Skull Practitioners - S/T 1 Cassette Demo

It's not often that a cassette tape shows up in the mail. Instantly returning me to my days in Queens when I'd be hard at work on the latest issue of Unite.

These days, I often find myself standing in wonderment, admiring how perfectly this ancient technology fits my mailbox. Then wondering how in the hell will I find a way to listen to it. This weeks arrival delivered more than a digital download and some nostalgia for me though. It was the sounds within that produced the real reward.
New York's Skull Practioners, a relatively new trio featuring 3/5 of the band DBCR (Review Here.)
are poised for noise. Recently featured as
The Deli's NYC Record of the Month!
(And rightfully so.) The four track cassette serves as a perfect introduction to the bands sound. One that seems to develop and unravel simultaneously.
The trio's sound blends components of Psych, Surf and Post Punk to form a somewhat loose and experimental garage banger that is sonically dissonant. While the third track "Foreign Wives" got the biggest rise out of this listener. It's the addition of "Nelson D" (recorded live at Brooklyn's Grand Victory) that really puts the bands musical ability and promise on display. Add to it the trip inducing artwork of Renato Cascioli and you've really got a strong foundation to build on. I'll definitely keep my eyes and ears open for these cats. Until then, go check out their bandcamp and bust out that cassette player. James Damion

Skull Pactitioners  Bandcamp

Those Mockingbirds - Penny The Dreadful

Penny The Dreadful marks a turning point for Those Mockingbirds, who have spent the last few years carving a steady path to the forefront of New Jersey's sea of rock bands on the strength of exceptional live performances and promising EP Fa So La. It was difficult to predict the sound of long-form Mockingbirds, as this is a band whose devotion to the hook always belied a deep, varied pool of influences among its five participants and a knack for arranging them super-creatively. Penny captures this band successfully satisfying either impulse, meeting their potential, and injecting life into a style that some seem to think is approaching anachronism status.

Above all, because it plays so well from front to back, I'm really pleased with Penny as an obstinate defender of the album format. The first three tracks carry the feel of singles, with "A Ballad From Hell" standing out for its chilly vocal-violin combo and the steady build to the tempo boost halfway through, totally cinematic and terrifying. Loud mode then kicks in on

"How To Rob A Bank" and "Teenage Fantasies," which hit quite directly and leave me feeling divided. These songs overflow with grimy riffing and thick textures, flaunt finely-tuned choruses, and benefit greatly from the big production. All the same, once
"Loose Leather" unfolds next,
 it gives the sense that this band is looking toward bigger things than just a carefully-trimmed single or two for summer rock playlists.
Its Cave In-sized chunk, slick leads, and beyond-catchy vocal interplay between singers
Adam Bird and Tory Anne Daines bring me much closer to my alt-rock happy place.

The absurdly-catchy chorus of the pumping "Bodies on the Road" is probably my favorite on Penny, with the runner-up going to bittersweet pop-rocker "The Reckoning" and its declaration,"I don't wanna know what it's like to be happier." Elsewhere, where it'd have been easy to succumb to filler, the band toss us track after track with fresh flavors and elegant arrangements. "Destroy My Love" recalls the eerie indie-rock saunter of some of their
pre-Fa So La jaunts for a song packed with interesting contrast: The bass's stomp in the verse against Bird's feathery falsetto in the chorus; the timbres of the guitar and plucked violin as they both play the hook; the meditative bridge giving way to an embittered, explosive climax. "S.A.L.T." switches to downtempo shuffle with a gorgeous, mourning violin melody and layers of soaked guitar. Penultimate ballad "Model Myself" and closer
"I Feel Like I Died" turn toward a pensive mood with great effect, especially on the latter as Bird gives a crushingly frank morning-after reflection that creates an odd peace together with gently-fingerpicked acoustic.

Clearly a labor of love, Penny The Dreadful covers a lot of ground, and deftly so. Simultaneously blunt and subtle, simple and nuanced, Those Mockingbirds have struck a careful balance without sacrificing an ounce of passion. Like every strong debut, the feeling of satisfaction comes with imagining what they might try next. Penny doesn't provide any obvious answers, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Darrel Norrell

D. Smith's Video for the Single "Fait Accompli"

Man of mystery D. Smith has just posted an incredibly moving video for the song "Fait Accompli. Available on ShitHouse Records. The track features Bobby Diamond on drums. "Fait Accompli" was at Kenny Lacatena's Homebrew Studios. You can download the album Here.

Modern Chemistry Debut Video for the new single "Never Scared".

New Brunswick's Modern Chemistry have debuted a video for the single "Never Scared". After a couple of years of reviewing outstanding EP's. I finally had the opportunity to see them live at The Court Tavern back in February. Check it out here or go directly to 

You Tube to view. The choice is yours. James Damion

Modern Chemistry Bandcamp

Holy City Zoo - Grandview Terrace

Holy City Zoo's latest single 'Grandview Terrace' is now available on Bandcamp for a 

"name your price" option.
The single is also available through the band as a limited 

Compact Disc. Packing of the CD hand cut, hand/computer printed and wrapped. 

As an added bonus, each CD contains a unique "Zoo Fact." Mine was Zoo fact #17 

"Soap is not overrated. Shampoo, maybe." 

You know what they say, "Knowledge is Power."

James Damion

Grandview Terrace

"Best of Lists are for Pretentious Assholes" A.K.A. The Best of 2013

As our dreaded third annual "Best of" listed loomed closer. I decided to do something a little different by reaching out to some of my favorite musicians, artists, bloggers and record labels to see just what moved them in 2013. In reaching out I was hoping to get a wide array of lists from varied genres and styles. I had no idea just how diverse and varied they'd be. Nor did I have any expectations about the willingness and enthusiasm shown. Thanks to everyone who pitched in. I'll be tracking down a lot of the stuff I haven't, myself heard. Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year to everyone. James Damion

James Damion - United By Rocket Science / Unite Fanzine / Damion Photo
Superchunk - I Hate Music
Savages - Silence Yourself
BoySetsFire - While A Nation Sleeps
Frank Turner - Tape Deck Heart
Sound City - Real to Reel
Red Hare - Nights to Midnight
The Front Bottoms - Talen of the Hawk
Eastern Anchors - Drunken Arts and Pure Science
Blast! - Blood
Thinning the Herd - Freedom From the Known
Cinema Cinema - 50 ft. Queenie EP

Reissues;
Unwound - Kid Is Gone (Box Set)
Dangerhouse - Complete Singles (Box Set)
Isis - Debut s/t album (Reissue)
The Abused - Loud and Clear (Reissue LP)
Altercation - Demo 7 inch
Rival Schools - United By Fate

Shows;
Cinema Cinema opening for Black Flag at Warsaw. (The rest, not so much)
Knapsack Reunion at Music Hall of Williamsburg
Stuyvesant's final performance at Maxwell's
Overlake at Asbury Lanes (I wept)
Anything the band Archie Alone has done in a live setting.

