Screaming Females, Shellshag, Ex-Wife, Black Wine @ Mercury Lounge NYC, pics & review

All photos by StarBeat



























Screaming Females headlined concert promoter, Bowery Presents smallest venue, Mercury Longue, last Tuesday night. But it wasn't their first time with these promoters, they opened for the Dead Weather at Terminal for two sold out nights over the summer. As per usually in my experience with shows here, the room was quite empty upon arrive at doors, but as the night went on more people starting showing up. The night was a tasty treat for New Yorkers because Screaming Females typically play either in Brooklyn, Hoboken, or New Brunswick when they tour locally. Actually the first time I saw the band was last summer at The Tank in NYC. It was my eleventh time seeing the band, but they managed to put on the tightest, longest set I’ve seen them play. They always manage to put on a different set and still leave me wanting more. Since the room was packed there wasn’t much room for two stepping or jumping on people’s backs, but it was still fun. But let’s back up a bit, there were three opening bands, Black Wine, Ex-Wife (formerly You Without Teeth) and Shellshag.

Black Wine recently signed with Don Giovanni Records and features members of Hunchback, Full of Fancy, and the Ergs. The band pummeled through their 30-minute set with strong punk rock songs that really focused on the guitar. Jeff’s playing was awesome and it was great seeing Miranda rockin’ out on drums.

The two piece of Ex-Wife was up next. Most knew them as You Without Teeth from New Brunswick, New Jersey but the band recently changed their name. I wonder why. Maybe the name was too close to mewithoutYou? Anyway, they played a solid punk/hc set.

Shellshag from Brooklyn up next. I didn’t expect too much from them. I’ve seen them a few time and they never impressed me. Some of their songs are okay but I just can’t into the drums and vocals. It’s interesting that there seems to be so many 2 and 3 piece bands nowadays. It’s great because it saves money when touring and these bands know how to sound loud. Much of the crowd seemed into Shellshag, though. Their last song was great and they were entertaining.

Finally, Screaming Females started with older song “Starve the Beat,” before going into the new, boppy, fast “Bell.” They played a bunch of unreleased, new songs and a few off of Power Move and a an oldie “Baby Jesus.” The tight set was closed off with the jammy, guitar-driving “Lights Out." It's always great seeing the band jam out, hearing Marissa sing, scream, and shred, and the band playing super tight. This time was a treat to hear 10 songs in a wonderful sound, nearly sold out venue. The band play hometown New Brunswick next Tuesday with Dead Dogs and SLAW.

Pictures, tour dates and setlist below...

Black Wine Tour Dates:

September 11 - The Terrordome - Philadelphia, PA
September 18 - Court Tavern - New Brunswick, NJ
September 20 - Don Pedro - Brooklyn, NY
September 25 - Alligator Greenpoint - Brooklyn, NY
November 17 - Court Tavern - New Brunswick, NJ

Shellshag Tour Dates:

September 28 - SUNY Purchase - Purchase, NY
October 16 - Santo's Party House - Brooklyn, NY
October 31 - The Fest - Gainesville, FL

Screaming Females Tour Dates:

September 15 – Casa - New Brunswick, NJ w/ Dead Dogs and Slaw
September 23 -Maxwell's - Hoboken, NJ w/ Mattress, The Measure (SA)
September 24 - Black Cat Backstage - Washington D.C.
September 25 - Pi Lam - Philadelphia, PA
September 26 - Death By Audio - Brooklyn, NY
September 27 - ASS20 - Providence, RI
September 28 - Middle East Upstairs - Cambridge, MA
September 29 - Space Gallery - Portland, ME
September 30 - Casa Del Popolo - Montreal, QC
October 1 - POP Montreal - Montreal, QC
October 3 - Majestic Cafe - Detroit, MI
October 5 - The Hideout - Chicago, IL
October 6 - The Gargoyle - St. Louis, MO
October 7 - Coughy Haus - Beloit, WI
October 8 - Ronny's - Chicago, IL
October 9 - Grinnel College/Gardner Lounge - Grinnel, IA
October 10 - Earlham College/Comstock Room - Richmond, IN

