Ev Gold; Five Albums, One Lifetime.

The "Essential Albums" list will definitely not win United By.. any points for originality considering the countless times it's been done in magazines, radio, television and just about anything related to music in general. It is however, something that continues to intrigue me. Asking the people who make music that moves you only adds to that intrigue.

In asking Ev to do this little piece for the blog I was looking to gain a little more insight into what musically brought him to where he is where he is now as a musician and as an individual. I've poured over Cinema Cinema's recordings and witnessed the band lay waist to clubs and bars alike. During the past year or so I've gone from a casual acquaintance to a good friend and what he refers to as "Family", Getting to know where he comes from musically can only add another layer to our friendship. James Damion

As we grow and evolve we often take time to look back at the people, places and moments that helped shape us along the way.

They say the body regenerates its cells every 7 years. 

Your tastebuds change. 

You change. Old is replaced by new. This is what they say. 

So, I say that if this is so - then our musical "taste-buds" must evolve as well.

I found it nearly impossible to craft this list down to five. 

As I rolled over ALL the amazing music that i have been blessed to hear and experience thus far in my days, I found a myriad different reasons to include specific albums.. to the point of WAY over thinking this! But I kept coming back to the realization that I would have to make this list based on my sensibilities TODAY and what records came to shape who I am and the music I help to create.

The essential records in my life are the ones that find my ears as fresh to them today as they were the day I was touched by them. Over the years of winding change and evolution, they still excite and move me deeply. They are the ones I always call back on. 

They transcend the moment, thus rendering them timeless to me. They allow me magic.

I’m a buoyant spirit, dancing and filled with joy when I put on each of the next five LP’s or CD’s (or, if need be - mp3’s) and press PLAY. Ev Gold

1. Guns N' Roses - Appetite for Destruction (released July 21, 1987)

This was the Atomic Bomb in my little 9 year old life. Totally leveling the earth for me, totally enthralling me with its intense vibe. A sound like nothing else for my ears yet. I knew I wanted to be in a band, whatever that meant, immediately. It sounded like these guys didn't take shit from anyone. It seemed dangerous. They cursed!! a LOT. 

Let alone those vocals! Screeching at top level, full blast throat shredding - coming after you with vengeance... fukkin' behold AXL!!..And the dirt beneath the finger nails in all the grooves and riffs.
So defiant! And different..and just tasty all around. And great songs. The first album that I not only knew every lyric from the liner notes, - but I could actually recite ALL the production, engineering, mixing and instrumental credits. I listened to this thing so much and just stared at and studied the booklet. This was late 1987; there wasn't Google in my world, or content readily available to check out on a new band via YouTube.. just the CD and booklet. Ah, it excites me to even think of how it was... firstlove! Thank you Axl, Slash, Izzy, Duff, & Steve.

2. Neil Young - Decade (released October 28, 1977)

Another absolute life changer. In 1992 my father taught me how to playmguitar (for which I shall remain forever grateful). The method was, rather

than heavy theory or scales – just to get me sound & proficient with chords, playing songs early on to keep me focused and then learn the rest of the essentials along the way... in hindsight, it worked.
I am so happy it did.

He taught me
"Knocking on Heaven’s Door" by Bob Dylan first...then "Wild Horses" by The Stones. After getting those under my belt, for my birthday that year he got me the songbook (another pre-internet fashion!) to"Decade", a double disc retrospective of Neil Young's work between 1966 and 1977. The album itself had been on in my house growing up and just seemed to be one of those records that was gravitating toward me, as I toward it, from birth.

I immediately fell in love with Neil's vocals, so obtuse and unique.Fragile but cutting.. and so much staying power behind the words he'd choose for lyrics. So much weight. And his approach to the guitar when playing acoustic and then when playing electric, so independent of each other. Total master, in my opinion, breathing such deep life into his open voiced chord choices or feedback drenched electric smatterings. I could die with a Neil Young record playing and be OK with that. I learned all 35 songs and still run across them at points when practicing guitar as recent as last night. Get some DECADE in your life!

3. Fugazi - In On the Kill Taker (released June 30, 1993)

Ok, if "Appetite for Destruction" was the A Bomb, then I guess this is where it went totally fukkin nuclear for me. DEF one of those taste bud

changers... Burn away the old.. Explode the land.. Charred and tarred and gonna have to be repaved now...all new.

The intensity. The all out approach. The solid musicianship.
The awesome tempo shifts. 

The lyrics. The dual vocal attack!! Fugazi remains one of, if not my favorite band to this day. ..and, this was my total introduction into the whole Dischord DC punk sound and the idea of east coast hardcore and whatever else came along with reaching back to the start – which I did with fervor from that moment forward – all influenced by Fugazi.

I didn't know about Minor Threat first. I was like 5 when Minor Threat was out... so by the time I got to 15 and Fugazi released "In on the Kill Taker", my little mind was just ripe to be fukkkin exploded again, and so it was and so it is and so I am thankful to this record. It very much opened up a door to tons and tons of other deeply influential records for me.

