Otep Shamaya In-Store at Vintage Vinyl 8-18-09

Otep Shamaya, the poetic prowess herself, of OTEP made an appearance at Vintage Vinyl in Fords, New Jersey on Wednesday evening for an autograph signing and reading. I was excited to finally get my copy of her poetry book "Caught Screaming" signed. The lined moved fairly quickly despite mostly everyone either getting multiple things signed or taking pictures. Finally, it was my turn and she signed my book with "Art Sevas" and also a booklet and a poster. Upon mentioning I was from WSOU and would be interviewing her next week, she shock my hand and said something along the lines of: that's nice. I don't usually get to meet the people that interview me. I said thank you, took a picture with her, and was on my way.

Following the signing she began with her piece "Hail Caesar" from Caught Screaming, a political little piece. Then she called for people for either the book to read another piece or Q&A. Someone handed her the book and by the request of a fan she read "My Lover." A fan wanted her to lick her teddy, so she did.

That night Otep performed with her band at The Starland Ballroom.

Upcoming in-stores at Vintage Vinyl include The Used on Sept. 3, Lillian Axe on Sept. 9, Brand New on Sept. 23rd, and Anvil Sept. 25 and 27, among other.

Pictures and a video montage from the store can be seen here.

More photos and video below.

Screaming Females @ Maxwell's 2-7-09, photos

Screaming Females played a groovy rock set, as part of the Don Giovanni Showcase, consisting of 7 songs. People were dancing about and having fun. It's always a pleasure to see this trio from New Brunswick live. More photos and a review to come.

Here's the setlist:
Skull
Dinosaurs
Pop
Reggae
Mike
Bus Driver Man
Motor

Marissa rockin' out


























Mike on bass


























Jarrett on drums

We’re All Broken to release 6-song EP in April + Tour Dates

photo by Chris Kelly














Letter from We're All Broken:

“Hello friends. We have some very exciting news to kick off 2009. We will be putting out an EP with our great friends at Devildance Records. It will come out in mid April and will be released on 12" vinyl as well as CD. This EP will feature 6 songs and we couldn't be more excited. The songs are recorded, cover art is coming in, and everything is sounding and looking amazing. We will have more info on this towards the end of the month, so stay tuned… We're All Broken is turning it up for 2009. The news does not end there…

We will be hitting the road again starting in May. It has been a while since we have gone on tour, and we are looking forward to getting back out, meeting new people and sharing our new musical visions. We have been writing a whole batch of new songs and we are so excited to share, we cannot keep them under wraps for too much longer. For this reason, 2009 will also see the release of 2 additional EP's from our band. These will come out shortly following our April release, and will be available for downloadable purchase online, anywhere music is sold digitally.

To add more fuel to the fire, we will be updating our Myspace page with new video footage from recent shows, as well as new songs!!! 2009 will be the official release of anything and everything We're All Broken, and we are so fortunate to be able to say that these are the best songs we've ever written as a band. We can't wait to share all of this with all of you. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for supporting our band along our journey. 2009 will be an amazing ride.

We love all of you.

Frank, Joe, Casey, Jarett, and Joe”

We’re All Broken Tour Dates:

1/21 @ Lola’s Tattoo Shop Party at Lenora’s Bar and Grill, Hackensack, NJ
1/22 @ Southpaw, Brooklyn, NY
1/30 @ The Harmony Garage, Wilmington, DE w/ Paulson
1/31 @ Mill Hill, Trenton, NJ w/ Minnesota’s Calling, The Ruining + 1 TBA. 21+

Exit She Calls played its first show on Saturday in NJ+ New Music & Shows

Exit She Calls @ Cornerstone Inn, Carlstadt, NJ 1/3/08

Jersey’s Exit She Calls (Kristia Moya- vocals/guitar, Ryan Bertone- drums, Jeff Lambert- guitar, and Carlos Rivero- bass) played its first gig at the Cornerstone Inn in Carlstadt, NJ for the Beast Attire’s 1-year anniversary show this past Saturday. The show was the second of three shows for the clothing company. They played with Hands on the Stereo, Floral Terrace, Arlington Blvd, Less Than Zero, and a slew of other bands.

A dose of sweet, catchy and alternative rock, with a female singer, Exit She Calls is North Jersey’s hope for a great, young pop/rock scene. Following after youngsters A Lifelike Story and more seasoned acts, The Champagne Charade and Seeking Through Silence, the scene is looking good, not just for pop/alternative/rock bands, but female fronted ones to. Grab a taste of the bands sound at their MySpace, where they have three fresh recordings for you, “I Am,” “EncountHER,” and “Nothing But A Routine.”

