Brick + Mortar and Cicada Radio Bring the Heat to Kearny Irish.

Joe Wilson and the Loose Ends

As the days grow shorter and the nights grow colder I find myself with less and less desire to go out to shows. A brand new heating system and a box of new records can start to look pretty cool when faced with the option to brave the elements and interact with people on an up close and personal. Yet with all the comforts of home and a very hungry cat looking at me as if I was a big bag of Meow Mix. Getting to see a couple of my favorite bands along with a couple of new ones felt like a pretty neat idea.

I hadn't been to Kearny Irish since July when I was there to see Night Birds and Municipal Waste. Since then it seems most of the shows that have taken place were of a strict Metal tip and after seeing Municipal Waste, well, let's just say I wasn't into the vibe. 

Truth is I really missed the place. It's a great venue with a really upbeat vibe. The drinks are cheap and the venues space is vast. 

Though the attendance was sparse, perhaps due to all the post holidays, pre New Year  shenanigans; I don't think you could have wished for a better gathering of people. As I made my way inside I was almost instantly greeted by the smiling faces of Mike Sylvia (Killing Horse Records) and 

Frank DeFranco (Holy City Zoo). As the night went on I got to spend more time with other members of the Tiny Giants Artist Collective. All while learning the secret handshake and getting the groups recipe for some of its future endeavors. 

The show promptly opened with Joe Wilson and the Loose Ends. Joe Wilson is a singer/songwriter with a style that is deeply rooted in his New Jersey upbringing. He and Loose Ends gave off a great vibe throughout their set. As I stood there listening intently.  I curiously asked, "Who is this?" "What's his name?". This was my first helping of the artist but the vibe was very warm and familiar. I had noticed a pile of his CD's on the merch table earlier but by the time I made my way back there they were already gone. Check out his Facebook Page and give his music a listen. You just might like what you here.

Joe Wilson

The Vapor Apes

Things got pretty strange as The Vapor Apes took the stage. Nerdy, Goofy and more fun than a dildo at a nunnery, the band is a cross between Devo, Digital Underground and early Beastie Boys. Though this was only their second show they had their shit down pat. The Apes mix guitar, bass , drums with computer technology with excellent results. Songs like "Computer", "Girls Say" and "I'm checkin' Out" were highlights. Here is a band that is not only entertaining but can back it up with excellent music skills.  Major respect to the bands guitarist for just bringing things to another level.
Happy Birthday to the bands bassist Paul Beier. I'm happy he got a chance to celebrate it with a stellar set.
 Go Ape Shit

Cicada Radio

Next up was Cicada Radio. Here is a band that I've found to be somewhat elusive. Since the release of the bands debut "Imposter" I've been searching the landscape to find a hard copy; only to find months later that it was a digital only release. I had the digital version all along having listened to it countless times. As good as it was you couldn't blame me for wanting to wrap my hands around a hard copy.
The band has also played a handful of shows that I unfortunately missed out on. Needless to say I was finally in the same building with these guys and was going to thoroughly enjoy every note. As the bad kicked into gear I turned off the flash on my camera as to not disturb the strange ritual that was unfolding before my eyes and ears. In theory I wanted to capture singer guitarist Pat O'Keefe's warrior soul within the working of my Canon 7D. As good a record  "Imposter" is, to see the band perform live  takes thing to a totally different level. The band hails for parts Jersey City and Kearny and are not only on the stellar KillingHorse Records but they are also members of The Tiny Giants Artist Collective.
Be sure to check them out when they play KillingHorse Records 2 year anniversary at Maxwells on Friday, January 6th. It will surely be an amazing show.
Cicada Radio

