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Review: Colleen Green, White Fang, The Memories, Ronnie Nordac’s Crying Lessons @ Bathaus (10/8/13)

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Colleen JP
Flyer by Freak Flag
Bands: Smarty, White Fang, Colleen Green, The Memories, Ronnie Nordac’s Crying Lessons
Date: Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Venue: Bathaus (Jamaica Plain, MA)

Ronnie Nordac’s Crying Lessons – Damn son, has it been six months already? April 25th was the first time I saw Ronnie Nordac and the original Crying Lessons and the last time I saw Colleen Green. Six months go by fast, but not as fast as the ultra speedy songs that comprise a Crying Lessons’ set. I guess that’s how they make you cry… they want to keep you crying for more. I’ve been seeing them a lot lately, so it’s working. Doo Wop, bubblegum pop, rock, they got you covered. It’s all heavenly. “Like” them on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CryingLessons

The Memories – Going into this show I had never listened to The Memories and only knew of them through their association with White Fang. I’m kicking myself now for not checking them out before, since they are one of the best live bands I have ever seen. The whole band is awesome, but much of this admiration is directed towards frontman Erik Gage.  Erik’s got that natural pizzaz to him, he’s all over the place and in your face, and best of all he and his bandmates got the music to back it up.

The Memories play slow, jam/psych fused garage pop.  All of the songs are super short, straight to the point and utterly hilarious. The Memories’ personality genuinely shines through in all of these colorful tunes. There are songs about fornicating with significant others while the rents are away, handing femmes your own prized art work only to  have them hand it back to you (what a bitch!), getting high and not going to work tomorrow (wish I could say the same), and a little something something that all of us need from time to time: “You Need a Big Man.” All of these absurd tunes remind me of Frank Zappa (especially in Erik’s vocals) and Ween  – the songs are goofy and not to be taken too seriously, but at the  same time they are well crafted and truly admirable.

Now, The Memories aren’t just a bunch of jokers. They also write important songs with serious subject matters. Erik introduces one of the set’s final numbers as their “most serious song.” This of course is “Go Down On You.” Listen to it here and giggle like the little school girl you are: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTaR2Im0OHk
Listen to more here: http://thememories.bandcamp.com/

Colleen Green – Although I really dig White Fang and now The Memories, tonight I am mainly making the trek out to JP to see Colleen Green. I’ve seen Colleen a few times now and each time has been fairly different from the last. I’ve seen her play in bars, art galleries, and now basements. This seems to be a more natural setting for Colleen and her mellow music. It’s just Colleen, her guitar, and her drum machine. In my previous experiences, Colleen was accompanied with a full band (Plateaus) or her friend Marissa on guitar. So, just seeing her all by her lonesome is a departure, yet it feels closer to her recordings.

Colleen opens with “Only One” from her most recent release Sock It to Me (Hardly Art) and the packed basement’s attendees start to move and shake and twist and turn a little bit. She goes on to perform other CG classics such as “Dance the Night Away,” “I Wanna Be Degraded,” and “Worship You.”

As a whole, I wouldn’t say this is the most memorable Colleen Green show under my belt, but it’s still pretty sick and overall I can’t complain. If you haven’t heard Colleen Green yet, I urge you to check her stuff out RIGHT NOW. If you dig Ramones, Blink 182, Descendants, and all that spazz, then you oughta dig Colleen or I oughta knock yer lights out! http://colleengreen.bandcamp.com/

White Fang – I first heard White Fang earlier this June roughly around 11 AM at a bar known as Eugene O’Neil’s in Jamaica Plain. When you’re a KLYAMER no time is too early for a beer; we’re night owls and early risers at the same time. We’re everywhere and we’re growing each day. Beware. But, back to White Fang. A local peep by the name of Jeff Somers was working the bar at the time and he introduced Glen and I to the almighty White Fang. We were vibin’ to their infectious grooves alright, all night. You could say we were late to the White Fang hysteria, given the fact that these dudes have been around for years. Bradford Cox even wrote about them on the Deerhunter blog in 2008; he’s always ahead of the game, gotta love that dude.

So, yeah White Fang rules and most of the band comprises of members of The Memories including singer, Erik Gage. In similar fashion, White Fang is all fuzzed out with their gnar pop and chop. White Fang tends to be heavier though, and they get the crowd all riled up. There’s some quasi moshing during their set and everyone is having a gay olde time. Gay as a fox.

One of White Fang’s most memorable joints is a little ditty known as “Can’t Deal With Being Real” and it’s dedicated to all the (not so) kewl cats that aren’t in attendance tonight.  Here’s to White Fang for keeping it real, hope you last forever. http://whitefang420.bandcamp.com/

Unfortunately, we missed Smarty :(

The masterminds we call Freak Flag put on this holy show and they deserve a big shout and lots of love! Check out their blog here: http://www.freakflagboston.com/ They also host various DJ nights in the Boston area and publish a mind bending newsletter/quarterly that will make your head spin in all its awesomeness.

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

Review: Free Pizza and Secret Lover @ JP Drive In (10/4/13)

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Lust Cats
Bands: Lust-Cats of the Gutters, Mannequin Pussy, Secret Lover, Free Pizza
Date: Friday, October 4, 2013
Venue: JP Drive In/Ill Spot

Free Pizza – Free Pizza, it’s so beautiful.  Two delicious words. Free and Pizza, together as one.  Free Pizza is a mouth watering slice fresh out of the heart of Jamaica Plain, but plain they are not. This Pizza is filled with a palette of scrumptious toppings. Jesus Vio slays on bass and vocals, Santiago Cardenas tears shit up on guitar, and my old No Age buddy, Nick Rasmussen smashes the skins.

This is my first Free Pizza show and it is a pleasant first experience at that. During this performance I honestly can’t picture them playing anywhere other than a tight basement reeking of mold and steel reserved beer.  I’ve heard the term basement rock thrown around before and I always thought it was a silly description, but I feel like Free Pizza fits that description.

The vibes are all positive and there’s a very warm, homey feel to their set. It’s almost jammy (I don’t know why I keep adding the – y to all my descriptions here), like a mellow garage group, yet still ready to rock.

