Maycomb Release Music Video For "Dynamiter"

Wolverhampton, U.K. bred rockers Maycomb have just released their brand new music video for "Dynamiter". The song is taken from their recent album "I Opened My Heart To Caustic Things" and sees the band just being themselves in this truly authentic clip that best encapsulates the type of music that you're accustomed to hearing from the lovely lads, who have been featured numerous times before here on the blog and have quickly become one of my favorite bands to come across the Atlantic.

For more info on Maycomb, 'Like' them on Facebook here and follow them on Twitter here.

Devon Werkheiser - I Am

Devon Werkheiser, best known for his role as Ned Bigby on Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide, has released his debut solo EP titled I Am. The acoustic leaning effort is a true singer-songwriter leaning fare that introduces himself to a prospective listening audience, and builds an aura and buzz about himself right out of the gate that shows what he is all about.

We start things off with "Pray" a delicate, melodically toned track that shows off Devon's finely tuned vocal abilities weaving in and out through the instrumental tones that shoot straight for the sky and showcase the type of music that we can expect to hear moving forward. "Clarity" is my favorite track off the disc that starts out with an intricate percussion arrangement and Devon's vocals adding a strong sense of musical self-worth and confidence that totally evokes the type of music he set out to create while in the studio, and also gives the prospective listener an entertaining and thorough listening experience heard here so far, a breezy and well toned out track. "Save Me" is another terrific song with finely tuned acoustic guitar melodies and Devon's vocals showing off a more passionate and heartfelt side this time around that we haven't had the opportunity to discover until now, and it shows off his depth and versatility as a musician that allows him to go far beyond what he expected of himself musically. The disc begins to draw to a close on "Where Has My Mind Gone", a lush, refined tune that continues to enthrall and amaze us with Devon's exquisite talents being put on display here and captivating the audience with his many unique talents that are so raw and pure. The EP draws to a close on "Stand Up" an eclectic, colorful track with dazzling and organic musical components that really cuts to the core of what the album is all about: a diverse and energetic collection of tunes that aims to capture the essence of Devon's personality that is evoked on each song we've heard in succession, and gives us a better idea of who he is a person and what his passions are.

In retrospect, a smashing debut effort here from Devon Werkheiser, who has made a strong first impression right out of the gate with his first release, and has a long and promising career ahead of him and truly is a unique and gifted individual with a knack for keeping the audience entertained.

                                                                                                                              EP Score: 4/5

Track Listing:

1. Pray
2. Clarity
3. Save Me
4. Where Has My Mind Gone
5. Stand Up

Artist Spotlight: Steady Hands

Wrapping up the month of August with a brand new installment of Artist Spotlight! Today, we head down to the City of Brotherly Love otherwise known as Philadelphia, PA and uncover the folk infused sounds of Steady Hands. The band consists of Sean Huber, Jake Ewald, William Lindsay, George Legatos, Andrew Kirnan, and Richie Straub. The band's music is an interesting mixture of folk and punk rock rhythms conjured upon a staggering lyrical wisdom that is enthralling and something to be treasured the moment you first hear it. When I first read the band's genre description, I was definitely intrigued at the odd combination of genres, but it really hit home for me when I heard it in its finished form with deeply passionate and insightful vocals that is unlike anything else currently out there and really tugs at your heartstrings with its 1-2 punch of intricate lyrical poetry and whimsical instrumentation that takes you along for the ride and raptures you in almost immediately upon first hearing it. A terrific upstart band that is only going to get better in time. Some terrific tracks for you to discover include "Fragile Heart" and "I Swear Like A Sailor".

For more information on Steady Hands, head on over to their Facebook page located here and see firsthand what they're all about. You can get periodic updates on the happenings of Steady Hands from Sean Huber's Twitter feed right over here. Check out the band's music on their Bandcamp site at this spot here for your listening pleasure.

Wives - Wifes

Lansdale, PA's own Wives are back with their sophomore effort titled Wifes. The follow up to their self-titled debut finds the group getting down and dirty once again on a noise filled opus that runs the gamut between heavy, archaic rhythms and subtle, spaced out jams that really shows off the wealth of diversity that the group are capable of pulling off at any given time.

