Hey everyone!
Philladelphia's favorite pop-punkers The Starting Line have announced additional dates to their 10th Anniversary "Say It Like You Mean It" tour. The new dates include an additional stop in Detroit to go along with the one that already sold out, another show in Chicago, one more stop in Pomona, CA, two brand new dates in Fort Lauderdale and Orlando, and another Philadelphia area show to round it all out. Here is the full list of the brand new dates just announced this afternoon:
12/7/2012 St. Andrew's Hall; Detroit, MI
12/10/2012 House of Blues; Chicago, IL
12/14/2012 The Glass House; Pomona, CA
12/21/2012 Revolution; Fort Lauderdale, FL
12/22/2012 House of Blues; Orlando, FL
12/26/2012 Electric Factory; Philadelphia, PA
Dates for these shows go on sale September 7th and 8th. Check your venue's website to find out the exact date that they go on sale in your area. To order exclusive pre-sale tickets and merch bundles on a first come, first served basis, head on over to http://tixx1.artistarena.com/thestartingline Tickets for the first batch of tour dates announced last month have already all sold out.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Minus The Bear - Infinity Overhead
The album kicks off in high gear with "Steel and Blood", prominently displaying the lead vocals of Jake Snider and featuring rattling guitar riffs interspersed with electronic synth arrangements that give the song a nice, polished touch and show that the band are continuing to evolve their sound with each and every album they make. "Lies and Eyes" is a melodic, consistent jam with the aforementioned synth arrangements once again weaving its way into this one that has more of a groove than the last one displayed, an extremely diverse sounding track heard here. My favorite track off the album is "Toska", a groove laden jam that features Jake's familiar vocal refrain pouring into the song and molding together perfectly with smooth and sleek guitar riffs and those clever electronic elements making its way into this song and contributing a great deal to this song standing out from all the rest. "Listing" is a more toned down number featuring a steady guitar riff and a pounding drum beat brought to you courtesy of Erin Tate who contributes a great deal to the band's melodic thunderpower and the band's ability to match the tone of the song on target.
The disc's second half features "Empty Party Rooms", a markedly downtempo number from the ones we heard on the first half and sees the band implementing different musical techniques to entice the listener and keep their attention all the way throughout. "Zeros" contains more prominently displayed electronic elements that meld in together nicely with the standard issue guitar melodies and intricate instrumentation well shown on all the songs featured on the disc. We start to usher in the album's end with "Lonely Gun" a whining, electric filled track featuring dazzling electronic rhythms that give off a rush of energy that is indicative of the genre of music they play with a rush of dazzling ferocity put forth before you. The album concludes with "Cold Company" an eerie, well polished number featuring a cavalcade of guitar riffs that put a proper stamp of approval on the finished product that best expresses the band's unique musical mission that has been carried out with a reasonable degree of success put forth here. I first saw Minus the Bear in concert about 4 years ago at the Wilbur Theatre in Boston and was amazed with the performance they put on, which culminated with balloons being dispersed from the ceiling during the album's encore and just seeing the audience's reaction was extraordinary to me and just goes to show you how powerful of a following this band has both in Boston and all across the country.
In summary, a well executed and mapped out effort from Minus The Bear, who have clearly demonstrated that they know how to express their musical desires to a captive and attentive musical audience and have an intense devotion to their sound and hold on to every word that emanates from their musical presence.
Album Score: 3.5/5
Track Listing:
- Steel and Blood
- Lies and Eyes
- Diamond Lightning
- Toska
- Listing
- Heaven Is A Ghost Town
- Empty Party Rooms
- Zeros
- Lonely Gun
- Cold Company
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
All Time Low Reveal Cover Art & Track Listing For New Album "Don't Panic"!
Hey everyone!
Baltimore based pop-punkers All Time Low have revealed the cover art and track listing for their brand new album titled Don't Panic, scheduled to be released on October 9 via Hopeless Records. This album marks the band's return to the label after releasing their last album, Dirty Work on Interscope Records. The album is available for pre-order right now via the Hopeless Records website at: http://hopelessrecords.merchnow.com/catalogs/all-time-low where you can choose from a variety of bundles that include t-shirts, sweatshirts, posters, and autographed CD's from the band members. Here is the cover art and track listing for the album:
Track Listing:
Baltimore based pop-punkers All Time Low have revealed the cover art and track listing for their brand new album titled Don't Panic, scheduled to be released on October 9 via Hopeless Records. This album marks the band's return to the label after releasing their last album, Dirty Work on Interscope Records. The album is available for pre-order right now via the Hopeless Records website at: http://hopelessrecords.merchnow.com/catalogs/all-time-low where you can choose from a variety of bundles that include t-shirts, sweatshirts, posters, and autographed CD's from the band members. Here is the cover art and track listing for the album:
- The Reckless and The Brave
- Backseat Serenade (f/Cassadee Pope)
- If These Sheets Were States
- Somewhere in Neverland
- So Long Soldier (f/Anthony Raneri)
- The Irony of Choking On A Lifesaver
- To Live and Let Go
- Outlines (f/Jason Vena)
- Thanks to You
- For Baltimore
- Paint You Wings
- So Long, And Thanks For All The Booze
Artist Spotlight: The Foresters
Hey everyone!
Rounding out the month of August with an all new edition of Artist Spotlight! This week, we travel down to Bethany, Connecticut and check out the emerging sound of The Foresters. This group is also the youngest band that I've ever covered on my blog, as the band members all range in age from 9-12. The band consists of brothers Evan Nork on guitars and lead vocals, Hayden Nork on bass and backing vocals, and Liam Nork on drums. The band has a youthful, vivacious pop-punk sound to them similar to that of Green Day and blink-182, and at a remarkable young age have all the musical tools necessary to make it in this business. The band mostly plays shows in and around the CT area, and have an immensely energetic and youthful stage presence that completely exemplifies the beginnings of a great pop-punk band in our midst and shows that age need not apply when describing the capabilities of such a youthful and talented group of musicians gathered right here before you. A exquisite and immensely talented group that has all the makings of a wonderful pop-punk outfit that I can't wait to see what will sound like in 5-10 years from now. Some recommended tracks for you to take a listen at include "Better" and "Mug Shot".
For more info on The Foresters, head on over to the group's Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/theforestersband where you can listen to the band's music directly from the site among a host of other features. The band is also able to be followed on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/forestersct where you can get all the latest show updates directly from the band and also see where they'll be playing in your area!
Rounding out the month of August with an all new edition of Artist Spotlight! This week, we travel down to Bethany, Connecticut and check out the emerging sound of The Foresters. This group is also the youngest band that I've ever covered on my blog, as the band members all range in age from 9-12. The band consists of brothers Evan Nork on guitars and lead vocals, Hayden Nork on bass and backing vocals, and Liam Nork on drums. The band has a youthful, vivacious pop-punk sound to them similar to that of Green Day and blink-182, and at a remarkable young age have all the musical tools necessary to make it in this business. The band mostly plays shows in and around the CT area, and have an immensely energetic and youthful stage presence that completely exemplifies the beginnings of a great pop-punk band in our midst and shows that age need not apply when describing the capabilities of such a youthful and talented group of musicians gathered right here before you. A exquisite and immensely talented group that has all the makings of a wonderful pop-punk outfit that I can't wait to see what will sound like in 5-10 years from now. Some recommended tracks for you to take a listen at include "Better" and "Mug Shot".
For more info on The Foresters, head on over to the group's Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/theforestersband where you can listen to the band's music directly from the site among a host of other features. The band is also able to be followed on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/forestersct where you can get all the latest show updates directly from the band and also see where they'll be playing in your area!
