local band that I have heard of, but I have not seen yet. They are a three piece and behind their set up they are accompanied by an inverted American flag, which I love by the way. I love America too, but the American flag is a piece of cloth after all and at the end of the day no matter how great America may be it still is totally fucked up, unjust, inequal, and simply upside down. A fitting backdrop.  Friendship is a fun live band and they have a pretty sweet dynamic to them.  I love how they opened the set, playing a clip of Chumbawumba’s “Tubthumping” from a vintage cassette player before rocking right into their set.  Friendship is tight and the jams roll out within a blink of an eye. Anthony’s drumming stands out the most to me, he is defintely a powerhouse with those drum sticks. My favorite moment is definitely when Anthony starts mumbling the lines to Linkin Park’s “In The End” at an extremely rapid rate while Nick Eggs from Big Mess standing in the crowd joins in unison. When they reach the line “in the end” the band starts rocking instantaneously, right where they left off. I walk away impressed, cannot wait to see them again.

Act IV: The Migs– When I hear the word migs I instantly think of the psychopath Migs in The Silence of the Lambs.  You know the one that flung his “babies” at Jodie Foster (Agent Starling). Well, these migs do not toss their semen in my face, which is always a good start, NO bodily fluids in my face, maybe at the end. The Migs are great though, a garage/rock and roll kid’s wet dream. Before each song they start off by stating “We’re the Migs and we love you!” What an introduction! Reminds me of great one liner intros such as “Hello, I’m Johnny Cash” or “We’re the Black Lips from Atlanta, GA.”  More bands should do this or maybe less bands should do this, because they are not cool enough. On this evening,  the crowd is a little mellow, 420 really kicking in at this point, but the Migs do not give a fuck, they just have fun and rock, jumping into the crowd and rolling around on the floor, playing guitar. I appreciate the energy,  it really gets me going. This is why I love this music, it is just all about fun. The band has a nice grip on the garage sound, but they venture off into other territories, dishing out doo wop and R&B numbers as well. Lukas from New Highway Hymnal joins the boys on “stage” for a cover of Them’s “Gloria,” and my balls drop, never to be found again.

Set List:
We Da Migs
What I Want
Follow Me Home
Take Take Take
You & Me
All The Things
Soul Records
Hate You More Than Satan
Gloria*
Achy Breaky*

http://themigs.bandcamp.com/

Act V: New Highway Hymnal: The New Highway Hizzle, always an act I look forward to seeing.  NHH are one of Boston’s finest and I cannot recommend them to you enough. NHH keep the Migs’s spirit alive and provide plenty of vigor and showmanship. Singer/guitarist Hadden Stemp and bassist Amelia Gormely hop into the crowd in classic NHH fashion. Every member is exciting to watch. In particular, I love how drummer Travis Hagan bashes away at his set and often makes use of the wall as a source of percussion. Guitarist/vocalist, Lukas Goudreault, keeps the garage rock flowing and his guitar playing reminds me of Thee Oh Sees; both bands are definitely on the same psych wavelength. Alas, the set has to be curtailed because of some pesky policemen in the surrounding area. Overall, it is a solid show as I expected.

Set List:
Through Stained Glass
Beach Glass
Killing Town
Factory Song
Breath, Bleed, Dream
Whispers
Hey Kid!
Destroy
*Bo Diddley*

http://thenewhighwayhymnal.bandcamp.com/

Music, reviews, Ty Segall, White Fence

LP Review: “Hair” (Ty Segall and White Fence)

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Release Date: 4-24-2012
Label: Drag City

