Rapid Cities' final shows (PA, NY, NJ)

New Brunswick, NJ based band Rapid Cities is playing its last three shows this weekend. The band had the following to say:

The dudes who have been playing under the moniker known as Rapid Cities, and who have been responsible for bringing you agitated guitar music since early 2006 are packing it in and moving on with their lives. We would like to formally close the book for ourselves, and invite you all to our very last performances this winter (see info below).

We will be releasing a cassette tape on Keep It Together Records, titled "Peripheries",... which will be available at these shows and feature some new, unreleased tracks, as well as some old and out-of-print ones. Also our original drummer, Anthony Battiato, will be flying in from Newport Beach, California to beat the skins for a few songs.

We have played for over 4 years, been through 4 vans, played close to 200 shows in 18 states and 4 countries, been to the studio to put out a small handful of records, and would not have done anything short of it. It has been an experience which we will be taking with us wherever we go, and are grateful for you being there with us at any point along the way.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24
w/ Thinking Machines, Lavis Blake
@ Kung Fu Necktie
Philadelphia, PA
8 PM / $8 / 21+
after party DJ set at 11 PM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25
w/ Ghost Robot Ninja Bear, Secret Photos, Sleep Bellum Sonno
@ The Charleston
Brooklyn, NY
8 PM / $7 / 21+

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26
w/ Mirrors & Wires, Big Eyes, Brick Mower
@ The Court Tavern
New Brunswick, NJ
9 PM / $8 / 21+

The Diamond Sea Break-Up

Melbourne, Australia's The Diamond Sea have decided to call it quits. The 4-piece toured the U.S. for a quick east coast run last summer, hitting up Brooklyn, NY and New Brunswick, NJ. In an interview with Mess and Noise bassist Alicia says:

Some of my personal highlights were playing with Gorilla Angreb, doing the Off Minor tour, getting to tour the States, playing the Cake Shop in New York and playing with Little Lungs, who are touring here in February. Also, all of the friends we've made through this band, the impromptu circle pit at [last year’s] Summer Tones and releasing our 10” and 7”. There's been so many highlights. Thanks to everyone for coming to our shows.

Thankfully everyone in the band is still pursing music. Alicia is in two new bands, Scott is in Circuits, Steph (Tara?) is in Alphabet Snakes and Circuits, and Jacquie has three new bands. The band played their last shows in Jan. 23 and 24 in New South Wales. The band cite The Cure, Wire, Joy Division, and Television as influences. Their 6-song Slow Signal 10''/EP is available here. Our post from The Diamond Sea's show in New Brunswick, NJ last year is here. 

The Banner Announce Break-Up

We just heard from our friends at The NJ Underground that hardcore outfit, The Banner is calling it quits or as singer Joey who wrote his band's entry said, "cashing out." This comes after we hear that These Arms Are Snakes have broken up.

In The Banner's MySpace post they offer a concrete explanation of why the band is calling it quits saying, "Theres no drama or nothing its just we pretty much did everything i wished to do and id like to bow out as gracefully as we are capable." They've released six albums and have been a band for ten years and seem pretty content with that accomplishment. They've simply run their course. Joey goes on to update fans of the past and present band members new band and goings on. He announced that they'll be releasing what looks to be a free EP before their final show at the end of the year. I was a bit bothered that he called his old guitarist a "huge queer" like it was a bad thing saying: "Rich Bukowski is a huge queer but i love him so ill give him a little spot here..."

Though an active NJ music fan, I only remember seeing The Banner once at NJIT in Newark, NJ in 2003, I believe it was. Don't remember who played with them, but recall playing frisbee, hearing Misfits, and having a good time with some friends. I did some digging and came across old show listings of The Banner shows that Tri State Punk put on. See below for the list.

Back when shows were $8! Now these venues don't exist.

11/17/2002
THe BANNER w/ Kill Your Idols, None More Black, The Curse, Smackin' Isaish, Flower+Cops, and Maverick @ Hamilton St Cafe, Boundbrook, NJ (hardcore matinee). $8 with flyer.

1/3/2003
THE BANNER w/ The Survivors, Dead Wrong, The Procedure, The Backup Plan, Protagonist, and All Tied @ Bloomfield Ave Cafe, Montclair, NJ. $8 with flyer.

3/1/2003
THE BANNER w/ Folly, Something to Remember, Nola, Phoenix Down, Flat Earth Society, All Tied Up @ Bloomfield Ave Cafe, Montclair, NJ. $8.

