Life of Agony @ Highline Ballroom NYC Tonight

Tonight Life of Agony celebrate their 20th anniversary with a show at the elegant Highline Ballroom. Opening the show is some of the area's best hardrock acts, One Brick Down, AnAkA, and Dead Men Dreaming. Tickets are $20. Doors are at 6pm. Show starts at 7pm. The show is all ages. Last month LOA played "River Runs Red" in its entirety. There's no word of whether the band will do a similar gimmick or what the set will consist of, but it's sure to be a great night of music. The lyrics speak of his homelife, parents, growing up, and self, themes many people can relate to. Keith Caputo is committed to every note he sings and with Joey Z, Alan Robert, and Sal Abruscato backing him, I predict this show will be nothing less stellar. More info is available here.

The Number 12 Look Like You Break-Up (2003-2009)

Yet another New Jersey band is calling it quits. This time it's Bergen County grindcore band, The Number 12 Looks You. Here's part of the letter guitarist Alexis wrote:

Due to many ongoing issues and the slow deteriorating of the band throughout the years, #12 has decided to let this little monster go to sleep. It is best to leave this band with high standards it set for itself than to water down anything good that we had. I'm equally sorrowful it had to end in such a manner however this will hopefully give rise to a new chapter of music and creativity from the members. I will continue to pursue my ongoing visions of music, Jon will be drumming till his heart stops the beat, Chris is going to design a computer system that will brew a delicious IPA, and Jase is going to be the head of Warner soon.

Their myspace already has over a 100 comments from fans sad about their departure. They play a farewell show at The School of Rock on Jan. 29. Tickets are on-sale today at 10am here. The band's latest album Worse Than Alone was released March 2009.

Lemuria to release new album in 2010

Buffalo pop rock band Lemuria issued the followed statement via MySpace & Facebook:

I know it's really far down the road, but we're planning to record our 2nd album in July! Which means we'll have a new full length out by fall (roughly) of 2010!

Also, we're having a holiday sale right now, it's seriously awesome! We have these hoodies for sale that have the Log Lady from Twin Peaks on them.

The holiday sale includes a Zipper Hoodie, T-shirt, CD, Huge Sticker, 2" Pin, 11x17 Poster. Choose any design, size and album that you see available on the site for $35! It's available here. Their latest Ozzy 7'' is also available there. They have several shows line-up through May that includes a date at Asbury Lanes with Leatherface, Yesterday's Rising, and Bridge & Tunnel on March 6.

Holiday Shows: BTMI!, Monty Love, Ted Leo, Steel Train, and Thursday

The winter season brings Christmas trees, presents, and snow. It also brings the delightful Christmas songs and carols. This winter season while you're enjoying hot cocoa, consider going to some special holiday shows and concerts. This month is filled with plenty across the Garden State and the Big Apple. So allow me highlight some for you.

1. Quote Unquote Records presents their 2nd Annual "Holiday Rock Charity Event" featuring Bomb The Music Industry!, Laura Stevenson and The Cans, Tin Armor, The Sidekicks, and Stolen Parts on Dec. 15 at Death By Audio. Folks are encouraged to bring clothes for the Teens at Covenant house and toys for the kids at safe Horizon. The show is at 49 S. 2nd St., Williamsburg, NY. The show is $6-10 sliding scale all give to the above charities. http://www.myspace.com/bombthemusicindustry
2. The 8th Annual Monty Love Xmas Spectacular on Dec. 19 at Dock Street in Staten Island. It’s be 3 years since the S.I. punk band has graced the stage of Dock St and now they're coming back for one night only. Quantice Never Crashed, Les Vinyl and Racing Exit 13 will open. The show is all ages and $10. But bring a flier (somewhere on the web) and get in for $6. http://www.myspace.com/montylove
3. Ted Leo performs an intimate solo show with Tourmaline, Washington Sq Park, and The Exotic Aquatic on Dec. 26 at the Meatlocker in Montclair. More info here.
4. Steel Train have three line-up holiday shows for your pleasure. Two are Dec. 29 and 30 at Maxwell's in Hoboken. More info is available here. They also have another one at Brooklyn Bowl on Jan. 2.
5. Thursday return to Jersey on Dec. 30 at the The Starland Ballroom with Glassjaw, Dillinger Escape Plan, United Nations, and The Casting Out. More info here. The show is sold out, but the Aquarian has your chance to win tickets here.

Ted Leo to perform intimate solo show in NJ on Dec. 26 w/ Tourmaline, Exotic Aquatic

Three of New Jersey's up-and-coming local bands will open for Ted Leo at the Meatlocker in Montclair on Dec. 26. The show is a solo one for the Bloomfield native who recently played a sold out show at Bowery Ballroom with his band, The Pharmacists. He also signed with Matador Records who will release his new album, The Brutalist Bricks on March 9, 2010.