Monday, August 27, 2012
BREAKING: Jack's Mannequin Disbands!
Some breaking news coming in just now. Andrew McMahon has announced the disbanding of his Jack's Mannequin side project, which formed in 2004 and has released three albums so far, with the most recent being last year's People and Things. Andrew announced the news in two cryptic blog posts on his website. You can read the blog excerpts directly below:
Last Night
Two Advil pm and 3 ounces of bullet rye later it occurs to me I have something to say. To the wall, to myself, to anyone who will listen. I enjoy operating in this space, late at night when the questions become riddles and the present tense becomes the past, shoring up hope at morning’s edge. As indicated by the page these words appear on and the mere existence of the words themselves, I am once again in transition. The truth is I am always so, and while for me it seems less like news and possibly for you too, I wish to clear what is left of the summer air. In approximately one day from the time these words are written, the double life I have been living will be filed away. A digital memory. I don’t chose this despite myself or the things I have created, and certainly not despite you. Quite the contrary, this is celebration of those things and the mysterious racket their separation has made inside my head. The truth is we all live inside ourselves, whether it’s the right thing to do or not. I have asked many things of many people. Follow me this way or that, up or down. Watch me dismantle one bomb to simply build a new one. It’s exhausting some times and while I never know the plan, it seems there is one. Maybe you’re tired of following and if so I wouldn’t blame you. If not though and for your information, I will be trading in old masks for one with my name written on the inside. I’m still learning how to wear it, but it feels good most days and it seems to match fingerprints.
this will be a process
5 am and I’ve finally grown tired of the pixelated black grey of a hotel ceiling. I move to the shower for a change of scenery and on the promise I’ve now attached to a spike in body temperature. I rest peacefully there, lights dim and orange, water comfort, hexagon tiles placed neatly side by side and lending order to an otherwise scattershot scene. Sleeplessness is a blessing and a curse. It is the hours late and lonely that will teach you what you’re made of. The new awake. I’ve pushed myself into the arms of the world again, and here I am hung up on it’s affect. This will be a process I tell myself. Speak when the words come. Fearing the judgement of a sun now rising could only leave me in the dark.
Jack's Mannequin was formed in 2004 and released their debut album, Everything In Transit in 2005. During the recording of the album, Andrew was diagnosed with ALL (acute lymphoblastic leukemia) which necessitated radiation and chemotherapy treatments, but eventually beat the cancer and was diagnosed cancer-free the next year and began touring to support the album. They released their second effort, The Glass Passenger in 2008 which debuted at #8 on the Billboard 200 album charts upon its release with the lyrics on the album documenting his triumph over the disease, including songs like "The Resolution". Their most recent album (and eventually their last), People and Things came out last October, and I thought it was their best and most musically cohesive effort that was a full fledged relationship album and cemented Andrew's status as one of the most introspective and talented musicians around.
I was shocked when I heard about this news just a short time ago, and am still a little shaken up as I'm typing up this blog post just now. Andrew has and always will be my favorite songwriter whose capabilities are endless and can transcend any field imaginable. I feel that I've gotten a greater understanding of music just by watching him in interviews and not being bored with one word he says as he projects every word he says in an immensely articulate fashion. I'm so glad that I got to see him in concert twice, once with Something Concert and the other with Jack's Mannequin this past February. I've gotten the pleasure and privilege of meeting him in person both times, and it was an honor to finally meet Andrew in person and just see how genuine and down to earth he is and how much he really appreciates his fans as he talks to every single person gathered there for an autograph, photo-op, or just to have a brief chat. I will always support Andrew in whatever venture he chooses and will always appreciate everything he has done for my life through music.
Last Night
Two Advil pm and 3 ounces of bullet rye later it occurs to me I have something to say. To the wall, to myself, to anyone who will listen. I enjoy operating in this space, late at night when the questions become riddles and the present tense becomes the past, shoring up hope at morning’s edge. As indicated by the page these words appear on and the mere existence of the words themselves, I am once again in transition. The truth is I am always so, and while for me it seems less like news and possibly for you too, I wish to clear what is left of the summer air. In approximately one day from the time these words are written, the double life I have been living will be filed away. A digital memory. I don’t chose this despite myself or the things I have created, and certainly not despite you. Quite the contrary, this is celebration of those things and the mysterious racket their separation has made inside my head. The truth is we all live inside ourselves, whether it’s the right thing to do or not. I have asked many things of many people. Follow me this way or that, up or down. Watch me dismantle one bomb to simply build a new one. It’s exhausting some times and while I never know the plan, it seems there is one. Maybe you’re tired of following and if so I wouldn’t blame you. If not though and for your information, I will be trading in old masks for one with my name written on the inside. I’m still learning how to wear it, but it feels good most days and it seems to match fingerprints.
this will be a process
5 am and I’ve finally grown tired of the pixelated black grey of a hotel ceiling. I move to the shower for a change of scenery and on the promise I’ve now attached to a spike in body temperature. I rest peacefully there, lights dim and orange, water comfort, hexagon tiles placed neatly side by side and lending order to an otherwise scattershot scene. Sleeplessness is a blessing and a curse. It is the hours late and lonely that will teach you what you’re made of. The new awake. I’ve pushed myself into the arms of the world again, and here I am hung up on it’s affect. This will be a process I tell myself. Speak when the words come. Fearing the judgement of a sun now rising could only leave me in the dark.
Jack's Mannequin was formed in 2004 and released their debut album, Everything In Transit in 2005. During the recording of the album, Andrew was diagnosed with ALL (acute lymphoblastic leukemia) which necessitated radiation and chemotherapy treatments, but eventually beat the cancer and was diagnosed cancer-free the next year and began touring to support the album. They released their second effort, The Glass Passenger in 2008 which debuted at #8 on the Billboard 200 album charts upon its release with the lyrics on the album documenting his triumph over the disease, including songs like "The Resolution". Their most recent album (and eventually their last), People and Things came out last October, and I thought it was their best and most musically cohesive effort that was a full fledged relationship album and cemented Andrew's status as one of the most introspective and talented musicians around.
I was shocked when I heard about this news just a short time ago, and am still a little shaken up as I'm typing up this blog post just now. Andrew has and always will be my favorite songwriter whose capabilities are endless and can transcend any field imaginable. I feel that I've gotten a greater understanding of music just by watching him in interviews and not being bored with one word he says as he projects every word he says in an immensely articulate fashion. I'm so glad that I got to see him in concert twice, once with Something Concert and the other with Jack's Mannequin this past February. I've gotten the pleasure and privilege of meeting him in person both times, and it was an honor to finally meet Andrew in person and just see how genuine and down to earth he is and how much he really appreciates his fans as he talks to every single person gathered there for an autograph, photo-op, or just to have a brief chat. I will always support Andrew in whatever venture he chooses and will always appreciate everything he has done for my life through music.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Yellowcard - Southern Air
We get things started with "Awakening", a gritty, hard rocking melodic thrill ride that greets us with the terrific vocal abilities of frontman Ryan Key who offers us a introspective view of the album's emotions and what we can expect to hear on the rest of the album as well. "Surface of the Sun" is a blasting, non stop go getter that sees the band aiming for a more harder sound this time around, but still retain elements of their initial sound displayed on their earlier work that have made them one of the most beloved groups within their genre. My favorite track off the album is "Always Summer", a much more toned down track than the previous two, but still retains some elements from the prior tracks on this album and blends it in to create a balanced track that best represents the band's individual and unique talents, including Sean Mackin's terrific violin solos that have become the band's trademark and the unique identifier among their fanbase. "Sleep in the Snow" is another terrific rocker, with absolutely terrific drumwork from Longineu Parsons who has contributed a great deal to the band's melodic thunderpower and their capabilities as musicians put on proud display right here.