In the Free Pizza spirit of playing for and more importantly with the people,  for one song they lend the mic over to anyone that wishes to sing in exchange for a forty.  One of the dudes in Secret Lover grabs the mic and sings along with the Pizzas – ahh new nickname. I eventually find a nickname for every band.

Free Pizza rocks! It’s true and by far their catchiest tune is “Net – Babes,” a tune about surfing the interwebs and finding that special someone. Internet babes. Dayemmm, I gotta get me one of those. You can hear this song over here at their bancamper. http://freepizzarocks.bandcamp.com/

Secret Lover – I’ve seen these Worcester based dudes and dudette a few times now and this show is not too different from those previous experiences; pleasant easy to listen (and perhaps dance) to pop music. Though I am not overly engaged in Secret Lover’s music, I can appreciate its smooth, mellow, psychedelic flavor. There’s also a lot of power pop and classic rock elements to be admired, at least to my ears.

It’s nearly impossible to write about Secret Lover and not mention the feisty, powerful performance coming from lead singer/songwriter, Sally Horowitz. She careens around the basement floor and taunts the audience with infinite enthusiasm. Her singing brings to mind that of Deborah Harry (Blondie) and Marissa Paternoster (Screaming Females).
Check them out here: http://secretlover.bandcamp.com/

It sucks big time that we had to depart early and missed most of Mannequin Pussy’s (NYC) set and all of Lust-Cats of the Gutters’s (Denver), but I highly recommend you check out their bandcamps and catch them on tour now! See tour dates here: https://klyam.com/2013/10/07/band-of-the-week-lust-cats-of-the-gutters-on-tour-now/

Lust-Cats of the Gutters:
http://lustcats.bandcamp.com/
Mannequin Pussy:
http://mannequinpussy.bandcamp.com/

Fortunately, I had the opportunity to meet Robin and Alex from Lust-Cats and they are the sweetest/coolest!! Hope you guys are having an excellent time with Mannequin Pussy!

Art, concert review, Honorary KLAYMERS, Music, pictures, Punk, reviews, Ty Segall, Video

Review: Ty Segall @ Bowery Ballroom (8/30/13)

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[Photo by PSquared Photography from NYCTaper.com, where they recorded this show live. Check out the audio stream at NYCTaper.com]

Bands: Ty Segall, Chris Cohen, David Novick, ARP
Date: Friday, August 30, 2013
Venue: Bowery Ballroom (NYC)

Ty Segall – We the KLYAM make an annual (or sometimes biannual) trip from Boston to New York City to see our favorite bands, and this time we’re coming for Ty Segall (again). Before the show starts Glen and I meet up with our favorite guy in Queens: Coolie Rich. After hitting up some local bars and pizza joints, we depart for the Bowery Ballroom to see the monstrous Ty Segall whip through his latest feat, Sleeper in its entirety.

Ty Segall is a household name around here, so it’s always a blast to see him live. Initially, I was perplexed by the concept of an acoustic Ty Segall set, having experienced two rowdy, highly energized electric sets from Ty in the past. But, when the band (which includes Ty Segall Band drummer Charlie Moonheart) hits the stage, it’s just as electrifying as ever. I know it sounds cheesy and nuts, and it sort of is, but Ty and the whole band make it work.

Although this whole set is acoustic, there is the inclusion of drums as I noted before and this certainly makes the difference. It’s not a wimpy acoustic ballady bullshit kinda deal. This is still very much rock ‘n’ roll. If John Belushi came across Ty, he wouldn’t smash his guitar to smithereens, he’d shotgun a beer and stage dive into the crowd of twenty somethings and incoming freshmen college students alike.

Indeed as Ty concludes the Sleeper set things get a bit more fiery as he prowls through with a cover of David Bowie Classic, “Moonage Daydream,” and a select bunch of his own heavy classics. Songs like “Caesar” and “Girlfriend” get the crowd all riled up and a fine mosh pit ignites within seconds.

With the help of some gentlemen I plant my two feet up on the Bowery Ballroom stage, only to plummet right back into the beer soaked audience, thankfully able to catch my fall. I lose a shoe, babes help me find the shoe. We make out. I find Glen he’s making out with babes. All at Ty Segall! It sounds like a Ronnie Nordac number… Needless to say, it’s a great journey as always. Ty Segall for life.

Art, concert review, Honorary KLAYMERS, Jacuzzi Boys, King Tuff, Music, music video, pictures, Punk, reviews, Video

Review: Wavves, King Tuff, Jacuzzi Boys @ Sinclair (10/1/13)

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Bands: Wavves, King Tuff, Jacuzzi Boys
Date: Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Venue: The Sinclair (Cambridge, MA)

Jacuzzi Boys – It’s been a couple of years now since I first heard Miami FLA’s finest:  Jacuzzi Boys. They have been on my list of bands to see live ever since that time, so going into this show I am really pumped. Normally, I prefer seeing bands in smaller settings, but I have to admit Jacuzzi Boys look and sound great on the Sinclair’s massive stage. Their growling, surfy, poppy take on garage punk never sounded more excellent.

The teenage crowd of what appears to be Jacuzzi Boys newbies eats up the punk slime flavor that they unleash with each fast, hard hitting tune.  Kids are moshing pretty hard and just having a great time. I honestly didn’t expect this. I figured like most big shows I see that the youngings would politely listen to (or worse repudiate) the comparatively trashier sounds of tonight’s opening acts, and then start slam dancing during Wavves’ set. Luckily,  this is not the case and every band receives a great reaction from a city that often doesn’t deliver in this regard.

King Tuff – Much like Jacuzzi Boys, King Tuff is more of the garage pop, slam em’ out real quick variety. In fact, when I first saw this tour line up I was somewhat surprised. On one hand, King Tuff and Jacuzzi Boys are fairly popular bands with several, sharp pop records under their belt. Then again, they aren’t as clean and accessible as the headliner, Wavves. King Tuff is more akin to Nobunny, Hunx and His Punx, and even Thee Oh Sees. Looser, wilder, grimier.