Side note, - this specific record planted the seed in my mind to grow up and form a band with the goal of being serious enough to record one day at Inner Ear Studios. I don't think even in my craziest 15 year old cream dreams back then that doing so WITH Don Zientara at the helm (the guy who was listed as engineer on this record as well as almost every other record that this one would lead me to) would ever even be an option. But life is full of surprises! And I am ultra-grateful the opportunity came to be

reality years later.

4. Afghan Whigs - Black Love (released March 12, 1996)

I do not even know where to begin with this one.
The fact that it had a storyline and theme that was never made apparent or obvious running throughout the record, like an opera filled with rolling black out's.. Uneven and perfect, just like real life. Unexpected but right on time. It really blew my mind and inspired the fukk out of the songwriter in me that was emerging at that young age....And the vocals! Oh my GOD! 

The conviction with which Dulli attacks these songs and his vocal approach on this record, -where passion and feeling totally over ride all else, still chill me and move my ass to this very second.
They influence every vocal I’ve ever taken in a recording studio. Get fukkin naked. 

Get crazy. Go intimate. Float off key. Be unafraid. Just crucify it. Get bloody. 

Soul sing mutherfukker!!... That don't mean try to sound like Al Green - it means reach down deep and sound like YOURSELF!

Need I mention the closing three songs of this record are just far beyond cathartic and filled with bruised beauty and triumph and more bruises and victory?? A true over looked gem of my time and one that I will always value.. DEF the 1st record I play for my grandchildren - cause damn, the future gonna have to know about this one.

5. Black Flag - My War (released March 1984)

So terrifyingly brilliant that it still confuses me. Just like all the best Hendrix, you hear something new every time you listen to it. Overwhelming. Bewildering. Fukkin awesome. Greg Ginn is one of my favorite guitar players, DEF one of the biggest guitar playing influences on me and he really begins to break down barriers between ALL genres of playing with his approach on this record. In a time when the musical peers and

landscape that Black Flag trod upon was considered to be called "hardcore", this album came rolling along totally pronouncing 

LOUD and CLEAR that Black Flag didn't subscribe to any genre title or premeditated

idea of "punk" or anything else. I mean, shit - this is another record where the last three songs happen to be specifically over the top..  So heavy & slow in a time of everyone trying to prove how fast they could be. The Flag had been there and done that and in my opinion, invented the wheel and then destroyed it and reinvented it again and so on and so forth.

Honorable mention afterthought:

-Radiohead “Ok Computer”, -Sunny Day Real Estate “How It Feels To Be

Something On”, -Sex Pistols “Never Mind the Bollocks”, and -Frank Zappa

“Apostrophe/Overnight Sensation”.

Killing Horse Records Doing it's Part to Help the Relief Effort

Our friends over at Killing Horse Records are doing their part to help the relief effort. 

They've just st up a store front on the labels page. 100% proceeds from these sales will be donated to some Hurricane Relief. Do your part by going over and ordering something, anything. Every little bit counts. JD

Click Here To Help

OFF!, The Spits, Double Negative @ Mexicali Live

Wednesday night Dave and I headed over to Teaneck's Mexicali Live to see OFF! play with one of our mutual favorites Double Negative. It was a night of firsts as we had never been to the club or seen any of the bands perform live. With Dave G.'s magical GPS system and Mario Andrete' driving skills we were able to locate the place within minutes before the show opened. There were lots of friends and familiar faces in attendance and the overall vibe was friendly and laid back. We were both impressed with the club. Big yet intimate with a sizable stage in the front, bar in the back, balcony and seating to the side. Good enough? Let's go! James Damion

Double Negative opened the night on a spiteful note. I've been listening and compiling records from this Raleigh, NC band for a few years now and was more excited to finally see them than anyone else on the bill. The band more than lived up to their reputation. Lot's of energy and stage presence. The band has just released a new Ep. Unfortunately for Dave and me, we were a day early and there was no copy to be snagged. Seeing them perform live for the first time rivaled my chance to see Deep Sleep earlier this year as highlights of my show going year. I only wish they would have played longer.
Double Negative

The Spits followed and to be honest, I didn't know the first thing about them prior to that day. The band took the stage each donning Ronald Reagan masks conjuring memories of the movie 'Point Break'.
The bands drummer Wayne Draves started things off by splashing his drums with lighter fluid and setting a small fire. Though the fire was about as  inspiring as the stone henge featured in Spinal Tap. It stunk up the place pretty bad. Moments later the fire was out, the masks were off and The Spits launched into their set. Earlier that night Vinnie from Mint Tone records described them as The Ramones playing Misfits songs or The Misfits playing The Ramones. I guess that's a pretty accurate description. Personally, they reminded me of a typical pub band. I liked their gritty, dirty vibe but can't say they interested me enough to listen any further.
The Spits

What was already turning out to be an amazing night of seeing old friends and enjoying stellar music in a pretty intimate setting was about to come to a head as OFF! made their way to the stage. I was feeling a sudden sense that I had come full circle as far as my Punk life was concerned. Some of my earliest memories as a young teen finding his own identity was hearing my first Black Flag album and putting the needle to the record and the life changing significance of having my mind blown back by the Circle Jerks 'Wild in the Streets'.