Part two of the album kicks off with "A Vicious Kind" an intense, hard edged tune that sees the band relying on more intricate instrumentation and an intense and focused outlook that showcase the band's evolution from their debut album to where they are right now. "Telescope" features guest appearances from Alex Gaskarth of All Time Low, Taylor Jardine of We Are The In Crowd, and Cassadee Pope of Hey Monday who form an all star team of sorts that is a true ensemble piece that gives us a different musical texture this time around with the collaborators joining together in unison and harmony for a creative and well thought out track brought forth here. We start to usher in the album's end with "Ten", a beautiful and introspective acoustic number that shows off a different side of Ryan with his downtempo vocals adding an intimate and up close and personal connection with the band that can't be duplicated anywhere else. The disc ultimately concludes with the title track, an on point and intense rocker that fully represents and portrays the real Yellowcard sound that has gradually evolved from their first album and this track represents that said evolution and how far they've come together as a band and how they've grown together as individuals as well. When I first heard Ocean Avenue, I was about to start my freshman year of college and I was flatout in awe of the band's crisp and intense sound and was amazed with the band's introduction of a violin which initially didn't make sense to me, but totally works for the band's type of music and just speaks to mind of the band's unique and individual talents that are best to be experienced live, as I did last year at the House of Blues in Boston where they co-headlined with All Time Low, and it was a coming of age concert for me in the sense that it showcased all of the music that best represents who I am as a person and why I go out to concerts on a regular basis.
To sum it all up, Yellowcard have delivered one of the top albums of 2012 so far with a driven and focused cohesive musical effort that shows the continued evolution of the band and all of the individual musical elements that make them unique and stand out prominently from all the other musical acts gathered in attendance out there today. Buy this album now, highly recommended!
Album Score: 4.5/5
Track Listing:
- Awakening
- Surface of the Sun
- Always Summer
- Here I Am Alive
- Sleep in the Snow
- A Vicious Kind
- Telescope
- Rivertown Blues
- Ten
- Southern Air
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Artist Spotlight: Bear Language
Hey everyone!
Back at it yet again with an all new edition of Artist Spotlight! Today we're staying put in Beantown and unwrapping the sounds of Bear Language. The band consists of Ian Barnett on drums, Archi Denis on bass and vocals, and Luca Buccellati on guitar and vocals. The band has a unique and innovative playing style, and their music ventures into prog-rock territory on some tracks like "The Ventriloquist Part 1" and "Part 2" that give the group a great deal of leverage and make them stand out prominently among all the other bands from the pack. I've heard of this band previously only by name and have never gotten the opportunity to check out their music, but so I did just last night and it left quite an indelible impression on me with its vibrant rhythms and solid lyricism that has slowly made them more well known among the local fanbase here in Boston, and also serves as a springboard for other music lovers from outside the area to become more acquainted with them as well. Some recommended tracks from these guys include "Pulling" and "Creeping (In Your Head)"
To find out more information on the group, head on over to the band's Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/bearlanguage where you can find the latest tour info on the band among other pertinent data. The band is also available to be followed on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/bearlanguage where you can maintain a close and intimate connection with the band and see what they're up to this very second! Visit their website at www.bearlanguage.com where you can download "The Ventriloquist" free of charge and below for your viewing enjoyment, I've embedded a video from the band's performance at a benefit event at the East Meets West bookstore this past April:
Back at it yet again with an all new edition of Artist Spotlight! Today we're staying put in Beantown and unwrapping the sounds of Bear Language. The band consists of Ian Barnett on drums, Archi Denis on bass and vocals, and Luca Buccellati on guitar and vocals. The band has a unique and innovative playing style, and their music ventures into prog-rock territory on some tracks like "The Ventriloquist Part 1" and "Part 2" that give the group a great deal of leverage and make them stand out prominently among all the other bands from the pack. I've heard of this band previously only by name and have never gotten the opportunity to check out their music, but so I did just last night and it left quite an indelible impression on me with its vibrant rhythms and solid lyricism that has slowly made them more well known among the local fanbase here in Boston, and also serves as a springboard for other music lovers from outside the area to become more acquainted with them as well. Some recommended tracks from these guys include "Pulling" and "Creeping (In Your Head)"
To find out more information on the group, head on over to the band's Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/bearlanguage where you can find the latest tour info on the band among other pertinent data. The band is also available to be followed on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/bearlanguage where you can maintain a close and intimate connection with the band and see what they're up to this very second! Visit their website at www.bearlanguage.com where you can download "The Ventriloquist" free of charge and below for your viewing enjoyment, I've embedded a video from the band's performance at a benefit event at the East Meets West bookstore this past April:
Monday, August 20, 2012
Call Me Anything Release Music Video for "Celebrity"!
Hey everyone!
Boston based pop-rock sensations Call Me Anything have finally released their music video for "Celebrity", the title track off their debut EP that was just released a few months ago. The video features a sharply dressed Will and Matt crashing a party rocking some shades and blending in with all the shenanigans and hoopla going on at the party, including a massive pool in the back that features scores of gorgeous women that provides for some serious eye candy to go along with the guys as well!
The guys in the band are great friends of mine and have been featured heavily on the blog, so it would mean the world to me if you would check out their video and buy their music if you haven't already! To check out the video which just world premiered this afternoon, I've embedded it directly beneath this post for your viewing enjoyment and for more information on the band, check out their Facebook page here and follow them on Twitter here. Visit their official website at www.callmeanything.com for all the latest news pertaining to the band and don't forget to check them out in concert when they stop by The Middle East in Cambridge on October 20th!
Boston based pop-rock sensations Call Me Anything have finally released their music video for "Celebrity", the title track off their debut EP that was just released a few months ago. The video features a sharply dressed Will and Matt crashing a party rocking some shades and blending in with all the shenanigans and hoopla going on at the party, including a massive pool in the back that features scores of gorgeous women that provides for some serious eye candy to go along with the guys as well!
The guys in the band are great friends of mine and have been featured heavily on the blog, so it would mean the world to me if you would check out their video and buy their music if you haven't already! To check out the video which just world premiered this afternoon, I've embedded it directly beneath this post for your viewing enjoyment and for more information on the band, check out their Facebook page here and follow them on Twitter here. Visit their official website at www.callmeanything.com for all the latest news pertaining to the band and don't forget to check them out in concert when they stop by The Middle East in Cambridge on October 20th!
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Big Big Buildings - Be Not Aglow
The disc starts off with "Soon..." a track that starts out with a sound reminiscent of windchimes before delving into a light piano arrangement coupled with a delicate acoustic guitar piece and Adam's passionate and melodic vocal abilities that make this song infinitely relaxing and a track that best describes the album's musical mission at hand. My favorite track off the album is "Hopefully Something", a full featured track featuring pure and melodic guitar riffs coupled with a slight electronic drumbeat heard in the background and Adam's introspective vocal abilities that provide for an extremely well constructed composition here that fully exemplifies all the talent that Adam is capable of displaying here. "Fishing For Wires" is a pure acoustic based number stripped all the way down so that you can see the bare bones approach that Adam takes with this track, and all the musical components that they're made up of that allow you to see all the musical elements put together like a puzzle piece. "Last Weekend" is a peaceful, laid back tune that is another acoustic based number but takes another approach to it and allows Adam's voice to be the focal point on this track, allowing the listener to focus their attention on another element of the song that contributes a great deal to the song's cohesive musical structure.