Also like Jacuzzi Boys, the crowd loves the set and there’s even more moshing this time around, hardly sparing a single moment for a breather. The love is mutual however, as King Tuff appreciates the audience’s admiration and enthusiasm. At one point he even brings a young man in the front row up on stage. This kid has a black eye and King Tuff applauds him for being a rock ‘n’ roll warrior. King Tuff presents him with a customized sun medallion necklace for his rugged character.  Keep rocking son. Indeed, all of you kids keep rocking and listen to King Tuff, he’s the right role model for you.

Wavves – Though we have been fans of King Tuff and Jacuzzi Boys for years, this is the first time we had a chance to see them. Wavves is a completely different story. We’ve been Wavves devotees since the Zach Hill days. It’s been fun seeing the band evolve over the years. Alas, it has been two full years since we’ve actually seen the band. TWO YEARS! I know a fucking eternity for rock ‘n’ roll fans, but tonight we’re back.

Wavves open with “Post-Acid,” a classic from their third full length LP, King of the Beach and immediately the place is off the hook. It’s practically impossible to stand up as kids bop and mosh about, running up to stage dive every three seconds. This lasts for the remainder of the show as they perform various hits from throughout their career.

Nathan Williams introduces “Friends Were Gone” as an older song, which is true, but it sounds funny in the grand scheme of things when you’re describing something that only came out four years ago.  This and “No Hope Kids” are the only pre-King of the Beach cuts on display this evening.

Speaking of King of the Beach, it is one of my favorite albums and so hearing a steady number of choice tunes from that LP is a real pleasure for me. I still love screaming out some of the classic, self-deprecating Wavves lyrics. I swear you could start a Wavves drinking game based on self-deprecating lyrics in Wavves songs. Take a shot each time Nathan insults himself. I wouldn’t recommend it, you’d probably be dead before the song is over.

My favorite line has to be “Myyyy, my own friends hate my guts… ahh so what? Who gives a fuck?” from “Green Eyes,” the song that garners the largest crowd reaction I’d wager. It even was requested several times before it was played. Perhaps because it exemplifies what it so great about Wavves, that unabashed apathy toward, well everything.  Some of the lyrics are downright childish, but it works. There’s a suspension of reality in Wavves that celebrates what music should be – an escape.

Other King of the Beach gems include “Idiot,” (people love to say “It doesn’t mean SHIT”) Stephen Pope penned “Linus Spacehead,” “Super Soaker, and the title track.  All of these songs sound just as fantastic as they did in previous years. On  a similar note, I wasn’t flabbergasted by this year’s Afraid of Heights, yet I still find myself fully engaged with these tunes and even singing along to them as well. “Demon to Lean On,” “Sail to the Sun,” and “Afraid of Heights,” are just some of the many songs we hear from the new LP.

As a whole, Wavves kill it again, cementing their status as one of my top live bands and this show is among my top five favorite shows all year… thus far.

Lastly, following the show I run into guitarist Alex Gates (he is the other main dude that gets plastered, possibly raped, and killed in the video below) and I compliment him for his work in Wavves, but more importantly his work in various Memphis bands over the years including Cretin Stompers (which are stomping your way shortly), Magic Kids, The Barbaras, Kazalok, and most of all, Girls of the Gravitron. This really trips him out because he claims that no one has ever approached him about Girls of the Gravitron before and that he hasn’t even thought about those songs since they were recorded. Nonetheless, he is appreciative and a generally swell guy. As is Stephen Pope, whom I got to chat with about The Barbaras and Cretin Stompers. I didn’t get to see Nathan, but that’s cool. So yeah, I know this last paragraph means nothing to most of you, but do yourself a favor and look up all of the aforementioned bands. I can’t urge you enough. And if you are Alex Gates, Stephen Pope, or just someone else in existence that knows and loves those bands, please leave a comment. We have so much to talk about. Love Chris.

P.S. sorry for freaking you out Alex.

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

Review: Guerilla Toss, In Heat, Advaeta, Crying Lessons, Noisy Boys @ JP Drive In (9/28/13)

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This freaks out my dad. Freak out all dads – whether they are your real dad or not.

Bands: Guerilla Toss, In Heat, Advaeta, Ronnie Nordac’s Crying Lessons, Noisy Boys
Date: Saturday, September 28, 2013
Venue: JP Drive In/ Ill Spot

Noisy Boys – This must have been a last minute addition or I’m losing my head. I’m not even sure if I got the band’s name right. That’s okay, since they claim to have formed a mere six hours ago, and yet they are already famous. The band consists of Simon Hanes (from headliner Guerilla Toss) on vocals and guitar and another dude on drums. I never catch his name, but he is a zick drummer.

Together, the two warm up this evening’s festivities with a ten minute or so set chock fulla  of obnoxious tunes such as “I’m a Slut” – I assume that is the title anyway because the song’s only lyrics are “I’M A SLUT! I’M A SLUT! I’M A SLUT! I’M  A SLUT!”  and they are shouted at an enormous rate, perfectly complemented by the speedy drums and noisy guitar. “I’m a slut” is my top Noisy Boys jam, in fact we should change the name of this site to Sluts Like You & Me, the  SLYAM! (pronounced slam). I regret writing this already.

Hopping back to the performance, it’s funny how initially everyone wants to stand back a little bit further from the band, while there still is space. I normally don’t like doing this, but I also wish to preserve the bits and pieces that remain of my hearing, at least until I have a few beers in me.

Some other numbers include a song about a Christmas Tree and a song where Simon simply sings “YEAH YEAH YEAH YEAH YEAH YEAH.” I agree, most lyrics are stupid, one word suffices.

Noisy Boys speak in faux British accents, which appears to be a popular theme in my show experiences as of late, and they are very grateful for all of those that came out to support them in their slick rise to fame. Hope to see them again in some shady setting, large or small.

Ronnie Nordac’s Crying Lessons – I saw these kewl cats a few weeks back at the Boston Underground Summit and that was pretty rad. Ronnie Nordac is indeed a kewl lad, rocking his shades and speaking of the wonders of making out with babes and sippin’ on 40’s.  His music inspires me to pursue far more of the former and far less of the latter.  Now with Crying Lessons, it’s not just Ronnie – he’s shared on floor with several other familiar scenesters all of whom rock the kewl Ronnie shades, well, almost all of them. But, they are all super kewl.

