Live Review: Florence and the Machine @ Apple Store SoHo 11-2-10

"A falling star fell from your heart and landed in my eyes"

Florence and the Machine is the kind of band that touches you with its music. Much in the way that awes. When you see Florence sing, it looks easy. Her singing is as effortless as a baby's sob. So easy to get your attention. She makes it look easy. It's natural. She was born to sing. Her voice is beautiful. She's simply stunning. She performed a free afternoon show at Apple Store SoHo with her harp player Tom Monger and Robert Ackroyd on acoustic guitar.

During the course of the show she joked a bit. She noted how "everyone expects" her to be "abnormally tall." She also introduced the second song, "Drumming Song," saying that this version of it has no drums, but that it's really about imaginary drums anyway. Throughout the set she thanked the crowd for coming. Perhaps, the most comical moment was when she said: "It's funny being here in the hub of technology land...everytime I come to America I lose an iPhone. I've lost two so far." The set closed with "The Dogs Days Are Over." The intimate 30 minute performance was nothing short of stellar and I was glad to be apart of it.

Setlist:

1. Cosmic Love
2. Drumming Song
3. Girl with One Eye
4. Between Two Lungs
5. Hurricane Drunk
6. Dog Days Are Over

Live Review: Murder City Devils @ Williamsburg Waterfront 7-18-10 (photos & video)

Murder City Devils wasn't a band I grew up on. I was an adolescent during their birth in 1996. Frankly I only heard their name after hearing about their Nokia Theater, Times Square appearance in February of this year I only heard the two songs on MySpace, thought it sounded good. But it wasn't until I saw them live this past Sunday at JellyNYC's free pool part along the East River at the new location, Williamsburg Waterfront, that I could really feel their influence and impact. 

I was almost in tears upon hearing "Broken Glass,"-a song about Iggy Pop and their final song of the early evening. Apparently it was an extended version or different version that sounded like a sort of tribute to Pop with the second part being about discovering a record that gave singer Spencer Moody a "thread of hope." The organ-esque tones of the keyboard sounded creepy, but set the tone of the music. It was completely emotional: "Iggy, baby. I like the sound of you." The bass kicking in when the keys stopped. Toward the end of the song, he looked like he was about to lose it, picking up the mic stand and walking back and forward..Murder City Devils sounded like a garage-punk band meets Alice in Chains meets mewithoutYou with a keyboard! I  became a fan. Minus a few times when the mix sounded a little off and the sound a bit rough the one hour set I caught was great.

I was impressed with Moody's shout-talk styled vocals and the crowd response. JEFF the Brotherhood, Silverghost, and Obits also played. What did you think?

--By Star Child

See the video, read the lyrics, and more photos below.

Live Review: Mat Burke @ Kenny's Castaways 6-3-10 (photos)

Photos & Words by Star

Mat Burke announced he was happy to be performing at the same venue Aerosmith, New York Dolls, Bruce Springsteen, and Ramones once played. Kenny's Castaways greeted him and his band this evening. The room slowly emptied out after Burke came on stage. This is a bummer, since he came all the way from Nashville to perform. Nonetheless Burke seemed to have a good time. While drinking, telling stories, and joking around with his band and the audience, he played a raw acoustic punk set that brought out those shining tunes. Something sounded a little off with the mix, but his 45-minute set was made right with his sincerity. He played a number of songs notably "Dawn of a new revolution," and "Kill or Be Killed," both songs worth checking out. Burke tells his experience with fast anthems in good folk-punk form. Let's hope we hear more from this singer-songwriter.

More photos below.

Bern & the Brights to perform RXP "Pull the Plug" show on Thursday, opening for Rhett Miller on April 1

Bern & the Brights @ Spike Hill 3-10-10

Montclair's Bern & the Brights will be performing at Angels & Kings this Thursday night for 101.9 RXP's "Pull the Plug" acoustic nights series. The show is free at 8pm. Angels & Kings is located at 500 East 11th st. bet Ave A & Ave B in NYC. From 7-9pm 2-for-1 drinks.

