After several virtual spins of Steve Shiffman & The Land of No ‘s latest EP "Nemegt Uul," I began to look at the three song work as a continuous story. It was only after I formed this theory that I discovered that "Nemegt Uul" is the second in a series of 3 EPs (each to be released every 3 months) which will be later compiled into a full length album. So, albeit shaky, my postulation held a little water. The three songs are tied together by recurring themes of lost and found love, dream vs. reality, communication failure, and dressed by the band’s intense guitar sound, rooted in the indie sound of the 90s, and Mr Shiffman’s vocals, which are at times reminiscent of an angrier Brendan Benson. Don’t miss the EP release party at Cake Shop on November 4. – Allison Levin
NYC Artists on the rise: Lisa Jaeggi
We are so impressed with Lisa Jaeggi. While watching her new video projected at our CMJ show at The Delancey on Saturday (thanks InDmusic peeps for picking it!) we realized what an amazing progress this singer songwriter has made in the few years we’ve been familiar with her music: in her new album "Epic Epic" the songwriting, production, vocal delivery, and even attitude reached a whole new level of confidence and maturity, and also "decorative" (but important) elements like this new video, the press shots, and the album’s cover art are beautiful and compelling. Her songs "Whether He Knows" and "The Difference Between" (listen to them on her Facebook page), and "All the Good" – in the embedded video – showcase a budding artist with the potential to warm many hearts with her thoughtful, melancholic rootsy pop that deals with narratives splashed with religious and political observations to carefully constructed thoughts about city life.
Lights Resolve celebrates debut album release party at Music Hall of W’Burg on 10.26
On their long-awaited, full-length record, “Feel You’re Different,” Lights Resolve delve deeper into the dark side of rock. Following a different path from their previous three well-received EP’s, the Long Island-based trio delivers 11 powerful, fully produced and great sounding tracks. Previously released “Another Five Days” receives a sonic makeover, assimilating the grittier edge and intricate layering of the newer material. A series of heavy, fervent tracks, including the impassioned single, “Sew It Up,” pounding “Happens Every Day”, distortion-ridden “HIPS,” frenetic “Stick Em Up,” and explosive “With the Pieces,” culminate in the enraged “Misfire.” Even dancy “Hurt a Little” and melodic “My Gemini” do not escape the emotional wrath that pervades the album. Each track reaffirms Lights Resolve’s surging trajectory, as they maintain their musical notoriety . “Feel You’re Different” officially drops today, and Lights Resolve celebrate the release with The Canon Logic, Night Fevers, and Electric Sun on 10.26 at the Music Hall of Williamsburg. –Meijin Bruttomesso
Caught live at CMJ: Kosha Dillz
Dominion NY deceived me. Walking through the black curtain in the front, I heard Kosha Dillz raunchy beats—but he was nowhere to be found. The only thing I saw, where I thought Kosha should be, was an Asian dude grilling hot dogs, “that’s strange,” I thought and walked to the left of the table and into a mirror. Around back, (to the right of the hot dog table) was an open room where I could make out the White Jewish rapper from New Jersey who I first heard 2 years ago in my rookie-DJ days at WRUV in Burlington, VT. The Speakers moved so much air that the red stage curtains looked like they were having a Hurricane Irene flashback. The room was filled up with a healthy mix of fellow CMJ badge toters, hip-hop heads, and a ton of photographers. Kosha Dillz rocked a punchy version of “DooDoo” with a fantastic intro, asking, “Everybody! Are you guys High? I said, are you guys high?” He performed with energy and charisma, ripping through his multi-syllable rhyme phrases with masterful annunciation.