The band is playing New Jersey and New York shows in the next few months. Show Dates below.

1/17 @ Emerson High School, Emerson, NJ w/ In Full Bloom, Roadside Romance, and more
1/24 @ El Basement, West New York, NJ w/ Astrophel and Stella, Exit She Calls, Pathos, As Rome Burned, Osterii, Crucial Dudes, Saturn Unleashed, Jellybean Fiasco, Morning...
2/14 @ Post 282 Harrison, NJ w/ many bands
3/1 @ The Classroom - Battle of The Bands, Middletown, NY w/ Burn The Bishop, Shots Were Fired, Exit She Calls, Forever Begins At The Grave, and more
5/9 @ NJIT, Newark, NJ w/ The Victory, The Title, Last Minet, and more

Screaming Females to release new album in April+ Tour Dates & Video

New Brunswick’s garage-punk trio Screaming Females have announced that its third full length, “Power Move” will be released in April 2009 through Don Giovanni Records.

In April the band will also release a split 7’’ with Meemaw from Nashville, TN.

The band released 2 split 7 inches early this fall, one with Hunchback featuring Neil Young covers and the other with Full of Fancy featuring two songs from each band. They are both available at the Screaming Females store.

Click more for tour dates and the Screaming Females story video.




Screaming Females Tour Dates:

12/31 @ The Fort, Brooklyn, NY w/ Bad Blood
1/ 4 @ The Loft, New Brunswick, NJ w/ Vivian Girls
1/ 16 @ The Parlor, New Brunswick, NJ w/ The Sass Dragons and Slaw
1/23 @ Don Pedro’s, Brooklyn, NY w/ Shellshag, Cheeky, Emergency Party, Bonezone
2/7 @ Maxwell’s, Hoboken, NJ Don Giovanni Showcase w/ For Science (last show), The Measure [SA], Cheeky, Groucho Marxists, Pregnant, and The Steinways
2/19 @ Don Pedro’s, Brooklyn, NY
2/27 @ TBA, New Brunswick, NJ w/ Liquid Limbs

Cheeky Cancels Winter Tour

New York's Cheeky have issued the following letter regarding its January tour:

"HELLO ALL:

We are sad to announce that we will NOT be touring with Little Lungs this January. Little Lungs will still be proceeding with the tour, but we just can't do it.

We want to say we are so sorry to anyone who helped us book these shows. We really appreciate all of your help and were super psyched to come play your cities.Also, to anyone who contacted us about booking a show who we did not respond to, we simply did not know if this tour was going to go on, and we thought it best not to reply until we really knew.

We will STILL be playing the following dates from the tour:

JANUARY 1: BROOKLYN, NY with LITTLE LUNGS, PS ELIOT, MORE
JANUARY 2: NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ with LITTLE LUNGS, PS ELIOT, SPELLS
JANUARY 3: EASTON, PA with LITTLE LUNGS, HIGHTIDE HOTEL, MY HEART TO JOY

we also have a few more shows coming up:

JANUARY 23: BROOKLYN, NY with EMERGENCY PARTY, BONEZONE, STUPID PARTY, SCREAMING FEMALES, SHELLSHAG

FEBRUARY 7: HOBOKEN, NJ with FOR SCIENCE, THE MEASURE, SCREAMING FEMALES, MORE

In the next month or so we will be heading in to record the full length. We are so, so excited about this.Thanks to you, Choke on a Cheeseburger is pretty much SOLD OUT and has been sent to the plant for a 2nd pressing. We should have more 7"s soon, and they are still in stock & available at Interpunk.

THANK YOU for everything again! We are planning for a LONG tour this summer (all the way out to the West coast).Hopefully we'll see you then!"

LOVE, CHEEKY

Unite and Conquer Tour 2008 @ The Starland Ballroom 11/2

photos by Stephanie Rademacher



















The tour visited The Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, NJ for a night of madness, fun, and some political ranting. Four local bands opened the show—Chronic D, Lamps Burning, Red 13, and Castronate. Unfortunately, I missed them, but check em out! The rest of the bill was rounded out by Sister Sin from Sweden, Walls of Jericho from Detroit, OTEP from Los Angeles, and Ill Nino from “dirty Jerz.” I had an awesome time and this show was great.