Brick + Mortar

Last but certainly not least were Brick + Mortar. I've seen Brandon and John perform twice in recent weeks and both times I've left with a jaw dropping experience. If i could say anything about this dynamic duo, it is that Brick & Mortar are "Fucking Loud." Fusing live instruments, Brandon handles vocals, switches between guitar and bass all while playing with samples with the approach of a mad scientist. John's has a unique approach to drumming that includes bringing the bass drum in to the crowd. The appeal is that of a sonic apocalypse. One that will alert the senses and leave them satisfied and shell shocked. Brandon's interaction with the crowd is notable considering their reactions and response. The result is that of an arena sound with a intimate vibe. It's really inspiring when you see that level of involvement from an audience.
Brick + Mortar

It's always good to go out and see a diverse lineup of talent. Each band offered a fresh and appealing sound that never mirrored the other. I guess that no matter how cold it gets out there; A night out to see live music and good friends almost always wins against the option of staying home and . James Damion

U.B.R.S. Presents; The Very Best of 2011.

James and I decided that we would do a top ten lists for 2011 because we are super cool and know more about good music than you do (insert sarcasm). Dave G.

Well, Here is my 2011 best of list (Dave)…

• Void - Sessions LP (Dischord)
• Video - Leather Leather (Play Pinball Records)
• Night Fever - New Blood (released in 09 but new to me in 11)
• The Nolan Gate - Alchemy (self released)
• Night Birds - The Other Side of Darkness (Grave Mistake)
• Deep Sleep - Turn Me Off (Grave Mistake)
• Dark Ages - Can America Survive ( Sorry State Records)
• Omegas - Blasts of Lunacy ( Parts Unknown Records)
• Iroha - "End of an Era" (2011) Denovali Records
• Bad Influence - Wars No Fun 7" (reissue of 1983 demo on Who Cares Records)
• New Breed Tape Compilation Lp - (Wardance Records) 
• Double Negative - Hardcore Confusion Volume 1 and 2 - Sorry State Records 2011 
• American Dream - s/t Lp - (America Records 1984 - new to me in 2011 - reissue coming in 2012) 
• Foo Fighters - Wasting Light (good solid record all the way through - true professionals) 
• Blessed Offal ( best unsolicted demo submitted for review on my blog) 
• Bazillion Points Books for bringing us a steady stream of incredible books. 
• Hot Snakes - Live @ Maxwells Hoboken NJ ( Reiss and Fork what else could I ask for) 
• Chronic Sick Reissues on No Way Records - yeah they came out towards the end of 2010 but so what this is my list. 
• Killing Horse Records and Dromedary Records for supporting our local bands and releasing some damn fine records in 2011.

Label to soon celebrate its second anniversary.

Here's my shot at the title. James D.

Best releases of 2011

• Night Birds - The Other Side of Darkness (Grave Mistake)
• Double Negative - Hardcore Confusion Volume 1&2 (Sorry State Records)
• Those Mockingbirds - Fa Sol La (Star Beat Music)
• The Foo Fighters - Wasting Light (Nirvana who?)
• The Horrible Crowes - Elsie (SideOneDummy Records)
• ¡No Pasaran! - Porter in the Making (KillingHorse Records)
• The 65's - Strike Hard (Dromedary Records)
• Stuyvesant - Fret Sounds (Dromedary Records)
• My Rifle - S/T EP (Wardance Records)
• Invisible Lines - Wise Up (KillingHorse Records) (Released in 2010 but new to my ears.)
• Rival Schools - Pedals (Photo Finish Records)
• Holy City Zoo - S/T EP
• Ben Franklin - Urgency (KillingHorse Records)

Strike Hard!

Re-issues/Discography's

• New Breed Tape Compilation LP - 2X LP (Wardance Records)
• Void - Sessions (Dischord Records)
• Faith - Subject to Change (Dischord Records)
• Archers of Loaf - Icky Mettle (Merge Records)
• Resurrection - I am Not Discography (Deathwish Records)

New Breed's 1989 tape comp. Re-issued on Vinyl 

Shows;

• The Rye Coalition at Maxwells 02/19/11
• Seaweed at the Belle House 04/22/11
• Night Birds @ Kearny Irish 07/21/11
• Brick City Sound Riot Music Festival 09/16/11 - 09/18/11

The Rye Coalition at Brick City Sound Riot Music Fest 

Notables:

• The return of Wardance Records.
• The support of labels such as Killing Horse, Dromedary and Wardance.
• Working with Jim Testa and Jersey Beat.
• The Rise of the Tiny Giants Artist Collective.
• Double Decker Records (nuff said).