The NJ and LA based rapper has come a long way from his first release “Beverly Dillz”. I was blown away by what I thought to be him scat-rapping, but in reality was a blend of English, Hebrew, and Spanish on his track, “Span Hebrish (Ech-Ani-Olech)”. Though I had no idea what he was saying, I could decipher him on the hook shouting, what sounded to me as, “Le mala le mala le,” atop a thunderous, reverberating bassline. I looked around to check myself and I saw everyone’s face mesmerized by what was going on. It was the hip-hop version of a face melting guitar solo. Time was tight and Kosha had to end his set after only a couple songs, but he gave out a free skateboard, and I was lucky enough to get a free t-shirt, thanks to the shows emcee, “believing in me,” after he asked for some noise. – Ed Guardaro
Caught live at CMJ: Slam Donahue and Emil & Friends
Last Friday I went to Bowery Electric to catch the end of the Cantora records showcase. I headed out the door towards the chic Cooper Union building and could see the crowd splattering out into the street from a block away. It was loud, it was hot, and there were a ton of people downstairs. By an excellent twist of fate, Slam Donahue didn’t take the stage until around 10:30 by which time I was able to finagle my way into the back, where the guys from Emil and Friends were hanging out and I peeped the beginning of Slam Donahue’s set “Big Brother” style via a flatscreen monitor in the green room.
Slam Donahue has a presence, and it’s not just because of drummer Keenan Mitchell’s golden mane. Sporting an electric-acoustic guitar David Otto’s vocals were on point, trading off on a couple songs with bassist Thomas Sommerville. They played several songs I hadn’t heard before, which had a much more organic feel than a lot of their stuff they’ve released online. The crowd was into it, but I heard people asking questions about their, “sampler” which Sommerville was manning. Out of the little box with buttons and lights came sounds eerily reminiscent to Pink Floyds “sound effects” and I dug how they mixed electric and acoustic elements within their set. They killed their staple songs, closing with what I believe was, “Its Scary”. I have never seen an acoustic guitar employed to make that much noise.
Emil and Friends took their time getting ready and I used those previous moments to squeeze my way into getting a birds eye view from up by the bar. They opened with a short jam after a humble introduction where Emil cleverly called to question what the letters in CMJ stand for. College Music Journal? What?
Ending the synthesizer space rock jam, a twangy guitar cut into the mix followed by a punchy drum beat and just like that—Emil and Friends had us all. The song, which I Have yet to indentify, reminded me of a modern day David Bowie sensibility, with theatrical elements, but at its base rocking enough to get the crowd going and the free of hearts feet moving.
Distracted by two girls drinking gin clandestinely from a flask next to me, I wasn’t able to catch the name of the songs, but Shauna and Monica, told me, “this music is perfect for this point in my night.” What they truly meant by that I will never know, but I think everyone else was feeling just about the same way. – Ed Guardaro
Marathoner Mike day 5: The Denzels, Ambassadors, The Mast, Sea of Bees, Yellow Ostrich, Monogold, Not Blood Paint
The Delancey is about as close to Brooklyn as you can get before you make it back across the Williamsburg Bridge. It also contains two entirely different venues within its three floors and roof deck. On the main floor, a popped collar dance party occupied by amorous lovers of house music. In the basement, it was Deli Magazine’s Avant-Indie stage. Despite some timing setbacks, this may have been one of the most fun ways to finish my marathon.
First, it was The Denzels. Of all the bands playing CMJ, this group has arguably the shortest commute to the stage. The Bushwick-based quartet sing surf rock songs on existential subjects, but seeing them live makes me just think about how much fun everyone is having. A highlight was first single ‘Slow Death.’ Despite the morbid lyrics, the execution live was light and joyful. No wonder the band’s on everyone’s playlists these days.
Around 10:30, Ambassadors brought a heavy groove to rest in the Delancey’s basement. A man possessed by the spirit, frontman Sam Harris held the audience in his net with firm commands to both band and crowd told loudly over flying percussion gestures. In between Harris’ richly crooned verses, keyboardist Casey Harris enveloped the songs in rich pads with his Nord lead/stage 2 combo, and along with the dueling percussion by drummer Adam Levin and Harris alike, the hands started really flying through the air. This tapestry filled the room whether things were piercingly loud or downbeat and funky.