The tour comes to NYC's Blender Theatre @ Gramercy on Nov. 4!

Sister Sin was a female fronted hard rock band with ‘80s metal influences. The band even played a Motorhead cover. Having heard their songs I was able to get into the music, but the crowd either seemed unimpressed or was too unfamiliar with the band to give a reaction just yet. The band’s single “On Parole” was a good one. They clearly have a defined sound—all the songs are in the same vein. By the end of the set I think they won a bunch of people over.

Walls of Jericho owned. I hadn’t seen them since they played with Kittie at B.B. Kings Blues Club a few years ago. They played a number of songs off the new album like the title track “The American Dream,” and “The Prey,” as well as “All Hail the Dead,” “A Trigger Full of Promises,” “I Know Hollywood and You Ain’t It” and I think “Playing Soldier Again.” Candace was brutal and commanded the mic amazingly as always. She kept inciting the crowd to surf, saying they should make the security guards do there work.

After Walls of Jericho I went to the merch table to try to meet the band. While I waited, I noticed that Sister Sin was at their merch table, so I went over to say hi. I spoke with the lead singer and told her: great job and that I worked at a radio station and have played the band before and she hands me the band’s sampler cd. All of a sudden this woman with Rock Eyez asks me if I’d like a picture with the band. The band autographed the cd and I got in a photo with the band. It was pretty neat.

Candace finally came by the table and I told her how much I enjoyed the performance and again that I work at a radio station and have been playing the new album. She was appreciative and she said thanks and we shook hands. It was cool.

I was excited to see OTEP because they would be getting an hour set, as opposed to a 35 minute set when they opened WSOU’s 60th anniversary show back in April. The band kicked it off with “Battle Ready,” the perfect opening song. I started moving around like crazy, went into the mosh pit and even crowd surfed. I remember being up in the air and seeing Otep and she smiled at me. Next, was the heavy “Blood Pigs.” I was actually singing along, something I usually don’t do because I don’t like how my voice sounds—but not mouth lyrics this time. After was “My Confession,” the poetry that proceeded was a great intro into the song- Evil Jay’s bass started and I knew things were going to get nuts. “You’ve got to push, push…you’re way out,” Otep sings. It was impressive to hear them play three songs off “Sevas Tra” and then follow with nothing but new songs. Though, I’m not sure what the closing song. When the band started introducing the second to last song and I heard “Kurt Cobain” I immediately went back to the middle of the crowd. “Nirvana means freedom from pain, suffering and the external world.” That riff would start—I would jump up and move around, probably the most during this song than any during the set. I crowd surfed again. It was fun.

It’s funny, every time I remember seeing OTEP live, Otep has always said that she thinks this is the best show of the tour—I think artists say that every show, ha. This probably was my favorite OTEP show of my 4 or 5!

Ill Nino played a tight set with their heavy Latin percussion beats and hardrock sounds. They got on stage at 10:17pm. Christian got political at one point talking about war, government, and the election. He said fuck school, fuck work, fuck politics, and fuck war. During the set I was in the back, just rockin' out and still recovering. I didn't want to ware myself out. But I did go into the crowd during "I am Loco"--on of my favorite Ill Nino songs. I heard most of the bands set before I decided to call it a night.

OTEP- Setlist:
8:50-9:50pm (in order)

“Battle Ready”
“Blood Pigs”
“My Confession”
“Confrontation”
“Ghostflowers”
“Crooked Spoons”
“Breed” (Nirvana cover)
?? Song off the Ascension. It might be Milk of Regret

Walls of Jericho- Setlist:
(not in order and there were more songs)

“The American Dream”
“The Prey”
“All Hail the Dead”
“A Trigger Full of Promises”
“I Know Hollywood and You Ain’t It”
“Playing Soldier Again”

Ill Nino- Setlist:
10:17pm-? (in order, but missing a bunch of songs)

“This is War”
“If You Still Hate Me”
“Finger Painting with the Enemy”
“My Resurrection”
“I am Loco”
“Corizon”
“How Can I Live?”

New Minus the Bear EP out October 7+Fall Headlining U.S. Tour

photo by Ryan Russell


















Minus the Bear will release "ACOUSTICS," a new 7 track EP on October 7. The EP was recorded at the new Redroom studio in Seattle, WA. The release features some acoustic guitars, tambourines, swizzle stix, snare drums, organ pipes, and vocal chords. The EP features a new song, "Guns & Ammo" and acoustic versions of old favorites. The band will premiere the new song on its upcoming U.S. tour, plus another new song.