We start things out with "Cheaters" an eerie, pulsating track that starts things out on an appropriate note with the fervent vocal abilities of lead singer Nico Warhol and Charles Schneider's unique bass handling abilities ensure that things start out on a loud and reckless tone right out of the gate. My favorite track off the album is "Girl Kept Running", an enthusiastic, melodic rocker that evokes the carefree spirit and no holds barred nature of the album that the band were aiming for when they were recording these tracks in the studio. An indelible experience complete with insatiable guitar licks and a steady pace that ensures everything moves along according to plan and ends right on cue. "Ring Finger" is an eerie, mysterious number that is different from the previous tracks and aims to invoke a sense of aura and mysteriousness that we started seeing signs of at scattered points throughout the album, but makes its first full fledged appearance right here and starts to usher in the next half of the album with great anticipation.

And the second half begins with "We're All Surrealists" a fervent, pulsating track that features loud and piercing vocals knocking down your door and a gritty, take charge attitude that commands your attention the minute you first hear it. The disc gets ready to close up shop with "These People", a stripped down, bare bones track that reads like a spoken word track that almost hypnotizes you to stop what you're doing and listen to what they have to say. "She Smokes Cigarettes" ends our journey here with a spaced out, fuzzy rocker that comes complete with the usual bells and whistles we've all heard in one way, shape, or form here and allows us to reflect and realize that our time here was well spent. I always appreciate bands who think outside of the box and do things that deviate greatly from the norm and what is usually expected of bands, and Wives have accomplished just that with an effort that throws out the rulebook completely and allows the guys to just be themselves and show the listening audience what they have in their arsenal.

In summary, a well thought out and accomplished collection from Wives, who are among a growing collection of bands who are adopting their own set of musical rules and regulations to abide by, and comes with a definite swagger and identity that you just don't see enough of these days.

                                                                                                                                Album Score: 3.5/5

Track Listing:

1. Cheaters
2. Game Changer
3. Girl Kept Running
4. Ring Finger
5. We're All Surrealists
6. Animal
7. These People
8. She Smokes Cigarettes

Artist Spotlight: Boardwalks

We keep on trucking this week with an all new edition of Artist Spotlight! Today, we head out to Chicopee, MA and check in with the youthful and energetic sounds of Boardwalks. The group consists of Matt Sykes, Kyle Lusty, Michael Roy, and Connor Presz. The band's sound is a mature and focused blend of pop-punk similar to the likes of Yellowcard with a little Taking Back Sunday thrown in for good measure to balance the sound out and give it a little diversity and clout in the process. Like I said numerous times before on the blog, I grew up on this type of music while in high school, and I can clearly identify with the musical message embedded within the lyrics of their music, and this makes me feel like I'm 17 again and there's absolutely nothing wrong with going back in time and revisiting the spirit of my youth. A terrific local band that is definitely deserving of a notable mention here on the blog. Some terrific songs for you to check out from them include "Stare" and "Ray Ashe".

For more information on the boys in Boardwalks, head on over to their Facebook page and 'Like' it over here to see upfront what they're like from a musical perspective. The band is available to be followed on Twitter from over here and find out when they'll be performing in the Boston area in the coming months. Their music is available for free streaming on their Bandcamp site located right here for easy and ready convenience.

Set Times Announced For Next Week's Boston Calling Festival

The official set times have been announced for next weekend's Boston Calling music festival, set to take place in City Hall Plaza on September 7th and 8th. The follow up to May's festival promises to be an exciting and memorable experience featuring dozens of indie acts while keeping our fingers crossed for warm and sunny weather this time around. Here are the times that all the bands will be performing on stage:

Saturday September 7th

12:50pm Viva Viva
1:30pm You Won't
2:00pm Lucius
2:45pm Okkervil River
3:30pm Deer Tick
4:30pm The Airborne Toxic Event
5:30pm Bat For Lashes
6:30pm Local Natives
7:30pm The Gaslight Anthem
9:00pm Vampire Weekend

Sunday September 8th

12:50pm Royal Teeth
1:30pm Bearstronaut
2:00pm Big Black Delta
2:45pm Flume
3:30pm Flosstradamus
4:30pm Solange
5:30pm Wolfgang Gartner
6:30pm Major Lazer
7:45pm Kendrick Lamar
9:00pm Passion Pit

For more information on the festival, including what to bring, how to get there, and concessions, visit Boston Calling's official website here and stay tuned into all of MusicBoxPete's social networks on Facebook and Twitter for full live coverage of Saturday's edition of the festival that will include a boatload of pics and live updates from yours truly!