Screaming Females @ Mercury Lounge in NYC - setlist

1. "Starve the Beat”
2. “Bell”
3. “New song 1”
4. “Fun”
5. “Starving Dog”
6. “New Song 2”
7. “Adult Army”
8. “Halfway Down”
9. “Baby Jesus”
10. “Lights Out”

Warped Tour Camden Short 'n Sweet 7/17

I volunteered with the John Lennon Educational School Bus, so I wasn't able to see Bayside, Black Tide, A Day to Remember, In This Moment, or Gallows like I had hoped, but Flogging Molly, Bad Religion, Madina Lake, NOFX, and Exit She Calls were the best from those I saw. Flogging Molly get you moving in the best way. Bad Religion manage to stay relevant after all their years and play great punk. Madina Lake had amazing energy, was sincere, and had fun, melodic, rock songs that make you want to jump up and dance around. NOFX is just badass and play awesome punk tunes. Exit She Calls shredded, rocked, turned heads, and had kids and themselves moving about, tight 5 song set.

Maria Taylor @ Knitting Factory, NYC 6/18- review

Maria Taylor performed at the Knitting Factory to a modestly sized, passionate, and excited crowd, for an evening of lovely, lush, acoustic/ indie folk rock. Opening was friends Johnathan Rice and Nik Freitas. The sound was excellent, especially when Maria started. Her voice was clear and beautiful. Most of the musicians collaborated with one another, including Freitas playing guitar for both Rice and Taylor, and Taylor playing drums for Rice. Good indie rock, new songs, and near swooning was in store at this show.

Nik Freitas performed some very nice songs lyrically and acoustically, but the vocals didn't seem right. Though, his presence wasn’t that captivating the lyrics really touched me. After a few songs he really shined. Songs included, “All the Way Down,” and “Sun Down.” He recently opened for Rilo Kiley and will be playing with Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band this summer. Good for him.

Next was Johnathan Rice who played a sincere, heartfelt set. Maria played drums for him. His lyrics seemed to be about dealing with loss and love. He clearly is one who has gone through a lot of struggle and it's heard in his songs. Although not my typical taste, I enjoyed Rice and it was nice to listen to something a little different. He's dating Jenny Lewis of Rilo Kiley. Good for him.

Maria Taylor was lovely and captivating, for her light rock/ acoustic performance. She started with a stripped down version of “A Good Start,” coming off her 7-song digital EP Savannah Drive. The EP is a collection of favorite songs from 11:11 and Lynn Teeter Flower and new songs, all performed acoustically. She played four new songs, including the self titled track to her new album "Lady Luck," a cover of Skeeter Davis’ “End of the World,” and “Song Beneath the Song,” “Clean Getaway,” and “The Ballad of Sean Folley." "Xanax," a near 6-minute power start of a song about fear "ended" the set. The band really jammed on this one.

She was comical at points, like when someone in the crowd shouted, "You look really pretty," and she replied, “Thanks, that’s weird considering I really haven’t slept or bathed in a very long time (laughs). Must be the red wine."

The encore was mostly by request and started with “Speak Easy.” Somewhere in this set Taylor invited her sister up to play percussion and sing. It was cute. Next was “Replay,” which someone shouted they wanted to hear. Maria was unsure about playing it. Though she reacquainted herself with the song, said it was her first time playing it on this tour, and that she might forget the lyrics so the crowd has to help her out. "Replay" is filled with great lines:

“So with dignity and grace/ Boy you'd have to erase/All the things in your mind/that replay and replay and replay and replay and replay/The things that made you cry/that you forgave, you let go by/or you will push the one that you love out of your life/out of your life.”

This verse speaks perfection for me and I love it when I am able to connect with an artists lyrics in this way. She had the crowd choose either "Two of those two," or "Leap Year." The crowd choose the tear jerker, about a long distance relationship. "I will wait for you/ But please come soon."

Isaac Hayes @ Prospect Park, Brooklyn 6/12

To kick off 30 years of free concerts at Brooklyn’s Prospect Park Bandshell, soul, funk, and r & b singer, 2002 Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame inductee, and all around entertainer Isaac Hayes performed with his 9-piece band on June 12 for Celebrate Brooklyn.

