EP Review: Black Birds- Galaxy Rising

"all i do to not give up is keep on walking/ all i do to not give up is keep on keep on keep on"- from Fever Creature

Black Birds- Galaxy Rising

Asbury Park, NJ 

Released Oct. 2010

Death to False Hope Records

DOWNLOAD: BLACK BIRDS- GALAXY RISING  

Alyssa- vocals, Sharon-guitar, Bob-bass, Azzara-drums

Black Birds have a new EP out that I'm very excited for. Since seeing the band over the summer in Kearny, I've been waiting for some digital tunes to surface. This comes in the form of a 4-song mini album called Galaxy Rising. The band has released it through North Carolina label Death to False Hope Records on a free/donation basis. The songs are gnarly rock 'n roll. Lead song "Brightest Diamond" has killer motorcycle sounding guitar riffs, if you know what I mean. I hope you do because it sounds great. Riffy but not excessive. The vocals are strong and fit the music well. Solid ep. 2 guys, 2 girls making rock n' roll music fit for you to headbang to and dance around to. Yeah. I have no comparisons on this one. Just listen.

Also, Brooklyn readers or anyone willing to travel, check out the band at Spike Hill (right off the Bedford L train stop) in Williamsburg, Brooklyn on Tuesday, Nov. 23rd at 8PM! The show is FREE! You can't beat that, right?

Live Review: Black Birds in Kearny

I biked over to the Kearny VFW aka The Irish to see a rad punk show featuring Black wine, Trophy Wife, Black Birds, and The Obvious. This space has a front bar and sizeable stage in the back that comfortably fits 200 people. The event "Revolution Grrrl Style NOW'' featured grrrl singers, guitarists, and drummers. It was great to see so many female lead bands. The sound was great and the bands were pretty tight but sadly there wasn't much of an audience. I'm not sure if this was for lack of promotion, the show happening on a Monday, the fact that it had rained just before the show, or because people don't know where Kearny is. Rising Jersey bands Screaming Females, Titus Andronicus, Ted Leo, and more have played this space, but even so it seems the venue hasn't developed a name yet. I had see Black Wine and Trophy Scars before, but I was interested in checking out Asbury Park band BLACK BIRDS. They had a sweet riot grrrl-influenced, garage-punk sound. Lead singer Alyssa looked really into her performance and halfway through her set performed on the floor. The guitar playing was great, too. Check them out! They just put three new songs on their MySpace.

Tonight they're at Lit Lounge, 93 2nd Ave, New York City. 8:30pm. 21+. $6. with Ishmael

http://www.myspace.com/blackbirdsnj

See below for more photos.

8/16 Black Wine, Trophy Wife, Black Birds, The Obvious in Kearny, NJ

Get shit shakin' with a rad rock show in Kearny, New Jersey this coming Monday night. Killing Horse Records is presenting a show at The Irish with sweet locals that are ready to kick your ass. The show  is being called "Revolution Grrrl Style-Now," a reference to the riot-grrrl inspired scene, taken from the Bikini Kill song, will feature local Jersey favorites with female fronted lead singers and drummers. 

First up is Black Wine a great 90s rock and punk act featuring members of Full of Fancy, Hunchback and The Ergs. Second, is Trophy Wife, a Philly based duo who play loud and heavy for the thrill of relieving. pains. Black Birds and The Obvious are Asbury based punk bands.

All Ages! 7 bux. 8pm sharp!