Dave Galgano - United By Rocket Science / Rocket Science Records
Blast! - Blood
Beastmilk - Climax
Superchunk - I Hate Music
Cult of luna Vertikle
Redhare - Nites of Midnite
Deadverse - Carpet Burns
The National  - Trouble Will Find Me
Pelican - Forever Coming
Wreaths - Wreaths
The Jealous Sound - A Gentle Reminder (Deluxe version)
Big Boys - Where's My Towel/Industry Standard  (reissue) Light In The Attic Records
Unwound - Kid Is Gone (Box set)
Cicada Radio - No Fate But What We Make
Eastern Anchors - Drunken Arts and Pure Science

Freddy Alva - Wardance Records / New Breed Compilation / Reconstruction Records
Villains "Never Abandon The Slut   Train" Lp

Sick People "Fakes Rule" 7"
Battle Ruins 2013 demo tape
Glam "Veneno En Sus Flechas" 12"
Altercation live @BNB Bowl & 7"
Raspberry Bulbs "Deformed Worship" lp
Inherit "Crushing Wheels Of Samsara" 7"
Bloody Hammer Lp
Echoes Of A Killing novel by Ted Gogoll
Don Juan Matus "Espejismos" cassette lp.
Criminal Damage "Call Of Death" Lp.
1981 "In The Dead Of The Night" 7"
Major Damage "Sheer Mayhem" 7"
The Abused reissue Lp
DHK "La Krudeza No Muere" Lp

Ev Gold - Guitarist / Singer / Cinema Cinema
"M B V" by My Bloody Valentine
"Fetch" by Melt-Banana
"Life is Too Short To Not Hold a Grudge" by Good For You
"Change Becomes Us" by Wire
"What The.." by Black Flag
"Oddfellows" by Tomahawk
"Amok" by Atoms for Peace
"Beautiful Rewind" by Four Tet
"Rat Farm" by Meat Puppets
"Surgical Steel" by Carcass

Chris Wynne - In Effect Hardcore
Down To Nothing "Life On The James" (no it is not about you James Damion)
Rotting Out "The Wrong Way"
Stigma "For Love & Glory"
World Eater "Worm Feast"
Take Offense - "United State of Mind"

Joe Gorelick - Drummer Garden Variety, Blue Tip, Retisonic, Red Hare
Released: The Human Rights Concerts - A Conspiracy of Hope DVD Box Set (various artists)
Bob Dylan - Complete Collection Box Set
Nick Drake - Remasters (Vinyl)
Unknown Mortal Orchestra - II
Lou Reed, John Cale, Nico - La Bataclan Paris '72
Cheap Trick - Live front row Westbury Music Fair
Sebadoh - Defend Yourself + Live
King Crimson - The Road to Red Box 24 CD/DVD/BluRay Box Set
J. Robbins - Live Acoustic at Cakeshop
Be Bop Deluxe – At The BBC 1974-1978
Volto! - Incitare
Chavez - Live at Tivoli (new unearthed bootleg from 1997)
OFF! - Live
Replacements - Live Archive (one of the most amazing sites ever created)

Christopher Skelly - Guitarist Dahlia Seed / Static is a City
Laura Marling – Once I Was An Eagle

Chelsea Wolfe – Pain Is Beauty
Beastmilk - Climax
Iceage- You’re Nothing
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club – Specter At The Feast
Pissed Jeans - Honeys
Disappears – Era
Savages – Silence Yourself
Psychic Ills – One More Time
Wooden Shijps – Back To Land
The Black Angels – Indigo Meadow
Black Joe Lewis – Electric Slave
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds – Push The Sky Away
David Bowie – The Next Day
Holograms – Forever
The Besnard Lakes – Until In Excess, Imperceptible UFO
Sigur Ros – Kveikur
Crocodiles – Crimes Of Passion
The Body – Christs, Redeemers
Foxygen – We Are The 21st Century Ambassadors Of Peace And Magic
Thee Oh Sees – Floating Coffin
True Widow – Circumambulation
White Hills – So You Are, So You’ll Be
Unknown Mortal Orchestra – 2
Grumbling Fur – Glynnaestra
Theologian – Some Things Have To Be Endured
The Black Hollies - Somewhere Between Here and Nowhere

Andy Stern - Drummer Feral Babies / Early Forms
Favorite albums/reissues of 2013
Future of the Left – How to Stop Your Brain in an Accident
Parquet Courts – Light Up Gold
Frank Turner – Tape Deck Heart
Smith Street Band – Don’t Fuck With Our Dreams EP
Tiny Empires – Just Imagine 7”
The Front Bottoms – Talon of the Hawk
Lemuria – The Distance so Big
Iron Chic – The Constant One
Off with Their Heads – Home

Best shows of 2013
Gorilla Biscuits – Chicago IL
Infest – Miami FL
Deep Sleep – Gainesville FL
Tiny Empires – Gainesville FL
Old Flings – Gainesville FL
Frank Turner – Orlando FL (In-store, Park Ave Records)
Cory Branan & Jon Snodgrass – Ybor City FL
Koo Koo Kangra Roo –  Atlanta GA
Broncho – Ybor City FL

Joe Lanza - Guitarist Holy City Zoo
Notable Releases/Shows of 2013
Releases
My Bloody Valentine - MBV
Haim - Days Are Gone
France - Remember Kids, Your Pigeon Is Sacred http://francetheband.bandcamp.com
Dolly's - EP1 http://dollys.bandcamp.com Court Tavern
Humboldts - Blockhead EP http://thehumboldts.bandcamp.com
Vasudeva - Life In Cycles http://vasudeva.bandcamp.com
Pearl Jam - Mind Your Manners (Single Release)
Daft Punk - Get Lucky (Single Release)
Sound City: Real to Reel
Chemtrail - Your Frequencies Have Been Missed http://chemtrailmusic.bandcamp.com