The band's upcoming tour will run from October 8- November 22. The band visit's Webster Hall in New York City on October 25 and The Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, NJ on October 26. Opening bands are Annuals and Sylvie.

The official press release and tour dates are below.

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE:

"Minus The Bear is excited to announce the release of ACOUSTICS, an exclusive seven track EP available this fall. The self-released EP via Tigre Blanco Records will be available in two formats and feature newly recorded acoustic versions of fan favorites from the Seattle quintet's prolific career and one new track entitled "Guns & Ammo." Beginning October 7th, ACOUSTICS will be sold digitally via online outlets such as iTunes, Amazon and Emusic. Physical copies of the EP will be sold exclusively on the bands headlining tour beginning in Spokane, WA on October 8th.

A band known for their unique brand of rock n roll full of finger-taping guitar riffs mixed with memorable melodies and progressive arrangements, ACOUSTICS is an excellent inside look into the band's history of winning and entertaining a rabid and rapidly growing fan base.

TRACK LISTING:

1. Guns & Ammo (new track)
2. We Are Not a Football Team (from the album, Highly Refined Pirates)
3. Burying Luck (from the album, Planet of Ice)
4. Knights (from the album, Planet of Ice)
5. Pachuca Sunrise (from the album, Menos El Oso)
6. Throwin' Shapes (from the album, Planet of Ice)
7. Ice Monster (from the album, Planet of Ice)"

MINUS THE BEAR- 2008 U.S. Tour Dates

Oct 8-- Spokane, WA @ Service Station
Oct 9 -- Missoula, MT @ The Other Side
Oct 10 -- Casper, WY @ American Legion
Oct 11 -- Denver, CO @ Gothic Theatre
Oct 12 -- Omaha, NE @ Slowdown
Oct 13 -- Iowa City, IA @ The Picador
Oct 15 -- Minneapolis, MN @ Varsity Theatre
Oct 16 -- Milwaukee, WI @ Turner Hall
Oct 17 -- Chicago, IL @ Vic Theatre
Oct 18 -- Columbus, OH @ Newport Music Hall
Oct 19 -- Detroit, MI @ Majestic Theatre
Oct 20 -- Cleveland, OH @ Grog Shop
Oct 21 -- Boston, MA @ Wilbur Theatre
Oct 22 -- Washington, DC @ 930 Club
Oct 23 -- Philadelphia, PA @ Theatre of Living Arts
Oct 24 -- Providence, RI @ Lupo's at the Strand
Oct 25 -- New York, NY @ Webster Hall
Oct 26 -- Sayreville, NJ @ Starland Ballroom
Oct 28 -- Richmond, VA @ The National
Oct 29 -- Raleigh, NC @ Lincoln Theatre
Oct 30 -- Asheville, NC @ The Orange Peel
Oct 31 -- Knoxville, TN @ Bijou Theatre
Nov 1 -- Atlanta, GA @ Variety Playhouse
Nov 3 -- Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ Revolution
Nov 4 -- Orlando, FL @ House of Blues
Nov 5 -- Jacksonville, FL @ Free Bird Cafe
Nov 7 -- New Orleans, LA @ House of Blues
Nov 8 -- Houston, TX @ House of Blues
Nov 9 -- Austin, TX @ Fun Fun Fun Fest
Nov 10 -- Dallas, TX @ House of Blues
Nov 12 -- Sante Fe, NM @ Warehouse 21
Nov 13 -- Tempe, AZ @ Marquee Theatre
Nov 14 -- San Diego, CA @ Soma
Nov 15 -- Pomona, CA @Glass House
Nov 16 -- Los Angeles, CA @ Henry Fonda Theatre
Nov 18 -- Sacramento, CA @ Empire
Nov 19 -- San Francisco, CA @ Bimbo's 365 Club
Nov 22 -- Seattle, WA @ Showbox at the Market

The Material/ The Scenic/ The Goodnight Anthem @ Knitting Factory, NYC 7/30

The Material @ Knitting Factory, NYC - July 30, 2008
photos by C.W.
