The Crying Lessons features guitarz, bass, drums, and the lead vocals of Dylan aka Girl Ronnie as I have nicknamed her. They play a batch of short – close your eyes for a second and you could miss them – but ever so sweet fuzzed out doo wop tinged rock ‘n’ roll songs. My favorite is a slow dance/prom song that reminds me of “The Locomotion,” one of my all time favorite songs.

Overall, this performance is an improvement or I’m simply standing closer to the band, either way it’s  a lot of fun and I highly recommend them to all y’all. Like em’ on the fascist book, https://www.facebook.com/CryingLessons but, please stop liking after 2,080 because we all know it’s no longer kewl after 2,080 likes.

Yo also check out this little live vid from Noah Bartel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbHvse8tT4Y

Advaeta – Advaeta are here from Brooklyn and they totally rule. I have never heard of them up until tonight, but they blow me away. The band consists of three talented, attractive women: Amanda on guitar and vocals, Sara on guitar and vocals, and Lani on drums.

They have an overwhelming, gargantuan audio assault that just slaps you across the face, but in a pleasant way. It’s noisy, but it’s not noise rock, there’s a lot of solid pop songs here too. I can’t quite put my finger on any comparisons, but I’d like to think of it  as Sonic Youth if they were a garage band.

There’s also a very trippy quality to this performance or maybe that’s just me. Certainly, the colorful visuals provided by the band’s friend Ginny, a sweet girl I met earlier in the evening, amplify these reactions in me.

Apparently, Advaeta has played in Boston a few times now and they recently played with Guerilla Toss at 285 Kent in Brooklyn, damn some day I’ll venture out to that venue.

Advaeta come back soon!  http://advaitabangbang.bandcamp.com/

In Heat – These Providence dudes are coming off a string of shows with Guerilla Toss and they are more than excited to be concluding their jaunt with us tonight in JP.  They are one of the heavier bands on the bill and kids mosh around to them and generally rock out more than any other band thus far. Sadly, I only catch half of their set and most of the time I’m way in the back, behind the packed crowd. It’s all good, I’m saving most of my zest for G Toss.

Guerilla Toss – By the time the final band goes on I’m typically shit cocked to use a phrase I heard an upstanding gentlemen spew the other day, and this show is no exception. Admittedly, I can only remember portions of this set. With that being said, as with all Guerilla Toss shows it’s a grizzly, bestial mindfuck of an experience, and I can testify to that. Even though my memory is blurry I do remember the crowd dancing and moshing and members of the band bouncing back and forth in the crowd and all that perspiring messy stuff that ought to happen at a fine show. There’s all of that and it’s a blast. For those, that don’t know who Guerilla Toss is, I don’t even know where to begin and I feel like I wouldn’t do justice anyway. Just see/hear for yourself. http://guerillatoss.bandcamp.com/album/kicked-back-into-the-crypt

And check out another Noah Bartel live vid below:

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

Review: Atlantic Thrills, Party Pigs, Idiot Genes, Future Carnivores @ O’Brien’s Pub (8/25/13)

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Byoburger fest
Bands: Atlantic Thrills, Party Pigs, Idiot Genes, Future Carnivores
Date: Sunday, August 25, 2013
Venue: O’Brien’s Pub (Allston, MA)

This show was the last in a series of BYOBurger shows that took place over the course of summer twenty thirteen. This final one was known as BYOBurger Fest. We showed up a little bit late, but these other fine bands played on the bill before our arrival: Future Days, Vundabar, The Zookeepers, Fantastic Liars, St. James & The Apostles, Polaroidz.

Party Pigs – Love this band’s name!  Though, Matt (Drums/Vocals) and Chris (Guitar/Vocals) aren’t as filthy as their moniker would lead you to believe, but their music sure is. These dudes are loud and messy, rough around the edges yet they also have their shit together. A contradiction that is surprisingly appropriate.  Drill Sargent shouts, in your face guitar licks, and fast, pummeling drums. Short, simple songs. This raw sound is akin to local gah ridge legends The Tampoffs as well as The Oblivians, whom Party Pigs cover with their version of “Never Change” (Soul Food, 1995).

Ohh yes and I cannot forget to mention that we once had the pleasure of seeing Party Pigs open for Nobunny over two years ago at Boston’s Church. That was a sick show and this set is equally saucy. Getting sauced with Party Pigs is an excellent way to go through life. Listen up: http://partypigs.bandcamp.com/

Set-List:
“Let’s Git”
“Music Man”
“Never Change” (Oblivians Cover)
“Cut the Cord”
“Roadhouse”
“Pledge”

Idiot Genes – “Devotional,” “Beer,” “Drink,” “Effeminate,” “Mostly Gay,” “Weed,” and “Boston” are some of the tags that appear on Idiot Genes’ Bandcamp page. I’d say at least half of those descriptions are accurate – mainly the ones that refer to any form of substance abuse, for Idiot Genes are of the gunk punk, slammin’ drinks and never looking back variety.

Songs such as “Drunk Consistently” and “A.W.O.L.” solidify this reputation. Not to mention the group’s quirky, amusing  in between song banter. At what point, they note scoring some Nitrous after a Philly show the night before and their futile attempts at acquiring some meth. I’m not sure if the latter is a joke or not, but I’d rather not know the truth. The mystery of Idiot Genes satisfies my own sick mind.

Another key weirdo tune in the Idiot Genes’ savage punk catalog is a song about Charles Manson known as “The Charles Mansion.” Haha, I told you these guys are funny, I think I did. Let me read back, nope, well now you know. Additionally, the drummer constantly has a bizarre, paranoid/bugging out expression on his face as if he had  just ingested a thousands hits of acid and if he stops playing for even a second then his dick will fall off – yeesh, that would freak me out too.

Much like Toronto’s Soupcans, one of the guitarists makes use of his PBR can by playing guitar with it and putting forth a valiant effort to sing into the empty can, but it doesn’t quite work out as one would hope. I’ll just have to see it next time. I don’t know when that time will be, but there will be a next time for sure.  http://stupidpants.bandcamp.com/

Atlantic Thrills – This is night two of my Atlantic Thrills party weekend. Or should I say shithoused as one Dan Tanner would describe me during the Thrillz’ performance the previous night at the Wilder Zangcraft in Lowell. You can read about it here if you feel so inclined: https://klyam.com/2013/09/26/review-atlantic-thrills-televibes-ghost-of-electricity-vundabar-wilder-zangcraft-82413/.