Thousands turned out for the event, filling the bandshell with a sea of people. To witness everyone in one area for the sole purpose of hearing a legend was a thrill to me. The sight at the park was beautiful, the set up was nice, and I was able to snag a sit up front on the right side of the stage with my close friend. It was exciting to be apart of such a special night and hear so many of his hit songs.


Hayes came out at 8:20 p.m. decked in his long black jacket and signature wraparound shades. 40 minutes into the groovy set, the members and Hayes made their way off the stage while the drummer and percussionist performed an amazing 5 minute duet. Then everyone came back to continue playing songs for another 50 minutes. The sound was great, and the band performed amazingly causing me to move around in my seat.

He played songs such as “By the Time I Get to Phoenix,” “Walk on By,” “Joy,” “Do Your Thing,” “Never Can Say Goodbye,” and “Soul Man.” There was a bass solo, there was a guitar solo, a drum duet, and then there was the “Theme from Shaft,” to close the set. For the first time of the night Hayes wasn’t behind his keyboard playing. He stood up, conducting his band like an orchestra, oddly enough with no horns, for the opening, before turning around to sing Shaft. Some footage from the concert is here.

With each song the diverse crowd of thousands, young and old, seemed to respond and explode into a beautiful passion, singing and dancing in the perfect weather. The smiles I saw made me happy and even more excited. I would’ve never thought I’d have the opportunity to see Isaac Hayes for such a huge celebration, for free. I could hear the influence he brought today’s artists and witnessed the impact and beauty of his sexy, funk music. What an honor and a privilege.

Also, photos are available here.

Celebrate Brooklyn is a program of BRIC Arts providing a summer of music, dance, theater, and film at Prospect Park Bandshell. Its season consists of 25 free performances over 9 weeks.

Upcoming Events include:

Saturday June 14- Miriam Makeba, 7:30pm
Thursday, June 19- Medeski Martin & Wood, 7pm
Saturday June 22, Salif Keita, 6pm
Thursday, June 26- Carolina Chocolate Drops, 7:30pm
Friday June 27- Cold War Kids, 7pm
Saturday, June 28- Crooklyn Dodgers Reunion, 7pm

More information and the rest of the season's events available at Prospect Park’s website.

Up The Punks @ Bowery Poetry Club 5/16

I made my way to New York City for “Up the Punks,” another TM Promotions dance party madness (late) night at Bowery Poetry Club that featured Emilyn Brodsky, The New York Howl, The Perrenials, NaNuchKa , and Whack.

The always classy and comical Ms. Brodsky put on a great show along with some drumming help from Semra of World Inferno/ Friendship Society. During her set mostly everyone sat on the floor. She joked about how she would start and end with a hit, dubbing it a “hit sandwich.” She announced she fake graduated this past week, with 8 credits left to complete. During “Swear to God” she had the audience get up and stomp/clap. It was fun, though I haven't mastered the craft that is the stomp/ clap.

The New York Howl would be up next to rock the stage like no other. They got the crowd moving and people really seemed to enjoy their set. They had a punk/ jazz vibe to them. Their set was really great with the addition of a bass sax. Stefan certainly knew how to play and rocked and rolled. He handled the stage and his mic well. It was great seeing the crowd so into this band and dancing like no one was watching.

The Perrenials from Boston, MA were up next. They didn’t seem to fit the bill and I was turned off by them.

During the night I was able to chat with Emilyn twice and joke with her, which was pretty cool.

Unfortunately, I had to leave so I was not able to see the last two acts, but I’m sure they both put on great and fun shows.

Bamboozle, May 3

While large festival aren’t my typical cup of tea, as I like to see bands in much intimate settings, I’ve managed to attend Bamboozle at the Meadowlands Sports Complex for three years. This year I would venture with Greg, Gery, and Gabby for a delightfully fun time.

Our first stop to the big bubble where we saw Anthony Raneri of Bayside acoustic. It was good to chill out. I calmed down after missing The Sleeping. Raneri played “Sorrow,” “Landing Feet First,” and “Devotion and Desire.” Streetlight were fun. RJA were okay, they played a Foo Fighter cover which was pretty neat. As Tall As Lions were really good acoustic, it was awesome to see them stripped down. They played “Love, Love, Love,” “Ghost of York,” “Maybe I’m Just Tired.” A Day to Remember were fun as always. The Bravery were amazing. I had a great time hearing “Believe” and “An Honest Mistake.” Paramore were intense, got in the crowd and held onto the three G’s as we pushed our way to the front. I had to get out of the crowd at the end. Heard Jimmy Eat World play the songs I knew, sounded great. Snoop Dogg was…an experience. It was weird seeing rock kids so into Snoop. My friends loved his set and he played 30 minutes more than expected. I recognized tracks, I didn’t even know were his, ha. “Jim and Juice” was classic. He was all about presenting himself as a ganster and the whole sex, drugs, alcohol thang. Good times.