Comments: The way to underground rock and roll stardom can be confusing sometimes. Not to mention that there isn’t much ‘star’ in the kingdom of balls out rock and roll. And nobody really cares. Ty Segall has been well on his way to worldwide recognition for a few years now but it has only been in the past two years that this is becoming more and more evident to people besides his Goner devotees and his West Coast pals and supporters. Another thing worth mentioning early on is that this isn’t solely a Ty affair. So starting off a review like I just did might have been more suitable for Goodbye Bread, but let me continue. Tim Presley of White Fence has been on a colossal pace in terms of releasing new material. Is it only in San Francisco where the self-proclaimed rock and roll warriors roam? Thee Oh Sees, Mikal Cronin, and now these two guys. Releasing stuff at a pace that would cause Jay Reatard to maybe even raise an eyebrow. Collaborations are rampant in the Bay Area as well. You knew that. That leaves us to Hair. Listening to this album from the get-go, it’s hard to not imagine the fun these guys had during this process. They create a pretty distinct setting on this record, which is near the geographic center of Ty’s most psychedelic Goodbye Bread stuff and White Fence’s are-you-sure-this-is-not-an-old-recording-of-’60s psych- stuff. Besides the rush of charged guitar solos and full-on drum bashing, this album isn’t totally different from say the Grateful Dead. Maybe I’m wrong, and there are only a couple examples (“Time”, “The Black Glove/Rag”) of this. Or whatever. “Crybaby” is the most concise example of rock and roll fever that I’ve heard from Segall since Bread. It’s incredible refreshing. There comes a point, too, listening to this record where you just have to wonder: what if rock ‘n roll was as popular as hip-hop and electro-pop? Not to turn this into a Nirvana kind of thing…I wasn’t around then (or at least not in the form of a capable, developed being) so to even ponder something like this is incredibly exciting. And yes I know Ty AND White Fence played on this record. It’s scary the talent that’s out there. Then there will be people who want to themselves Ty, they want their White Fence, their Oh Sees. Those days are over. Is that a bad thing? Ty and Tim have such a handle on things, that they can effortlessly fuck around with the left-right channels to make it sound like you are surfing through a TV set that only plays real RnR stations. An incredible TV set that is. That song is “Scissor People,” by the way. By the end of “Tongues,” all I’m left with is the sentiment of damn. This record is more of a statement than a batch of fun-loving ditties a la Matador Singles ’08 or Arabia Mountain, to name a couple. It’s a statement that things can be subtle and low-key or things can be brash and in your face. It’s all good! The un-expected ending of “Time” is case and point. It seems like most of the greats get around to realizing this — looking at you Jay. Another thing is that Hair probably didn’t take much thought. Not the little organ part at the end of “I Am Not A Game”, not the increasing chaos of the other two guitars. It’s crazy to think. I wasn’t the biggest “I Am Not A Game” fan when it was first released to the general public, but listening to it in context can really change things. “Easy Ryder” is like revisiting Melted, but with a new perspective on lead guitars and the guitar solo construct in general. Is that not amazing? Hair is insane. A KLYAMer would be crazy to not check this out. Hope you speak as highly of this as I do!

Grade: A/A+

“Easy Ryder”

Art, Big Mess, Fat Creeps, Fat History Month, Honorary KLAYMERS, Local Music, Music, pictures, Punk, reviews

Review: Fat History Month, ONSLO, Big Mess, Fat Creeps @ O’Brien’s Pub (4/13/12)

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Artists: Fat History Month, ONSLO, Big Mess, Fat Creeps
Date: Friday, April 13, 2012
Venue: O’Brien’s Pub (Allston, MA)
Comments:

Seeing a show at O’Brien’s Pub has been on the KLYAM to do list for roughly two years now. Yes, it is true, this is our first time at O’Brien’s tonight as I imagine it sounds like blasphemy to some of you. Well as Glen always points out, there is a first for everything. Before even entering OBs I did a little research which translates into me looking at the site’s archives. I’m an archives aficionado, so  I literally read every event from the present all the way  back until the first show documented at OBs back in 2006. Over the past six years, this Allston venue has been committed to both local (and national)independent music and various KLYAM favorites have  graced the pub with their prescence: Box Elders (3 times in ’09!), Maine Coons, Colleen Green, Growlers, Mika Miko, and tonight’s headliner Fat History Month (with shows dating as far back as ’07). The venue is small, but there is plenty of room. Upon entrance we meet Chett, who checks our IDs, and gives us those little hand stamps.  Per usual Glen has his barrage of questions, and to a lesser extent so do I, which Chett happily answers. We discuss the ins and outs of booking and promoting shows, and the prospect of a Kid Like You & Me Presents! show at OBs, which will hopefully happen in the near future as soon as we get everything straightened out, cool.  Doug, the “sound guy,” tells us  a little more about his plesant experience at OB’s, playing  in and booking local bands, and just a general overview of how things work in such settings. This is not all new to us, but it is certainly helpful. Thanks for the info guys, much appreciated. By this point, I am knocking back a few PBRs, thanks Jim! and I am ready to hear some fine rock and roll music. Just like you are probably wondering why I have not said anything yet about the music, if you have made it this far. Well, back to what I said earlier, we have had our eye on O’Brien’s Pub as a notable host  for excellent, KLYAM oriented bands, for about two years now, and for various reasons (mainly us being underage until recently) we have not had a chance to see any of the shows we have recommened on KLYAM, but now is our time.  April 13, 2012, I am going to go out on a limb and say this is the best Friday the 13th I have ever had. Fat History and Big Mess, my two local favorites, on a bill with two other, highly visible, Boston bands (Fat Creeps and Onslo) for six bucks in a self-described “cozy” bar in Allston, I’ll take it. So, finally let’s get to the show.