BREAKING: Caspian Bassist Chris Friedrich Dies

Some shocking and tragic news that came in this morning for those who don't already know, Chris Friedrich, bassist for the Beverly, MA based band Caspian passed away unexpectedly this past Sunday afternoon. No details about the cause of his death are available at this time. The band made the announcement earlier this morning via their Facebook page, here is the official statement:

"Dear Friends,

We write to you today with heavy hearts and indescribable sadness to tell you that our bass player, Chris Friedrich, died unexpectedly Sunday afternoon. We have lost a close friend, a true brother, and a presence that can never be replaced in any of our lives. Chris epitomized the heart and soul of Caspian, and in our own ways -- both individually and collectively -- dedicate ourselves to honoring his memory. We ask for privacy. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

We will be paying tribute this Saturday (8/31) to Chris by performing at The Engine Room in Manchester, NH. This is a benefit show for a friend of Chris's who is seeking funding for a lung transplant. Chris was instrumental in putting this show together, and is the only way we know how to honor his memory at this time. You can find more information in our events section for this performance.

We love you all so very much. "

Caspian was featured here on the blog twice in the last 3 months, both as an Artist Spotlight feature and an exclusive interview I did with the band just two weeks ago which you can view here. I'm totally shocked and saddened by this heartbreaking news, and my thoughts and prayers go to Chris's bandmates and immediate family members.

Interview w/ Last One Out

Continuing to bring it with another installment in my ongoing interview series! Today, we sit down and have a chat with Providence's own Last One Out. You may remember the post I did about them last week regarding their documentary surrounding their latest release "Still Life Moves" and all of the buzz and aura surrounding it and the magic that happened while recording it in the studio. The boys were nice enough to take some time out to do an interview that allows readers to get to know the band a little better and what inspired them to shoot a documentary for their EP. Here is what they had to say in this transcript:

Give us your names and your roles in the band?

Scott Royal-Vocals, Keys
Scott Mesite-Guitar
Jeff Gahan-Bass
Dustin Bailey-Drums

How did you guys all meet and when did the band form?

The four of us met while attending Providence College our Freshman year in the fall of 2007, but it wasn't until March of 2009 that we formed the band.

How did you guys come up with the name Last One Out?

While attending school, we often practiced in the rehearsal room of the music and arts building on campus. After one practice, we were hanging out in the foyer outside of the room, discussing different band names. On the door that led out to the hallway, there was a posted sign that read: "Last one out, turn off the lights." Scott Mesite pointed to the sign, and said, "What about Last One Out?" And it stuck.

How big of a role has music been in shaping the people you are now?

Being in this band together has undoubtedly been one of, if not the biggest event that has shaped who we are as people. Upon graduating from college in 2011, we all decided that we wanted to continue the band, and pursue it as a career. That decision alone has affected our lives forever.

What themes and/or subject matter typically run through your music?

Singer Scott Royal writes the lyrics for our material, and he often draws on different emotions that are common experiences in life that everyone can relate to, but in their own way. We leave the meaning of the lyrics up to the person who is listening.

Take us behind the recording process for "Still Life Moves" and what that whole experience was like?

We feel comfortable playing music in basements. We did it a lot in college at house parties, we rehearse in our own basement in the house we live in together now, and we record in a basement as well. The Echoroom Recording Studio, formerly in Uxbridge, MA, run by our friend Ian van Opijnen, was a great fit for us to record Still Life Moves. We had worked with Ian before on our last EP, so we knew how to work well with him. The Still Life Moves experience was even more enjoyable. We decided to record one song at a time, so that we could really focus on each song as a whole, rather than laying down four drum tracks, then four bass parts, etc. This way we could really understand each song, and what we wanted out of it. Going into the studio, we had three and a half songs ready to go, and when we left, the four song EP was in place. The last song we recorded, Hardwiring, came together, literally on the last day in the studio.

What inspired you guys to shoot a documentary film surrounding the recording of your EP?

We have always tried to include other local aspiring artists to work with us on our projects. One relationship that had developed in the year prior to Still Life Moves was with videographer/photographer Billy Nawrocki. He wanted to be as involved with the process as possible, so we decided to have him put together a documentary around the recording, to help capture that point in our lives and the process in general.

What do you guys like to do for fun in your spare time when not making music?

We enjoy doing anything outdoors, going to the movies, spending time with family and friends, and just enjoying our time here.

What's coming up next on your agenda this year, any upcoming shows we should know about?

We are playing a headlining show on September 21 at The Middle East Upstairs for WBOS Local Radio 929. The show is a kick off show to raise awareness of the new local branch of the station. Apart from that, we are going to be playing throughout the Northeast this fall in support of Still Life Moves, playing in cities we have previously not played in. We want to gain exposure in new locations, and sometimes the only way to do that is by showing up and playing for whoever is around.

Any words for your fans who may be reading this interview?

