The Nolan Gate Return with a New Five Song EP

New Jersey trio The Nolan Gate just posted an unexpected five song EP that arises like a snow bound Goliath welcoming the winter's first great storm. Featuring personnel that have served in acts such as Snag, Dahlia Seed and most recently Davenport Cabinets to name a few. The Nolan Gate have been an under the radar force in heavy music for decades.  Take a listen, download the tracks before passing the link around like stuffing at a Thanksgiving dinner. Maybe it will inspire them to play out more frequently. Only time will tell. JD

https://thenolangate.bandcamp.com/album/serpentus

A Night Out with The Nolan Gate

While the future of United By Rocket Science may be in question, there are times when I feel it necessary to post material relative to Dave and my exchanges and experiences.
This past Saturday was just such an occassion when our friends The Nolan Gate played a rare show at Warwick, NY's Tuscan Cafe. The long running Nolan Gate which features old friends
Tom Farkas - Bass, Growls, Paul Andres - Guitar, Vocals and Dave's brother
Darin  - Drums have quietly been making deafening noise for decades under their current moniker and their original namesake Mothman.

The Tuscan Cafe quickly began to swell as my wife and I finished our respective burritos. As the band assembled I found myself surrounded by friends, family, loved ones and complete strangers. Before the night was over. I was most happy to hear how my wife, 
(A woman I originally found common ground with through our mutual love for Slayer, Motorhead and other Gods of noise.) remarked on just how good it was to see our friends gathered at The Nolan Gate .Separately, Tom, Paul and Darin are some of the best musicians I've lent my heavily damaged ears too. Together, they form on of the best trios out there. Loud, Heavy and very, very necessary. Below is documented evidence of this rare occurrence. J.D.

The Nolan Gate / Mothman

Dahlia Seed - Full Sets

Whenever the conversation of "best bands of the 90's" or "What bands left the most lasting impression on you over the years." comes up. Most of the people I've spoken to will pull a large and inflated name out of their hat and drop it as if it was scalding pan of grits. 

Bands they discovered through Billboard charts, MTV or a Rolling Stone cover story. For me personally, it was always about the smaller local bands. The ones I had the opportunity to see in local clubs, bars, basements and random holes in the wall. One of my absolute favorites was a Rockland County band known as Dahlia Seed. I first met Tracy in 92/93 during a trips to Maxwell's and Flipside Records. Having seen them at Maxwells, 

ABC No Rio, Tramps and a handful of other holes. At the time, I knew for sure I was witnessing something special and very unique. Their performances ran the gamut of raw, emotions and unbridled energy. I often recall how Tracy's cathartic performances often made the hair on my arm stand on end. Needless to say, they left a lasting impression on this idealistic twenty something. 

These days I still call Tracy a friend and since moving to New Jersey at the tail end of 2000. Have developed friendships with Darin (Drummer, Chris (Guitar) and Jon (Second Guitarist) and continue to view the band as one that left an indelible foot print on my life. Enough of my rambling. I hope you enjoy these two full sets I've posted. Until the next time. 

James Damion

Last FM Dahlia Seed

I Don't Feel Tardy: The Week in Images

Below are some images from two shows I attended last week. Arriving late to both Montclair's Meatlocker and Clifton's Clash Bar, I ended up missing half of each of the shows. Lucky for me I made it in time to see old favorites in The Nolan Gate and
Cinema Cinema. At the same time, my ears were open to Toothgrinder and Dad Brother for the first time. Here were two very different bands that excelled in different ways. Toothgrinder, with their intense sound and out of control performance had me craving for more. While Dad Brother won me over with their Bluesy laid back Rock sound. I'm looking forward to hearing and seeing more from each of these acts in the coming months.
Until then... James Damion

Darin Galgano The Nolan Gate

Tooth Grinder

Ev Gold Cinema Cinema

Paul Claro Cinema Cinema

Andrew Lange Dad Brother