Atlantic Thrills are kick ass tonight as always.  Alas, the crowd is sparse, but the Thrillz deliver the same performance you would see with a packed, sweaty crowd of maniacs feverishly dancing as though they ingested one too many psychedelic rice krispies treats – it don’t matter, Thrillz are Thrillz. Kelly’s death stare, Eric’s Jared Swilley esque boppin’, Dan Tanner’s demonic guitar solos, and Josh Towers perennial grinning; he’s always having a blast, I swear he must sneak someone behind that drum kit below him.

Point being,  Atlantic Thrills are among the finest in contemporary garage punk slime aka rock ‘n’ roll music. So, when they return to O’Brien’s Pub on Thursday, October 17th your ass better be up front or I’m going to know about it.

Set-List:
“Almost Anything”
“A Day At the Beach”
“Boozing”
“Drugs In It”
“Light Shines”
“Lies”
“So Long”
“Shotgun”
“Acid Rain”
“Salvaie”
“Demolicion” (Los Saicos cover)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcfpuVk8ARs

Future Carnivores – Future Carnivores are a synth/keyboard driven group and they close this evening’s show. They are fairly laid back, almost like the anti-Atlantic Thrills, if you will. The sound is very droney and dreamy with elements of psych and shoegaze. In many ways, they feel like a chiller, softer, less aggressive version of Lost Sounds. Anyway, not really my kind of band, but they may be yours. Check them out here: http://www.futurecarnivores.com/

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

Review: Fat Creeps, Dirty Fences, Strict Agnostics @ Roggie’s (9/24/13)

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Roggies
Bands: Fat Creeps, Dirty Fences, Strict Agnostics
Date: Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Venue: Roggie’s (Allston, MA)

Firstly, I have never stepped foot in this place Roggie’s. I’ll take a step back and say I don’t even know if I am pronouncing it correctly. Row geeze? or Raw geeze? OR Rogue eeze, ehh that just sounds lame. Going into this, I am a bit perplexed by the sports bar reputation, though the basement of this place is a different story. It seems pretty legit, I’m feeling Moe’s Lounge/Radio Down vibes, a small, cozy spot. On the other hand, it kind of feels like a wannabe version of that. Either way, I can’t really complain, it’s still pretty chill and I am really digging the 25 oz Busch drafts for $3! Anyway, since when did we become a bar reviewing web site? Fuck it, let’s get to the bands…

Strict Agnostics – Strict Agnostics, my kind of band.  This trio consists of familiar faces in the form of NIce Guys Jake Gilbertson (vocals/guitar), Cam Smith (drums), and the incomparable Kurt Eggheart (bass/vocals) of Miami Doritos and Thigh Masters fame – apparently it is always his birthday, happy birthday Kurt!

Going back to Strict Agnostics being my kind of band, I’m not just stroking their salamis, I really do appreciate the style of music they are embracing and producing, and defecating. It’s off the wall, grimy noise garage garbage punk a la Reatards and Oblivians. Fast, shouted, mumbled vocals with the grit of a garage band and the speed of an early hardcore group.

After spending a not so healthy chunk of my free time with their bandcamp, I recognize most of their fiery adolescent themed anthems on display, such as my favorite, “Huff My Smoke,” why thank you Jake I will. I recently heard some lady lecture about the hazards of second hand smoke, it was pretty boring, but this song was racing through my brain the whole time.

Safe to say, Strict Agnostics are a charming bunch. Listen to their bandcamp here and become a champion: http://strictagnostics.bandcamp.com/

Set- List:
“Pilgrim In An Unholy Land”
“American Chop Suey”
“I Wanna Be A Sociopath”
“My Baby Got Splattered”
New Song
“Analysis Paralysis”
“Huff My Smoke”
“Dingus”
“Destructive Behaviors”
“Weird Life”

Dirty Fences – These dudes hail from New York and Roggie’s is the last stop on their current U.S. tour. Cheers! I’ve actually never heard of Dirty Fences up until this show, so I am pleasantly surprised by what I hear. To me, it’s a combo of 70s’s punk,  smooth garage, and power pop. I liken them to fellow New Yorkers, Ramones and Hector’s Pets. Overall, my one gripe is that  it seems like they stick with that specific punk rock fused power pop sound for most of their songs, but that isn’t a terrible thing either because it’s a sound I enjoy gracing my ears.  http://dirtyfences.bandcamp.com/

Fat Creeps – So, it’s cool to see Fat Creeps as a full band again! I’ll admit upfront that this performance is a little blurry for me, but generally speaking a solid show.  They open with either “Blue” or “He Comes In Loudly” and they roll out at least a couple of newer songs as well.

Some other highlights include “Secrets,” mainly because it’s my bro’s favorite Creeps song and he frenetically slams me on the shoulder to let me know that he LOVES this song, calm down now. I also dig hearing “Cherry” again, since it’s been quite some time since I have had the pleasure of hearing this number during a live show. For this tune Mariam and Gracie switch from bass to guitar, respectively. As a whole, it’s sweet to see Fat Creeps in a little, packed bar without a stage – I guess intimate is the word I am looking for. You could say, it has a basement feel, but I think that may just be a slight exaggeration. So yeah, we’ll stick with intimate for now. http://fatcreeps.bandcamp.com/

Ohh hey and pick up a copy of Fat Creeps 10″ (VINYL) EP from KLYAM Records! http://klyam.bigcartel.com/

Art, Atlantic Thrills, Honorary KLAYMERS, Local Music, Music, pictures, Punk, reviews

Review: Atlantic Thrills, Televibes, Ghost of Electricity, Vundabar @ Wilder Zangcraft (8/24/13)

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Zang
Yeah Yeah I know this show is old as shit, but just go with it.