Killing Horse Records Announces Two-Year Anniversary Show, Add The Nico Blues To Their Roster.

As most of you already know Killing Horse Records are good friends of ours.  They've worked with a lot of ours friends by supporting their bands, releasing their records and giving them a platform to further express themselves. The label is essential to the music we love and it has done more than its part to foster a sense of community and scene in this area. Its people like these that help us survive creatively. We highly suggest you look into the label and the bands on it. See you on the 14th. 
James Damion

Killing Horse Records is gearing up to celebrate their two year anniversary at Maxwell’s in Hoboken, New Jersey on Friday, January 6, 2012. Killing Horse will be showcasing their current active roster which includes Secret Country, No Pasaran, Invisible Lines, The Nico Blues and Cicada Radio. The label started by Mike Sylvia and Ryan Gross, two longtime friends, out of their apartment in Kearny, NJ has been gaining momentum in its first two years of existence, and has gained quite a reputation in the New Jersey DIY music scene for having a great ear for local talent. The show will be $10 and will start at 8:30pm. Maxwell’s is located at 1039 Washington Street, in Hoboken, NJ.


Adding to the excitement of the event, The Nico Blues, Killing Horse’s newest band will be celebrating the reissue of their debut album, Blame the Boredom, Blame the Basements.  The Nico Blues have been on the bands to watch list for many New Jersey bloggers and scene reporters and as the first press of their debut effort goes out of print, Killing Horse Records will be jumping right in to help with the support of the record, adding a lyric booklet to the packaging of the record. Filling out the bill will be Cicada Radio, Invisible Lines and No Pasaran. Headlining the event will be New Jersey’s favorite outlaws, Secret Country.

Killing Horse has a huge year planned.  They will be launching their new website, and for the first time will have t-shirts, hoodies and stickers for sale. On top of all that, the boys at Killing Horse records plan on releasing 4 to 5 records in 2012. “We’ve got the year planned out and are excited to kick it off with the 2 year anniversary show at Maxwell’s” says Co-founder Mike Sylvia. The show will be $10 and will start at 8:30 pm and will be all ages. Maxwell’s is located at 1039 Washington Ave, in Hoboken, NJ.

Killing Horse Records is an independent record label based out of New Jersey; Killing Horse boasts acts such as Secret Country, No Pasaran, The Nico Blues, Invisible Lines and Cicada Radio. For more information on Killing Horse, please go to
www.killinghorserecords.com

The 65's "Strike Hard" Record Release Party at Harp & Bard

Stuyvesant's Pete "The Killer" Martinez 

In celebration of the release of The 65's debut "Strike Hard" Dromedary Records Kingpin Al Crisifulli gathered some close and not too close friends Harp N' Bard to drink, enjoy some live music and drink, drink, drink. As I arrived the party was already in full swing. There were so many familiar and friendly faces you'd have thought I had walked onto the set of "Cheers". With they're highly anticipated and well recieved record in tow, family and friends in attendance, it was time to celebrate.
With Mr. Al "The Pride of Team Dromedary" dressed in his #65 Yankees Jersey it was party time. You could not measure his level of pride or enthusiasm.