Shows
My Bloody Valentine: Hammerstein Ballroom
Sound City Players: Hammerstein Ballroom (adolescent dream show come true part I)
Blink 182 - Starland Ballroom (adolescent dream show come true part II)
Any France Show
Dolly's EP Release Show: Court Tavern
Mission of Burma: Maxwells
And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead: Maxwells
Toe: Glasslands Ballroom
Chemtrail: Paradise Lost (best post-rock performance I have ever experienced)
Vasudeva Release Show: Court Tavern

Mike Sylvia - Killing Horse Records / Singer Life Eaters
Worriers - Cruel Optimist ( Don Giovani)
The Night Marchers - Allez! Allez! (Swami)
Neko Case - The Worse Things Get... (Anti)
Mikal Cronin - MCII (Merge)
Black Hollies - Somewhere Between Here And Nowhere (Ernest Jennings)
Savages - Silence Yourself (Matador)
Mount Moriah - Miracle Temple (Merge)
Far Out Fangtooth - Borrowed Time (Slitbreeze)
Vacation - Candy Waves ( Don Giovani)
William Tyler - Impossible Truth (Merge)

D. Smith Sucks - The End of Everything

I was in the midst of telling some god forsaken Jehovah's Witness to get the fuck out of my building when a message came across my Facebook page. It was an old friend asking that I call him as soon as I got the chance.

As I began dialing the numbers I imagined what awaited me on the other end of the line. Perhaps payback for my review of his bands performance at Camelfest II. Calling them out for being "not that pretty" without the presence of former bassist Cindie Merklee.
Or referring to the bands singer as an "arrogant prick". Regardless of any punishment
I was about to receive, a friend had asked a favor and I was going to do my best to help.
As Dan picked up the phone
I immediately felt as if I was talking to an old and trusted friend. He began to tell me about his new record, the band and if I'd help get the word out about how all proceeds from the recording would be going towards supporting  a local dog rescue. A cause that is near and dear to our collective hearts. I wholeheartedly agreed to spread the word, listen and give the songs on
'The end of everything' a thorough listen.

'The End of Everything' features seven songs of brilliantly raw and honest songs.
Each with a sense of quick wit. D. Smith has always delivered a dark sense of humor that can often be taken out of context as something that it truly isn't intended to be. Parts Punk, parts  soulful Folk with apocalyptic results. This is so real, so authentic. It makes me want to gather the friends and family for a full on intervention. It's as if I met my own dirty little secret. Though this might garnish a whole lot of attention in the long run. It's these little under the radar gems that stick with you the longest. Leaving permanent scars on the listener. Promising to visit you in your nightmares much further down the road.
Drop some serious cash on this one. If not for the music or the fact that your contributing to a more than worthy cause. Do it for the simple fact that the cover art depicts God's greatest creation. 
James Damion

The end of everything Buy it Here

Courtesy Tier Debuts New Video for the Song "Cold"

Brooklyn's Courtesy Tier debuted a video that was so good, I couldn't help but share.

Official Music Video for the song "Cold" by Courtesy Tier From the Holy Hot Fire EP 

Recorded and Produced by Jeff Berner at Galuminum Foil Studios in Brooklyn, NY
Available here: Courtesy Tier
Courtesy Tier is;  Omer Leibovitz - guitar/vocals Layton Weedeman - drums/vocals

Directed by - Cameron Zonfrilli & John Welsh III
Produced by - Cory Choy & Silver Sound http://silversound.us/
AD/Producer - Reed Adler
Editor - Adam Abada
Colorist - Vladimir Kucherov
Director of Photographer - Andres Cardona

Production Assistant - Evan Zonfrilli
Production Company - Parlay Films

Gaffer - Terra Gorman
Grip - Brian Patierno
Art/Props/Swing - Danielle Pruden
Art/Swing - Peter Dodenhoff
Hair & Makeup - Sabrina De La Torre
Playback/Swing - Louis Gordon & Alex Portilla

Filmed at Parlay Studios http://www.parlaystudios.com/

The Courtesy Tier  Official

Pity Party, Young Ladies, Feral Babies and Rubrics at Greenpoint Brooklyn's LuLu's

As I headed to the bar to order a drink. The guy next to me looks over and says,
"Hey, didn't I meet you at that show the other night?" Somewhat confused, I took a moment to do the math before replying "You're going to have to be more specific."
"I've been to four in the last five days." At the moment, I became fully aware of how much I had been going out lately and how the late night, early mornings had begun to take their toll on me. Turns out the enquiring mind was none of than Fid from the band Pity Party.
Me and Fid met just a few nights before at the Knitting Factory. Shortly before that show we bonded over our love of vinyl records and our favorite record stores.

Greenville, South Carolina's Rubrics got things started on a frantic note. This was my first exposure to the touring band. They always say, "Don't judge a book by the cover."
But if lead singer/guitarists "Fifteen"shirt wasn't a clue of what was to come. I don't know what was.
There were a few stop, start moments where the singer guitarist would go into a
1, 2, 3... 1, 2, 3... miss-launch that had the feel of a North Korean missile launch. He had the super hyper personalty that made it feel like he was running a few blocks ahead of his band on the way to the candy store. At times, it felt like a show within the show or an after school special about the kid who takes meth to get that extra edge for the SAT's. It all worked out in the end as the trio ripped through a set of fast, raw punk with a socio-political edge. Though that style of preachy, unoriginal copy and paste lost my interest years ago when "Save the Children" and "Greenpeace" began setting traps on the streets of Hoboken. The Rubrics seemed to deliver a more focused and simple message in tune with my basic beliefs. "Respect yourself and others." "Don't be a Douche bag." Keep it simple, rock out, have fun. Mission Accomplished!
Rubrics  Facebook

I was really stoked to see the Feral Babies return to the area. They've been a steady presence on the blog since day one, being featured in record reviews, a show review and an interview. Getting to finally see them perform live within the cramped, yet intimate space of Brooklyn's Stolen Sleeves Collective was enough to file papers to have the Tampa Band become official citizens of our tristate area. On this night they played what seemed like an all too short set. The bands fast, aggressive sound finds inspiration in a lot of the straight up Hardcore acts of the 80's with a little more musical punch. Justin Arnold attacks each song with a noticeable passion and energy. Pacing the stage like a caged lion often growling towards the ceiling. A great set but like I said before. It all went by so fast. At this point, one can only hope it won't be an entire year before they return.
Feral Babies  Facebook

