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

Municipal Waste, Night Birds, Night Fever, Hammer Fight and The Uglies @ Kearny Irish 07/21/2011

As we arrived I had this strange, uncomfortable feeling as if I'd just stepped off a time machine into my worst 80's nightmare. I was never much for Metal in the 80's and though I've been listening to more than my share in recent years I was unaware that the fashion,

for the most part had gone unchanged in the twenty five years since. It's hard to fathom that people would be wearing combat boots and dungaree jackets, however sleeveless,

in temperatures hitting one hundred degrees. I had never been to a Municipal Waste show or even knew much about the band but my buddy Dave has yet to steer me wrong musically so I was open to the experience. Though I felt out of place amongst the army of Sacred Reich shirts, back pocket bandanas and caps with exaggerated bills I was there with an open mind and curious ears.

As I walked in the Ugly's had already launched in to their set. The band looked old and weathered, each one looking just a few years short of getting their AARP cards but make no mistake they delivered the Metal. I thought, "If this is the opening band, my ears are in for a treat tonight." Later on I met the bands singer and guitarist separately and found out a couple of the members were in Red Banks legendary Ripping Corpse more than twenty years ago. Kinda cool if you ask me.

Next up was Denmark's Night Fever. Earlier I remember joking with Dave about the bands name wondering they'd be taking the stage in white leisure suits only to serenade us with Metal versions of Bee Gee classics.As I witnessed the bands singer take the stage sporting a Negative Approach tee shirt. I knew this would not be the case. The band played an amazing set of Metal tinged Hardcore that had the energy of a Youth of Today set mixed with the attitude of a Black Flag song. It's always good to see a touring band get interest from the crowd.

After their set I headed right over to the merch table and picked up their record. I can't stress how important it is to support touring bands. They make most of their money selling their merchandise. That alone is hardly enough for gas and food.

By now I was already soaked in sweat and headed outside for some much needed air. Only to realize it was even hotter outside. As I was about to head inside to check out Hammer Fight,

I was told by several people "They aren't very good." I thought, "let me at least see for myself."

"Not very good" turned out to be "This band really sucks" rather quickly as I was serenaded with a chorus of "If you homos aren't going off to this song, you're even bigger pussies than you look like." There were a couple of dudes in their late thirties who were hurling themselves into anyone and everyone who wasn't dancing. The biggest douche bag of them all even crashed in the Night Birds table knocking it and it's merch girl over. (Note too assholes that do this. "You are not the show.") These dicks reminded me of the bone heads I went to high school with. The only difference was they were now almost forty. Yet they looked and acted the same.

Thankfully, the Night Birds were up next. Truth be told, this was the band I was there to see.

I've been listening to these guys for close to a year now but this was my first time seeing them live.

Shit, talk about bringing it to another level. I know most of the people in attendance were there to see Municipal Waste but as far as I'm concerned Night Birds killed it.

I've seen some bands lately whose live sets have brought me to near orgasmic levels musically. (All Eyes West and The Rye Coalition) come to mind. These guys are pretty high on that list.

It's great to see there are still bands that are playing that "balls out, in your face" kinda Rock n' Roll that still has somewhat of a "danger" factor to it. These guys definitely delivered on that. I can't wait to see this band play again.

Judging from the crowd and the direction the night had already taken I had no idea what to expect from Municipal Waste or the crowd in attendance. I just knew it was going to be sick.

I had heard so much about the band from both Dave and my friend Amy Edge. But in all honesty it didn't bring me any closer to drawing any direct line to what I'd be hearing or experiencing. It was either going to be a Metal Armageddon or the greatest party ever.

The crowd of misfits gathered, hugging the stage with anticipation as the band took the stage.

I didn't know what the fuck to expect but I was ready for it.

I positioned myself, looked forward, left and right to survey what might be hitting me within the next minute or so and then it happened.

MW launched into their set and the place went ape shit. Somehow, the energy sucked me in and before I knew it, I was a fan. I managed to get front stage center, getting crushed by the onslaught ofbodies.

(Even dropping my camera at one point.) Talk about a great set.

These guys totally lived up to they're billing. Like missing pieces to a puzzle, all the descriptions finally made sense to me.

People were going nuts, launching off the stage with boogie boards and an energy that was pure pandemonium. This was the bands only local appearance and they made it a memorable one for all involved. I was treated to something different and in hindsight feel pretty lucky.

Shout out to Amy Edge. It's always a pleasure seeing her and her camera at the other side of the stage. James Damion