The self-described "danceable romantic nerd rock" band is one of the brightest in New Jersey. They truly shine live and play shows pretty frequently. In the next month the band already have 8 shows lined-up in NJ and NYC.

They'll open for Rhett Miller (of the Old 97s) on April 1 in Teaneck, NJ. Tickets are available from the band by contacting them here.You don't want to miss this dynamic 5-piece in action.

Bern & the Brights Upcoming Shows:

Mar 18 @ 101.9RXP Pull the Plug Showcase @ Angels & Kings, New York, NY (free)
Mar 23 @ Van Gogh’s Ear Cafe, Jersey City, NJ (free)
Mar 24 @  DIY Bushwick Fest @ Brooklyn Fire Proof, Brooklyn, NY ($5)
Mar 26 @ The Bitter End, New York, NY
Apr 1 @ Mexicali Live, Teaneck, NJ w/ RHETT MILLER
Apr 10 @ BLAST Benefit Show @ The Cup, Linden, NJ
Apr 10 @ Haiti Food Drive @ Bowery Poetry Club, New York, NY
Apr 14 @ Red Lion, New York, NY (free)

Full of Fancy signs to Don Giovanni Records + Upcoming Shows

Full of Fancy @ Judson Memorial Church, NYC Aug. 2009

Don Giovanni Records have signed New Jersey's own Full of Fancy. The catchy, pop-punk 4-piece start recording for their next album, Liquid Nature next month and plan to release the album in the spring. Their last full length, Sweet Baby Jesus was released in 2007 and since have released a bunch of 7-inch splits, and the Every Wall in the Parlor EP in February 2009, which features the sweet song "Soule Cake."

Full of Fancy Tour Dates:
Feb. 19 @ The Metro Gallery, Baltimore, MD w/ Dead Mechanical
Feb. 21 @ Bosnia, New Brunswick, NJ w/ Deep Sleep and Kicking Spit
March 31 @ Asbury Lanes w/ The Dopamines and Be My Doppleganger

Photo By: Star Beat

CD Review: Exit She Calls bring edgy pop/rock on Out of Reach

Exit She Calls, Out of Reach
Bergen County, NJ
Scorpion Records

For fans of: Coheed and Cambria, Paramore, Title Fight, and Lemuria

Bergen County based, Exit She Calls have released, Out of Reach, their 10-song debut with guitar-crunching, catchy songs and a pop-punk feel. The songs truly shine and showcase the bands rockin' sound. Where other bands go wrong sometimes shouting or screaming, this 4-piece does right by having a singer who, well, actually sings. Kristia's soft yet passionate voice brings a good dynamic to the songs. There's also tingly, back and fourth guitar parts that make you want to shake around thanks to Jeff who shreds it up, notably on "Little Things." What's nice is that on most songs there's two different guitar parts going on. The release also features an acoustic song called "Another Growing Uncertainty." Then, there's "You're No Pig Champion" which opens with a stand out bass line. What stands out about Exit She Calls is how the guitar squeals are extended, unlike in most pop/punk songs and the drummer isn't particularly fast while the guitar parts usually are.

Exit She Calls shows that you don’t need screams or insanely technical guitar parts to be a good rock band these days. It’s refreshing to hear a band that doesn't sound like they're trying too hard or one that thinks they need to put on gimmicks. The lyrics seem to realize that things may be hard and we want may want something or someone, but we can be hopeful and we can do it on our own. They remind me of Lemuria and Tokyo Rose, melodic with sweet lyrics and a nice groove. I still contend that Exit She Calls is North Jersey's hope for a great, young pop/rock scene. You can grab a taste of the band's music here.

Fiery Furnaces - Bowery Ballroom, NYC

Fiery Furnaces - Bowery Ballroom, NYC
Originally uploaded by konstantin sergeyev

The Fiery Furnaces, the experimental indie group featuring siblings Matthew and Eleanor Friedberger, performed a set of home-state shows last weekend. One at Music Hall of Williamsburg on Dec. 11 and another at Bowery Ballroom on Dec.12. The band bring a brand of music that is hard to describe and that has changed and evolved over its nearly 10 year history, making them worth a listen. They released their eight album, I'm Going Away earlier this year.