D. Smith of the 65's

Stuyvesant took the stage and launched into a short but funtastic set with
"Johnny Tinitis" and
"Hellbent for Heather". As the opening riff for "Duly Noted" made it to my ears I felt my feet leave the floor.
My non existent rhythm kicked in as I danced around spastically like a retarded Peanuts Character.
(Joe Cool I am not) My love for Stuyvesant and each one of the inmates in that crazy band grows with each and every show. Their upbeat vibe is so infectious you can't help but want to go to each and every show and event. The fact that they are such awesome people doesn't hurt one bit.

The 65's

Soon enough it was time for the 65's to do some damage. Joe, Dan, Cindi and Johnny are a relatively new band but have been on Jerseys underground scene since the 90's in acts like
Balloon Squad, Electric Frankenstein and Shirk Circus to name just a few. Their debut record "Strike Hard" is one of the years best and will surely make waves. Their mix of excellent song writing, excellent musicianship and gravely vocals makes for a very intimate and real vibe. Joe V. is a perfect frontman with his share of swagger and bravado while John Steel is a taskmaster on the drums. Cindi (Bass) and Dan (Guitar/Vocals) give the band a perfect balance and sense of ease. The Band opened with edgy "Blades of Glass" and followed with the folky "Greatest Pretense". All in all they played a good dozen or so songs including covers from The Psychedelic Furs "Pretty in Pink" (which is featured on the album.)
and Social Distortion's "Bad Luck", a song Joe Vocaturo's voice sounds custom fitted for.
It was really good to see everyone. See some new faces and hopefully make a few new friends. I highly recommend checking out Dromedary Records . While your there make sure you get  The 65's - Strike Hard disc. You just might find your next favorite band.
Happy Holidays.
James Damion

Courtesy Tier's Record Release show at Pianos.

On Thursday night I managed to will myself off the couch and head down to the
Lower East Side in order to show my support to a band who was celebrating the official release of their new EP
"Holy Hot Fire". If you've seen my recent review you'll know that it's been on in heavy rotation at the United by bed and optional breakfast. As I pulled in to a spot just across from Pianos
I entertained the idea of grabbing a pastrami at Katz's before running in. However, the thought of entering Pianos smelling like a Pastrami suit in such hard economic times seemed risky.

As I made my way past the bar and headed towards the back of the club I couldn't believe it had been a few years since I'd attended a show. I'm pretty sure it was Beat The Devil.
As I made my way towards the front I couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth about the crowd. A lot of friends and family had shown up to see the band celebrate their release.

It was a good vibe to say the least. As Omer and Layton took the stage I couldn't help but recall the first time I saw the band back in September. It was a three day music festival with over forty bands playing their hearts out. The fact that they stood out amongst the enormous amount of talent there. 

The bands sound feels perfect in a small intimate setting with songs that have a rolling troubadour vibe often evoking imagery and emotion.
Think Tom Waits on a whiskey and chaw driven folky blues rampage. Omer looms as an ominous presence during songs. Perhaps channeling demons who are not quite ready for Happy Hour. Raising his brow after each song to interact and humbly thank the crowd. The bands drummer Layton is another story all together. Often smiling and taking not of familiar faces in the crowd.
At one point the amazingly talented Jessi Robertson joined the band on stage to sing "Standing Near" which is one of the tracks from "Holy Hot Fire's" EP.

Needless to say it was a good night worth missing the season finale of Burn Notice for.
Due to a rumbling in my stomach I sped off to the nearest greasy spoon for a late night meal and headed home to my better half. Check out the bands tunes and make you way out to see them live. James Damion


The Courtesy Tier
Jessi Robertson

Sick of it All - Non Stop

As with any of Sick of it All's prior releases I met the news of a new record with a level of excitement reserved for few other bands. Having been a Hardcore fanatic since my early teens I followed the band from their very first demo to their first 7 inch and everything that followed. As much as I love many of the NYHC bands from that particular era, Sick of it All are in my mind both the ambassadors and kings of NYHC.