The second half of the disc starts out with "Tasteful Abandon" a breezy, upbeat acoustic number that peels out different facets of the album and allows the listener to experience a broad range of emotion, something that is really difficult for an album to do these days. "Landscape" is another exquisite track with earthy acoustic based melodies and Adam's comforting voice providing a soundtrack for a lazy Sunday morning or just plain relaxing any day of the week. The disc begins to draw to a close on "Implosion", a downtempo number with Adam's whispering and thought provoking vocals allowing the listener to begin to put everything together and see how all the musical pieces fit together. The album ultimately concludes on "Wilted Folklore", an expansive number clocking in at just over 9 minutes that offers up the listener a overall synopsis of all the sounds we've heard in succession of one another and the various emotions that all the sounds conjures up for the listener, some of them may be different for others but it all adds up to one terrific listening experience all the way throughout. I've had the pleasure of knowing Adam for almost 10 years now, and it's been absolutely amazing to see his progression as both a musician and as a person, and this effort fully captures the spirit and essence of who he really is when you meet him in person. The album almost reads like an autobiography of sorts, and offers us a glimpse of what he's currently thinking about as he's writing and performing these songs where the listener can fully grasp the musical language that he's trying to convey to us.
All in all, a terrific effort from Big Big Buildings, and one that takes us on a journey through Adam's musical persona and all the distinct and various elements that it's composed of and it really makes you know Adam as a person on a one-on-one basis, even though you may have never heard of him previously or met him in person.
Album Score: 4/5
Track Listing:
- Soon...
- Hopefully Something
- Fishing For Wires
- Crickets
- Last Weekend
- Tasteful Abandon
- Slinking Down A Mountain
- Landscape
- The Great Implosion
- Consolation
- Wilted Folklore
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Artist Spotlight: The Grownup Noise
Hey everyone!
Ready to bring you another edition of Artist Spotlight for this week! Today, we're keeping it local in Beantown and uncovering for you the sounds of The Grownup Noise. The band consists of Paul Hansen on lead vocals and guitar, Adam Sankowski on bass, keys, and vocals, Rachel Arnold on cello and vocals, Aine Fujioka on drums and vocals, and Todd Marsten on accordion and keys. This Boston based five piece all met while attending Berklee College of Music and soon started playing shows in and around the area, eventually getting their music heard on prominent TV shows such as MTV's "The Real World", while still maintaining their indie grassroots music philosophy. The music itself is a mixture of indie folk, with a slight pop sensibility thrown in for good measure that distinguishes themselves from all the other up and coming bands emanating from the Boston scene these days. I recently had the pleasure of checking these guys in concert this past Friday at Club Passim in the Harvard Square section of Cambridge and it was a really intimate experience where there were a bunch of tables set up in front of the stage where you can order food and drink, and watch the band play music which was a radically different concert experience than what I'm normally used to, but it provided for an entertaining experience all the way throughout and the band put on a quality show where they fit in nicely with the crowd gathered there in attendance. Some recommended tracks for you to take a listen at include "Strawmen" and "Anthem for Second Place".
For more information on the band, head on over to their Facebook page and 'Like' it at: www.facebook.com/thegrownupnoise where you'll find a plethora of content including show information indicating where they'll be playing next. The group can be followed on Twitter by pointing your browser to: www.twitter.com/thegrownupnoise to stay in touch with the band. If you want to purchase the band's music, they have a BandCamp site set up at: thegrownupnoise.bandcamp.com and check out their official website as well at: www.thegrownupnoise.com
Ready to bring you another edition of Artist Spotlight for this week! Today, we're keeping it local in Beantown and uncovering for you the sounds of The Grownup Noise. The band consists of Paul Hansen on lead vocals and guitar, Adam Sankowski on bass, keys, and vocals, Rachel Arnold on cello and vocals, Aine Fujioka on drums and vocals, and Todd Marsten on accordion and keys. This Boston based five piece all met while attending Berklee College of Music and soon started playing shows in and around the area, eventually getting their music heard on prominent TV shows such as MTV's "The Real World", while still maintaining their indie grassroots music philosophy. The music itself is a mixture of indie folk, with a slight pop sensibility thrown in for good measure that distinguishes themselves from all the other up and coming bands emanating from the Boston scene these days. I recently had the pleasure of checking these guys in concert this past Friday at Club Passim in the Harvard Square section of Cambridge and it was a really intimate experience where there were a bunch of tables set up in front of the stage where you can order food and drink, and watch the band play music which was a radically different concert experience than what I'm normally used to, but it provided for an entertaining experience all the way throughout and the band put on a quality show where they fit in nicely with the crowd gathered there in attendance. Some recommended tracks for you to take a listen at include "Strawmen" and "Anthem for Second Place".
For more information on the band, head on over to their Facebook page and 'Like' it at: www.facebook.com/thegrownupnoise where you'll find a plethora of content including show information indicating where they'll be playing next. The group can be followed on Twitter by pointing your browser to: www.twitter.com/thegrownupnoise to stay in touch with the band. If you want to purchase the band's music, they have a BandCamp site set up at: thegrownupnoise.bandcamp.com and check out their official website as well at: www.thegrownupnoise.com
Monday, August 13, 2012
RadioBDC Officially Launches!
Hey everyone!
They got the band back together! After 3 months of hard work, RadioBDC officially launched at 12 noon today with the first song being played that was chosen in a contest by listeners to be The Mighty Mighty Bosstones "I Want My City Back". The internet only radio station is an extension of the boston.com website, the digital home of The Boston Globe featuring cutting edge alternative music and news, plus the infusion of former WFNX talent including Julie Kramer, Henry Santoro, Adam 12, program director Paul Driscoll, and even promotions director Mike Snow and sales guy Johnny L rounding out the list.
To listen to RadioBDC right now as we speak, head on over to http://www.boston.com/ae/radio/ and click on the 'Play' button right at the top bar of the page to listen to all of the radio magic unfold right before you! The radio station can also be accessed via your smartphone as well for iPhone users, who can download the app here: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/boston.com-radiobdc/id550506632 and for Android users over here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.streamtheworld.globenewspaper&feature=search_result#?t=W10
They got the band back together! After 3 months of hard work, RadioBDC officially launched at 12 noon today with the first song being played that was chosen in a contest by listeners to be The Mighty Mighty Bosstones "I Want My City Back". The internet only radio station is an extension of the boston.com website, the digital home of The Boston Globe featuring cutting edge alternative music and news, plus the infusion of former WFNX talent including Julie Kramer, Henry Santoro, Adam 12, program director Paul Driscoll, and even promotions director Mike Snow and sales guy Johnny L rounding out the list.
To listen to RadioBDC right now as we speak, head on over to http://www.boston.com/ae/radio/ and click on the 'Play' button right at the top bar of the page to listen to all of the radio magic unfold right before you! The radio station can also be accessed via your smartphone as well for iPhone users, who can download the app here: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/boston.com-radiobdc/id550506632 and for Android users over here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.streamtheworld.globenewspaper&feature=search_result#?t=W10
Thursday, August 9, 2012
fun. - Some Nights
The album opens up with my favorite track off the album, the disc's title track which is an infectious, bombastic non-stop thrill ride with the amazing lead vocals of Nate Ruess (who was formerly the lead singer of the band The Format) and adds a certain and distinct element that can be heard on all of fun.'s compositions. We continue on with a song that I'm sure that will end up on alot of "Best Of" lists at the end of the year, "We Are Young". The song features guest vocals from Janelle Monae and features an anthemic chorus that everyone knows the words to and one that is a definitive song from the group's short catalog so far that defines their musical style and the emotions that they evoke in each and every song they make. "It Gets Better" is a electronic filled, rock heavy tune that detours off course momentarily, venturing to a new dimension where there is a balance between all the different genres that make up this song and offer up the listener a different aspect of the band that we saw glimpses of earlier on in the record, but are beginning to see in full force and on display right here before your ears.