The "Pop Til You Drop Tour" or as I called it, the triple "the" tour rolled around to NYC’s Knitting Factory where The Material, The Scenic, and The Goodnight Anthem performed for a feel good night of delicious and danceable pop-rock. It was nice seeing the bands talk to fans, talk to each other, and walking around making themselves present. Before the show started I was able to talk with Colleen, The Material's lead singer. The band has garnered the attention from PureVolume and Alternative Press Magazine two starting points for what looks to be a nice foundation for a good career ahead. They’re from San Diego and are unsigned, but perform strongly

The first two bands up were from Philadelphia, PA. The Goodnight Anthem provided a nice dose of pop-rock. They had a lot of energy, which was impressive and also were very appreciated and spoke to the crowd. They played song of their EP “Nights to Know You.” You call tell the members were happy to be playing and they all moved around, especially lead singer Tony. This 4-piece certainly rocked and is worth checking out.

For some reason the Scenic were the only signed band on this tour, but they didn’t headline tonight. At this point the room was nicely filled for a Wednesday night. Recently signed to Victory Records, these guys played songs off their “Find Yourself Here” full length. It was a shame The Scenic and The Goodnight Anthem only got about a 25-minute set, much too short for the eager fans and myself who couldn't get enough and expected more.

By the time The Material came on it seemed like a few people had left, which was unfortunate as they put on a great show. The band performed songs off its “Tomorrow,” EP such as “The Long Way Home,” and “The Truth About Reality.” They’re an alternative-pop rock group, for fans of Paramore, The Academy Is, and Envy on the Coast. The groups sound comes together well, often having a nice melody, which explodes into a catchy rock break down. The band seemed excited to be performing its first "real" NYC show. The first time was for the Dew Circuit Break contest. With the move to the side kind of beats the crowd quickly got moving. The sound was alright during the sets, but could’ve been better. I could barely hear the keyboard during the Material and Colleen’s vocals at points. Good set.

THE POP TIL YOU DROP TOUR- 2008 REMAINING DATES
W/ THE MATERIAL, THE SCENIC AND THE GOODNIGHT ANTHEM
Aug. 4 SWAYZES- Marietta, Georgia
Aug.5 BACKBOOTH, Orlando, Florida
Aug. 6 TRANSITIONS SKATE PARK, Tampa, Florida with Vega Under Fire
Aug. 7. THE TALENT FARM, Permbroke Pines, Florida w/ Vega Under Fire
Aug. 8 THILLZE ARCADE, Palm Coast, Florida w/ Vega Under Fire
Aug. 9 THE CAPITOL, Ocala, Florida

After this tour, the Goodnight Anthem do a few more dates with The Scenic. The Material play more shows, then start “The Everlasting Sound” Tour in the fall with Blameshift & And Then There Was You. These bands know how to keep busy. Check out the bands MySpace pages for details.

The Goodnight Anthem


The Scenic


The Material

Tilly and the Wall/ The Ruby Suns/Vivian Girls @ Music Hall of Williamsburg 7/29- photos, Setlist

Tilly and the Wall @ Music Hall of Williamsburg - July 29, 2008


It was a fun night in Brooklyn. The boroughs own Vivian Girls opened with its brand of garage-punk for 15-minutes. VG fit in more than a handful of songs, but should have played longer. Their stage presence wasn't as exciting as the following acts and there was very little movement from them, but still. Soon after New Zealand's duo, the Ruby Suns came on stage to perform some indie/pop electronic goodness that got the crowd going. They played song off "Sea Lion," which sounded different live with a more drum and bass feel to it.

Omaha's Tilly and the Wall finally came on at 10:45 to perform a fun, exciting set in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, for the first time, playing plenty of tracks off its new release, "O," as well as oldies. This outfit definitely know how to put on a live show, enticing cheers, claps, sing alongs, and dancing. The music was dance-alicious and sounded great live, especially on tracks like "Dust Me Off," and "Tall Tall Glass," where you could hear the vocals amazingly. The band even bring out their own tap dancer. This is an band not to be missed live.

"And I feel so alive," Neely and Kianna sang. "We love you, Brooklyn" were the parting words of the night.

Tilly and the Wall perform at New York's tonight at Bowery Ballroom with The Ruby Suns and Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson. $15, 18+, 7:30pm.

Click read more for a setlist.