New Song: Lemuria "Expert Herder"

Lemuria in New Brunswick, NJ 6/23/009


Lemuria have posted a new song called "Expert Herder" off the band's new 7'' called "Ozzy," coming out this month on Syracuse, NY label, Hex Records. You can listen to the new song here. The 7'' features two new songs, plus a down-loadable song with a silkscreened cover and your choice of three colors. You can get it here.

The band is scheduled to play The Fest in Gainesville, Florida from Oct. 30-Nov. 1.

Shiragirl rock Utopia III Yacht for "Sick Day" release party + Music Video

photo by StarBeat


Shiragirl, the punk rock 4-piece from Brooklyn were all decked out in pink, white, and black attire for their single release party for “Sick Day.” Held last Thursday on the Utopia III Yacht for an exclusive event featuring family, friends, and music industry folks, it took off from the Chelsea Piers in NYC to host a rockin' night. The band premiered the video for “Sick Day” and performed on the top deck of the yacht. Lead singer Shira commanded the deck like it was a party hall. The event was an opportunity for media professionals to see the band and enjoy a good time. It was a time to let loose on a Thursday, because of course the whole idea was to take a “Sick Day” on Friday. Cruising down the Hudson watching the band play their anthemic grrrl punk songs of living in the moment, doing your own thing, yet sticking together with your crew made for a fun night. Shiragirl blended old, new, and current jams into their 25 minute set that had the crowd jumping, singing along, and raising their fists. They kicked it off with "Reklys," and also played the oldie "Go Go Go," along with a Ramones cover and the heavy "Lights Out," which closed the set. Of course they played the new single to.

“Sick Day” takes you through the morning struggle of getting up for school or work. It’s the perfect time for the song as school has recently started and new jobs began. It’s a quick, rebellious anthem of not caring about school or work and wanting to do something better. The delicious guitar flavor, head bopping beat, and hip-hop vibe of the song comes together strongly for a fun, fall jam. The compelling, repetitious, “Sick day everyday,” and “I don’t wanna go” lines in the the song is the fuel you need to get through work or school. Sometimes we just need to take a “Sick Day.”

The video was directed by Parris (Busta Rhymes, Swizz Beatz, Joe). You get the single on Conquer Entertainment here. The band also launched a new website. Their second album, Scream! Spit! Sing! was released earlier this year.

See the video and setlist below.






Shiragirl Setlist 9/24/09:

1. Reklys
2. Go Go Go
3. Sick Day
4. I Wanna Be Sedated (Ramones cover)
5. Drama Club
6. Roll with tha Crew
7. Tantrum
8. Anthem
9. Lights Out

--
Related Entries:
* Shiragirl Release "Sick Day" single
* ShiraGirl @ WSOU 9-5-09, "Sick Day" acoustic, interview, and pics
* Check out videos from Kevin Devine, Joe Wilson, Exit She Calls, and Shiragirl @ 89.5 FM-WSOU

Exit She Calls update: new album, merch, shows, and free demo

Exit She Calls @ Six Flags, Jackson NJ 9-4-09 by A.R.


















Exit She Calls have posted an update with details on their first full length album, shows, merch, and a free download of their 3-song demo. More below:

I know it’s been a while since we’ve updated you guys on what’s going on with us, but if you haven’t noticed, we’ve been playing a hell of a lot shows ever since we started things up in January(Just take a look at our Picture Section). It’s been great playing with awesome bands and meeting amazing people throughout New Jersey and New York so far.

Basically, what I want to get down to is...we’re going to be taking it easy on shows this Fall and focus on finishing our full length album. We do have some shows posted up on the page so take advantage of this, especially if you haven’t seen us yet, and come out!

Back to the discussion of the full length album, it will contain ten songs including a “No Scrubs” cover by TLC. Four out of the ten songs we will be releasing are already on the Myspace Player(Little Things, MTFU!, In This Moment, and Miscommunications). Check them out if you haven’t yet. We originally planned on releasing something sooner, but us taking our time is the right call. We’ve progressed so much as a band, especially when it comes to our sound, ever since we got together last September. We want to give you the best material that ESC has to offer and we hope you’re just as excited as we are! Please, just be patient and stick with us on this.