Whenever I think of OFF! I can't help but think of attending the opening night of 'American Hardcore'. Towards the very end of the movie Keith Morris wraps it up with "It's over." "It's been over for a long time." Honestly, with the massive amount of reunions, rockumentaries and masturbatory worshipping of the past. It can be debated. Regardless, the love for the music, the angst and aggression and angst refuses to go home.

As the band launched into it's apocalyptic set I felt the music wash over me and bring me back to a time of mosh pits, stage diving and wild abandon. The entire band was in great form and proving that the music and that sense of alienation and not quite fitting in with the accepted norm never leaves. No matter how old we get, we seem to maintain that universal bond. Keith was in great form walking a fine line between singer, entertainer and master of ceremonies. Putting every ounce of bitter passion into the set while engaging the crowd and making everyone feel as if they were part of the family. It was a great  set that topped off a great night. I can't wait for my next opportunity to see OFF! as well as my next show at Mexicali Live. JD

OFF!

More Images from OFF!, The Spits and Double Negative

Here are some more images from the showing. Expecting the venue to be much larger and that I wouldn't be able to get up close. I left my wide angle lens at home and opted for the 28-135. Regardless of not having my trusted Canon 15mm. I was grateful to be so close to the action. James Damion

Double Negative set list

Double Negative's CC

Double Negative

The Spits Wayne Draves

Keith Morris OFF!

Dimitri Coats OFF!

Steven McDonald OFF!

Keith Morris channels George Carlin

Don Juan Matus / Oxido - Split Label Split EP

When childhood friend and Wardance Records ambassador of cool Freddy Alva sent this split band/label release. I was thinking about passing it on to the blogs resident Metal expert Dave G. As time passed and Dave and me hadn't crossed paths I realized the task rested solely on my shoulders.

Few splits offer each band the opportunity to display their personal artwork or unique covers.
This split more than accomplishes a sense of individuality by offering a two sided front cover. The artwork for both Don Juan Matus and Oxido are epic in nature and offer a glimpse into what any first time listener is about to experience.

The Basilica Records side features Peru's Oxido "El Angel De La Muerte" (Angel of Death)
A spirited battle cry with it's driving guitars, war machine drums, dark bass and dramatic vocal delivery. Listening to this track had me visualizing a Peruvian Ronnie James Dio riding a horse into a burning forest wearing nothing but a sword and a loin cloth. The songs delivery is just as epic and big as the subject matter. Impressive to say the very least.
The song and the lyrics provided within are in their native language. However, the power provided in the songs delivery does all the translating needed. After just a sampling of this band I immediately headed to the bands site to learn more.

While the Wardance side features a heavy psych, doom Don Juan Matus who slow it down and get downright muddy on the track "Kadath". Punishing riffs matched with dark, haunting drums and bass. Complimented by bluesy, mournful vocals. It's a trip to say the very least.

I never thought I would gain such an appreciation and interest for Metal at this age. If you told me I'd be bowing my head to devilish sounds from the valleys  of Peru; I would have told you to get off the drugs. This record is just the drug I was looking for. Check it out. James Damion

Get it Here

Debuting New Damion Photo Music Site

Come check out my new and improved music photography site featuring some favorite shots both live and in the studio. Images include links to interviews and reviews I've posted here and elsewhere. As A bonus, our good friend Jim Testa of Jersey Beat fame wrote a little bio for me. I'll be adding images on a consistent basis so be sure to bookmark it in order to keep up with what's new. James Damion

Click Below

Damion Photo Music

No Mistake - Connect the Dots...Complete the Puzzle

In the months leading up to
No Mistake's quick rise from unnamed project to full fledged band I was contacted numerous times by guitarist and old friend Mike Bromberg. (Mike Bullshit, GO, SFA) Being asked my opinion on everything from the bands name, sound and even art. Staying in touch with someone like Mike is always a positive. Being asked my thoughts on a project he deems important is well, pretty special.

California's No Mistake made a very lasting impression with this thirteen song gem. "Connect the Dots...Complete the Puzzle"is an out and out thrasher, featuring thirteen songs that come in just over fourteen minutes. Fast HardCore Punk that brings us back to the early ThrashCore we first fell in love with in the early to mid 80's. As I listen closely I'm hearing elements of Negative Approach, SSD, Crass and even New York's Straight Ahead.

Greg's verbal attack is amazing. Despite his angry, snarling growls. The lyrics lean towards the positive side. Something I miss hearing from a lot of my HardCore brethren these days. Surround those vocals with drumming that mirrors that of an artillery barrage, outstanding bass work and  Mike's impressive attack on the strings You've got an impressive debut on your hands.