The second half of the album kicks off with "Why Am I The One", a downtempo, somewhat melancholy tune that continues to unwrap different facets of the band that we didn't know existed, and all of their musicianship pays off on this exquisite track. "All Alright" starts off with an intricate piano composition that mixes in quite well with Nate's dynamic vocal presence that immediately makes you take notice the moment he starts singing, drawing your undivided attention in the process. We start to usher in the album's end with "One Foot", an upbeat, cheery number that sounds like something you would hear in a parade marching on down the street, but works quite well to a certain extent and encapsulates the band's musical style that they have formulated for all the years they have been in existence. The disc ultimately concludes on "Stars" a rapturing, thunderous tune that slowly picks up momentum once it commences, and builds up exponentially until the end with upbeat melodies and Nate's authentic vocal style making you focus immediately and never turning away until it ends, a great way to wrap up an extremely diverse and entertaining listening experience all the way throughout. fun. have enjoyed a slow and steady rise to stardom that began in 2008 when Nate joined forces with Andrew Dost of the band Anathallo and Jack Antonoff from Steel Train to form a quasi-supergroup of sorts that is a little bit of a wacky combination, but works very well right here and is one of the best albums of 2012 that is both a refreshing change of course from all the other music out there and gives us a glimpse of all that is possible when you put all these musical minds together and see what comes to fruition because of it.
In a nutshell, a highly ambitious and creative effort from fun., who have clearly demonstrated their musical mission that is a highly focused and dynamic effort that is a prime example of what happens when 3 great musical minds come together to form a project that is the result of the members individual experiences making music and what they bring to the table.
Album Score: 4/5
Track Listing:
- Some Nights (intro)
- Some Nights
- We Are Young (f/Janelle Monae)
- Carry On
- It Gets Better
- Why Am I the One
- All Alone
- All Alright
- One Foot
- Stars
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Artist Spotlight: A Banquet
Hey everyone!
Starting the day off with an all new edition of Artist Spotlight! Today, we head overseas to Prague, Czech Republic and discover the experimental sounds of A Banquet. The group consists of Mathieu on vocals, guitars, and synths, Michael on bass, guitar, piano, synths, and backup vocals, and Richard on drums and percussion. The group has a heavy electronic influence to them, which is melded together with intricate synthesizers and heavy duty guitar riffs that when brought together, create a whole other dimension of music that is a huge departure from the ordinary type of music currently out there today. I really admire the bands' ability to perfectly capture and hone their sound into something that other music listeners can quickly adapt to and listen to on a regular basis, something that is normally difficult for this genre of music due to listeners specific music tastes or other phenomena that sometimes turns other people away from this type of music. A highly ambitious band with a great deal of promise to turn heads over here in the United States. Some recommended tracks for you to discover from the group include "Blue Feelings" and "Carved Out".
For more information on A Banquet, head on over to their Facebook page and 'Like' it at: www.facebook.com/abanquet and discover what the group is all about. The band is also available to be followed on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/abanquet where listeners can find out what the band is up to at this very minute. If you want to listen to the band's music and to find out where they'll be on tour next, cruise on over to their official website at: www.a-banquet.com where you can also find merch among a plethora of other features pertaining to the band.
Starting the day off with an all new edition of Artist Spotlight! Today, we head overseas to Prague, Czech Republic and discover the experimental sounds of A Banquet. The group consists of Mathieu on vocals, guitars, and synths, Michael on bass, guitar, piano, synths, and backup vocals, and Richard on drums and percussion. The group has a heavy electronic influence to them, which is melded together with intricate synthesizers and heavy duty guitar riffs that when brought together, create a whole other dimension of music that is a huge departure from the ordinary type of music currently out there today. I really admire the bands' ability to perfectly capture and hone their sound into something that other music listeners can quickly adapt to and listen to on a regular basis, something that is normally difficult for this genre of music due to listeners specific music tastes or other phenomena that sometimes turns other people away from this type of music. A highly ambitious band with a great deal of promise to turn heads over here in the United States. Some recommended tracks for you to discover from the group include "Blue Feelings" and "Carved Out".
For more information on A Banquet, head on over to their Facebook page and 'Like' it at: www.facebook.com/abanquet and discover what the group is all about. The band is also available to be followed on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/abanquet where listeners can find out what the band is up to at this very minute. If you want to listen to the band's music and to find out where they'll be on tour next, cruise on over to their official website at: www.a-banquet.com where you can also find merch among a plethora of other features pertaining to the band.
Monday, August 6, 2012
Taking Back Sunday Announce 10th Anniversary "Tell All Your Friends" Tour!
Hey everyone!
Another prominent band from the early '00's is heading out on the road to do some reminiscing! Taking Back Sunday, who earlier this year celebrated the 10th anniversary of their debut album, "Tell All Your Friends" will be hitting the road this Fall for an extensive U.S. tour with Bayside tagging along as co-headliners. Other bands that will be featured on select dates include Mansions, Man Overboard, Motion City Soundtrack, Jukebox The Ghost, Now Now, Gabriel The Marine, Transit, and The Menzingers. The tour will kick off on October 4th at the House of Blues in Cleveland, OH and will stop by Boston on November 17th with Bayside and The Menzingers before wrapping up on November 23rd at Terminal 5 in NYC. Here is the full list of dates along with the respective bands playing each date:
TBS, Bayside, Mansions
10/04/2012 House of Blues Cleveland, OH
10/06/2012 Riviera Theater Chicago, IL
10/07/2012 The Fillmore Detroit, MI
10/08/2012 Beat Kitchen Chicago, IL
10/10/2012 Turner Hall Ballroom Milwaukee, WI
10/11/2012 First Avenue Minneapolis, MN
10/12/2012 Bourbon Theatre Lincoln, NE
10/13/2012 Granada Lawrence, KS
TBS, Bayside, Man Overboard
10/14/2012 Ogden Theatre Denver, CO
10/16/2012 In the Venue Salt Lake City, UT
10/18/2012 The Showbox Seattle, WA
10/19/2012 Crystal Ballroom Portland, OR
10/20/2012 The Catalyst Santa Cruz, CA
10/21/2012The Regency Ballroom San Francisco, CA
10/24/2012 Fox Theater Pomona, CA
10/25/2012 Club Nokia Los Angeles, CA
10/26/2012 House of Blues Las Vegas Las Vegas, NV
TBS, Motion City Soundtrack, Bayside, Jukebox the Ghost, Now Now
10/27/2012 Marquee Theatre Phoenix, AZ
TBS, Bayside, Gabriel the Marine
10/28/2012 Rialto Theatre Tucson, AZ
10/31/2012 Diamond Ballroom Oklahoma City, OK
11/01/2012 House of Blues Dallas, TX
11/02/2012 Emo’s Austin, TX
11/03/2012 House of Blues Houston, TX
11/04/2012 House of Blues New Orleans, LA
TBS, Bayside, Transit
11/06/2012 House of Blues Orlando, FL
11/07/2012 Revolution Live Fort Lauderdale, FL
11/08/2012 Jannus Landing St Petersburg, FL
11/09/2012 Center Stage Atlanta, GA
11/10/2012 The Norva Norfolk, VA
11/11/2012 9:30 Club Washington, DC
11/14/2012 The Electric Factory Philadelphia, PA
TBS, Transit
11/15/2012 First Unitarian Church Philadelphia, PA
TBS, Bayside
11/16/2012 Starland Ballroom Sayreville, NJ
TBS, Bayside, The Menzingers
11/17/2012 House of Blues Boston, MA
11/18/2012 State Theatre Portland, ME
11/20/2012 Lupo’s Providence, RI
TBS, Bayside
11/23/2012 Terminal 5 New York, NY
Tickets for most of these dates go on sale this Friday, August 10th. Visit www.ticketmaster.com to find the exact times they go on sale in your area.