Initially, I didn't really know what to think about the next band. Young Ladies (they're actually not so young men)
At first they sounded like just about every other nondescript bar band. Good Rock and Roll with Hard Rock edge. But nothing that would make them particularly stand out. These locals feature Pat Schramm of The Latterman / Bridge and Tunnel and Ryan Seagrist (Discount / Monikers)
I remember seeing
Bridge and Tunnel on Record Store Day a year or two back. At the time I remember thinking the same thing. "Good band but nothing I'd write home about."
Young Ladies  Bandcamp

Headlining the intimate gathering were Brooklyn's Pity Party. Now, the only exposure I had to this band prior to tonight was the little Fid, the bands guitarist, had relayed to me a few nights before at the Knitting Factory. For whatever reason, perhaps the feeling they weren't completely foreign to me. I was somewhat excited to see them. In a sense, Pity Party's performance almost mirrored that of The Unlovables (The band I saw a few nights before at the Knitting Factory.)
An energetic female singer (Cassady) who spent the entire set on the dance floor engaging the crowd with songs that perfectly conveyed bratty pop punk angst with a sense of inner strength. The only notable difference was that the band itself looked and played like they could be headlining a local Hardcore show. With guitarist Fid often launching in the air as if was the second coming of Youth of Today's Porcell. Add to that bassist Joel who mirrored a younger Matt Warnke (BOLD). The band also features local legend Mikey Erg on drums. Add that to your checklist and you've got everything you really need.
Pity Party Facebook

Tampa's Feral Babies; L to R Sulynn, Justin, Andy, Marc

I really enjoyed my first trip to LuLu's. The place has great drinks, good prices and free personal pan pizza. (Believe it) The bartenders are laid back and despite it being a really nice place. It still manages to maintain the vibe of a good dive bar. There are lofts on either side of the bar with seating and a vintage Galaga video game. There's also a pool table on the way to the stage in the back. All of that nestled in the deep of Greenpoint Brooklyn. How can you go wrong? James Damion

Victory and Associates - Plausibly Wild/ Wildly...

After watching a sweat drenched
Victory and Associates turn a small, yet intimate Maxwell's crowd into their very own army of devoted supporters. I was eager to get my hands on anything and everything the band had ever produced.
(Well, minus the tremendous pools of man juice they left on the stage that night.)

If "Plausibly Wild / Wildly Plausible" is any indicator to what this band can accomplish. Then I may have just found a new band to worship at the alter of Rock n' Roll.

Victory and Associates three song stinger mixes anthemic classic rock with punk rock aesthetics, energy, angst, bombast and balls out fun. "Plausibly Wild" is a feel good rocker with a chorus that would best be described as a power pop "Wild in the Streets". While "Wildly Plausible" slows is down a bit. A danceable ode that had this listener on the tip of his toes screaming every note. "Friend Rock City" (a bonus that comes with the download) is a rock anthem if there ever was one. To add to this already stellar record is cover art by the enormously talented Brian Musikoff from local heroes Stuyvesant.

The band is just finishing up their tour and will be heading back to sunny San Francisco where they will be opening for the legendary Mike Watt. One can only hope they'll be back again soon. James Damion

Get it Here

Modern Chemistry - An Introduction

"An introduction" is probably one of the most understated titles to ever accompany a sampling as good as this. Modern Chemistry come out of the gate like seasoned pros with a distinct style and approach that is seldom seen in a band this early in their development.
"Remember this Bridge" and "Holla Atcha Boi" are instantly addictive tracks that have warranted countless listens.

The bands sound is a perfect mix of rock and post core with outstanding riffs complimented by an  impressive rhythm section and emotionally anthemic vocals. All of which blend together perfectly. Putting on a display that is emotionally charged without losing any sense of angst or aggression. I sensed a
Rise Against influence mixed with the appeal of New Jersey's The Wait.
The band itself sites Brand New and The Outfield amongst their influences. Pretty cool if you ask me.

New Brunswick has always had a proud history of producing one outstanding band after another. It looks as if Modern Chemistry are ready to join in that proud linage.
If this is an introduction to what Modern Chemistry can bring to the table... then we can look forward to  something very special.
James Damion

Modern Chemistry  Bandcamp

Jim Testa's Interview with The Front Bottoms

There's no handbook for Punk Rock

By Jim Testa

Bar-None Records released the Front Bottoms’ self-titled  full-length just about a year ago, and in that time, singer/guitarist Brian Sella and drummer Matt Uychich (along with touring bassist/keyboardist Drew Villafuerte) have literally seen the world, touring almost constantly from coast to coast and overseas, playing everything from small clubs to major festival stages.  And it was barely a year before that when the Front Bottoms were still hustling for weeknight gigs at DIY spaces like Montclair’s all-ages Meat Locker, slowly building a devoted following of giddy fans singing along to Sella’s fanciful,  passionate, generation-defining, and often cinematic lyrics.
Will success spoil the Front Bottoms?  We don’t think so, but just to be sure, we checked in with Brian shortly before the band finished enjoying a brief mid-summer respite and hit the road again for a two-month tour that will take them first to England with the Menzingers,  then through the U.S. and Canada with the Cheap Girls, including stops at
The Fest in Gainesville and Fun Fun Fun Fest in Austin.
The FB’s will be at Santos Party House in New York City on October 19;  for more tour dates, visit The Front Bottoms

Front Bottoms Photos courtesy of Dan Bracaglia TheLondonBroil.com

Jim: This last year has been pretty amazing for you guys. What’s it been like from your perspective? Does it all seem like a dream sometimes?

Brian:  Yeah, it’s been crazy.
You probably know better than anyone, you got into us right as we were about to sign with
Bar None and just as we started going on those crazy tours.
I was talking to my mom today and she was telling me that she was in Shop Rite where I used to work, and she saw this woman that I used to work with there, and this woman was asking about me and wanted to know about the band.  And my mom just stopped for a second and said, ‘Brian, I am just so happy for you that you’re not working at Shop Rite anymore.’  And it just sort of hit me.
It’s really crazy that it’s only been a year… Not that we’re taking over the world or anything, but it just feels very, very positive and very good.  It feels like we’re headed in a good direction and I’m very proud of all the tours we’ve gotten to go on.  And everything else.
It’s exciting and I’m excited to start the whole process over again.

Jim: Was there ever one particular moment when you just suddenly realized, ‘I’m not the guy who works at Shop-Rite and plays in this band on weekends anymore, I’m a musician’?