Bands: Vundabar, The Ghost of Electricity, Atlantic Thrills, Televibes
Date: Saturday, August 24, 2013
Venue: Wilder Zangcraft (Lowell, MA)

Vundabar – It’s a pleasure to be back at the Wilder Zangcraft, since I haven’t been to a show here since April, damn. Ahh Lowell how I have missed you all Summer… but at least I’m here now, back in my old stomping grounds. And indeed stomp I will.  I’m actually a little zonked at this point, having spent the previous evening slobbering over Hunx and His Punx at Brighton Music Hall. That was a fun time and I’m still recovering, luckily Vundabar is loud and epic enough to wake me up,

I heard of these fellas at least a few months back, but I have only listened to bits and pieces of their music. Nonetheless, this is my first Vundabar live experience and it is going well. The songs are relatively smooth and easy to get into. I liken them to The Walkmen and Tapes ‘n’ Tapes, but that’s just me. Take it for what it’s worth though, those are great bands.  Vundabar feels like a decent soundtrack for one of those lazy nights at the beach (I don’t like beaches in general, but if I had to pick I’d go at night), when you do nothing but lay back, drink Coronas, and let the water soak your restless legs.

Vundabar make it a point to note that they spent the day playing at Allston DIY Fest and had a blast. Way to go dudes.  I’ll see you around. http://vundabar.bandcamp.com/

The Ghost of Electricity – The Ghost of Electricity is a two piece featuring the likes of Kevin Dacey (drums/vocals) and Ray McNamara (vocals/guitar). As with Vundabar, this is my first time seeing the band, but I have seen Dacey slay on the drums in previous groups such as The Real Tom Hanks, Twin Cyclist, and the far out trance that is Chillcity Icon. Ghost however is very different from all of those institutions (are band institutions? I think so). The pair play a folky psychedelic jam styled take on pop music for lack of a better term. It’s not too experimental, but not your run of the mill rock band either. It’s in that luscious sea of middlegroundness.

One of the more memorable aspects of The Ghost of Electricity’s performance is vocalist, Ray McNamara’s distinctive, faux British accent, making him sound like John Lennon or one of those characters. This British voice often comes up in between songs when Ray chats with the audience.

The band concludes the set with an unexpected cover of Animal Collective’s “Peacebone,” which really energizes me because this is easily one of my top five favorite Animal Collective songs and it is the opening track off of the greatest Animal Collective LP Strawberry Jam (2007). For a healthy five minutes or so I am set back to junior year of high school, what a confusing and frustrating time in a young man’s life… ehh.. despite the crazy emotions this song evokes in me Ghost create a decent cover that sounds vastly different from the original, yet still has that amped up feeling that an Animal Collective tune can elicit so well.

The Ghost of Electricity also spent their day performing at Allston DIY Fest and in fact they play many a show including a couple this weekend. Tonight (9/26) they will be playing at UMass Lowell’s Fox Common and tomorrow they are hitting up Lowell’s unchARTed art gallery. Sweet, check em’ out: http://theghostofelectricity.bandcamp.com/album/the-ghost-of-electricity

Set – List:
“Moonrise Satellite”
“Murder Song”
“Love Destroys”
“Cat With No Name”
“Bike Song”
“Chelsea”
“Good Thing Going”
“The Last Beautiful Thing”
“Aw Shit…”
“Jellyfish”
“Black Sky II”
“One Thing”
“Peacebone”

Atlantic Thrills – Atlantic Thrills are typically described as “garage,” “punk,” “rock ‘n’ roll,” and that’s all valid. But, it’s just really excellent music to get sloppy drunk and stumbling around to – which is usually great rock ‘n’ roll music orrrr Lady Gaga. It could go either way. Thankfully in this instance, it is truly great  rock ‘n’ roll music. For me, they are like the ultimate party band with Black Lips being probably the only exception to that.  With the Thrillz, it’s always a wild, drunken, hooting and hollering time; I find myself unable to stand up straight and behave like a regular dude. Regular dudes suck though.

At this point in the evening, my 12 pack of Natti Ice is vanishing, placing me in the perfect frame of mind for a Thrillz set. And the Wilder Zangcraft is one of the best, if not Thee best places to catch an Atlantic Thrills show. It’s a tiny little space, a tight squeeze, everyone is all sweaty and on top of one another anyway, might as well dance.

Well, tonight’s show is definitely fun and some moshing ensues, but it’s not as ‘crazy’ as the last Thrillz show I saw here and I attribute this to a lower number of people in attendance. Nonetheless, I still get my rocks off, if you will,  going nuts over the classics and stumbling about – what a daring soul would call dancing. You know you’re shit cocked when you’re trying to dance with Kevin Dacey instead of attempting to make out with fine babes. That’s ok, it’s the spirit that counts. LISTEN right here  to one  of the best bands around! https://soundcloud.com/atlantic-thrills

Set – List:
“Almost Anything”
“A Day At the Beach”
“Booze”
“Drugs”
New song
“So Long”
“Lies”
“Light Shines”
“Shotgun”
“Acid Rain”
“Salvaie”
“Demolicion” (Los Saicos cover)

Televibes – Straight up, I don’t recall much of this set and by much I mean practically nothing. Not a flaw of the band by any stretch, but after Atlantic Thrills I sort of “browned out” to quote It’s Always Sunny in  Philadelphia, where you can only remember bits and pieces (see this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QePQTMY9dv0). I remember watching the band, being mere inches away from their psychedelic soulss and gazing in admiration. I also met some of the dudes earlier in the evening and they were swell guys. I’ve heard some folks compare them to The New Highway Hymnal and I can see that. So yeah, go ahead and check these cats out if  that aggressive psych rock style is your thang. http://thetelevibes.bandcamp.com/

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

Review: Miami Doritos, Dylan Ewen, Zebu, Fat Creeps @ JP Drive In

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Two Piece
Bands: Miami Doritos, Dylan Ewen, Zebu, Fat Creeps
Date: Friday, August 16, 2013
Venue: JP Drive In

Miami Doritos – I don’t see any Miami or any Doritos, I feel like rioting, I feel like inflicting pain upon each and every one of youuuuu KLYAM readers.  Just kidding mom, I love you.

The Miami Doritos are best appreciated in a basement setting such as this JP Drive In, though I am completely full of shit because I have only seen them in basements, so I have no means of comparison anyway. I guess I just like the intimate feel, which is what typically makes two pieces special to begin with, and tonight the Doritos are kicking off this whole two piece hootenanny.