In a brief:
2:00-2:30 Anthony Raneri- Bamboozle TV Studio- sweet
2:30-3 Streetlight Manifesto- Nowhat.com Stage- fun
3:00-3:30 The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus- Asbury Park Stage- okay
3:30-4:00 Vinnie Caruna of the Movie Life- Nokia Ticket Rush Stage- good
4:00-4:30 Snake Milk (MAE)- Rebel Youth Records Stage- alright
4:15-4:45 As Tall As Lions (Acoustic)- Bamboozle TV Studio- sexy
5:40-6:10 Ludo- The Aquarian Stage- interesting
6:15- 6:45 A Day to Remember- The 5 Gum Stage- hardcore
6:20- 6:50 Saves the Day- Nowwhat.com Stage- nice
6:45 - 7:15 Kill Hannah- dancey
6:50-7:25 Jacks Mannequin- Asbury Park Stage- blah
7:25- 8:00 The Bravery- Nowhat.com Stage- catchy
8:00-8:45 Paramore- Asbury Park Stage- whoa
8:45-9:30 Jimmy Eat World - great
8:55-9:30 Del Jugo- Linc Star Records Break Stage- short
9:15-9:45 Alesana- The 5 Gum Stage- ouch
9:30-11:00 Snoop Dogg- off the hizzle

Murder by Death/ Kiss Kiss/ O'Death @ Bowery Ballroom, NYC on 4/4

Not only did I get to witness one of the best bands live at NYC’s Bowery Ballroom for a sold out show, but I had the opportunity to interview them to. Okay, well at least one member, Adam of Murder by Death, early that Friday at WSOU. He spoke about the concept for the new record citing it as, “a long form narrative.”

Turla said, “The idea is it’s the story of a guy who is sort of an angry, young son of a gun. Basically, he’s traveling, trying to get home for the purpose of revenge. And it’s his trials of the journey. He gets home and realizes he’s been motivated for the wrong reasons. He decides to change his life. It’s a tale of youth and anger turning into something better and more wise.”

About the title, “Red of Tooth and Claw” for the album Turla said:

“It’s a quote from a Tennyson poem. The reason we chose it was because…one of the themes of the album is this guy is very animalistic and motivated by quick, gut reactions and sort of fight or flight attitude. When he realizes he’s turning into something he doesn’t want to be he realizes he’s turning into a wild dog. I like the animal connection. They talk about nature being of red and tooth and claw.”

He surprised us with a live version of “52 Ford” in the studio. He also noted that the new album was the most upbeat and concise of the bands previous efforts. Photos are available here.

The concert that night was amazing and fitting. I made my way over with Gery for a smashin’ birthday treat for him. Before going inside I saw Sam and Rebecca of Kiss Kiss. They remembered me from SXSW, which was cool and we chatted for a bit. They seemed so psyched to see me and I as well.

Kiss Kiss played 45-minute set consisting of old and new songs. They played favorites, “Machines,” “Satellite,” and “Shits in Suit” along with three new songs. They caused some havoc, knocking over the drum set during their last song, “Virus.” Though, when I saw them at SXSW it was a crazier set, and much intimate as I was right up front to wise the chaos. But Sam’s expressions will also get me, he puts his feelings into his performance.

O'Death was rootin' tootin' folk/country/rock fun from Brooklyn. Though, I couldn’t get much into the vocals. I found myself wandering in and out of the room. Definitely a great act.

Soon enough Murder by Death would grace the stage to perform an hour and 15 minute set spanning their whole discography. They played a wide mix of old and new songs, including from their Little Joe Gould days. They opened with "Sometimes the Line Walks You" and closed with "The Desert's on Fire." I had so much fun. Even so the people around me noticed. Midway through the set the girl in front of me that kept looking back at me finally spoke to me, saying I must really be into them. She asked if I was from around here. The whole night I saw so many industry folks and band members, including Adam who introduced me to his friend and thanked me for coming to the show. It was a swell time. Definitely makes my top shows list.