Brian:  Oh God… It’s kinda hard to say. It’s still a lot of hustle, and I’m still poor. I’m still running around trying to make things work. It’s definitely a process. But you’re right.
I do have to stop every once in a while and just think, you should be happy about what’s going on, because it’s something to be proud of.  Matt and I do talk about how excited we are about how things are going. And when you stop and really think about it, this is my dream. So in a way my dream has come true, as weird as that sounds. So it’s exciting, and I’m very happy, and I’m just very proud of what me, Matt, and Drew have been able to accomplish. So yeah, it’s great, it feels very positive.

Jim: Did you ever read the piece that Geoff Rickley wrote about being in Thursday, about how the best year they ever had as a band on a major label, he made less money than he made working at the Gap folding pants?

Brian: (laughs)  Yeah, I did read that. It was very inspirational.

Jim: But I have to assume he was much happier on tour with Thursday than he ever was at the Gap.

Brian: Of course. But you know,  there’s a lot to be learned from that. It really does take a lot out of you.  I’m not speaking from experience, and hopefully I never will be, but I can imagine how disheartening that situation would be. We’re not anywhere near that point yet.

Jim: Kids think about how awesome it would be to live on tour all the time, but they don’t think about living out of a suitcase or being away from your family and girlfriend for months at a time, or all the other sacrifices that go with the lifestyle.

Brian: It definitely is a trade off. Honestly, you’re probably right when you say that when he was on the road with Thursday, it probably was the best years of his life. At least I hope that I’m able to say that.  I’m sure if things end up where I’m in an office job someday,
I’ll definitely look back and say my best years were spent with Matt and Drew, driving around the country and playing shows every night.  Making little or no money, but still getting to do it.  That’s what you think about, not how much money you’re making or not making, but that you’re out there doing it every night.

Jim: Typically with my musician friends, they’ll complain on the road that they can’t wait to get home, and then once they’re home for a week, they’ll say that they can’t wait to go on tour again.

Brian: Oh yeah, I know that feeling. This right now is probably the longest I’ve been home since we started touring so much a year ago. It’s been three weeks that I’ve been home, and I’m going crazy. Oh my god, give me something to do. But it’s good because I’ve gotten a chance to write a lot of new stuff, which is definitely needed.  Time off is needed.

Jim: There’s that famous saying that you get 21 years to write your first record, and six months to write your second.  You’re in that position now. Do you find you can write on the road? Or do you have to be home and have a regular schedule?

Brian: Some people can write on the road and some people can’t. The road for me is more or less just gathering information.  I’m just writing things down in my notebook and recording things on my cellphone.  But the real work… if I’m going to put together a song, I have to sit down for an extended period of time and really hack at it.  So it’s hard to write on the road for me, and honestly, I’ve never written a song on the road.   So being on tour for as much as we were, and then coming home, it was nice to be able to sit down and tell myself, okay, now is the time I’m going to write the next album.   Most of it’s written now. There’s still work to be done but this past three weeks is when the album really came together.  So it’s been exciting.  I think this new stuff is really coming together, I think it’s matured and I think people are going to like it.  I hope, anyway.

Jim: Your first batch of songs was so awesome, and audiences really fell in love with those songs, so I’m wondering… do you ever have moments of self doubt when you start thinking, oh my god, I’ll never write another song as good as “Maps” or whatever…  Do you worry about topping what you’ve already done?

Brian: It’s a pretty terrifying thought, to be honest. And in all honesty, it has snuck up on me. There are slower days when I haven’t been able to write, and I had a lot more time to think than I wish I had, and you start thinking, well, maybe that was it, maybe that was the best of the best. So it’s important to have a good support system, and specifically, Matt. Matt is always full-steam ahead, and he loves those old songs and he thinks they’re awesome, but he’s ready to make better songs.  He’s ready to move on, and when you have a partner like that, that’s constantly in that mindset, that ‘yeah, we’ll make something better than this… If it’s not coming together, don’t worry, we’ll throw it out and start over because we have better ideas to work with.’ Even Drew has been very encouraging, specifically when we were on the road with Say Anything and Kevin Devine. Our van got broken into and we got robbed, and my backpack was stolen.  It had basically everything I owned in it – my laptop, my iPod, all my music, everything – and it had all my notebooks in it. Like three years of notes that I’d been writing on tour. And it was really a heartbreaking experience.
I never really had to deal with anything like that before. And Drew just told me, it’s okay. We’ll get through it. You have to be okay with it because you have no choice. So when you have people like Matt saying, ‘Oh yeah, that sucks, but don’t worry about it because you’ll write better things anyway.’ And Drew says, ‘You have better things to write than what was in those notebooks.’ And so I realized that yeah, you just have to move on. It was a scary thought, but I’m confident about the new stuff  we’ve written.

Jim: The number of people whose second record was better than their first is pretty small – Elvis Costello, the Ramones, maybe Nick Lowe – but I’m looking forward to putting you on that list.

Brian: Well, thank you. I’m excited. I’m hoping that I’ll be honored with the privilege of being included in that company. And when you think about it, it is a little scary. But you just have to have fun with it.  Me and Matt love making songs.  Even now, we’ll just go to the practice space, we’ll buy a 12-pack of beer, and we’ll just hang out.  That is the whole point, and that is what we love to do. And when a song does start coming together… there’s always that moment when I’ll look at him, he’ll look at me, if Drew’s there we’ll look at him, and we’ll all just know that something is happening. You’re never sure if a song is going to come together and when it does, it’s just like ‘YES!’  It feels so good. This is awesome.  Nothing else matters, this song is cool.  Songs are really the only things that last when you’re making music.

Jim: They don’t teach how to be in a touring rock band in high school or college…

Brian: I wish they did!

Jim: ...so when you get to tour with a Kevin Devine or a
Say Anything, people who have done this for years and years, do you find yourself learning from them?
Not like you sit down and take lessons, but just from observing how they pack a suitcase for tour, for instance, or what they bring on the road with them?