Tilly and the Wall @ Music Hall 7/29 Setlist
1. Too Excited
2. Alligator Skin
3. Rainbows in the Dark
4. Falling without Knowing
5. Bad Education
6. Reckless
7. Beat Control
8. Dust Me Off
9. Cacophony
10. Tall Tall Glass
11. The Ice Storm, Big Gust, and You
12. Pot Kettle Black
13. Sing Song Alongs
Encore
14. Lost Girls
15. Fell Down the Stairs
16. Nights of the Living Dead

Cavalera Conspiracy/ The Dillinger Escape Plan/ Throwdown @ The Fillmore NY 7/19

My first metal/ hardcore show since April proved to be a great time and reminded me why I dig heavy music. I was at The Fillmore NY at Irving Plaza to see Bury your Dead, Throwdown, The Dillinger Escape Plan, and the mighty Cavalera Conspiracy, on Saturday where each band provided a heavy dose of guitar licks and screams, and incited craziness in its fans.

I missed the first band Incite, but came in time to catch Bury Your Dead, who played a short 15-minute set. Nothing too special. Throwdown came on and got me moving a bit. “Forever,” was a great one. They got a 20 minute set.

Then, The Dillinger Escape Plan would play an insane set filled with a mix of songs, antics from the singer, and a good time. Some of the song played were “Lurch,” “Milk Lizard,” “43% Burnt,” “Fix Your Face,” “82558,” and “Sunshine the Werewolf.” About two songs into the set, the singer climbs on top of the amp, up another thing, and walks the side of the balcony, then hangs off it. And towards the end of the set he grabs one of the cymbals and starts smashing it and again climbs on the top of the side of the stage. It was an entertaining set and I enjoyed them. Four years ago I saw the band in Elizabeth, NJ I thought they were horrible and didn’t understand, but they are a great live, just as I remember them, crazy.

Cavalera Conspiracy features founding Sepultura members Max (guitar, vocals) and Igor Cavelera (drums), Joe Duplantier of Gojira (bass), and Marc Rizzo (Soulfly). To kick things off Cavalera Conspiracy started with "Inflicked," and also played "Sanctuary," and "Resist/ Refuse," a Sepultura song. Others included, "The Doom of All Fires," "Bloodbrawl," and "Terrorize." I read somewhere the band played all of “Inflickted” and 8 Sepultura covers at a previous concert. I don’t think they did that at this show. The band closed with “Roots Bloody Roots,” and saw me at my sweatiest and craziest. It was a sweet time. I headbanged, I danced, I moshed. I almost caught a drum stick and when the band finished some guy thanked me for going nuts up front. The metal groove Cavalera Conspiracy brought was wonderful. They perform again tonight at The Fillmore.

Also notable, was seeing Mike and Amy from Roadrunner, Jose from Sirius, Bram from the Syndicate, the brothers in Anaka, WSOU's Greg, Andrew, and That Guy, Zak from Genki Shock, and familiar fans. It was a good time, in a good environment, with cool people.

Metric & Mates of State to Perform in NYC next month

Canada’s Metric and Kansas’s favorite married duo, Mates of State will perform at NYC’s Highline Ballroom on August 7, as a pre-show for All Points West Festival in Jersey City, NJ. Tickets for this all ages show are $27.50 in advance, $30 at the door and on-sale today at noon here. Doors are at 7pm, and the show starts at 9pm. Highline Ballroom is located on 431 West 16th Street (between 9th Avenue and 10th Avenue).

Both bands fit beautifully together and make you want to dance with their infectious indie-pop with synth and keyboards. This year saw new releases from both performers, Metric released “Live at Metropolis” DVD and Mates of State’s new album “Re-Arrange Us.” The talent of Emily Haines and Metic and couple, Kori Garnder and Jason Hammel make this a stellar line-up, an added treat for those not able to attend APW. The bands are playing mostly festivals and this is on of the rare chances you'll have to see an extended set from the bands.

Metric - 2008 Tour Dates
Jul 19 - Centennial Field Grand Falls-Windsor, Newfoundland
Jul 25 - Pemberton Festival Pemberton, British Columbia
Jul 26 - Capitol Ex Ed Fest Edmonton, Alberta
Jul 27 - Wakestock Toronto (Islands), Ontario
Aug 3 - Osheaga Festival Montreal, Quebec
Aug 7 - Highline Ballroom, NYC
Aug 9 - All Points West Music & Arts Festival - Liberty State Park Jersey City
Aug 15 - Cumberland Village Park Cumberland, British Columbia