Just as my excitement reached the highest peaks, those feelings quickly faded when I heard the band was re-recording old classics as opposed to delivering new ones. The reworking, re-imagining classic tracks had me thinking of horrible choices that unlistenable bands like Asia and Emerson, Lake and Palmer would undertake. I debated for weeks as to whether or not to take the plunge, ultimately coming to the conclusion "It's Sick of it All." "There's no way they can mess this up."

"Non Stop" opens up with an updated version of "Clobbering Time" which welcomes back legendary rapper KRS-1 with his newly classic intro "Fresh for 2012 you bitches." Once Craig's Bass line introduces Lou's vicious growl "It's Clobberin' Time" even the most cynical ears are won over. The band rips through all the classics including "Clobberin' Time", "Injustice System", "US VS. Them", "World Full of Hate", "Pushed Too Far", "GI Joe Headstomp" and many other classics. All of the twenty-one songs featured are worth mention. Lou's vocals are venomous. Pete's guitar work adds chainsaw like results while Craig and Armand 's rhythms rage like dueling jackhammers.   I really felt a certain raw, live quality to this. It was as if the band were sitting with me in my living room, up close and in your face. Sick of it all haven't only updated these songs, they've thoroughly upgraded them. "Non Stop" closes with a spoken word by KRS-1 that will definitely have you thinking. Though I will always favor the original recordings I will surely check in with "Nonstop's" versions frequently. Fans of the band will definitely feel rewarded. The CD version includes a bonus DVD featuring the bands 2001 Documentary "The Story So Far" which  marks the first time it has been made available in DVD format. (As I listened to this record I couldn't help but think fondly of my old friend Gina "Last Daze" Lawson. She was a die hard
Sick of it All fan from day one. She would always refer to Lou and Pete motherly as  "Her Boys". Gina, wherever you may roam I hope it's with a twelve pack and a walkman blasting "It's Clobberin' time".")
James Damion


Buy it Here

H2O - Don't Forget Your Roots

Since 1995 H20 and singer Toby Morse have been the hyperactive torchbearers for the message of "PMA", (Positive Metal Attitude) educating the world through their music and actions. Throughout their decade and a half existence they've often worn their influences on their sleeves. From early roots in the DC area to their days in New York and beyond.

On Don't Forget Your Roots" the band has decided to enter the much too often slippery slope of the "Tribute Album". When any band decides to do a "Covers" or "Tribute" album there are obviously going to be risks involved. Music's landscape, along with most record stores cut out bins, is littered with those who have tried in the past. The idea of covering a favorite song or paying tribute to the ones that inspired us to pick up an instrument and go fucking ape shit seems sincere enough. However it is not without it's pitfalls. There's the risk of completely failing to capture the original song/bands energy, quality or overall angst is a costly undertaking. While some of the most sincere bands often come off sounding like the cover band that plays at the local college every weekend.

In this particular case, H2O and to be more specific, Toby, aren't really guilty of any of these clichés but they're not exactly making a good argument as to why bands should continue this ritual. Toby really does a great job on 7 Seconds "Satyagraha" and handles
Social Distortion's "Sick Boy" with a sense of ease that is amazing. The bands homage to
Joey Ramone on "I Wanna Live" is worth both mention and praise. Though there are a few highlights, Rancid's "Journey to the End" and Sick of it All's "Friends Like You" come to mind. The problem lies in the plain simple fact that there are too many others that are either immediately forgettable or simply unbearable. The classic "Train in Vain” by the Clash is unfortunate while The Mighty Mighty Bosstones "Someday I Suppose" fails terribly with the absence of a horn section. Another problem that is quite evident throughout is that
Toby Morse simply doesn't have the vocal range for a lot of songs covered here. Though this isn't a terrible record, it is at it's very best, tolerable. "Don't Forget Your Roots" has it moments but overall fails to really reach it goals. Not bad for die-hard fans of the band but I don't think this will win them many new ones. James Damion
Buy it Here