The evening is special holiday show featuring Washington Square Park, Tourmaline, and The Exotic Aquatic. Washington Square Park is a gritty, pop punk band from Essex County. "These Lasts Months" is a catchy, cute song that you can hear of their myspace. Tourmaline is a rock 'n roll band with a keyboardist and honest, sweet lyrics. Check out "The Swindle," the title track for their latest record featuring Richard Lloyd of Television. Finally, The Exotic Aquatic is a mostly acoustic based folk rock band reminiscent of Attica! Attica!, Paul Baribeau., and Nana Grizol. For this show Anthony Villacari from Cash Cash will be playing drums.

The Meatlocker is located at 8 Park Street in Montclair, NJ. There are no advance tickets, so arrive early if you want to get in. The cover is $10 and all ages. Doors at 7pm.

Holiday Music & Gifts from Six to Eight Mathematics, Joe Wilson, Kevin Devine +more

Get in the spirit of the holidays and hear some Christmas tunes:

* Six to Eight Mathematics- "Silent Night"

* Joe Wilson- "Jingle Bell" and "Last Christmas"

* Kevin Devine- Splitting Up Christmas

* Hidden in Plain View- "Christmas Song"

"So I have been thinking of splitting up Christmas, to see everyone I'd like to see"

Also, join Bern & the Brights for the 12 days of Christmas. They'll be posting a gift here everyday until Christmas!

--
Relates entries:

* Six to Eight Mathematics bring rock 'n roll punk on High Heels, Whiskey, and Mayhem

* Kevin Devine @ WSOU- interview & acoustic set on 9/5/09

* Kevin Devine, Joe Wilson, Exit She Calls, and Shiragirl, videos @ WSOU 9-5-09

Taking Back Sunday to play two exclusive acoustic sets in NYC on 12/17

Long Island's Taking Back Sunday have announced two acoustic shows on Dec.17 at Angel Orensanz, 172 Norfolk Street in NYC. The event will be the first time the band have played an entire acoustic set. The first show is at 5pm and the second is at 8:30pm. Additionally, the show will be filmed for an upcoming DVD release in the intimate 400 capacity venue. Please note there is limited seating. Tickets are available here for $30 and all ages are welcome.

Their latest album New Again was released earlier this year. This year also marks the bands 10 year anniversary.

The Gaslight Anthem @ Wellmont Theatre + video, photos, and setlist

we're having a party, everybody's swingin'

photos & story by Star Beat

The Gaslight Anthem played their last show of the year to an enthusiastic, sold out crowd on Friday night in the bands home state. The show was a testament to the growth they've made since forming in 2005 when they played basement shows and small clubs. The Wellmont Theatre in Montclair hosted 2,000 fans for a night that opened with what Brian Fallon said was a bunch of the band’s friends- The Hold Outs, Communication Redlight, and Vision.

The band's 90 minute set consisted of most of the New Brunswick natives discography. They played a nice mix of songs from their latest '59 Sound and older album Sink or Swim, as well as from their Senor and the Queen ep. The crowd sang along, crowd surfed, and most people sitting in the balcony stood up during the encore set.

From the lovely "Old White Lincoln" to the single "The '59 Sound" the band was tight and the set highlighted the band's driving music and compelling lyrics plus their folk, punk, and rock influences. The band's music, particularly on Sink or Swim capture the lush, danceable, romanticism of the Jersey Shore sound. Songs like "Wooderson," and "1930" are ones that make for great driving music with special people. "We Came to Dance" is the perfect Jersey song for two kids in love hanging out "under the central Jersey sky." There was a crispness and sincerity from the band I haven't seen in a long time.

The 8 song encore was most impressive featuring a new song, a Tom Petty cover, and songs from all 3 of their releases. It's funny they played a new one considering Fallon's earlier statement. He announced the band was writing new songs but couldn't play any because someone could record them. They closed it with "The Backseat."

Fallon later said via twitter:

thank you all so much for last night it was the best show to end a great year for us! and, it was a new song. It's called "bring it on.''

Communication Redlight put on a good show. Vision reminded me of great punk/hardcore, especially with "Close Minded." The singer seemed to use his mic stand as compensation for a lack of a guitar, but was intense and consistent.

Just last year this month the band played a secret show at the Court Tavern. Brian Fallon returns their on Dec. 23 to perform solo at Andy Diamond's Christmas show with Let Me Run, The Sirs, and Communication Redlight (see flier under "read more"). Fallon also has a string of dates lined up for the new year.

The Gaslight Anthem are one of those band's that makes me proud to be from New Jersey. They make great rock tunes that aren't overdone, but sincere and bring in different influences yet maintain a cohesive sound. They are one of Jersey's best. Keep up the anthem, gaslight!

See below for tour dates, photos, videos, and setlist.

"Old White Lincoln"


"Werefore Art Thou, Elvis?"