Act I: Fat Creeps– “When I walked in it looked like something out of a Quentin Tarantino movie,”- Cory Bell from SKIMASK, a band you should check out if you have not already. That might be parphrasing, but that is the gist of Mr. Bell’s sentiments. And, I agree with him. Though, I myself do not instantly conjure up an image related to a Tarantino flick, I think I know what he means. There is something visually striking about the Fat Creeps. Green hair aside, they are kinda weird and their music and overall presentation seems to distinguish itself from other bands. This is the first time I have seen the Fat Creeps and I honestly never checked out their music until a few hours before the show, but I have noticed that their name has popped up a lot recently in local listings and recommendations. So, going into this performance I am excited. They have a new drummer and he is pretty tight, almost a contrast to the other two members. But, I don’t mean that in any negative way. I think their lack of musicianship (if you want to call it that)  is part of their charm. It is the Fat Creeps’s imperfections that make them unique. For example, when the band begins their set they have a few false starts, but when they get it right, they kill it.  The songs are great, the riffs are simple, but strong and definitely catchy. And the vocals, damn! Probably my favorite part of their music is the vocals. Sometimes they sound whiny, almost cranky, but it fits perfectly with their music. I remember Cole Alexander from the Black Lips once said that kids need to hear NOT American Idol voices in music. Kids need to hear Fat Creeps! Their energy and attitude is always present. I recognize some of the songs, which I want to point out as another trait that separates Fat Creeps from most bands I see: their songs are easily recognizable. I only had to hear some of the songs once for me to remember them tonight, a rare quality indeed. I will definitely pay attention to Fat Creeps from now on and I plan on seeing them again the next time I get a chance. Check out their band camp page!  http://fatcreeps.bandcamp.com/

P.S. they are pretty easy on the eyes ;)

Act II: Big Mess– I listen to Big Mess a lot these days, so it is always a pleasure of mine to see the band in action. In fact when they begin playing I start to realize how much I miss seeing them live; it has been about five weeks and I am going through withdrawal.  The recordings are sound, but Big Mess live is a whole other beast. The songs focus heavily on volume and since they are instrumental you pay attention more to the sonic side of music or at least I do because I typically do not listen to strictly instrumental music. Live, the songs hit you harder, and well come alive. Having seen them several time now, I know their set, but with this performance they really switch it up and play around with their songs, while still unleashing the classics. They open with a nice little jam before smoothly kicking into “The Hook.”  It just gets me more pumped up for the song and their entire set even more than usual. Also,  on this evening bassist Josh Tracy provides some sick vocals, which is new to me. If you have not seen Big Mess yet, then you FAIL AT LIFE. They have been together since 1993! You’ve had your whole FUCKING life to think things over. You can redeem yourself by listening to their Band Camp page. Do it! http://bigmessma.bandcamp.com/album/big-mess

Act III: ONSLO– Onslo keep the energy high with a fun, loud, rocking performance. All of the members look like they are having a lot of fun, laughing amongst each other and cracking jokes about the lack of females in the audience, at some moments as little as three! Overall, Onslo is a decent band, but they just don’t do a whole lot for me. I really cannot put my finger on it, but I guess for my money they are not as distinguishable as the other three bands this evening. But, don’t take my word for it, see for yourself. Here’s their band camp page: http://onslo.bandcamp.com/

Act IV: Fat History Month-When Fat History Month hit the stage more people come up front, practically standing over the band, making it feel more like a show at a basement venue, which is where I usually see Fat History Month. The band opens with Fucking Despair classic “No Safe,” which has a great Pavement flavor to it. Short, but sweet and gets me pumped up for the rest of their performance. Fat History are one of the finest live acts I have seen in the past year and their performances are always intimate. I honestly cannot imagine seeing them on a big stage, that would be a real buzzkill. I love standing inches away from Mark’s drum kit. Mark (not Jeff contrary to popular opinion)  is a steady drummer, always keeping his head low and keeping in touch with the music. The duo quickly run through Fat History anthems “Old Lady Smokers” and “Things I Enjoy,” which always bring a smile to my face. I think these particular songs sound better on record, because the “hooks” are not quite translated live. But, that’s the thing, Fat History is not the kind of band that gives you what you expect or perform the songs as they sound on the record. And I am glad for that, that would be boring, after all. They are performed well live, let’s not mince words here, but it is certainly different. With that being said, if you saw them live and have not listened to their music,  seriously pick up Fucking Despair and/or  watch some of their amusing music videos. They also play some new material or perahps old material I have not heard yet? They close the set, asking the audience what they want to hear. It seems like most (including myself) want to hear “Nature,” especially the ladies (the very few of them!). They play “Nature,” and as always it is invigorating. I love the build up from the repeated line “It gets better” to “and then it gets WORSE.”  There is something really cathartic about that line, especially hearing it live. Five Fat History Month shows deep, for me it never gets worse.  http://fathistorymonth.bandcamp.com/ Check out Fucking Despair as well as their other releases Gorilla and the Safe and Sound 7″

Also, here’s a link to an awesome Dig Boston interview from February 8, 2011: http://digboston.com/listen/2011/02/gimmie-shelter-fat-history-month/