The band is already playing alongside some impressive bands such as old friends
Citizens Arrest, Outlook and Night Birds. They've also rolled out production on some sweet looking gear. GO check them out now.  James Damion

No Mistake  Bandcamp

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

Converge - All We Love We Leave Behind

The first thing that caught my ear about the new Converge record is the slightly broader use of clean vocals which brings a new dimension to Converges' ferocious sound  that was needed in my opinion, as my ears had become numb to their brutal full on assault a few records back. In my opinion the use of clean vocals gives the gruff vocals all the more power and effectiveness, like being lulled to sleep and then awoken with a hammer to the temple.However, 98% of "All We Love We Leave Behind" is still dominated by the full on brutal vocal style you have come to expect from converge.

Musically Converge is as sick as ever, the music is tight, the drumming is spot on, the level of brutality is high, and the heaviness is down right intense...I have a headache after one listen, but I'm popping a few aspirin and going back for more...Dave G.

Converge
Epitaph order CD or Vinyl
Deathwish order Vinyl

No Tomorrow - Nuclear Exposure 7" (Sorry State 2012)

Wilmington North Carolina's No Tomorrow unleash 2 brutal songs on this their debut 7" for Sorry State Records. The music is mid to uptempo with a nice  thick production and guttural vocals from hell.

Though the music could come across as heavy handed...the production, sneaky hooks and interesting melodic lead guitar work save the day and help move this 7" into the keeper pile ...Dave G

Sorry State Records
No Tomorrow

Man on Fire - Strange Days Have Found Us

Man on Fire's
"Strange Days Have Found Us" shows a band evolving and coming into it's own. All while maintaining the raw, dirty energy that made it work so well from the beginning.
The new EP build on the promise of  "I Thought All My Friends Were Punk" mixing the Revolution Summer musicianship of bands like Rites of Spring and Embrace with a later, just as influential Moss Icon. To contrast the beauty that is displayed musically on these six tracks are scathing screamo vocals with a more narrative approach than what you might here from other bands representing the genre these days. Brian Goglia's voice is a cocktail that is part whiskey, rusted nails and broken glass. All of which blends perfectly with the more melodic, sweeping tones of the music. Thus making for the perfect cocktail.

Overall, I felt the record left a far more lasting impression than the bands previous work. Each of the six tracks clearly resonates with this listener. With "I don't think she likes the special sauce" and "it brought us together" leaving permanent scars.
A most impressive document, to say the very least. James Damion

Get it Here

Lionel Pryor - Siam

Lionel Pryor are an instrumental trio (guitar, bass, drums) hailing from Hasbrouck Heights
New Jersey. Though  their music has been linked to genres such as Metal, Progressive and even Hardcore. Their sound and overall range make them a relatively hard band to describe or generalize. The simple fact that they are void of a  singer makes it even harder to comfortably generalize their sound.

Though I've never been a fan of purely instrumental bands I was very open to hearing what Lionel Pryor's "Siam" had to offer. Having seen them perform live earlier this year. I felt confident that, at the very least,
I would not hate what was about to invade my ears.

"Siam" opens with the ambitious 8:29 track "Nebraska". Musically living up to its title in that it sounds just as I would imagine living there would feel. Cold and isolated, yet beautiful and picturesque. Though Lionel Pryor work without a vocalist in the general sense. There are many moments when the instrumentals seem to cry out and speak in a lost, ancient language. As "Nebraska" came to an end. I sat surprised and somewhat bewildered.
"I just listened, unflinchingly to a song that doubled that of my normal attention span." (Impressive considering my history of ADHD)

"Apex Being" follows, playing on a  similar course.  This time a with a darker, more punishing affect and somewhat winding delivery. "Castor Troy", a villain if there ever was continues down that path while, perhaps building on that strength. Just when you've got the bands sound pegged "White Panther" throws us a Prog. Ambient curve. However, if there was ever a song that was written to be the soundtrack to the epic battle between
Heaven and Hell. It would be reserved for the ninth and second to last offering
"America in the 1980's" Closing the set is the epic and beautiful "Blight Dragon".

"Siam" reminds me that we are in a constant battle; Whether it be with ourselves, others, or the universe itself. We are in constant flux and we need to be if we are find balance in our lives.

Lionel Pryor is a trio really has to ask themselves "Do we really need a singer?"
After listening intently to "Siam", I really can't be convinced they do. I came into this convinced that a strictly instrumental act could neither keep my attention or fill the void that a vocalist fills. "Siam" and Lionel Prior proved me wrong twice. Whatever their choice;
I hope they take their time deciding it. James Damion

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

Big Putts - Bogey Nights

Every now and then a friend turns me on to a new band or one I may have overlooked by dropping something in my email or Facebook cage. The guys in Holy City Zoo have pretty much made it a hobby of theirs.
So when Frank DeFranco dropped this one in my lap.
I couldn't refuse giving it my full attention.  It takes a lot of balls to take both your band and the name of it's first release from golf references. Big ups to
Big Putts for showing they've got a set between them.
Despite the silly name this Boston outfit really offers an excellent record here. Comprised of the well rounded  Alex Molini on Guitar/Bass/Vocals/Synth,
Gio Coviello - Vox and Jesse Weiss on drums.
Big Putts create a moody and brilliant sound that has me wanting to look further into what these Bostonions are all about.