Check out the full update here and download the band's 3-song demo here. Exit She Calls with their dose of sweet, catchy, yet edgy sound, could be North Jersey’s hope for a great young pop/rock scene.

Upcoming Shows:
9/26 @ Greenville Inn, Port Jervis, NY w/ Control
10/2 @ The Meatlocker, Montclair, NJ w/ Fairmont
10/10 @ The Yippie Cafe, NY, NY w/ Tigers Jaw, The Motorcycle Industry

Shellshag sign to Don Giovanni Records- West Coast Tour Dates with Screaming Females

Shellshag @ Maxwell's, Hoboken NJ 5/30/09


























Shellshag have signed with New Brunswick, NJ label Don Giovanni Records. The band will be recording a brand new album toward the end of the year for a February 2010 release date. The album is a follow-up to their self-released(and sold out) Destroy Me, I'm Yours LP. In August they will be touring the west coast with labelmates Screaming Females. Shellshag is a two piece drum and guitar act from Brooklyn.

The band also performs at Goodbye Blue Monday in Brooklyn for the Starclearner acoustic damage BBQ on July 18. This is the last time you can see the band before they go on tour.

Shellshag & Screaming Females Tour Dates
July 31 Oakland, California @ SPAM Warehouse
Aug 1 San Jose, California @ Nickel City
Aug 2 San Francisco, CA @ TBA(instore in amoeba or 1234go records)
Aug 3 Santa Cruz, California @ Cypress
Aug 4 Redding, California @ The Downtown Eatery
Aug 5 Bellingham, Washington @ Friendship City
Aug 6 Olympia, Washington @ TBA
Aug 7 Seattle, Washington @ Comet Tavern
Aug 8 Portland, Oregon @ East End
Aug 9 Eureka, California @ TBA
Aug 10 Berkeley, California @ LIsa's
Aug 11 Isla Vista, California @ Biko Garage
Aug 12 San Diego, California @ TBA
Aug 13 San Pedro, California @ Babe's Warehouse
Aug 14 Los Angeles, California @ Spaceland
Aug 15 San Francisco, California @ Thee Parkside - Starcleaner Thrillfest Showcase

Screaming Females @ Meat Town USA 6/28/09, photos, video

Screaming Females @ Meat Town USA, 6/28/09


It was less than a month that I saw Screaming Females perform at Maxwell's, but I had to head to New Brunswick for one last home town show at Meat Town USA, before the band opens for Jay Reatard at Music Hall of Williamsburg, the Dead Weather, and tours the west coast with Shellshag. It was my tenth time seeing the band and fourth time at Meat Town. Simply put. They rock. This band just keeps producing good music. Music that makes you move and keeps me coming back. Despite the ridiculously hot basement, the band managed to play 7 songs. They kicked off it right at 9:05pm with four new songs off, Power Move: "Skull," "Bell," "Lights Out," and "Buried in the Nude." After, they went into two oldies: "No Being Disgusting" and "Dinosaurs," before closing with a new song called "Squana," according to the setlist. Unfortunately, I was in the back, so I could not see the band. Nonetheless, it was a good time.

I must not forget the awesome opening bands all featuring only two members, except opener R.S.O., who had a keyboardist. Interestingly, the three bands all had a punk/heavy southern rock, sludgy rock n' roll sound to them. Trophy Wife from Washington DC featured a drummer and singer/guitarist. They were pretty great. Then, The Curtains of Night from North Carolina had a heavy fucking groove sound for just two members. It was awesome and great to head bang and see good playing. Myself and folks around me, including Marissa of Screaming Females were headbanging. It was pretty awesome being surrounded by all these people, enjoying some good rock on a Sunday night.

Were you there? What did you think?