We just want to thank any fan we have, from wherever they are. Knowing that there are people who support us gives us the drive to keep pursuing our goal, so thank you. And please don't be strangers. Come say hi at our shows, write to us, and tell us what you think!

Thanks once again to the boys in Last One Out for being so gracious with their time in conducting this interview! I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of getting to know them a little better personally, and I'm sure you guys had the thrill and honor as well of getting to discover who they really are as both musicians and people. Check out their EP "Still Life Moves" if you haven't had the opportunity to do so, now available on iTunes right here.

Artist Spotlight: Jake Miller

Finishing out the final week of August with a brand new installment of Artist Spotlight! Today, we venture on down to Weston, FL and uncover the hip-hop infused sounds of Jake Miller. Jake's music is an upbeat and dance infused blend of hip-hop with thoughtful and insightful lyrics that are markedly different from the more traditional blend of hip-hop currently being distributed today. What really struck me about Jake's music was his poignant honesty lyrically, and the beats had a subtle rock influence embedded within the beats that opened up the playing field significantly to an open minded audience willing to experience a different side of hip-hop that is free of the negative connotations usually associated with that genre, and is more of a loose and limber experience that is definitely primed for your Labor Day and end of summer excursions. A terrific and promising young talent that is ready to move on to the next step of stardom. Some tracks recommended for you to experience include "A Million Lives" and "With You".

For more information on Jake Miller, 'Like' him on Facebook here and get to know everything going on in his world right now. You can follow him on Twitter as well from this location here and find out when he'll stopping by your area sometime with a concert appearance. Visit his official website here for more wide ranging info pertaining to his music, and check out his latest EP "The Road Less Traveled" now available on iTunes and a host of other select digital music platforms.

Fall 2013 New Music Preview

With the summer winding down ever so slowly, I thought it would be a good idea to check out some of the new albums that will be making its way onto store shelves and online very soon. This fall's crop of albums include a bevy of indie acts looking to stake their claim on the scene and move their way up the pedestal with their new material. Here is a list of some upcoming fall releases you'll want to pay attention to:

Grouplove - Spreading Rumours (September 17th)

Los Angeles, CA's own Grouplove are back with their sophomore release titled Spreading Rumours. The band have been blowing up with the first single off the album, "Ways to Go" impacting alternative radio as we speak, and the band are getting ready to embark on a unique tour that will have the band playing 2 shows in several cities, with one being acoustic and one being a full set with instruments. This release should be a huge step forward for the group and cement their place in the alternative music scene.

MGMT - MGMT (September 17th)

Psychedelic rockers MGMT make their long awaited return with their third self-titled release. The band's last album, 2010's Congratulations was underwhelming at best, and didn't exactly excite listeners who adored the band with their genre-defying debut, 2007's Oracular Spectacular. This release gets the band back to their roots explored on their first one, with dreamy, hypnotic psychedelic influences hearkening the band back to their beginnings, and hopefully this one gets the band back to basics and on the right musical track.

Kings of Leon - Mechanical Bull (September 24th)

Kings of Leon make their long awaited return this fall with Mechanical Bull. The follow up to 2010's Come Around Sundown sees the band continuing to bring their old blend of Southern rock inspired influences brought upon a grandiose scale, and have a strong musical self-esteem to go along with it that gives the band some clout and name recognition from fans and music critics alike who appreciate their type of music and what they have to bring to the table.

Call Me Anything - The Best Damn Time (September 24th)

Boston's pop-rock darlings Call Me Anything are set to make their long awaited return with their new one, The Best Damn Time. The follow up to last year's Celebrity EP sees the band maturing and evolving greatly from their last release, and moving towards a more mature musical frame of mind, while still retaining elements from their past that made them who they are today, and a popular attraction among the mostly female demographic of their fanbase. They're ready to bring it to the next level, and the time is now.

The Avett Brothers - Magpie and the Dandelion (October 15th)

The Avett Brothers are ready to release their new one Magpie and the Dandelion. The follow up to last year's stunning The Carpenter sees the band maintaining their Southern inspired, bluegrass fed type of music that really gets down to the roots of American music with a stunning collection of tunes produced by the legendary Rick Rubin who also helmed their last release, and this effort is poised to have the group break through to the next level and on their way to the level of stardom that they always dreamed of.

Any more albums you're clamoring for and looking forward to hearing this fall? Let me know which albums you can't wait to be released, and I'll take it under advisement and give it special consideration here on the blog.

This Much - Decision/Spiral

Boston's own This Much have released their brand new 2 song EP titled Decision/Spiral. The disc is a inviting and relaxing mixture of indie rock rhythms conjured upon a simple musical structure that shows off the band's organic playing style that makes them unique among the other bands currently embedded within the Boston music scene.