After listening to this a handful of times I was able to gain a wider appreciation for the bands approach and sound.  Excellent guitar sound with loose bass and dreamy percussion and synth. Vocals that create a nice Lo-Fi vibe that had me reaching for my copy of
Jesus & Mary Chain's "Psychocandy". Songs like "Nosejob Junkies",
"Cockroaches From Hell", "Mr. Malfunction"and my personal favorite "Autocorrect" stood out and stuck with me for the long haul. An excellent effort by these PGA hopefuls.
James Damion

Big Putts  Bandcamp

Michael Ironside - Gelatin Moon

Our blogs biggest WTF moment arrived the other day in a nondescript CD mailer.
As I opened it for closer inspection I was only faced with more unanswered questions. The note, "James, sorry this took so long to get out.
Had to order another batch. Look forward to your feedback" initialed, no scribbled, in a language yet to be born.
Thus adding more mystery to this ever growing plot to make me lose my mind. MichaelIronside, perhaps taken from the name of the actor who so perfectly played the villain in movies such as
Scanners, Visiting Hours,
Top Gun and Total Recall. The band, as it turns out features Adam Lepkowski (Sick Jerk) on vocals. Jeff Wasserburger (Four Fingers, Bombay) on Guitar and a ghost lyricist by the name of Ryan.

As I began to listen to the first four tracks I couldn't help but think this was the worst thing I had ever laid ears on. Something that a group of college nerds created while locked in their dorm rooms high on some synthetic hybrid they had just created by connecting their chemistry set to their sisters sampler. I kept thinking Devo on down syndrome.

Then as the fifth track began to spin it's wheels, I began to understand, maybe even believe that there was something to this. I felt that Devo influence and perhaps a little Beastie Boys mixed with a Lo-Fi version of Serge Gainsborg doing acid while listening to Pink Floyd's "Days of Pompei". I give myself a lot of credit for being able to sit through all fucking twenty-four tracks of this weirdness. In the end, I'm glad I did. This is definitely not for everyone. Not for a lot of people at that. But if your in for a penny, you better be in for a pound.
James Damion

MichaelIronside  Bandcamp

Pre-Order The Everymen's - "New Jersey Hardcore"

Pre-orders are now available for The Everyman's "The Everyman Presents New Jersey Hardcore". The record release date is set for October 9th and will be released on KillingHorse Records. Pre-ordering the record allows you "The coolest kid on the block" street cred award for the first week of October and an immediate download of the lead single "Coney Island High". Pre-Order  Here

Voivod Debut Single From Upcoming Album

Canadian Thrash Gods Voivod have debuted a new song via Pitchfork. "Mechanical Mind" will be released as a single on October 9th and will be featured on the bands upcoming release "Target Earth" due out January 22, 2013. Get it here Mechanical Mind

Bad Brains "Look Into The Future" Streaming

Legendary D.C. Hardcore band the Bad Brains announced a November release of the album
"Into the Future". The bands first album since 2007's "Build A Nation". The band is streaming the title track to "Into the Future" on Rolling Stone. You can listen to it Here .

Dag Nasty's Original Lineup to Reunite

The Black Cat in Washington DC will host an evening of DC hardcore/punk on December 28, 2012 that will include the reunion of the original lineup of Dag Nasty! That's right, the original lineup.

Brian Baker, Roger Marbury, Shawn Brown, Colin Sears

PLEASE JOIN US ON DECEMBER 28 AT THE BLACK CAT FOR A VERY SPECIAL NIGHT!

Scheduled to appear:

Dag Nasty (lineup of Shawn Brown, Brian Baker, Roger Marbury, and Colin Sears)
Government Issue
Black Market Baby
Kingface
and special guests! (One can only allow their mind to wander.)

This is a night to celebrate the filming of ‘Salad Days’ documentary which should be released around that time.

Mr. T Experience Digitally Release Entire Catalog

Mr. T Experience have digitally re-issued their entire catalog. Much of the bands material has become difficult to come by since the demise of the bands long time label Lookout Records. Amongst the many tracks that were released by the influential label. Their cover of the entire Ramones classic "Road to Ruin" album is also being made available.There is no news of physical records being re-issued at any time in the near future. However, we can hope that public demand will warrant such. You can buy the songs through Amazon and iTunes
James Damion

The Mr. T Experience

Samiam Offer Collection of Demos from 1994-95

Pop Punk giants Samiam are offering demos from their "Clumsy" and "You Are Freaking Me Out" recording sessions.  You can download them here and thank me later. James Damion

Samiam Demos  Bandcamp

"All These Noises" Download Available Now

StarBeat Music and
TJO Presents offer
"All These Noises". A collection of sounds from both companies. The music covers the local scenes of New York and New Jersey while spreading to Massachusetts, Tennessee and California.
The compilation features suck local favorites as Boy Things, Melissa and Paul,
Bern and the Brights and Boxed Wine amongst others. There's something for everyone here. How can you go wrong? James Damion

All These Noises
StarBeat Music
TJO Presents

Eastern Anchors - Drunken Arts And Pure Science (expected release date 10/06/2012)

In the Eastern Anchors I hear an underlying love for 90's indie rock, but luckily EA never wears their influences to boldly on their sleeves, which ultimately lets me enjoy the music based on it's own merits and not on its influences, and believe me there is a lot to love in the Eastern Anchors sound.
 