Another prominent band from the early '00's is heading out on the road to do some reminiscing! Taking Back Sunday, who earlier this year celebrated the 10th anniversary of their debut album, "Tell All Your Friends" will be hitting the road this Fall for an extensive U.S. tour with Bayside tagging along as co-headliners. Other bands that will be featured on select dates include Mansions, Man Overboard, Motion City Soundtrack, Jukebox The Ghost, Now Now, Gabriel The Marine, Transit, and The Menzingers. The tour will kick off on October 4th at the House of Blues in Cleveland, OH and will stop by Boston on November 17th with Bayside and The Menzingers before wrapping up on November 23rd at Terminal 5 in NYC. Here is the full list of dates along with the respective bands playing each date:
TBS, Bayside, Mansions
10/04/2012 House of Blues Cleveland, OH
10/06/2012 Riviera Theater Chicago, IL
10/07/2012 The Fillmore Detroit, MI
10/08/2012 Beat Kitchen Chicago, IL
10/10/2012 Turner Hall Ballroom Milwaukee, WI
10/11/2012 First Avenue Minneapolis, MN
10/12/2012 Bourbon Theatre Lincoln, NE
10/13/2012 Granada Lawrence, KS
TBS, Bayside, Man Overboard
10/14/2012 Ogden Theatre Denver, CO
10/16/2012 In the Venue Salt Lake City, UT
10/18/2012 The Showbox Seattle, WA
10/19/2012 Crystal Ballroom Portland, OR
10/20/2012 The Catalyst Santa Cruz, CA
10/21/2012The Regency Ballroom San Francisco, CA
10/24/2012 Fox Theater Pomona, CA
10/25/2012 Club Nokia Los Angeles, CA
10/26/2012 House of Blues Las Vegas Las Vegas, NV
TBS, Motion City Soundtrack, Bayside, Jukebox the Ghost, Now Now
10/27/2012 Marquee Theatre Phoenix, AZ
TBS, Bayside, Gabriel the Marine
10/28/2012 Rialto Theatre Tucson, AZ
10/31/2012 Diamond Ballroom Oklahoma City, OK
11/01/2012 House of Blues Dallas, TX
11/02/2012 Emo’s Austin, TX
11/03/2012 House of Blues Houston, TX
11/04/2012 House of Blues New Orleans, LA
TBS, Bayside, Transit
11/06/2012 House of Blues Orlando, FL
11/07/2012 Revolution Live Fort Lauderdale, FL
11/08/2012 Jannus Landing St Petersburg, FL
11/09/2012 Center Stage Atlanta, GA
11/10/2012 The Norva Norfolk, VA
11/11/2012 9:30 Club Washington, DC
11/14/2012 The Electric Factory Philadelphia, PA
TBS, Transit
11/15/2012 First Unitarian Church Philadelphia, PA
TBS, Bayside
11/16/2012 Starland Ballroom Sayreville, NJ
TBS, Bayside, The Menzingers
11/17/2012 House of Blues Boston, MA
11/18/2012 State Theatre Portland, ME
11/20/2012 Lupo’s Providence, RI
TBS, Bayside
11/23/2012 Terminal 5 New York, NY
Tickets for most of these dates go on sale this Friday, August 10th. Visit www.ticketmaster.com to find the exact times they go on sale in your area.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Vacationer Release Music Video For "Trip"
Hola!
Philadelphia, PA based band Vacationer have just released their debut music video for the song "Trip". The video was shot using Lomography LomoKino cameras on the island of Oahu, Hawaii and features psychedelic footage that makes it look like an old home movie from long ago with breathtaking footage of the island and the warm and inviting ocean currents dazzling on display here with the song's ethereal nature attracting legions of music fans in its wake. The song is the first single from the band's debut album "Gone", which came out this past March and has quickly become one of my favorite albums of the year and has been in heavy rotation in my car during my summer driving season.
The video made it's world premiere yesterday, and for your viewing convenience I've embedded the video directly beneath this post so you can bask in all its glory! For more information on the band, head on over to their website at vacationermusic.com where you can type in the destination of where you would like to vacation and old vintage footage of the location you entered will pop up on the screen as the music plays. The band also has a Tumblr page at: vacationer.tumblr.com, can be 'Liked' on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/vacationermusic and can be followed on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/nuhula
Philadelphia, PA based band Vacationer have just released their debut music video for the song "Trip". The video was shot using Lomography LomoKino cameras on the island of Oahu, Hawaii and features psychedelic footage that makes it look like an old home movie from long ago with breathtaking footage of the island and the warm and inviting ocean currents dazzling on display here with the song's ethereal nature attracting legions of music fans in its wake. The song is the first single from the band's debut album "Gone", which came out this past March and has quickly become one of my favorite albums of the year and has been in heavy rotation in my car during my summer driving season.
The video made it's world premiere yesterday, and for your viewing convenience I've embedded the video directly beneath this post so you can bask in all its glory! For more information on the band, head on over to their website at vacationermusic.com where you can type in the destination of where you would like to vacation and old vintage footage of the location you entered will pop up on the screen as the music plays. The band also has a Tumblr page at: vacationer.tumblr.com, can be 'Liked' on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/vacationermusic and can be followed on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/nuhula
F.O.O.S. Release Teaser Trailer For New Album "Showcase"!
Hey everyone!
Torino, Italy based electro-rock band F.O.O.S. have just released a teaser trailer for their upcoming studio release titled "Showcase". The trailer features a bevy of distorted images and brief shots of a decibel meter increasing in intensity and various shots of wires all leading up to a man's face as he's being electrocuted. The clip is very bizarre and eerie, but it all blends in well with the band's mixture of electro rock that hinges on delving into the deep and unknown elements that make up who they are as a group.
I've attached the video clip directly beneath this post so that you can have a firsthand glimpse of what the group's music is all about. For more information on F.O.O.S., head on over to their Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/foosofficial and head on over to their official website at foos-official.com to view the tracklisting for the album, which should be available sometime this November.
Torino, Italy based electro-rock band F.O.O.S. have just released a teaser trailer for their upcoming studio release titled "Showcase". The trailer features a bevy of distorted images and brief shots of a decibel meter increasing in intensity and various shots of wires all leading up to a man's face as he's being electrocuted. The clip is very bizarre and eerie, but it all blends in well with the band's mixture of electro rock that hinges on delving into the deep and unknown elements that make up who they are as a group.
I've attached the video clip directly beneath this post so that you can have a firsthand glimpse of what the group's music is all about. For more information on F.O.O.S., head on over to their Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/foosofficial and head on over to their official website at foos-official.com to view the tracklisting for the album, which should be available sometime this November.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Interview w/ Helicopria
Hey everyone!