The first track "Decision" is a remarkable, easy-going track that features neatly tuned guitar rhythms and soft, whispering vocals brought to you by frontman Terrence Mulhern who contributes a great deal to the trio's musical outset that has a bare bones essence to it that is crisp, refreshing, and makes you want to continue listening right until the very end. "Spiral" wraps up our short trip here, and features an intricate, folk leaning style that has indelible acoustic guitar melodies weaving in and out through the instrumentation here, and wonderful bass and percussion brought to you respectively by John Stricker and Denny Kennedy who round out the short EP with something that is incredibly relaxing and makes you appreciate the honest musicianship and impeccable talent that these three guys have, and shows off what the band are capable of bringing to their audience both on record and on stage. I've covered these guys previously here on the blog back in January as my Artist Spotlight feature, and I really commended the guys for keeping things simple and straightforward, while not doing too much musically that would have otherwise made the music distracting and unable to pay attention to all the action that is going on. I thoroughly enjoyed the band's playing style immensely, and I have great hope for the trio moving forward.

All in all, a terrific EP from This Much, a local band who is starting to make their presence known to music listeners in the area, and have a defined playing style that you just don't see enough of these days from other local bands.

                                                                                                                               EP Score: 4/5

Track Listing:

1. Decision
2. Spiral

David Downing Releases Debut "Cosmic Conspiracy"

Omaha, Nebraska native David Downing has just released his debut effort titled "Cosmic Conspiracy". The highly skilled cellist is taking his talents to the masses with a 5 song collection that totally eschews his unique and highly specialized blend of classical leaning music that has a certain mood and feel to it that you can't possibly ignore, and leaves you to continue listening to get the full grasp of what it is that he's trying to covey to his listening audience. His music was a welcome surprise to me, and it serves as a reminder that classical music need not be totally ignored, and definitely has a place within the confines of the musical wall.

To check out "Cosmic Conspiracy" in its entirety, head on over to his Bandcamp page here and see for yourself what David has conjured up for you. Visit his official website here for more wide ranging info pertaining to his music.

Artist Spotlight: Set The Pace

Heading into the glorious weekend with a brand new edition of Artist Spotlight for today! We head down to Fairfield County, CT and uncover the youth infused sounds of Set The Pace. The band consists of Mike Neaton on lead vocals, P.J. Runko on vocals and synth, Greg Carter on guitar, Jeremy Neaton on guitar, Robbie Williams on bass, and Casey O'Dea on drums and backup vocals. The band's music is a mixture of melodic hardcore with some synth based influences thrown in for good measure that makes them stand out from other bands within their respective genre. What struck a chord for me with these guys was their ability to be comfortable and at ease with the type of music they're playing and their ability to communicate with the audience, which is essential for any band to master the art of in this day of age. A terrific upstart audience that needs a little boost to move ahead of the other acts out there. Some recommended tracks for you to check out include "Stylin' and Pillin'" and "Movie Theater Pop-Core".

For more information on Set The Pace, head on over to their Facebook page located here and give them a quick 'Like' if you appreciate what they have to give you. The band is also on Twitter from over here and see when they'll be making their way through the Boston area with a concert appearance. Their latest album titled "Call Your Friends" came out last month, and is now available for free streaming and download from their Bandcamp site located right here.

Artist Spotlight: Pretty Lights

Starting off your scorching hot Thursday with an all new edition of Artist Spotlight! Today, we cool off and head over to Denver, CO where we encounter the groove inflected sounds of Pretty Lights. Pretty Lights is the brainchild of Derek Vincent Smith, and the music is pure electro infused bliss with indelible beats that you can't help but to dance to, and the unmatched musicality from Derek shows you what you've been missing all this time. I must admit I'm a little late to the Pretty Lights party as I've heard of him for quite some time, but never had the opportunity to check out his music until now and I'm so glad that I did because it shows the bare bones essence of electronic music with some hip-hop and soul influences thrown in for good measure to balance out all the goodness that is emanating so strongly from his music. A terrific act that is definitely worthy of additional exposure here on the blog. Some recommended tracks for you to discover include "Color of My Soul" and "Press Pause".

For more information on Pretty Lights, head on over to his Facebook page located here and find out what you've been missing musically all this time. He is available to be followed on Twitter from over here and see when he'll be making his way towards your hometown sometime soon. Visit his official website right here for more wide ranging info pertaining to him, and you can also download all his music for free from that location as well. You can also donate if you wish to keep his spirit of making awesome music alive.