Mates of State - 2008 Tour Dates
Jul 17 - Benicassim Valencia
Jul 19 - Download Festival - Shoreline San Francisco, California
Jul 20 - Download Festival - Shoreline Los Angeles, California
Jul 21 - KCRW - Morning Becomes Eclectic
Jul 25 - Pemberton Festival Pemberton, British Columbia
Aug 1 - Lollapalooza-Grant Park Chicago, Illinois
Aug 1 - Double Door (Lollapalooza aftershow) Chicago, Illinois
Aug 4 - Lee's Palace Toronto, Ontario
Aug 7 - Highline Ballroom, NYC
Aug 8 - All Points West Festival Liberty State Park, New Jersey
Aug 20 - NPR - World Cafe www.npr.org
Sep 13 - Real Big Deal Festival Gainesville, Florida
Sep 26 - Austin City Limits Festival Austin, Texas

Hot Water Music/ Thursday/Paint it Black @ Terminal 5 NYC, review, photos

Photos by Ryan Krueger



The spirit of punk rock was alive on July 12, 2008, a momentous day in the city that never sleeps, that hosted one of the best days of music in NYC this summer. Alkaline Trio and American Steel played The Fillmore at Irving Plaza, Trash Talk was at Knitting Factory, F Yeah Fest with Circle Jerks, Dillinger 4, Matt and Kim, and other was at Highline Ballroom, and Hot Water Music, Thursday, and Paint it Black were at Terminal 5, where I was for the evening. Oh, and Bon Jovi was about 16 blocks away playing the free Major League Baseball All-Star Concert at Central Park.

My first time at Terminal 5 proved to be fun, despite the poor sound and mediocre, unenthusiastic crowd during Thursday’s set, maybe it was the sound or that most folks came for Hot Water Music. As I stepped into the venue at 7pm, door time, the venue seemed empty. The floor space is huge, and there are three levels, which give you a nice view of the venue and monitors to see the show. I was snuggled tucked on the right side on the barricade for most of the show with a great view.

Paint it Black from Philly was a fun hardcore band and a nice way to open up the show. Though I’m unfamiliar with their music I enjoyed them and they had a good amount of energy. I just wish I could hear the vocals. The singer explained mostly every song of the set, speaking with such passion. A few of the songs were political and about war. He also dedicated a song to the vegans and vegetarians and went into the crowd a few times, noting how he was going to kill himself over the size of the venue. Overall, tight set.

My friend and I anticipated seeing Thursday, a band dear and near to Jersey kids. It was a shame you could barely hear Geoff’s lovely vocals for most of the set. The band kicked it off with “For the workforce drowning,” a typical starter. Then they surprised a few by playing “Between Rupture and Rapture,” “and “Paris in Flames.” They did the two car songs, “The Other Side of the Crash” and “Understanding in a car crash,” which got the crowd moving. Then they toned it down with “Sugar in the Sacrament,” which was nicely done. Geoff announced that the band will be releasing a split with Envy in October and went into a new instrumental song, “In Silence.” “Tomorrow I’ll be You,” was also played to give the fans their money’s worth, as Geoff said. The closer was “Autobiography of a Nation,” a song Geoff said was influenced by Hot Water Music. You could see the outpouring of emotion Geoff showed and his appreciation for playing with one of his influences. The last time Thursday played in NYC was with Rise Against in November 2006, so this was a treat for the local crowd.

I’m not too familiar with Hot Water Music, but they played a tight set that really got the crowd going and by the time they came on there were a ton of people there. They started off with “Remedy” and played a three song encore. I respect the band and they sounded pretty good, even given Terminal 5's poor sound system.

There were other shows going on this night, but it was great that so many people were at this one. Even if it wasn’t the best show, it was fun and a nice night out.

Paint it Black






Thursday














Hot Water Music

As Tall As Lions @ Maxwell's, Hoboken NJ 7/8- review, photos, setlist

Photos by Lauren Murphy

As Tall As Lions performed its first show in a few months at Maxwell’s to kick off its mini tour, debuting some new songs and giving fans a special extended set. Openers The Circus and Leah Siegel, two completely differently sounding acts performed great sets. It was obvious that the bands enjoy playing and so much emotion could be seen in their face and the way they moved. The show was lovely, both for the bands and the filled room of fans dancing, singing lyrics, and shouting “I love you’s,” and “Happy Birthday, Julio.”

As is the case with Maxwell’s there weren’t too many in attendance during the first band, New Jersey’s The Circus, a young, fresh 4-piece rock band. There were a few people that were really excited, jumping and singing along, for the band as they played a fun, poppy, catchy set. During their last song, they brought up a “special guest.” She had a nice voice and worked well with the band.