Back at it again with another entry in my interview series. Today, I'll sit down and conduct an interview with Boston's own Helicopria. You may remember them from back in February when I did an Artist Spotlight feature on them and have quickly become one of my favorite local acts in the Beantown area. Recently, I conducted an interview with guitarist Sulene Van der Walt and drummer J.P. Bouvet to get a little more acquainted with the group and find out some of the influences that make them who they are among other things. And now, I proudly present the transcript from that interview:
- First off, give all your names and what you do in the band?
Sulene: Helicopria consists of Allison French on vocals, Sulene V on guitar, Drew Moore on bass, and JP Bouvet on Drums.
- How did all of you guys meet and when did the band form?
Sulene: All the members of Helicopria met at Berklee College of Music over the last few years. I founded the group with our ex-guitarist Elijah Melanson and also JP Bouvet, our drummer in May 2010. From there I scouted for a highly energetic bassist who could fit our group and found Drew Moore. During the first couple months we held auditions for vocalist and we worked with Sirma Munyar for about 2 and a half years. In May 2012 Allison French came on board as our new front woman as Sirma Munyar is now pursuing a solo career.
- What inspired the name "Helicopria" for your band?
Sulene: JP came up with the name; he was sitting in a class at Berklee behind our friend Garrett who was wearing a "Sharks from A-Z" T-shirt. He wrote down some interesting sounding names and read them to Elijah and I. We thought "Helicoprian" was a cool word, coming from the Helicoprian shark (look it up online, it's a pretty crazy shark). After then we mispronounced the word for several weeks and it morphed into "Helicopria" which we decided we liked the sound of better anyway!
- Now, most of you guys currently go to school at Berklee College of Music, how has your education there helped your band get noticed in the Boston area and how has it helped you all individually?
Sulene: Going to Berklee certainly has helped our musicality and creativity. Most importantly, we would never have met if we didn't all go to the same music school. I personally wanted to move to Boston to meet like-minded musicians, which I did, so I'm really grateful for that. As far as Berklee helping us get noticed in Boston, saying you go there doesn't really count for much. There are several music schools in this area and the market is so saturated with insanely talented players that it's really tough competition to get people out to shows around here. That being said, being tied to Berklee has definitely helped us in other areas and the international scene.
- Describe the sound of Helicopria for those who aren't too familiar with the group.
Sulene: Helicopria is a mix of rock and electronic sounds. Over the last two and a half years our style has gone through many changes, starting out more progressive and guitar-heavy and and now moving towards electronic elements. For those who haven't heard us, we tell them our biggest influences are Circa Survive, Paramore, and The Dear Hunter.
- A few months ago, you guys returned from playing in Istanbul, can you describe what that experience was like paying there?
J.P.: It was really amazing. It was the second time we'd been there. The culture there is really beautiful and they really appreciate our kind of music. During the trip earlier this year, we played two shows and gave two clinics. The clinics were really cool, one at a high school and one at a university. We played a show at Otto Santral, with us as the headliner. The next day we opened for rock band, Mando Diao at Kucukciftlik park. It was the biggest venue/crowd we had played and the energy in the place was fantastic. We estimate there were about 2,000 people there. We gave out lots of CD's, met lots of cool people, signed lots of autographs. It was a good time.
- How have your on-stage personas developed over the years and how personable of a relationship do you maintain with your fans off stage?
J.P.: Each member of the band fulfills a certain character on and off stage. We are an interesting mix of people so the fans generally have someone to releate to in the band, even if they don't feel that connection with each member individually. Drew is the crazy one, Sulene is badass punk rock Hayley Williams-type girl, Allison is the sexy fierce lead singer, and JP is... well JP's the drummer. He looks like a punk but he's really not.
We maintain a close relationship with fans off stage. It's very important to us that the fans know we appreciate them because we really do. Without them, there is no Helicopria. We comment back and forth with fans and keep them up to date. We wrote some personalized songs for some of our fans a while back. We give things away. We love hanging with them after shows as well.
- Besides being college students, what do you guys like to do in your spare time besides making music?
J.P.: Make more music, listen to music, practice music, record music, that's pretty much it. Some of the members play in other groups. Drew and JP are pretty in demand in the area so they are always playing around with people. Sulene is a film composer, songwriter, and also plays with some other groups as well.
- What can we expect to see coming up next for Helicopria this year, any new studio recordings or shows planned?
J.P.: YOU CAN EXPECT THE MOST BADASS HELICOPRIA EP EVER MADE. Seriously. We tracked drums and bass in New York at Rubber Tracks Studio. Guitars and vocals will be done with our co-producer in Boston, Chris Leon. You can expect to hear the album in later fall. It's going to be very dirty.
- Lastly, how supportive has your fan base been in getting you to this point and do you have any words you'd like to pass along to them?
J.P.: Fans and supporters of all shapes and sizes are the heart of the band. The members are the brain and limbs but without the heart pumping life into us 24/7, we would not exist. We appreciate our fans immensely. They are the only reason we have gotten to the point we are at and our goal is to just keep spreading the word and sharing the things we love with other people who love the same thing. People who like our music, like it for the same reason we like it. We are all attached to it for some reason or another. It evokes similar memories and feelings in each of us. So generally, our fans and us share a lot in common. We love you all.
Thanks once again to Sulene and J.P. for taking some time out of their constantly busy schedules to do this interview. Right now as we speak, the group is gearing up to play a show at The Red Room @ Cafe 939 with Red Oblivion next Thursday, August 9th. Doors open at 7:45PM and the show gets underway promptly at 8:00PM. Tickets are $8.00 and can be purchased electronically in advance of the show via this link: https://www.vendini.com/ticket-software.html?e=50dd17b1f73efe08b7962ce368606859&t=tix For more information on Helicopria, head on over to their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/helicopria and follow them on Twitter at www.twitter.com/helicopria
Back at it again with another entry in my interview series. Today, I'll sit down and conduct an interview with Boston's own Helicopria. You may remember them from back in February when I did an Artist Spotlight feature on them and have quickly become one of my favorite local acts in the Beantown area. Recently, I conducted an interview with guitarist Sulene Van der Walt and drummer J.P. Bouvet to get a little more acquainted with the group and find out some of the influences that make them who they are among other things. And now, I proudly present the transcript from that interview:
- First off, give all your names and what you do in the band?
Sulene: Helicopria consists of Allison French on vocals, Sulene V on guitar, Drew Moore on bass, and JP Bouvet on Drums.
- How did all of you guys meet and when did the band form?
Sulene: All the members of Helicopria met at Berklee College of Music over the last few years. I founded the group with our ex-guitarist Elijah Melanson and also JP Bouvet, our drummer in May 2010. From there I scouted for a highly energetic bassist who could fit our group and found Drew Moore. During the first couple months we held auditions for vocalist and we worked with Sirma Munyar for about 2 and a half years. In May 2012 Allison French came on board as our new front woman as Sirma Munyar is now pursuing a solo career.
- What inspired the name "Helicopria" for your band?
Sulene: JP came up with the name; he was sitting in a class at Berklee behind our friend Garrett who was wearing a "Sharks from A-Z" T-shirt. He wrote down some interesting sounding names and read them to Elijah and I. We thought "Helicoprian" was a cool word, coming from the Helicoprian shark (look it up online, it's a pretty crazy shark). After then we mispronounced the word for several weeks and it morphed into "Helicopria" which we decided we liked the sound of better anyway!