Musically, Eastern Anchors deliver all the catchy hooks you would expect from the best indie rock bands, however they also have a knack for infusing big heavy riffs into their  sound...it's like indie rock on steroids, and I like it.

On the Eastern Anchors debut album "Drunken Arts And Pure Science" the band lays down 11 tracks of perfectly crafted, hook infused indie rock with a heavy edge that to my ears lands them  somewhere between Built To Spill, Chavez or even Torch at times...check out the opening riff to "Herzog Help Me" to get an idea of what I am attempting to describe.  In closing, if you like songs that you can raise your fist and bang your head to, yet also sing the melody in your head for the rest of the day then I urge you to give the Eastern Anchors a listen.Also, if you like a record that unfolds and reveals more and more nuances with each repeated listen then this record is for you, "Drunken Arts and Pure Science" is an excellent album that simply gets better and better with each repeated listen...Dave G.

Eastern Anchors
Band Camp

Chain of Strength Reunion Teaser

More reunion announcements from Revelation Records as California's Chain of Strength set to fill NY's Irving Plaza in October. I fondly remember the band camping out on our living room floor when they first arrived on the East Coast. Get your tickets before it's too late. James Damion

Mr. Wolfe's Cleaning Service - EAC Gallery 09/29/2012

Mr. Wolfe's Cleaing Service is a current band featuring Daniel Derella AKA Danny Dog original guitarist for NYHC legends Underdog.  

What you need to know is that MWCS combine elements of hardcore and punk to form a catchy uptempo sound that will keep your head bopping and your feet tapping. 

If your in Brooklyn on September 29th stop in and check out MWCS  live and in person. If you can't make the show simply click the  link below to hear a live set from 11/2011...Dave G.

Live Show
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EAC Gallery: eacmix.com/ 
1501 Broadway , Brooklyn, New York 11211

From Manhattan, J Train to Brooklyn, Halsey St station, walk one block to show..

Cicada Radio: Silence the Voices in my Head

Cicada Radio is; 

Patrick Keefe - Vocals/Guitar  Michael Keefe - Guitar/Vocals 

Chris D' Ambrosio - Bass  Mike Kundrath - Drums

New Jersey's Cicada Radio and United By Rocket Science have a lot more in common than one might think. As a matter of fact we kind of grew up alongside one another in the same neighborhoods, even listened to a lot of the same bands when developing our style and presence. The fact that the bands first EP "Imposter" was released around the same time this blog launched it's very first posts. Or maybe that the bio on the groups
Killing Horse Records page quotes our review of that record in describing their sound and influences. Regardless, Cicada Radio is a band that has left a lasting impression on us since day one.  Now, with a new offering "No fate but what we make" due soon. I decided to reach out to the band to get the 411 on just what they've been up to. Thanks to the brother Keefe for their time.
James Damion

James: I haven't seen the band in months. Have you been keeping a low profile due to the new record? Or are you just looking to avoid any Imperial entanglements?

Michael: We have been working hard on the new release, and hence, have taken time from doing shows on a consistent basis...Although we haven't stopped doing shows altogether. We get a bunch of show offers all the time, I wish we could do all of them, but we are really focusing on making this upcoming record really cool and special. We played Maxwell's recently with
Holy City Zoo (who lent their vocals on almost every track on the new release) Plus Plus Minus and Avoider.
Although at the moment we have been somewhat elusive as of late, I assure you that we are lining up quite a few shows for the fall to promote the new release.

James: Tell us a little bit about the new record "No fate but what we make".
When will we have it in our dirty little hands?

Michael: We have been working on this record for quite some time with Ryan Gross
(co-founder of Killing Horse Records) and are very excited for our fans to hear it! Since we released "IMPOSTER"  last June, we have seen a tremendous amount of support from the local scene, the Tiny Giant artist collective and our friends and fans. The new record will not disappoint fans of our last release. We have grown tremendously as a band and I think our song writing reflects how far we have come. Although we are incredibly happy with "IMPOSTER", we believe our fans will really dig this record. It's raw, its live and packed full of emotion and sing along gang vocals that really capture what we sound like as a band when you see us live.

James: How many songs have you recorded? Is there an underlying theme or current to the songs?

Michael: This record will have 8 songs in total. Our last release had 4 including an acoustic song that Pat had written for quite some time. I feel as though this record summarizes our style as a band more so then anything we have ever done. When we did our last e.p,
Mike Kundrath had recently joined the band and we were still trying to find our sound so to speak. Our fans will definitely see a similarity between our last release and the current one, similar themes like the need to belong somewhere, saying goodbye to the past, dominating your own future, sleeplessness, loneliness, and surviving in the world while making an indelible mark.