Brian: Oh God, yes. Absolutely.  Especially someone like Kevin, who’s been doing it for so long and basically has it down to a science. The tour that me and Matt did with Kevin was the longest tour that we had been on to date, and he had been on tour for two months before that.  You just have to open your eyes and have respect and you’ll learn a lot.  Kevin taught us so much. Even the guys from Say Anything or the guys from Fake Problems, basically every band we’ve played with has taught us something.
I think the fact that Matt and me have wanted to do this for so long does make it a little easier. If someone called me tonight and asked if we wanted to leave for tour tomorrow morning, and it was a good offer, we’d be ready.  We’d throw some shit in a backpack and we’d just go. Because we are still so excited about all of this. And you learn, you learn. Like even with the van, when it got broken into.  That was a huge thing.  But we will never get robbed again.   That’s the mindset we have now. We’ve got the van locked down, we’ve got new locks, we’re more security conscious.  So you learn.  You go and talk to these other bands, and you tell them ‘you know, we got robbed,’ and mostly what every band says is, ‘Well, that’s the first initiation.  Congratulations, welcome to the club.’  It’s a learning process and for as long as I’m on tour, I’ll continue learning about how to be on tour. So it’s nice and it is something that me and Matt enjoy, but touring with someone like Kevin just teaches you so much and basically humbles you.  It’s nice to have somebody like Kevin who’ll show you the ropes, and tell you ‘here’s how you do that’ or ‘no, you’re not going to need that.’   It’s just nice.  Like you said, there’s no handbook.   There’s no learner’s manual for punk rock.

Holy City Zoo - Nobody Sells For Less EP

As I headed downstairs I peaked downward into the hallway thinking to myself "this is the day that fucking record is going to show up in my postal box." "This is the day my train of thought will get the tracks it needs to plot its course."
As of late the mail man has been putting most of my records inside the door due to a rash of thefts in the neighborhood." Truth be told, I've been listening to the record for some time now. I just needed to have my hands on the actual product in order to give it the treatment I felt it deserved. That alone would unleash the Hunter Thompson within. Holding the record would rejuvenate the thoughts and feelings that crystalized the numerous conversations and transactions with band members about the songs, the recording, the packaging; All building up to the sonic orgasm that would be "Nobody Sells For Less".

Holy City Zoo are a hard band to generalize. The New Brunswick, NJ powerhouse take all the best elements of Hard Rock, Post Hardcore and Punk to form this unstoppable juggernaut. As I put the needle to the record I was immediately hooked by the full blown chaos that ensues with the the opening of "WW5". The track is a mind fuck with it's sonic prowess. Match that chaotic discord with an anthemic, singalong chorus and you've got a track that will have you climbing up the walls.
"Afterburner" opens with post core guitar riffs that immediately had me thinking of the band Quicksand. Joe Lanza's voice cries out like a madman, perfectly highlighting the controlled chaos that surrounds him.
The B side opens with "Paper Beats Rock" a track highlighted by a dynamic, layered guitar sound that has its share of beauty and eccentricities. "Meadowlark Lemon" opens with a nice sense of melody that gives way to a crash and burn style that really ties the record together nicely.
Add to that the bonus download tracks and you've got a record that's worthy of worship and celebratory human sacrifice. I had very high expectations for this record coming in.
Thanks to Holy City Zoo for far exceeding them. James Damion


Get it Here

Tiny Giants Showcase Invades The Meatlocker

A blueprint for a good Saturday night: get a friend and head for the comfortable dinge of the Meat Locker, especially when there's a Tiny Giant showcase on tap. We were way early, so we found a bar and sat in outdoor Montclair for a beer. Construction zones, crowded sidewalks, diesel engines - an odd recipe for a moment's peace, but that it was.
By the time we got back, opener Science was just about done setting up.

Science; Image James Damion

Science made the most of their short set, quickly justifying their band name by showing a tendency to experiment. Each of their four songs toyed around with a different style, from
four-to-the-floor indie rock to chugging post-hardcore, all done convincingly. Tying it together were their blippy keyboards, pining vocals, and a steady backdrop of churning guitar. It was brief, but this was a promising performance from a band that only seems to be scratching at its musical identity. I'll be staying tuned to see what they do next.

Reese Van Riper; Image James Damion

The next act was described by my friend as "southern sludge pouring off a hot redneck's body," and I'm guessing Reese Van Riper & company wouldn't take issue. The Ringwood-based trio played some new songs from their upcoming record, which step a bit further towards the anthemic while preserving all their grime and swagger.
The familiar tunes, meanwhile, were absolutely towering. "Pitchfork" and
"Whiskey Queen" sound arena-ready. Reese himself was on as usual, imposing and charismatic, never missing a step. If you can, catch these guys at a bar. I felt displaced without a glass of bourbon in my hand, but, at least they were offering up beer-chicken at the merch table.

Meet Pause w/ Adam Bird: Image James Damion

Meet Pause were next. Their recordings bring an earnest, expressive sort of alt-rock, upbeat but with gravity ... the performance Saturday night had a different aftertaste. Leading man Scott Thompson came through the Meat Locker PA with a newfound snarl, and the band was loose, raw, happy-go-lucky. It was my first time seeing them, so I shouldn't say whether this is their usual live sound, but it's always worth noting when a band delivers something at shows that you don't get elsewhere. The new bassist looked quite at home on stage, as the band mowed through almost-sinister sounding versions of Cluster Cascade mainstays like "Coworkers" and "(Don't) Get the Fuck Out of Jersey." Adam Bird joined onstage for the closer, a surprise Cheap Trick cover ... why not?

Cinema Cinema; Image James Damion

Cinema Cinema is another band I had yet to see. This is a two-piece that fills the room with sound and drags you utterly into their set until it's done. First of all, Ev Gold's guitar-playing palette never seems to tire. The moment he's through with the bottomless bag of riffs, he turns out a left-field melodic passage here, a pitch-shifted squeal and groan there... it's unpredictable and beautiful. This was a good room to see them in, too. Gold's vox were tucked neatly behind the band, fighting vigorously for the top of the mix. Occasionally, when the music settled back, he'd slip into an Ian MacKaye-esque croon before charging back up, making their peak volume hit with satisfying chest thwack. If you like a loud band that gets both your blood and your brain going, Cinema Cinema are must-see.

Feudalism; Image James Damion

The penultimate group was Feudalism, one I've been wanting to catch since hearing their EP Consonance/Dissonance. By now I have got to be late to the folk-punk train, but, whatever - count me in.
Their reckless energy and downtrodden lyrics are a marriage worth witnessing first-hand. "Venture Capitalist" stood out best to me, highlighting the accordion/trombone combo as well as the mad-genius structural turns. All goes down with a self-aware grin. There's no gimmickry here... just a spirited live set that does their excellent music justice.