Next up, The Mast was an intense two piece with a beautiful lead singer crooning heavily distorted blues over rattlesnake percussion. Trading a kit for bongos, metal plates and kick drum alone, the lack of bass and keys only added to the group’s tension, like things could break down at any moment. Only the screws kept turning more tightly, as singer Haale’s haunting soprano left a thick residue to settle in the basement. This is a sound that sticks inside your ears for some time, swirling a fine residue of dreamlike passages even after a good night’s sleep.
See coverage of Sea of Bees‘ set here.
Following Sea of Bees, I’m note sure why, but I found the Yellow Ostrich young man less cute in person than I had thought he might be. Sure, the boyish haircut is bound to get him attention, but he’s not afraid to put his axe to good use at the right moment either. This is a welcome transition from the once solo artist now comfortable fronting a fairly hard-hitting group. There are a lot of lyrics about who he is sprinkled throughout his set. Is singer Alex Schaaf a hot air balloon? Maybe a marathon runner? Whatever he is, he held the crowd firmly in his hand with the group’s intimate warmth and noisy guitar gymnastics. This band’s shows keep getting bigger and bigger, but Alex’s warmth and depth keep the sound intimate even when at it’s largest.
After Yellow Ostrich, Monogold quickly brought the dance party back to the floor. Sounding not unlike Tanlines but without a synth to be found, the three piece re-purposed instruments usually reserved for punk vibes as the only backing needed to lift singer Keith Kelly’s falsetto high above the shifting tribal energy. The beards were amazing too, especially the braid found in bassist Mike Falotico’s hair. My friend Sarah was responsible for that trick, and I seriously think it helped take the grooves to the next level.
Last band of the night for me was Not Blood Paint. I don’t know why, but the group’s members were all wearing turkey feathers (these guys always wear wicked costumes on stage). I also don’t know how Seth Miller is able to play drums in a sweater, but I’ve stopped questioning such things when seeing NBP a long time ago. Few bands could pull off turkey feathers with this much panache, but this might as well be the look of 2012, as much as it becomes the band. Playing several new songs from their upcoming debut full-length, NBP made everyone forget it was already well past three in the morning while we joined their cult and danced away any traces of exhaustion.
And then it was finally time for bed. It was a great evening to an insanely great week, and I can’t wait to do it all over again next year. – Mike Levine (@goldnuggets)
Sea of Bees’ set at The Deli’s CMJ show on Saturday 10.22
Right before Sea of Bees began her set next, she took care to ensure her guitar was a bit more muddy and vocals a bit less piercing. This meticulous attention to detail informs a personality guided by an intimate association with the details. And it pays off. Despite her being the lone solo act of the evening, the sound was utterly absorbing. Coupled with her adorable personality, this was a piece of humanity welcome to the evening. Singer- songwriter Julie Ann Bee just started recording music not more than a year ago as a fun little experiment, but I can understand why the accolades keep coming in her direction. Whatever the soft-strumming songstress is doing, it’s working. – Mike Levine
Seth Glier’s show caught at CMJ
I stumbled upon Seth Glier‘s performance at Rockwood on CMJ Friday. Starting with a soulful tune involving only a shaker and footstomps, his outstanding falsetto carried every note to the rafters. I was most impressed with his honesty, especially in his tune ‘Walk Katie Home,’ an adoring memoir of lost love. Not only is Glier’s music soulful, but he’s giving all proceeds from his tour to charity Feeding America. Right on… – Mike Levine
Marathoner Mike day 4: Avi Wisnia, Seth Glier, Now Now, Look Mexico
Yesterday found me back in the lower east side. It was time to check out what was happening in the acoustic realm.