Photos of the night available here.

Kiss Kiss Setlist (in order):
Iris and Eye
Machines
The Cats in Your House
All They Draw (New)
Through the Day (New)
Satellite
Shits in Suit (dress up)
Virus (New)

Murder by Death (not in order):
Sometimes the Line Walks You
‘52 Ford
Fuego!
I'm Afraid of Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolf
Brother
Comin' Home
Ball & Chain
Steal Away
Ash
Devil in Mexico?
Killbot 2000
Until Moral Continues, the Beatings Will Continue
Dead Men and Sinners?
Boy Decide?
Dynamite Mine?

Encore:
One or two songs oldies I don't recall
Desert's on Fire

89.5FM to host pre-anniversary bash in NYC!

We came here to rock n' rock in New York City with the best!!

The tri state area's only rock and metal station, WSOU 89.5fm, will celebrate a special pre 60th anniversary party on Thursday, April 10th at the Delancey Night Club in NYC.

This event is also the first installment of Rock Palour, a bimonthly Thursday night bash fit for rock queens and kings, which is brought to you by Cathy Campagna, DJ Chrissy and Georgie Seville. Doors open at 7pm and bands hit the stage at 8pm. The night's heavy hitters include Ten Feet From Murder, Purpose In Reason, Ashes Of Your Enemy and West Gate, plus direct from Atlanta, GA, headliners... Love Said No featuring members of Soulfly, Stereomud and Primer 55. This is Love Said No's first NYC appearance.

2 for 1 drink specials from 9pm to 10pm & 1am to 2am and WSOU giveaways!

Put simply:
When: Thursday April 10th, 7pm doors. 8pm music to make your ears bleed.

Where: The Delancey located at 168 Delancey St. between Clinton and Attorney, New York City. 3 floors complete with an exotic rooftop lounge.

Who: Love Said No with Bobby Burns [Soulfly, Primer 55], Erik Rogers [Stereomud] Billy Grey and Frank Fontsere, Ten Feet From Murder, Ashes Of Your Enemy, West Gate and Purpose In Reason.

YOU! 21 and older.

Why: WSOU's pre 60th anniversary party.

How: By grace of the metal gods for $10.

The Champagne Charade @ The Iron Monkey in Jersey City on 3/22

The passion that packed the small lounge-esque restaurant of The Iron Monkey in Jersey City warmed the room, literally, as eager fans, friends, family and familiar faces waited in anticipation of two New Jersey locals.

It was a star studded line-up featuring the beauties Eddie, Luis, John, Jose and Meghan of Fighting Over Shotgun and Chris Crypts, Nicky Charade, Kaedon Grey, Bobbie Venom and Saetia LaReoux of The Champagne Charade, who played their first show and headlined the night.

Fighting Over Shotgun, from Hoboken, NJ brought rockin’ arrangements, some Latin flavor, heavy tinged guitar, screaming and melodic vocals and plenty of up close and personal moments with hugs included from Meghan, in their 30 minute set. Meghan opened ACapella, which highlighted her sweet voice. She would descend into a frenzy as she moved from left to right and back and front, edging close to bands members and the drums She even ripped her heart out on the floor as she sang with such conviction.

The Champagne Charade from north Jersey got on at 12:15am. The drum set took up half the floor space, proving how tiny this place really was. As Saetia graced the stage in her cut up black Guns n Roses tee, blue skirt, fish nets and fiery red hair the beauty of her voice compelled me to sing. The band performed four songs off their “Takeover” EP and two news ones, which they hope to record next month. The songs relentlessly blared loud with ripping guitar licks. The band closed with "Lipstick Scars" as Ms. LaReoux sang "Can you take the pain away from ME, will you succeed?," the night ended too shortly and it was already the next day.

Both bands poured their heart into the music and expressed their thanks, happiness and love for everyone coming out. The vibe of the show was akin to that of a basement show, intimate, passionate, and filled with loved ones and fans of music- the way a true local show should be.