4/16/2003
THE BANNER w/ Underoath, Folly, Killed by Memories, Something to Remember, No Hollywood Ending @ Bloomfield Ave, Montclair, NJ. $8.

5/14/2003
THE BANNER w/ Dead to Fall, Remembering Never, Undying, Arson, and Killed by Memories @ Bloomfield Ave Cafe, Montclair, NJ. $8.

8/9/2003
THE BANNER w/ Evergreen Terrace, Calico System, Spearing Jocasta @ Bloomfield Ave Cafe, Montclair, NJ. $8.

11/14/2003
THE BANNER w/ Folly, Paulson, Outsmarting Simon, and Anterrabae @ Pequannok Knights of Columbus,Pequannok, NJ.

12/19/2003
THE BANNER w/ No Hollywood Ending, The Promise, THe Bank Robbers, Post Break Tragedy, and Gray Lines of Perfection @ Club Krome, SOuth Amboy, NJ. $8.

5/4/ 2004
THE BANNER w/ Everygreen Terrace, On Broken Wings, Embrace Today, Comatose @ Hamilton St Cafe, Boundbrook, NJ. $10.

Were you at any of these shows? What are you memories of the band?

These Arms Are Snakes Announce Break-Up

The experimental/post-hardcore band from Seattle, These Arms Are Snakes have broken up after 8 years as a band. The band first formed in 2002 and had members from Botch, Minus the Bear, and Killsadie, among others over the years. Their last NYC shows were in September 2009.

Below is a statement from the band:

It's with a heavy heart we tell you that These Arms Are Snakes is no more. It's been a great run and we'd like to send out a very hearty "Thank You" to everyone that we've worked with or anyone that we've toured with; anyone that lent us a floor, towed our van and/or trailer, lent a van, given us a listen, downloaded our records prior to their coming out, bought our shit, or asked us where our band name came from; everyone who cooked us food, made habanero-infused tequila, had a safety meeting with us, let Steve gyrate all over you, had to live with any of us, made us pay shitloads of money to get off your punk label, got us into LOST, found Steve drunkenly wandering the streets of Tokyo alone, played Madlibs in the van (plural nouns), lost money promoting one of our shows, took Chris to the hospital, put up with our drunken sorry asses, got into a fight with us, etc. etc

While it's great the band is so appreciative of all the support and help they've gotten over the years, they cite no reason why the band has broken up. This comes with much sadness after so many bands broke up last year. Some bands run their course, I guess. This band wrote music that was musically challenged. It wasn't mainstream. It was experiment. Progressive. Loud. It was different. Over the years the band played with Mastodon, Cursive, Minus the Bear, and Chiodos. The band released three full-length albums in their time together. Their last Tail Swallower and Dove was released in 2008.

I never saw them live. There's no word if the band is going to be playing any last shows. That's why, if there's a band you want to see catch them before it's too late. I don't mean to sound pessimistic like it's inevitable bands will break up but rather reminding you to not push things off so much.

These Arms Are Snakes, thanks for making exciting music. You'll be missed.

There's already been Twitter messages:

@sargenthouse I will always miss my gang, These Arms Are Snakes another band you all should have gone and see play live before it was too late. R.I.P.
@thursdayband: These Arms Are Snakes broke up... Bum out!!! :-(
@suicidesqueeze These Arms Are Snakes RIP 2002 - 2009. http://www.altpress.com/news/8386.htm
@priorities NOOO!!!!! WHY DIDN'T I GO SEE THEM LAST OCTOBER!? RT: These Arms Are Snakes just broke up! http://is.gd/68J3Y (via @seanbuzzgrinder)

Hollywood Ave to play final show in Teaneck, NJ tonight

Tonight, the melodic rock band from Fairfield, Hollywood Ave will play a farewell show at Mexicali Live in Teaneck, NJ. The show is with The Bear Cavalry, The Exotic Aquatic, Marisette, and a special set by John Mazur. It's 16+ with doors at 4pm and the show starting at 5pm. It's presented by EvilGirl Entertainment. Tickets are $12 here.

The band said the following:

After 7 years, 130+ shows, and a healthy amount of laughs, blood, sweat, and tears, Hollywood Ave is calling it a day. We part not on sad terms, but feeling supremely lucky that we got to live this adventure as best friends...soul mates. We might not have been the most popular band or the hippest band...but we’re damn proud that we were a fun band. Thank you to everyone who ever gave us a listen or watched us at a show. Thanks to all our friends who helped us out along the way.

We are infinitely appreciative. We will return in some form, but we leave Hollywood Ave as a memory of youth, a memento of ambition, a symbol of the redeeming power of rock music.