Courtesy Tier - Holy Hot Fire

As the end of the year approaches I've been treated to a handful of releases that I would easily classify as the musical peaks of my 2011. "Holy Hot Fire" just might be the most surprising of the mix. Brooklyn's Courtesy Tier has existed in different forms over the last seven years or so but finally found a comfortable niche' working as a duo which features
Omer Leibovitz on guitar and Layton Weedeman on drums.
The EP grabs you from the very start with "Fall Asleep".
A song so addictive I found myself singing along long before I knew the actual lyrics. The songs  Alt-Country vibe is beautifully haunting, setting the tone for the emotional roller-coaster that is "Holy Hot Fire". Uplifting and warm at times, dark and emotionally crushing at others. Despite being a two piece Omer and Layton deliver a full sound that comes together perfectly. While "Fall Asleep", "Standing Near", "Friend" and "Calling Out" all share similar qualities and a somewhat haunting kinship, "Cold" stands as a rousing, frantic offering that gives the record a unique energy. Overall, the record is a perfect blend of Rock, The Blues and a quirky Alt-Country vibe. I'd highly recommend this to anyone with ears. James Damion


Buy it Here

The 65's - Strike Hard

On the night prior to the release of the bands debut record "Strike Hard" I sat with 3/4's of the 65's over coffee and other unknown liquid refreshments to talk about the release. Having been treated to an advanced copy of the record I had listened to each and every track numerous times. So much so that it had quickly become the soundtrack to my work day. Though the interview didn't go quite as planned I felt I was able to convey my excitement about finally being able to officially share my feelings about one of my favorite releases of the year.

Featuring former members of
The Dark Brothers, Shirk Circus,
Electric Frankenstein and Balloon Squad to name just a few.
The band combines an impressive pedigree. The 65's score exceptionally high points on their debut. Mixing intelligent, highly evolved songwriting with catchy, stick to your ribs hooks, riffs and melodies. There's a real sense of maturity and ease about the songwriting that blends almost seamlessly with the rather dirty vibe of the music. Al's vocal quality has a sort of gravely cigarettes and whiskey quality to them that really add a nice dimension to the songs. Opening with the sweeping "Greatest Pretense" followed by the somewhat uplifting "Walk on Selfishly".  I found myself almost immediately hooked. While songs like
"I Will Never Serve You", "Are You Tired of Me Yet" and "Wherever You Are" put the hook in me. It was Cindi's turn on the vocals "Worse Comes To" that made me put me on an emotional respirator.  Thus placing "Strike Hard" at the top of my list for favorite releases of 20011. Top it off with a cover of The Psychedelic Furs 80's hit "Pretty in Pink" and you've got a record that will win over even the most jaded music fan. One can only hope that the future can promise more from this band. James Damion

The 65's  Band Page
Dromedary Records  Buy it Here

Rye Coalition - Live & in Person DVD

Back in January of 2010  I was already writing for Jersey Beat covering local shows, writing and above all taking lots and lots of pictures for the site.

One day I got an email from Jim asking if I'd like to cover Rye Coalitions one off reunion and 70th Birthday celebration of David and
Gregg Leto's Dad Jack. 

I was already dead set on going but had once again forgotten to get tickets. Covering the show meant I didn't need to hustle for one prior to the show. "Fuck Yeah" The band hadn't played in five years but truthfully 

I hadn't seen them since the 90's. That night at Maxwells was by far one of, if not the, most incredible shows I had been to in my life. Now, for the first time since we're able to experience it through more than some random memories and about a hundred or so photos.

"Live & in Person" features the entire set from that February 19th 2011 set. The footage is exceptional, capturing the energy, enthusiasm and raw intensity of the bands performance. As I watched it I felt the same chills I experienced that night. Though I have to admit it was a little more comfortable watching from home than being front center. Not having Ralph Cuseglio's sweat dripping all over my camera was a big plus. Bonus features include interviews with Maxwells booking guru Tod Abramson and a very animated Alap Momin (Dälek). There's also a trailer for the upcoming Rye documentary
"Story of the Hard Luck Five". The trailer itself is, for lack of a better description,
hair raising. If this doesn't make you wet….. I don't know what will. Whether you're a long time or casual fan of the band, this is a must….    James Damion


Buy it Here!