The Doritos are rough and crunchy, but not difficult to swallow, they go down rather smoothly with a watery beer and a broken heart. In terms of comparisons, well I know I say this often when I see two pieces, but they remind me of KLYAM favorite No Age, mostly in the instrumentation and odd pop sensibility.

I suppose I should also mention that the Doritos consists of Kurt (Thigh Masters) on vocals and guitar and Alex (Nice Guys) on vocals and drums, they are good dudes and if you haven’t checked out those bands then I don’t know what else to say, you better get on that shit brah. And while you’re at it, quit being a pussy and listen to Miami Doritos here: http://miamidoritos.bandcamp.com/album/scoop-dreams
And hey, also watch this vid of them at Allston DIY Fest: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-GJFO_5VrY

Dylan Ewen –  Dylan Ewen, yeah you know Dylan Ewen, in a way you may just be Dylan Ewen. Every teenager and twenty something is – and maybe even some of you thirty somethings. Dylan likes to write songs about bitches and booties and sadness, all topics that have been covered a gazillion times in pop music long before any of us were even twinkles in our daddy’s eyes. Yet, with his brand of garage spunk Dylan brings back a bucket of fresh water from the old stereotypical rock & roll well.

Dylan sings/screams and rages on guitar while a fellow named Chris sings along and brutishly slams the drums behind him. Together they smash through a fuzzy set of Dylan Ewen tunes including “Lead Me On,” (watch the crazy music video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xl-jSFP_6DY&feature=youtu.be). It’s a catchy little number that will stay with you forever like herpes. I myself was drunkenly singing this song the other night and didn’t realize it until a friend pointed it out,  it’s that powerful. The dudes also unleash a sick ass cover of one of my favorite Ramones songs, “The KKK Took My Baby Away.”

If I may slide down a slippery slopey rant for a few lines, if you would be so inclined… Dylan Ewen is like if Blink 182 sounded garagey and not like pop punk shit. It’s like all of his songs are about things that suck, but they are all fun and happy at the same time. Content wise it’s all frustration and disappointment . And that’s exactly why I dig the joy that comes out of my speakers when I listen to his bandcamp. That’s my argument against all the sad bands that sing about jerking off alone at night – or something else “dark and mysterious,” I don’t know I don’t pay attention. After a while, if I get bored I just make up my own plot. Those bands seem to be not having as much fun and make sad, sad songs. You can still make songs about sad stuff and still have fun, and having fun can be the focal point of the performance. You picking up what I’m putting down? Dylan Ewen does that like a true rock ‘n’ roller. Listen to all of his songs about youth and sex and such: http://dylanewen.bandcamp.com/

ZEBU – So, I saw these two dudes before at their Fat Creeps Split 12″ Release show at the Discovery Zone a few months back and this performance is not too dissimilar.  The pair, which consists of Ted Lee (vocals/drums) and Steve D’Agostino (vocals/guitar), put on a fairly entertaining show that really makes use of the small, intimate basement space tonight. At one point, Steve playfully waltzes through the crowd and pops a squat on a conveniently open chair in the middle of the room. He sits back and relaxes as if the song has to wait for him. It’s antics like this that makes me think a Zebu show in an above ground venue would be comparatively dull or at least lose some of its charm. Either way, their oddball take on pop music (?) is strong enough to endure in any setting.

Zebu also recently toured in Europe, which appears to be a rare feat for most artists of their underground nature. So, kudos to them. Here watch a clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0OHC6Zmt1g
http://zebu.bandcamp.com/

Fat Creeps –  A few years from now when I am an old man, about 27, I will be standing alone at a show, nursing a Narragansett and trying to relieve myself of an ailing hangover, when some young scrawny, pimple faced lad, about 16, will approach me and ask “what were the early Fat Creeps shows like?” to which I will respond, “fuck off, get me another beer junior. Let’s go find your sister.” Fortunately, I am still young and only 70% bitter, so I will enjoy these last few years before the remaining 30% takes over.

Fat Creeps or should I say Fat Dweebz as they are calling themselves tonight round out this two piece shabang. Gracie strums the guitar and sings while Mariam takes care of the drums and sings as well. I’ve never seen them as a duo and I may never again, but it’s pretty cool, a different take on their usual three piece sound. I miss regular drummer Jim Leonard, but Gracie and Mariam do a fine job with some of the Creeps originals as well some sick covers; I swear they play The Vaselines’ “Monsterpussy,” but I haven’t confirmed this.

Both women are decked out in some eye catching spandex suits, it look likes they are competing in American Gladiators or WWF (fuck WWE, it’s still WWF to me).

Check out their tunage here: http://fatcreeps.bandcamp.com/

And while you’re at it, order their 10″ (VINYL) EP from our very own KLYAM Records! http://klyam.bigcartel.com/

Art, concert review, Honorary KLAYMERS, Hunx and His Punx, Local Music, Music, pictures, Punk, reviews, The Fagettes, Video

Review: Hunx and His Punx, Hunters, Fagettes @ Brighton Music Hall (8/23/13)

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Bands: Hunx and His Punx, Hunters, Fagettes
Date: Friday, August 23, 2013
Venue: Brighton Music Hall (Allston, MA)

Fagettes – Fagettes be slaying the stadium settings, first with Middle East Down and now Brighton Music Hall, before you know it they’ll be playing the Garden, and when I go to snag a set list at the end of the show some big ass body guard douches will kick the shit out of me. Until then! I will live to steal more and more Fagettes set lists. I have so many band set lists now, it’s becoming a problem. I have a folder at home and it’s overflowing. You’d think tons of set lists = tons of women by my side. “He likes Fagettes, he likes hip thinking man music, I’m going to sleep with him.”  Some day soon.

Besides the luring of potential babes, there is a far more superior reason for my Fagettes set – list ingest; this quintet fucking rocks! Seriously, one of my favorite bands right now. If you haven’t seen/heard Fagettes, then you’re missing out. Much like the headliner tonight, Fagettes are a fun rock ‘n’ roll band with a fantastic 60’s spirit that is simultaneously 2013 ready. In  other words, they play garage psychish pop, but are still appealing to those that aren’t too familiar with those gritty stylings.