Our final show will take place on Sunday, December 27th at Mexicali Live in Teaneck, New Jersey. This show will be the release party for our final album "The Death of Hollywood Ave". To anyone who has ever called themselves a fan of our humble band, please join us in celebrating the end of a great era in our lives.

The band will perform music from its entire collection plus never-before-heard tunes. In addition the band will be accompanied by Kate Lewis on backing vocals and keyboards and Will Lewis on guitar.

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.

Cheeky get outta here and play last shows in NJ & Brooklyn- review, pics & video

Cheeky @ Death by Audio

story by Star Beat
photos by Konstantin Sergeyev

Last summer I saw a band at the legendary, now re-located Knitting Factory in its original Tribeca NYC location. That band was fast, short (in song), maybe in height to, punk, and some might say Cheeky. Yes, Brooklyn's Cheeky was opening a killer night of music at the tap bar space of the knit. It was a sold out show that also featured Bridge & Tunnel, Lemuria, The Ergs!, and Bomb the Music Industry! I wasn’t familiar with any of the bands that performed, but being the avid show-goer I am I went with a good friend who invited me. The $8 show was totally worth it when the raucous, catchy goodness of Cheeky came on. I couldn’t help but move around. They were an easy band to get into. “Get outta here, leave me alone," singer Kate Eldridge sang. Straight-forward to the point, blunt tunes were the driving force behind this 4-piece.

After the set I bought the Chock on a cheeseburger cd for $3 from Eldridge. I was shocked at A) how cheap it was B) that I was buying off the singer/guitarist. What was even more shocking was when I found out that the cd was available for free on-line. What band/label gives their music out for free, I thought? I guess that's the norm for Quote UnQuote and other indie distro places. This was all a little absurd to me at the time, but I handed over the three bills. Kate was thankful and we chatted a bit before I checked out the rest of the show, which was pretty sweet. I really attribute this show as getting me into the Brooklyn/New Brunswick punk scenes.

Fast-forward to October when the band announced they were breaking up. It damn near broke my heart. I felt like I just started listening to these bands and now I wouldn't get to see them anymore. So many other Brooklyn bands like the Besties and Eldridge's other band Used Kids had announced their break-ups recently to. Rock and the Single Girl was somewhat sad, yet hopeful about this "break up." Jamie made a good observation when she said:

I've noticed that in this particular community, this 'scene' if you will, bands don't really 'break up'. Bands come and go, projects start and stop, and everyone kind of plays with everyone. When one of these bands stops playing, it's not this big thing, because everyone knows that new bands, new projects, and new music will come from it. There's something almost refreshing about this zen-like, anti-ego approach to making music.

Sure. Angie's doing her thing with Little Lungs and Each Other's Mothers as well as a new band and Kate E. is in another band, and that's all, as far as I know. So it's always good that members are still creating music. Maybe I'm making this a 'big thing' writing this big story, but I must give due credit to a band that opened my ears to such a supportive music community.

See below for the rest of the story, photos, and video.


Cheeky frequently played New Brunswick, NJ and hometown Brooklyn shows, some of which I was fortunate to attend. I learned that these scenes were really about bringing bands and friends together for a good time. I was fortunate to see them twice in a New Brunswick basement.

They didn't seem to make too much noise about their departure, but announced three last shows in what I'd consider some of 'the' best punk communities. They would play the Fest on Oct. 30 in Gainesville, FL, Pet Cemetery in New Brunswick, NJ on Nov. 27, and Death by Audio in Brooklyn, NY on Nov. 28. These places are where the core of their fanbase seem to be, so it's obvious places to play.

I was at the Brooklyn show where Zombie Dogs, Stupid Party, Slingshot Dakota, and Stupid Party also played. It was great seeing so many familiar faces, friends, and bands. In attendace were members from Vivian Girls, Bridge & Tunnel, and the Measure (SA). Zombie Dogs played a 15-minute hardcore set and if I'm not mistaken did a cover of Minor Threats "Screaming at a wall." "Thrashin" was a good one to. Stupid Party were next and I only heard bits and pieces of them, but they sounded heavier than I remember. Almost metal/doom rock tinged. Next was Slingshot Dakota who I made sure to get up front for. Last time I saw them they were great despite the vocals not sounding the best. Here the band sounded awesome. I bopped around during "The Golden Ghost," "Until the Day I Die," "Ohio," "White Couch," and "Michael Jordan Saved My Life." They also played a cover of Fugazi's "Waiting Room" and sent it out to Cheeky. They closed with "I-78." During the set before "Ohio" drummer Tom said that he appreciates playing all ages space and places like Death By Audio are great. He said it's important to have all ages spaces and that nobody should be denied from attending a show. It fits with the line in that song, " You made a home for everyone." After wards duo Shellshag performed, but I needed fresh air and a cup of tea, so I missed the set.