James: You're working with Killing Horse Records again. What is it about the label, Mike and Ryan that made you want to return?

Michael: Killing Horse records has been a TREMENDOUS help to the band. Mike and Ryan have been such huge supporters of the band even before we signed with their label. As we grow as a band, they too grow as a label. Killing Horse has helped us a lot on this record, its rare that a day goes by where I don't talk to at least one of them about the band or the album or anything band related. The entire Killing Horse family has extended a lot of support for the band and we are very happy to work with them on this upcoming release.

James: With "No Fate but what we make" being released on CD. Is there any chance we'll see something similar happening with your debut "Imposter"?

Michael: We would love to release "IMPOSTER" on a cd format. I continue to be so enthralled with the enthusiasm our friends and fans have extended toward that record.
To this day, I still get people come up to me at shows and say "Dude, I still listen to that record all the time"
(or something to that degree) and that means so much to me and the band. Its enthusiasm like this that makes it all worth it as a band, the fact that we struck a chord with people in such a profound way makes it all worth it!

James: The last time we spoke. You mentioned the band had recently took a trip to Boston. Will you be taking the new record out on any extended trips or tour?

Patrick: Yes, we did a show up in Boston in July and we had a blast! It was a small show with about 40 or so people and left Boston with a bunch of new friends and fans of our music. We have a few friends who are big supporters or Cicada Radio in the Mass area who were kind enough to get us on a bill with them..but we didn't expect that kind of unanimous support from an audience whom (as a whole) had never seen us live. Our friends had shared "IMPOSTER" with their friends last June so a lot of their friends were excited to finally see us live. It's strange, but very awesome, when a room full of people who you don't personally know are singing all the words to "Storm the Castle" at the top of their lungs. Very cool stuff.

James: The bands sound mixes a lot of varied influences and elements. What were some of the bands or genres that influenced you most when you first set out to start a band and write music?

Michael: We have always been influenced by a wide variety of music, ranging from Punk to Jazz to post-hardcore and beyond. I would say some of our bigger influences that helped shape our sound would be bands like Rival Schools, Pavement,  the Casket Lottery, Fucked up, Cursive, Surfer blood and Thursday.  As a whole, we all listen to a lot of different music, but I feel as though that makes our sound that much more unique.

James: I really hate asking generic questions but I was very curious about the bands name. Whenever I hear it I think of Radio's inability or refusal to cover anything that isn't fronted by a corporation or major label. Thus silencing or trying to snuff the voice of anything independent. I wanted to ask you about what it means to you while assuring you that I am not on drugs.

Michael: Hahaha... We get this question a lot. At first, I think we just kinda liked the way the words sounded together. But as time goes on I think the name has taken on a greater meaning. Cicadas live underground for years and years before they emerge to make that strange sound that has become synonymous with the summer.... then dying abruptly a few weeks later. I believe the name Cicada Radio reflects trends in popular music, how everyone waits for the "next big sound" to shape music for decades to come. As you have mentioned, the inability of the music industry to embrace a band or new "sound' that doesn't  have a major label or tons of money behind it is a frustrating reality for musicians. However, our name reflects the fact that these trends or new  revolutionary sounds will have an impact on music and radio no matter how much opposition it faces..the fact that no matter what your art has an impact on the world in a big way despite whether the mainstream recognizes it or not. 

James: Patrick, you were originally playing drums. When did you decide to make the change? Was it a challenge moving from the security of the drums to being the bands frontman?

Patrick: Well we have always been friends with Mike Kundrath long before we had the notion of joining forces. I played the drums for a couple of years in the band and we did a few shows as a 3 piece. We had a ton of fun and made some friends..but it was hard to solidify the sound of the band from behind the kit. In order to grow in the way that we did, we decided it was time to make a change. I have always been a fan of mike's drumming style, and he was a big fan of the band and my song writing. I feel that Mike in the band has made it easier for me to write as a frontman along with adding another cool dynamic from Mike's unique drum style.

James: Rock history has been fraught with battling brothers. What do Mike and Patrick usually butt heads on? Or am I just starting rumors and making things up?

Michael: Most of the arguments that pat and I have are hardly ever music related...rather dumb brother quarrels similar to that of any other sibling dynamic. Pat and I work very well together in the band.  Our styles and influences may be kinda different, but we have always been able to find common ground as far as song writing. We have been writing music together since we were in high school, so our styles have developed as such both individually and as a unit.   

James: What will history say about the Keefe's?

Michael: Well hopefully the history written about us will extend far beyond music...
I someday hope to become a crooked Senator  for some backwards red state and I'm pretty sure that Pat wants to travel to the past to screw with the space time continuum...
But we'll see how that goes.

James: Patrick, everyone wants to know the inspiration behind the animal attire. Each time I've seen the band live, you've worn shirts depicting happy cats, inspired wolves and other cuddly wildlife creatures. What's behind this awesome fashion statement? Do you have a favorite animal tee?