This evening’s set is an adequate mish mash of old and new jams with “Gonna Die Out Here,” being my overall favorite. This song exemplifies what I love about this band: simple, but pummeling drums, groovin’ guitars, slick basslines, and the dual vocals of Ryan and Melanie. The whole band rocks out and the crowd is generally receptive, albeit a little stiff, almost as stiff as my limp dick after too much Johnny Walker, which doesn’t really make any sense. I promised myself I would cut back on phallic (or lack thereof) imagery in my my reviews, ahh well maybe next year.

Anywho, The set reaches its finale with Fagettes classic “I Wanna Feel Good,” in which vocalist/guitarist Ryan Major leaps on a stage monitor with mic in hand, shouting the titular lyrics at the Brighton Music Hall attendees in front row; he’s a suave motherfucker, that’s for sure.

Set – List:
“Sleeptalking”
“Bad Catholic”?
“The AA Took My Baby Away”
“Chilly”
“On Drugs”
“My Girl Looks Like Johnny Thunders”
“Street Queens”
“Gonna Die Out Here”
“I Wanna Feel Good”

Do yourself a favor, quit the bullshit and listen to Fagettes RIGHT NOW. Drop everything else and just listen. http://thefagettes.bandcamp.com/

Hunters – Not too familiar with dem Hunters, but from what I can gather aha no pun intended, they are a favorite among many a indie rock enthusiast or so. I’ll be square, I didn’t do my research on this one, but I have heard their name pop up a few times. I am not overly immersed in this performance, but generally entertained. It’s noisy and loud and fun, I can definitely see the attraction. The lead singer keeps her hair below her eyes and appears to be in some sort of trance, that’s pretty cool. The  whole show kind of reminds me of early Deerhunter like Turn It Up Faggot (2005), perhaps a little Cryptograms (2007), if you feel me. Yeah, I think you do.

Set – List:
“Noisey”
“It’s True”
“Thin Twinzzz”
“She’s So”
“Narcissist”
“Undone”
“Deadbeat”
“Nosebleed”

Hunx and His Punx – HUNX AND HIS PIZZZZUNNNXXXXXXX!!!!! Yes, few bands bring out that exaggerated reaction in me, but Hunx is one of them. When Hunx and His Punx are up on stage, I just want to destroy everyone in front of me, everyone’s a pussy, ya know? I just want to mosh and dance and break stuff aka spill pbr all over my shirt and down my legs and crash into the person in front of me. The crowd is a little stiff, Boston crowds tend to be as I noted earlier,  but Hunx is so entertaining that it’s hard not to get excited. After a few songs, the crowd starts to get moving. Ohh shit, I meant to give a little history before I dove into the present. If you don’t give a fuck about my/KLYAM’s history with Hunx, then by all means skip the next paragraph and don’t fucking call me fabulous, bitch.

KLYAM began four years ago, a time when Jay Reatard was at the top of his game, sadly dying shortly thereafter. We were lucky enough to catch Jay three times before he passed away, and one of those shows was particularly special because it featured at least three future KLYAM stars: Nobunny, Box Elders, and none other than Hunx and His Punx! Like the other two, Hunx was unique and in your face, not something you could easily dismiss. I had never heard of the band before, so when I suddenly saw a dude waving his junk in front of my face and pouring beer down his chest, singing songs about his boyfriend not coming back, it left a a lasting impression on me. This same show took place at Harper’s Ferry, which later became and to this day remains Brighton Music Hall.  Four years and three records later, Hunx and His Punx is back and better than ever.

Last year we did have the pleasure of experiencing a Hunx show at Great Scott and that was terrific, you can read about it here: https://klyam.com/2012/04/04/concert-review-hunx-and-his-punx-great-scott-4212/ but this performance packs in a few more punches. Much of this greater exuberance can be attributed to the new sound/style the band has adorned in their current release Street Punk (Hardly Art), an album that is fixing to be KLYAM #1 Album of the Year, but we’ll see about that. Nonetheless, with this new album the band mixes early 80s hardcore (Germs, Misfits, Black Flag, Circle Jerks, Jabbers) with their vintage take on 60s pop (doo wop, girl group, garage, bubblegum). Hunx and His Punx are not however a mere retro band, and tonight’s set is further confirmation that they are one of the most dynamic and fine tuned bands in all of rock ‘n’ roll.

Some of my favorite moments tonight is when the bands blasts through the ultra fast new cuts like “Bad Skin,” “Everyone’s A Pussy (Fuck You Dude),” “You Think You’re Tough,” (which feature some of Shannon Shaw’s greatest vocals!), and “Don’t Call Me Fabulous.” Hunx aka Seth Bogart (funny, I haven’t called him by his real name till now) is typically a fiery front man, but he and the band as a whole really take it up a few notches;  his vigorous screaming and body motion reminds me of some of the punk greats like Iggy, Darby, and my favorite Nobunny!  A Nobunny/Hunx tour would be fabulous, oops poor choice of words!

The band is touring behind the aforementioned Street Punk, but they also dish out a fair amount of older material.  Gay Singles classics like my favorite “Cruising” and “Gimmie Gimmie Back Your Love” are some highlights from the set. “Bad Boy,” “The Curse of Being Young,” and “Too Young to Be in Love” are also on dis play, all of which appeared on their 60s girl group themed sophomore effort, Too Young to Be In Love. Hunx busts out the guitar to perform one of my favorite tunes from last year, “Private Room” off his solo record Hairdresser Blues.

Hunx and His Punx’s music speaks for itself, but with a group this glamorous and flashy, there’s bound to be extraneous forms of entertainment at one of their shows. Besides the humorous in between song banter coming from Hunx, some of the venue’s wackier attendees get a little rowdy toward the end of set. At one point two women suck on Hunx’s feet, while another woman drops her top, exposing her bare breasts as she makes her way to the front of the stage, where she proceeds to make out with my partner in crime, KLYAM’s own Glen aka Gangbang Gordon. Naked women are making a come back at KLYAM attended shows I’ve found as of late! To place a perfect image over all this slimy love, Hunx drops his pants and writhes around the stage in his thong and bashes out a stellar version of the slow dance number “Lovers Lane” (Too Young to Be in Love).

Until next time, I’m going to keep on rocking out to Street Punk and I highly recommend you do the same. This is the best song off the new record or at least my favorite.