Leah Siegel, a singer-songwriter from Brooklyn backed by three members, all sophisticated and nicely dressed played a nice set. The sound was your typical indie/rock. She reminded me of Feist and Thao with the Get Down Stay Down. Siegel’s vocals had great, simple vocals. Brian Wolfe’s drumming was good and different. His facial expressions were great as well, going from a serious look to a smile with the change in beats. It was pretty awesome.

The moment would soon come around 10:30pm, when As Tall As Lions would grace the stage for a now packed Maxwell's to perform their heart-warming, groovy, yet ambient rock set. It was Julio’s birthday to and his family, friends, and fans were in attendance. He mentioned he was fortunate to be surrounded by all these people for his birthday. The band knows how to capture its audience with the sensational sounds of Julio, Saen, Rob, Cliff, and Dan. All work so well together, switch back off on instruments and express what they feel. The lush vocals and sincere lyrics of Dan really hit me. I loved singing along and watching everyone up front enjoying themselves and going crazy. The new songs were quite good, keeping in the same vein of the ATAL sound and with more rockin’ drum and bass beats then before. I was particularly excited to hear “Stab City,” and “Be Here Now,” two of my favorite songs. Just watching the whole band explode into an outpouring of emotional on stage, like they were making love to their instruments, as my friend said, was beautiful. These Long Island lads known how to put on a show.

As Tall As Lions- Tour Dates

7/10 @ Mercury Lounge, NYC with Leah Sigel. 21+. $12 adv./$14drs.

7/25 @ Harper’s Ferry, Allston, MA. 18+. $10adv./$12drs.

7/26 @ The Living Room, Providence, RI. $10adv./$12drs.

AS TALL AS LIONS Setlist @ Maxwell's 7/8/08:

The Sweet Hereafter (New)

Stab City

Breakers

Into the Flood

We’s Been Waitin’ Too Long (New)

Song for Luna

A Soft Hum

Milk & Honey

Paris (New)

Piano Loop (New)

Love, Love, Love (Love, Love)

Ghost of York

July 20 (New)

Maybe I’m Just Tired

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Encore:

Be Here Now

96 Heartbeats

Lisa Loeb at Barnes & Nobles, NYC, 6/3- pics and review

Longtime singer-songwriter Lisa Loeb captured the audience of toddlers, parents, and college students like myself at New York City’s Tribeca Barnes and Nobles for her cd release performance on June 3. The release “Camp Lisa" is her second children's album. It's a collection of camp songs, a fun one just in time for summer. A portion of the proceeds of the cd goes to support the Camp Lisa Foundation which helps send underprivileged kids to summer camp.

Lisa came out at 2:10pm, thankfully with the children still awake, because everyone knows 2 o'clock is right around nap time. She came out wearing a black dress, with red shoes, and her pointed glasses, still as chic and young looking as I remember when I first saw her in a music video 10 years ago.

She started with “Going Away,” about all the things you bring to summer camp. Next was “Peanut Butter and Jelly,” a song from when she was in summer camp. She said, “you might be allergic to peanut butter, but singing won’t give your allergies.” After was a song from her first children’s cd Catch the Moon called “Little Red Caboose.” Following was a Neal Young song called “Love Is a Rose” and “Grandma’s in the Cellar,” a song she learned in Texas. Closing, was the sincere, fun “Best Friend,” where she noted how she’s been friends with her best since 7th grade. During all the songs she really encouraged crowd participation and kids were coming on stage. It was a refreshing environment to be in and though I enjoyed the set. It reminded me of my youth.
Setlist:
Going Away
Peanut Butter and Jelly
Little Red Caboose
Love is a Rose (Neil Young cover)
Grandma’s In The Cellar
Best Friend








Afterwards, Lisa meet with fans and signed cds. It was a pleasure meeting her after listening to her for about half my life.

I encourage parents with youngsters or anyone that know youngsters to pick up “Camp Lisa,” 19 selections of sweet, catchy, fun songs. Some of you might even remember some of this songs from your youth. A blast from the past for your enjoyment.

Lisa performs tonight at Barnes and Nobles in Paramus, N.J. at 7 p.m. located on 765 Route 17 South. Upcoming dates, information on Camp Lisa, and a stream of "Best Friend" can be found at lisaloeb.com