- Now, most of you guys currently go to school at Berklee College of Music, how has your education there helped your band get noticed in the Boston area and how has it helped you all individually?
Sulene: Going to Berklee certainly has helped our musicality and creativity. Most importantly, we would never have met if we didn't all go to the same music school. I personally wanted to move to Boston to meet like-minded musicians, which I did, so I'm really grateful for that. As far as Berklee helping us get noticed in Boston, saying you go there doesn't really count for much. There are several music schools in this area and the market is so saturated with insanely talented players that it's really tough competition to get people out to shows around here. That being said, being tied to Berklee has definitely helped us in other areas and the international scene.
- Describe the sound of Helicopria for those who aren't too familiar with the group.
Sulene: Helicopria is a mix of rock and electronic sounds. Over the last two and a half years our style has gone through many changes, starting out more progressive and guitar-heavy and and now moving towards electronic elements. For those who haven't heard us, we tell them our biggest influences are Circa Survive, Paramore, and The Dear Hunter.
- A few months ago, you guys returned from playing in Istanbul, can you describe what that experience was like paying there?
J.P.: It was really amazing. It was the second time we'd been there. The culture there is really beautiful and they really appreciate our kind of music. During the trip earlier this year, we played two shows and gave two clinics. The clinics were really cool, one at a high school and one at a university. We played a show at Otto Santral, with us as the headliner. The next day we opened for rock band, Mando Diao at Kucukciftlik park. It was the biggest venue/crowd we had played and the energy in the place was fantastic. We estimate there were about 2,000 people there. We gave out lots of CD's, met lots of cool people, signed lots of autographs. It was a good time.
- How have your on-stage personas developed over the years and how personable of a relationship do you maintain with your fans off stage?
J.P.: Each member of the band fulfills a certain character on and off stage. We are an interesting mix of people so the fans generally have someone to releate to in the band, even if they don't feel that connection with each member individually. Drew is the crazy one, Sulene is badass punk rock Hayley Williams-type girl, Allison is the sexy fierce lead singer, and JP is... well JP's the drummer. He looks like a punk but he's really not.
We maintain a close relationship with fans off stage. It's very important to us that the fans know we appreciate them because we really do. Without them, there is no Helicopria. We comment back and forth with fans and keep them up to date. We wrote some personalized songs for some of our fans a while back. We give things away. We love hanging with them after shows as well.
- Besides being college students, what do you guys like to do in your spare time besides making music?
J.P.: Make more music, listen to music, practice music, record music, that's pretty much it. Some of the members play in other groups. Drew and JP are pretty in demand in the area so they are always playing around with people. Sulene is a film composer, songwriter, and also plays with some other groups as well.
- What can we expect to see coming up next for Helicopria this year, any new studio recordings or shows planned?
J.P.: YOU CAN EXPECT THE MOST BADASS HELICOPRIA EP EVER MADE. Seriously. We tracked drums and bass in New York at Rubber Tracks Studio. Guitars and vocals will be done with our co-producer in Boston, Chris Leon. You can expect to hear the album in later fall. It's going to be very dirty.
- Lastly, how supportive has your fan base been in getting you to this point and do you have any words you'd like to pass along to them?
J.P.: Fans and supporters of all shapes and sizes are the heart of the band. The members are the brain and limbs but without the heart pumping life into us 24/7, we would not exist. We appreciate our fans immensely. They are the only reason we have gotten to the point we are at and our goal is to just keep spreading the word and sharing the things we love with other people who love the same thing. People who like our music, like it for the same reason we like it. We are all attached to it for some reason or another. It evokes similar memories and feelings in each of us. So generally, our fans and us share a lot in common. We love you all.
Thanks once again to Sulene and J.P. for taking some time out of their constantly busy schedules to do this interview. Right now as we speak, the group is gearing up to play a show at The Red Room @ Cafe 939 with Red Oblivion next Thursday, August 9th. Doors open at 7:45PM and the show gets underway promptly at 8:00PM. Tickets are $8.00 and can be purchased electronically in advance of the show via this link: https://www.vendini.com/ticket-software.html?e=50dd17b1f73efe08b7962ce368606859&t=tix For more information on Helicopria, head on over to their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/helicopria and follow them on Twitter at www.twitter.com/helicopria
Grouplove - Never Trust A Happy Song
The album kicks off with "Itchin' On A Photograph", starting out with a barrage of handclaps and the smooth lead vocals of Christian Zucconi and the upbeat guitar licks provide this song with a strong emotional boost that makes you feel good as you listen to it all the way through. My favorite song off the album is a song that I'm sure you've heard plenty of times, "Tongue Tied". The song is littered with upbeat keyboard arrangements and the pairing of Christian's vocals with keyboardist Hannah Hooper that provides for an indelible one-two vocal combo that is an outrageous and raucous listening experience that is something to behold and is one of the top songs of 2012 heard so far. "Colours" is a steady and focused rocker that blends in melodic guitar riffs and Christian's onpoint vocal delivery that give this song a bloodrush of vivacity and hits at a different angle than the previous songs did and presents the band in a more diverse frame of mind and shows their full capabilities as musicians and how they interact with one another. "Slow" is a song that accurately reflects the songs' tempo and laid back nature with elegant instrumentation presented before you that make this song a fascinating listen and a journey inside their framework and the way they construct these intricately designed compositions. "Naked Kids" is a roll your car windows down type of song with upbeat, bombastic rhythms that provide for an extremely enjoyable listen with Christian and Hannah's dual vocal combination holding up all the instrumentation afoot here and providing a backdrop for the rest of the album to follow.
We venture into the disc's second half and come across "Betty's A Bombshell" a passionate, intricately designed song that goes into ballad territory with its low key nature providing for an extremely enjoyable listen and one that is user accessible by anyone. "Chloe" has a roaring, intense drumbeat brought forth courtesy of drummer Ryan Rabin who also acts as the album's producer, ensuring that the album sounds just as it intended while they were in the studio mapping this out and acts as a representative of the band as well, maintaining the Grouplove sound. We head into the disc's closing tracks with "Cruel and Beautiful World", a folk leaning tune that ushers in the album's closing minutes and shows off the group's capabilities of handling different genres with remarkable aplomb and maturity that is found in only sparse amounts from other bands out there in the scene today. The disc concludes with "Close Your Eyes and Count To Ten", a intricate, passionate tune with Christian and Hannah displaying their strong musical partnership with themselves and the rest of the band that shows you how well these guys work together and how they are on the same page musically each and every time they play together, a wonderful way to close out the disc. The genesis of Grouplove began in 2009 when Hannah met Christian in NYC after becoming very fond of his music. Hannah later invited Christian to an artist retreat in Crete that she was leaving for, and it was there that they met the other members of the band Andrew Wessen, Ryan Rabin, and Sean Gadd and like they say, the rest is history and the band known as Grouplove was formed out of the band's friendship with one another and their uncanny ability to communicate with one another in the language of music which is the essence of how all great friendships are formed.
In conclusion, a solid and well produced album by Grouplove, who have made a strong first impression with a dynamic and consistent effort that boldly represents the group's sound and their mission to bring people inside their musical tent and discover what the group is all about and what they can offer you as well.
Album Score: 4/5
Track Listing:
- Itchin' On A Photograph
- Tongue Tied
- Lovely Cup
- Colours
- Slow
- Naked Kids
- Spun
- Betty's a Bombshell
- Chloe
- Love Will Save Your Soul
- Cruel and Beautiful World
- Close Your Eyes and Count To Ten
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