Upcoming area shows:

This Thursday @ Music Hall of Williamsburg w/ Jay Reatard & TV Smith
7/16 @ Terminal 5 NYC w/ The Dead Weather (sold out)
7/17 @ Terminal 5 NYC w/ The Dead Weather (available)

R.S.O.





































































Trophy Wife










































































The Curtains of Night

Will Dailey releases new EP's, performing at Maxwell's in Hoboken this Sunday

It may not be free music, but it is a lot of music to release in one year. For singer-songwriter Will Dailey, it seems making music comes easily. I guess when you have a theme and with some many issues going on in the world, it’s easy to be inspired. Starting this month Dailey will be releasing music every three months until the end of the year. It’s refreshing that a musician feels passionate enough to release that much music. It gives fans something to look forward to.

This Boston singer/songwriter released Torrent 1 and 2, a combination of two EP’s earlier this month. The first is Fashion of Distraction, influenced by ‘60s and ‘70s music, particularly the Byrds. Roger McGuinn actually appears on “Peace of Mind.” The other EP is By the Blue Hills, a collection of songs saluting Boston and Will’s musical family there, featuring cameos from Boston luminaries and Dailey friends Kay Hanley (Letters to Cleo), Tanya Donelly (Belly, Throwing Muses), Elliott Easton (The Cars), Tim Brennan (Dropkick Murphy’s) and local fixtures Duke Levine and Sean Staples.

Sweet, lovely, but often serious Dailey’s songs take an easy flow, but his consistency makes his songs shine. They are straightforward and nice to hear. The songs are ones that uplift, make you think, and calm down. Standout tracks include “Never Be Your Baby,” “Love Is One the Way,” and “Too Long.”

Mr. Dailey performs a headlining show at Maxwell’s in Hoboken, NJ this Father’s Day, June 21st with Jon Robert, Nick Howard, and Anthony Melillo . The show is $8 in advance, $10 at the door which open at 7:30p.m. This can be a nice Father’s Day treat for dad. Maxwell’s is a restaurant where you can find a number of yummy entries and appetizers, then after head to the show in intimate back space to hear these songwriters mellow is out with rock and acoustic sets, you and dad can enjoy. The room has some sitting area on the side, but it’s mainly standing room only. Advance tickets are available here.



Will Dailey Tour Dates:

6/20 @ Port City Music, Portland, MN
6/21 @ Maxwell’s, Hoboken, NJ
6/26 @ The Island Merchant, Huannis, MA
7/23 The Ten Show, Philadelphia, PA
7/23 @ Baltimore, MD
7/24 @ Beach Comber, Wellfleet, MA
7//25 @ World Cafe Live, Philadelphia, PA
7/28 @ The Mercury Lounge, NYC
7/ 31 @ Boston Harbor Blues Cruises, Boston, MA

AC/DC & Metallica Tickets On-Sale Saturday at 10AM, Metallica Pre-Sale Today

AC/DC @ Izod Center, 08 photo by Ryan Muir


























Two metal legends will perform NYC-area shows this year. AC/DC returns after playing a sold out show at Izod Center last November. AC/DC's "Black Ice" World Tour comes to Giants Stadium on July 31st at 7:30pm. Tickets will be available this Saturday at 10pm through Ticketmaster only. After Saturday, if tickets remain, they will be available at the IZOD Center Box Office on Monday, April 13 at 11 AM. Tickets are $92.50.

Recently inducted rock n roll hall of famers, Metallica will perform at Madison Square Garden on November 14. Tickets are between $52-$74. The band performed two sold out shows at Newark's Prudential Center on January 31st and February 1st this year.

PRESALE available here
Fri., 4/10 at 10AM - 10PM
Use Code: HEMETAL

The Importance of the Live Show

Iwrestledabearonce @ Bowery Poetry Club, NYC, 10/24/08






















The Economist's new spinoff magazine, More Intelligent Life, has a lengthy article about the newfound reemergence of touring as a crucial part of a band's career. The article notes:

Live music has come a long way since the late 1970s, when the Plastics were in a Prague prison and The Clash and the Sex Pistols were pouring out bilious songs about riots, clampdowns and anarchy in Britain. Over my concert-going life, the archetypal gig has gone from a scruffy, beer-stained orgy of sweat and spit to a well-oiled 21st-century machine, where bottled water is so pricey that you can hardly afford to sweat, and the tickets cost a bomb. In fact , a bit more—because bombs don't carry booking fees.

The rest of the article is available here.