First I saw Avi Wisnia light up Rockwood Music Hall’s outstanding sound system with his smooth baritone and tight quartet. The Philadelphia artist put so many quotes into his breezy bossa nova tunes, from Stevie Wonder to Cee Lo, it was almost impossible to keep count. But his gifted songwriting made the riffs all his own.
Next was the folk gospel of Massachusetts’ Seth Glier. Starting with a soulful tune involving only a shaker and footstomps, his outstanding falsetto carried every note to the rafters. I was most impressed with his honesty, especially in his tune ‘Walk Katie Home,’ an adoring memoir of lost love. Not only is Glier’s music soulful, but he’s giving all proceeds from his tour to charity Feeding America. Right on…
After that it was time to hit up The Living Room. But first I took a quick stop at Deli’s Stomp Box Exhibit at Ludlow Guitars. It had been a couple years since I’d last been here, and I’d forgotten how many rare guitars they have in this shop. You could take your pick from vintage Fender mustangs to Les Pauls and plug into a large array of effects pedals for as long as you wanted. It was a lot more fun (judging by how much time I ended up spending there) than I had thought and was a great way to add some important items to my ever-growing Christmas list.
After finally making it over to The Living Room’s upstairs stage, I saw a set from Now Now. A band that features two petite young ladies playing two large guitars. The Minneapolis duo traded vocals back and forth along their drummer Bradley Hale, pulling double duty on kit and keys. Even without a bass, this group brought a very full sound together with most of the crowd sitting on the floor and soaking it all in.
Back downstairs, Austin’s Look Mexico was one of the loudest bands I’ve seen yet at this year’s festival. The four-piece would quiet down only to allow singer Matt Agrella time to sing a couple quick lines, then it was right back to thrash. The band just released a new record, and I can’t wait to check it out later. I should also mention that bassist Tyson Kuhlhoff sported an impressively full beard, the kind that’s been eating now for awhile. So all you Brooklynites have got some work to do on this front.
Mike Levine (@goldnuggets)
Look Mexico’s show at CMJ
At CMJ, Austin’s Look Mexico was one of the loudest bands I’ve seen yet at this year’s festival. The four-piece would quiet down only to allow singer Matt Agrella time to sing a couple quick lines, then it was right back to thrash. The band just released a new record, and I can’t wait to check it out later. I should also mention that bassist Tyson Kuhlhoff sported an impressively full beard, the kind that’s been eating now for awhile. So all Brooklynites have got some work to do on this front. – Mike Levine (@goldnuggets)
MD’s The Cheaters Release New Single
Annapolis, MD based hard-rock band the Cheaters unleashed a new single this week called "Hey Hey Rock’n’Roll" which you can check out below. This is their first single since 2009, and plans to produce a full LP have been announced and should be out by Spring 2012.
From Montauk Music: "’Hey Hey Rock N’ Roll’ really depicts who we are,” states Jason Morton (vox/guitar). “We all pay our dues and this song is about what we live for; it’s a statement that we’re committed to the rock n’ roll lifestyle. There is no alternative for us, and it’s not about fame or attention. There’s many twists, turns and trials in this life – if you really want all of it, rock n’ roll is what you have to love. ‘Hey Hey Rock N’ Roll’ is real to our lives”
Catch the Cheaters next at Nabb’s Creek in Glen Burnie, MD on Nov. 5.
Interview with the Technicians: DC Deli’s Band of the Month (October)
DC based alt punk band the Technicians were recently tied front runners on our Band of the Month poll, with tons of fans showing up for support. So we got a hold of Navid Marvi (vocals/guitar), Nick Glover (guitar/vocals), Ryan Hobbs (bass/vocals) and Steve Smith (drums) to find out more about the awesomeness that got them to the top of our poll. Here they fill us in on their biggest influences, what their band’s name almost was, and the return of post-punk dominance in DC. On to the interview...
Check out some tracks from their S/T EP below, and catch them live at Jaxx Nightclub in VA on November 5.