Vision @ Wellmont Theatre

Brian Fallon solo dates:
12/23 @ Court Tavern, New Brunswick, NJ

w/ Dave Hause of the Loves Ones
1/15 @ Bowery Ballroom, NYC
1/16 @ The Black Cat, Washington, DC
1/17 @ First Unitarian Church, Philly, PA

The Gaslight Anthem Setlist:

1. Old White Lincoln
2. Wooderson
3. Wherefore Art Thou, Elvis?
4. Even Cowgirls Get the Blues
5. High Lonesome
6. We Came to Dance
7. Film Noir
8. (I’da Called You Woody, Joe)
9. Great Expectations
10. Miles Davis & The Cool
11. Blue Jeans & White T-Shirts
12. Meet Me by the River’s Edge
13. Here’s Looking at You, Kid
14. The ‘59 Sound

Encore:
15. Casanova, Baby
16. 1930
17. Bring It On (new song)
18. The Navesink Blues
19. Refugee (Tom Petty cover)
20. Say I Won't (Recognize)
21. We're Getting A Divorce You Keep the Diner
22. The Backseat

Last Days of Empire played Fontana's w/ Leslie DiNicola & The Eighty-7s, pics

photos by StarBeat

Last Days of Empire returned to NYC for a show with Leslie DiNicola (formerly of Peculiar Gentlemen) and The Eighty-7's, two acts from the big apple. It was an interesting parallel to LDOE's ambient, heavier rock elements. Leslie was first providing a country/indie folk vibe with soulful vocals. While there was a decent crowd for her too many people drifted out of the room, seemingly more interested in their drink and chatting with friends, then hearing live music. I felt like the only really paying attention for The Eighty 7's that wasn't a friend of the bands. The 4-piece is fronted by singer Hayley Smith who sang the striking line "I can be everything to you." It was interesting hearing the line, "What if I said to you I was straight. What if I said to you I was gay?" given recent news. One of the band's shortcomings was the dual vocals they had times-they didn't compliment each other at all. But the music was fairly cool and the drummer, Eric had some sweet beats. Before LDOE came on the guitarist for the The Eighty 7's approached me and said, "hey, do you work here?" I said, "no," and he said, "so you're just here watching. Thanks for coming to the show." It was great that he was thankful, butI find it weird he asked if I worked there. It reminded me of the time when I was a studio audience member for Its on With Alexa Chung when Screaming Females performed. I'm a big fan, so I, well, rocked out. Afterwards, one of the camera guys asked if I was friends of the bands. This took me back. So you either have to be friends with a band or work at a venue to see a band or show some sort of enjoyment for a band, at least a local one?

Anyway, Last Days of Empire immediately changed the tone of the room with their louder, alternative sound. The band was intense and singer Mike nearly flawlessly shifted from soft to screaming vocals. The South Amboy, NJ 6-piece, while heavy is fairly easy on the ears. They shouldn't be lumped in with post hard-core bands. Last Days know how to build up their music and create intense, ambient musical landscapes that don't sound awkward or misplaced. The band was great to see live.

Tonight LDOE perform at The Blue Room is Secaucus with Streets of Fire, Eden Star, and Dispute to Flames. More info here.

Also, we interviewed Mike for an upcoming feature story, so be on the look out for that.

Upcoming LDOE Dates:
12/19 @ The Court Tavern, New Brunswick, NJ
1/15 @ The Saint, Asbury Park, NJ
1/20 @ Mojo 13, Wilmington, DE
2/10 @ Trash Bar, Brooklyn, NY

See below for pics from the acts!

Last Days of Empire










The Eighty-7's





Leslie DiNicola

What's Going on in Jersey & NYC 12/11

Here's what going on this Friday:

* Last Days of Empire, Eden Star, Dispute to Flames @ The Blue Room Secaucus , NJ

* Tony Lucca, Josh Hoge, Matt Lowell, Britten @ Sullivan Hall New York, NY

* The Bridge Wore Black, Vienna Falls, Kelsey and the Chaos, Exit She Calls, and more @ FLC Bronx NY

* The Gaslight Anthem, Vision, Communication Redlight and The Hold Outs @ Wellmont Theatre (SOLD OUT) Montclair, NJ

* Arctic Monkeys, Screaming Females @ Terminal 5 New York, NY (SOLD OUT)

* Dashboard Confessional (solo acoustic), New Found Glory (acoustic) @ Highline Ballroom New York, NY (advance tickets are sold out, but a few will be available at the door)

* The Fiery Furnaces, Shilpa Ray and Her Happy Hooker, Private Income @ Music Hall of Williamsburg Brooklyn, NY

* Norma Jean, HORSE the band, The Chariot and Arsonists Get All The Girls @ Blender Theater at Gramercy New York, NY

* forgettors (f/ members of Jawbreaker & Against me!), humanbeast, chastity wif @ Market Hotel Brooklyn NY

What shows are you going to?

Any I missed?