Patrick: The animals on my tee shirts are my spirit guides and representations of myself...Sometimes cute and cuddly, other times ferocious like the noble wolf. My favorite animal Tee is probably the kitten shirt, everybody likes cats..they're second in internet popularity next to porn.

Cicada Radio - Like Me (From the upcoming release)  Download

Cicada Radio  Facebook
Cicada Radio  KillingHorse Records

Four Fingers - Custodians of Light Full length Lp 2012

Four Fingers have been kicking around the New Jersey underground for quite some time now...7 or 8 years as a matter fact, and we here at UBRS have been major supporters of the band in the past and for good reason...
Four Fingers kick ass on record and are a completely out of control force to be reckoned with live.

On this the bands first full length Lp we get  intense neck snapping hardcore music that lives up to my high expectations and surpasses the promise of their earlier recordings. I hear everything from old school NY/Boston hardcore to Black Flag mixed with the full speed ahead style of bands like Drop Dead at times, but don't take my word for it, buy a record or check out the Four Fingers band camp page and form your own opinion.

In other news, the Four Fingers record release party is coming up November 16th...check the link below for more details. Also the band is hooking everyone  up with a free copy of this Lp with their $8 paid admission to the record release show...you can't beat a show and an awesome record for $8.00, so if you're in New Jersey on November 16th get off your ass and support one of NJ's best hardcore/punk bands..Dave G. 

Record Release Party Details
Four Fingers
Bandcamp

Avoider - 2012 Demo

After witnessing  New Jersey's Avoider turn an opening spot at Maxwell's into a showcase of headlining promise. I was eager to dig a little deeper in order to see what the band had to offer.
Upon hearing this demo I see a band who's potential seems limitless. Avoider mixes elements of Metal, Hardcore, Sludge and Stoner Rock perfectly. Dishing out some really impressive results.
One can revel in the guitar work Arben Colaku displays on these six tracks. Switching up gears and varying from a full on Metal assault to a sludgier, somewhat evil grind. In particular, I really dug the swampy riffs that
"Toxic Sludge" offered. Warren Swan's vocal style rivals the oft baritone sound of his contemporaries with style that had me thinking back to the days of Leeway's Eddie Sutton. With song titles like "Pervert in a Candy Shop" and "Dick Parade", How can you possibly go wrong? Go download the bands demo on Bandcamp and be sure to check them out live. You will not be disappointed. James Damion

Avoider  Facebook

An Eastern Anchors Rockumentary Trailer

Although I just recently became aware of this incredible band, I am excited to see this Documentary on a Jersey Band that definitely warrants the "Rock Doc" treatment. 

Check this trailer out and see why. James Damion

Eastern Anchors

Bandcamp

Boxed Wine - S/T EP

I don't know what took me so long to get around to
Boxed Wine. Having first heard about this awesome foursome from Adam Bird of
Those Mockingbirds. It wasn't until Boxed Wine's own lead guitarist Ralph Nicastro contacted me personally that I set aside some time to sample the bands debut.
Now, as far as debuts go,
this is about as good as it gets. Five songs of fun, quirky and very danceable gems that remind me of a cross between Vampire Weekend and
Boy Things. There's a warm, nerdy goodness to the songs that can't be overlooked. Songs like "Oh No" and "Feral" are instantly satisfying yet admirably memorable. The band has a three song follow up coming soon. In the mean time, go download their debut and get dancing.
I know I did.
James Damion

Download  Bandcamp
Boxed Wine  Facebook

"Salad Days" Documentary in the Works

SALAD DAYS  is a documentary-in-progress that examines the fertile Washington, DC punk scene of the 1980s. This was a particularly important time in the evolution of punk and independent music, with DC based bands like Minor Threat, Bad Brains, Black Market Baby, the Faith, the Slickee Boys, Void, Government Issue, Marginal Man, Dag Nasty, 9353, 

Gray Matter, Beefeater, Scream, Rites of Spring, Fugazi, Shudder to Think, 

Nation of Ulysses, Jawbox and others defining the DC aesthetic. Local record labels like Dischord, Fountain of Youth, Teen Beat, and Simple Machines would become standard-bearers for the DIY revolution. 

Kickstarter

Descendents Offer Up Bonus Cups

The Descendents store is now offering up bonus cups for your favorite beverage.
Drink deep!

Bonus Cup

Birth Deformities - Suburbanized 10" (Cowabunga Records) 2012

Debut 10" color  vinyl from this new Chicago band featuring 1/2 of Cülo and Nick Sick from Cowabunga Records on vocals.

Musically, Birth Deformities deliver excellent mostly mid-tempo hardcore/punk that leans more towards the punk rock side of things which is fine with me.  The band also pick up the pace on a select few tracks which helps  keep things varied and interesting, and Nick delivers his vocals in a clear yet angry style that suits the music perfectly. 

I know there are a lot of new school punk hardcore bands on the scene at the moment and the scene can feel a bit crowded at times, but bands like Birth Deformities remind me that some bands will always find a way to rise above the competition and find their way into my regular rotation, and hopefully into yours....welcome to my regular rotation Birth Deformities...Dave G.

Purchase