Four Fingers - Custodians of Light LP preorder

Four Fingers are a kick ass punk/hardcore band from NJ whose music comes highly recommended by us here at United By Rocket Science blog.

The band has been hard at work on their new full length Lp "Custodians of Light" which is sure to be a killer record, and one that I personally cannot wait to hear.

The band is currently taking preorders and there are some nice packages available, including color vinyl and even test pressings...so do yourself a favor and checkout Four Fingers bandcamp page where you can listen to the bands previous recordings which should lead you to the conclusion that you really need to preorder a copy of their soon to be released Lp "Custodians of Light" ... Dave G.

Preorder "Custodians of Light"
Bandcamp

Hot Snakes and Rye Coalition Bring Mayhem to Hoboken.

As the days drew closer to the show I recalled a September conversation with Michael and Vic of Static Radio NJ about how stoked we were about the Hot Snakes coming to Maxwell's. Here was a band that was both releasing an album and embarking on a European Tour and all they could talk about was a distant Hot Snakes show. A month passed and with all that talk I forgot to get my ticket. Did I not for see the show selling out quicker than a Justin Bieber signing at an all girls junior high?      I don't know. The thing is I completely fail when it comes to getting advanced tickets to a show. So a few days before the show I begged Jim Testa to get me on the guest list by promising pictures, a story and my first born. Surprisingly, it worked.

It wasn't until the day of the show that I realized that Rye Coalition were also on the bill. Feeling as if my stomach was performing some kind of sick voodoo ritual, I thought to myself, "Shit, I don't know if i can handle this." Knowing full well that I was being counted on I sucked it up and headed out to meet my partner in crime Dave.

As we headed in I couldn't help but feel that there were a lot of friends missing in action.   No sign of Mike or Vic along with a lot of others I expected would surely be there.  I made my way up front to find a comfortable spot to get a few pics and enjoy a close and personal vibe. Before long I spotted some familiar faces including Jenni Matz, the woman behind the epic Rye Doc "The Hard Luck Five". All was well and before we knew it Rye Coalition launched into another unforgettable set.

The band launched into "One Daughter Hotter than One Thousand Suns" and never once let up from there. The bands energy and passion is boundless.
This was my third time seeing them this year; second time at Maxwells.
Thus matching the amount of times I saw them during their hey day. I can honestly say there are few bands that do it as well. Each time I've seen them they've had me come away with a new perspective on how a a band can perform at a peak level while also connecting with its audience on a personal level. After the set I ran into an old friend, Dave Sien who was electrified by the bands energy. As he tried to describe the look on guitarist Jon Gonell's face throughout the set, I intervened and said, "Possessed". That would be my best description of the bands entire set.

Before long it was time for Hot Snakes to take the stage.
It had been what, five years since the band was last active? Though I'd never seen them live I had all the records and was well versed when it came to their songs. As the group took stage I took a deep breath and readied myself for what I was about to witness.

The band quickly launched into "I Hate the Kids", "Gar Forgets His Insulin", "XOX" and "Who Died" from the album "Suicide Invoice".  Rick and Speedo firing away while Jsinclair and Gar kept the rhythm.
The pace was fierce to say the least. At one point I noticed my that voodoo that had been working on my stomach all day was either gone or had been reborn in my hips as I could hardly stand still. As the band closed their set the already vocal crowd demanded more. Within minutes the band launched in to an encore of around six songs. More than enough to let the band get out of Hoboken unscathed. All and all it was just another amazing night at Maxwells. Great running into so many friends and finally putting a face to face to some of my long time Facebook friends. Can't wait to do it again.
James Damion