Those Mockingbirds; Image James Damion

And so, the closer. Every time I think Those Mockingbirds have reached a new level as a band, they grow again.
They took the stage at 1 a.m. and treated us all to better-than-record versions of their finest earworms, such as "Don't Stray," "Honest? Honest," and recent single "The Difference Between Love + Addiction." The highlight of the whole night might have been hearing unfamiliar TMB. "Salt" sounds like fresh ground for the band, a slick groove drowned in atmosphere, while in another still-untitled tune, frontman Adam Bird insists that "maybe we're both going to hell" - as far as I'm concerned, that might be their most memorable chorus yet. I'm still jonesing to hear these again.

Six bands played this one, and no two brought the same thing to the table. If nothing else, TG made the Meat Locker a playground for music geeks, with a lineup as diverse as it was loud. A majority of these groups have new albums in the works. You're gonna want to watch out for those. Darrel Norrell


Review Darryl Norrell
Images James Damion

The Longshots - Kicker EP

On "The Kicker" EP, Fort Worth Texas' The Longshots come out of the barn like bi-coastal frequent flyers. The two tracks featured on the EP,
"Rhode Island Red" and "Me or California" each come in at just under three minutes and have a loose, jangley, Garage Rock meets Rockabilly vide. Add a little bit of an early 80's
Alt Country vibe and a production quality that leaves a lot to be desired and you've got The Longshots. "Kicker" didn't really inspire more than a few casual listens. I wouldn't go as far as saying it was a terribly bad record. The band is still in their early stages and certainly have time to grow. Texas is a big state so I'm sure they have lots of room too. The gentleman that heads up the bands label mentioned he couldn't stop talking about these guys. Perhaps I should have allowed him to expound on his feelings about the band.
I myself, am at somewhat of a loss for words. James Damion


The Longshots  Bandcamp

Reese Van Riper - The Paper Mache Bandits EP

Reese Van Riper mix Bluesy Indie Rock and elements of Metal and a slight Alt Country vibe with impressive results. There's a dirty vibe about the music that's really appealing to the ears. As I listen I can't help but imagine myself in some dirty old New Orleans watering hole being served whiskey by some floozy in a corset while having my pocket picked by Tom Waits. Call me crazy but the sounds on
"The Paper Mache Bandits" are just that atmospheric and lofty.
Each of the five tracks have their own distinct identity and charm. With "Pitchfork" and "Whiskey Queens" being my favorites of the five tracks. The three piece consists of bassist Matt Kearns
(ex- Loreane Drive) drummer Greg Infante (ex- The Murder and The Harlot) and guitarist/vocalist Reese Van Riper. These road warriors spent a lot of time touring in recent years. Lucky for us they stopped long enough to make this record. Definitely worthy of a listen or three. James Damion


Reese Van Riper  Facebook

Timeout Jimmy - Yourself EP

I'm a lot younger than I used to be. When I was older I would often muse about how good music used to be and lamented on how completely shitty and lame all these newer bands were sounding, spending all their money on tight jeans and goofy haircuts, yet forgetting the music. Luckily for me, all of that changed when I started writing this blog last year and started paying attention to what the present music scene was offering. It's been a rebirth in every sense of the word. Getting to fully indulge myself in what's transpiring musically in this neck of the woods has been an eye opener to say the very least.

This brings me to Timeout Jimmy and their EP "Yourself". It's a very rare occasion when a random band you've never hear immediately resonates with you on so many levels.
These guys did it in under ten minutes with a mere three songs. Impressive, to say the very least.

The beauty in these songs can be largely traced to Nick Santoro's complex, layered guitar sound and its relationship to Tom Etts soaring vocals. Rounding it all out quite nicely is Trevor Wright on the Bass and Daniel Patrick O'Connor on Drums. The music itself stands on it's own without any real alliance to any genre. For me personally, I got an immediate Saves the Day meets Thursday with some of the musician quality of Incubus thrown in for good measure. Regardless, this one hell of a sampling for this East Brunswick band. I've listened to "Yourself" numerous times, hearing different notes and elements during each sitting. "Explorer" "Nodules" and "Excitement" are all excellent offerings forming a very cohesive air throughout. Be sure to click the link below and download the EP. Book them some shows and throw money at them.
James Damion

Timeout! Jimmy  Bandcamp

Four Bands with Instantly Forgettable Names Play Memorable Sets at Maxwells

I've really been slipping when it comes to my show attendance. Finding more excuses to stay home and just listen to records or work on other things. No matter how much I love going out to  check out bands, bump in to some friends or better yet, make new ones.
The body and the mind need a change of pace sometimes.
Fast forward to last week when Jersey Beat's Jim Testa asked if I'd like to cover a night of Rock n' Roll at Maxwells. It was a nice night and the opportunity to stretch my legs and do a little experimenting with the camera was a good enough excuse to head out.

Ba Babes

Toms River native sons Ba Babes open the set and really helped to get the night off to a good start. Great Rock n Roll with a Garage vibe that had a nice driving edge. The set was short yet memorable. They've got a bunch of shows down in Asbury Park, Red Bank and Toms River towards the end of the month and will be heading down to Maryland in May so catch them if you can. Ba Babes Blog

Black Wine

Black Wine followed and the Jersey trio did not disappoint. Playing an impressive set of  kick the tires and light the fires Rock & Roll. Jim Testa had mentioned the band to me on numerous occasions so I was really eager to hear what he was talking about.
The band features Jeff Schroeck of The Ergs and has several releases under their belt including the self titled debut and 2011's 'Summer of Indifference'. You can go download their stuff here at their Bandcamp. Black Wine

Liquor Store

By the time Black Wine finished their set I was content and for the most part, ready to head home. Lucky for me I stopped myself and decided to see this thing through to the very end. I'm really I listened to that voice in the back of my head because Liquor Store brought the testosterone to another level. As the night had progressed the level of energy kept rising higher and higher and these guys really put on a show. The Jersey band is all rock bombast and swagger. Something you have to see in person and let wash over you. Liquor Store

Natural Child

As the night began to wind down and I readied for the nights headliner Natural Child I got into a conversation with a woman who sounded like she might have a promising future as a public relations or advertising guru. She talked up Natural Child as if they were the second coming of Christ. "They're really big right now and they're about to be huge." "They're going to be out on tour for a Really long time." "Think Country meets Classic Rock, The Blues and Sabbath." Now I'm no shit farmer but I know when someone's trying to sell me a truck of  horse manure. No offense to anyone but I kinda like to let people's recommendations blind my ears. Nashville's Natural Child took about half their set to convince me they were any more than a random touring band sweeping through town. The Country/Classic Rock influences were immediately apparent but the muddy bluest Sabbath didn't show itself until much later. I'm still kind of on the fence about these guys but will take some time to check out the disc that lovely lady handed me. All in all it was an excellent night. Busy Child

James Damion

Sean Favre on his Departure from Meet Pause

Sean Favre's announcement he was leaving Meet Pause came as a shock to many. I was honestly saddened to hear of the announcement, mainly due the fact that Meet Pause was a band I felt I was just beginning thoroughly appreciate and enjoy. Having seen them perform at Clifton's Dingbatz just a few weeks prior I couldn't help but feel a chemistry between the band. It didn't hurt one bit that Sean seemed so sharp and focused at the time. So on the eve of his last show with the band I reached out to Sean to get some answers and insight on the reasons for his departure, his fond memories of his time with the band and what the future holds for this very talented and very likable mainstay on the New Jersey music scene. James Damion

James: You've been the trusted bass player for Meet Pause for some time now. Why the sudden departure?

Sean: I felt that, for myself, it was time for me to move on. I haven't given the band 100% for a while now. It just didn't seem fair to me or to the other guys in Meet Pause for me to continue. It has been a hard decision to fully make but I feel like it was the right one and it's what I felt was, and still is, in my best interest. I hope everyone can respect my choice.
I always tried to look at this band as a small business, which it is, but the other half is that this band is a hobby. After awhile, this hobby wasn't fun anymore . Don't get me wrong, I'm still looking forward to playing music privately and publicly. Just for now, it will not no longer be with Meet Pause.
I feel that anyone in Tiny Giant can agree that this lifestyle of playing shows and making original music doesn't bring in the paychecks. We play because we love it, and it drives us. Without that drive the train loses its steam.

James: How did the rest of the band react to your decision?

Sean: The guys in the band were very gentlemanly about it all. No name-calling or any of that petty garbage. They still remain supportive of my decision and show the utmost respect for me.
I wrote up a message that I felt was as professional as I could be for such a delicate subject and action on my part. I posted it to a private group page we use on Facebook so they would all be able to read it one spot. One of my main points to them was that just because I'm leaving this band, doesn't mean I'm leaving our friendships.

James: What made you decide to leave the band through a Facebook message? Wouldn't it have been better to just jump from the van en route to a show?

Sean: I had spoken to Keith beforehand the previous day on the phone about it. I had a lengthy conversation the week prior after one of my shows with Keith and Graeme about a lot of the things going on too. Maybe some may think it's cowardly to send a Facebook message, but I felt it was the best choice so I could take my time with writing what I wanted to exactly say in one go, rather than calling each of them up individually and saying a paraphrased version to all three bandmates at three separate times. Plus, I wanted to get it out there rather than sit on my decision because I wasn't going to see those guys for another 4 to 5 days. I included in the message that if they wanted to call me to talk about it, then I would gladly fill them in on the details.
The "Van tuck-and-roll" was definitely an option, but it may have turned into an extended hospital stay...for Scott. (Evil laugh echoes in the night)

James: Did you get your FB message signed by a Notary Public to make it strictly legit?

Sean: The Notary Public wouldn't get back to me in time. I'm trying to have a break-up/suicide note published as an ebook exclusively on Kindle through Amazon. Just waiting on the details due to copyright and publishing restrictions.

James: Where are you heading from here?

Sean: There willy always be different directions I'll be go in. This isn't the last time anyone is going to be hearing from me, "The ole' mighty Sean Favre!". Not many people know that I'm actually a guitar player, as well as a drummer and bass player. I've wanted to play guitar more in a band for some time now and this is my opportunity to write and perform the music that I've wanted to express from my own creativity.

I know how to play guitar, bass, drums, I want to see what I can do with recording all parts with my own vocals over top. Maybe I'll take the Everymen approach having a bunch of my friends be revolving members to play shows with. Maybe I'll find some other musicians/friends to play full-time with. Who knows just yet? I have plenty of time to put things in order, keep contributing to Tiny Giant, and have a good time otherwise.

I'm not fully set on what genre I'm looking at, but I'm sure it will incorporate something with my musical taste in rockabilly, folk, punk, and maybe some of the instrumental side of playing I love. Maybe I'll finally get that one-man Tom Waits tribute band off the ground like I've always dreamed of. (wink,wink)

James: What's the fondest memory of your time in Meet Pause?

Sean: My fondest memory with Meet Pause was when we played the basement of Lucky Cheng's in the city, which is a drag queen bar, and having an almost 7 foot tall drag queen that looked like Lady Gaga walk in.

James: So what transpired when the Drag Queen walked in? Was it love at first sight?

Sean: I was very joyful. It seriously made the night! It's a moment that made time stop. Any lovebird knows that feeling like that moment will last forever, or when he takes the wig off and goes back to being a beautiful man.

James: If you had a choice in the matter who would you like your replacement to be?

Sean: For a replacement, I would hope the ghost of John Candy would fill my spot in Meet Pause. If that's not possible, then I would gladly like to see Adam Copeland (Black Water/Warface) in there so he could say he's in three bands now.
(I couldn't bare to tell him John Candy is dead. Mums the word on that one…)

James: In ten words or less, Keith Hotpockets is a ......

Sean: "…pleasure to have in class, a true delight."

James: Being that we're finalizing this after your last show. What do you think you came away with? Was it an emotional night?

Sean: I think I came away with a great foundation for future projects and some enduring friendships, not only with Keith, Graeme and Scott, but with all the people that I know in the audience. It wasn't too emotional, even though I must admit right before doing "Hybrid Moments" my heart was racing a bit and I even added an extra two lines in the chorus because I couldn't remember the first line of the next verse.

I think it was a good send-off for me with the guys in Meet Pause. Like anything that ends, there is always the oppurtunity for something else that comes along the way. I'm at a point where I can do anything I want musically, or maybe I'll take a break for a few months to finish up my schooling and analyze Nirvana songs to figure out how to write the perfect pop song. Anything could happen!

I didn't pop a kidney because then I would've only been down to one. I didn't like the idea of being a freak living with one kidney. I know people wouldn't be able to see it, but it's the emotional hurt I couldn't stand, knowing one of my organs is missing from my body.

The 65's - "Walk on Selfishly" Video

Here's the video for the first single off The 65's Debut album "Strike Hard". The album ranks pretty high on my list of 2011's best albums. Check out the video and go over to Dromedary records to purchase a copy.  James Damion

Dromedary Records
The 65's