I came back minutes before Cheeky would go into "He-Man Woman Hater." There was crowd surfing, moshing, fist pumping, and singing along-what you'd expect at a punk show! They played all of Choke on a Cheeseburger, a few songs off their latest What the Heck and the single "Deal With It." “Look at You” was the first new song they played. “I don’t like you,” Eldridge shouts. On “Deal With It” she sings, “You are so out of line.” The lyrical declarations are blunt, giving off a somewhat angry tone, yet it's just Cheeky being Cheeky. On “Grow Fins, Turkey” the crowd went nuts. A few crowd surfers and even one stage diver were having fun. Before launching into "Get Outta Here," drummer Angie said "We're Cheeky. This is for all our friends." The crowd chanted for an encore after. "Cheeky. Cheeky. Cheeky." Bassist Kate Wadkins called Jeff Rosentock from Bomb The Music Industry to the stage to perform a cover of The Descendents "Coffee Mug."

Cheeky may not have toured extensively or released that much music, but they were apart of a punk rock scene and made catchy as hell songs. Judging from the packed 'venues,' dancing, and smiles I saw both in person and via youtube, I can tell this band left a nice mark.

Cheeky is Kate Eldridge on guitar and vocals, Brian Schleyer on guitar, Kate Wadkins on bass, and Angie Boylan on drums.

Break-ups are sad, but Cheeky said it best: "deal with it."

Cheeky in Brooklyn 11-28-09


Cheeky in New Brunswick 11-27-09


Cheeky in Brooklyn 11-28-09


Cheeky in Brooklyn 11-28-09 "Get Outta Here" & "Coffee Mug"

Zombie Dogs 8:50-9:05pm
Stupid Party 9:15-9:45pm?
Slingshot Dakota 10-10:35pm?
Shellshag 10:50-11:20?
Cheeky 11:35pm-12:10pm

Cheeky Setlist:

1. He-Man Woman Hater
2. Look At You (new)
3. Normal (new)
4. Bad Mood
5. Deal With It
6. Get Off My Back (new)
7. Weird World
8. Can’t Stand the World (new)
9. Grow Fins, Turkey
10. Small Snails
11. Get Outta Here
--
Encore: Coffee Mug (cover) The Descendants

Red Light Green Light call it quits after 4 years, final NJ show on 1/2/10

photos by robert scheuerman
Red Light Green Light, the Rockaway, New Jersey 4-piece have announced they will break up after 4 years together. This comes after a year of New Jersey bands breaking up like Houston Calls, Armor For Sleep, Can You Keep A Secret, and the Talk About. The band said the following:

Like all good things, Red Light Green Light has come to an end. We started this band to have fun and play some shows/hang out with our friends. We played a ton of shows and made a ton of friends along the way and now it's time to go on to other aspects of our lives...

Thanks so much for taking the time to listen to our music and watching us play (if you had the opportunity to see us live). Thanks for the memories!!

Love,

Derek and Red Light Green Light

RLGL have played all over New Jersey and have toured the U.S., often performing with Trophy Scars, The Sleeping, Lady Radiator, Folly, and Houston Calls. I saw the band on July 5, 2007 at the School of Rock with The Sleeping and A Day to Remember. Unfortunately, they had some sound issues at that show and only played a few songs, but I remember how much energy they had. The bands latest release Everything Has Gone Wrong came out this past May. Music Theory is For Lovers, their first album was release in 2006. Leaning on a very upbeat, post-hardcore, some would say nintendo-core sound, there's no denying this band gets your going.

The band's last show is Jan. 2 at the Boonton VFW in Boonton, NJ. The show is $12 or $10 with a can of a non-perishable food which will be donated to the needy. So get ready for one more round of fun! All the best, guys.

RLGL is Derek Reilly on vocals Dan Diaz on guitar, Steve Harris on bass and John Maiello on drums.

Remember, the band said it best themselves in "Code Red, Almost Dead":

"Yea, bands they come and go but in the end they will know who has been here from the start and always did it with heart. This is our contribution but we are not your revolution. As youth dies, dreams fade away. So live your lives extraordinary and never settle for ordinary. Be who you want to be. So who you want to be? And if not now then when?"

See below for videos of the band performing live.



Red Light Green Light @ School of Rock 5-31-09
"Code Red, Almost Dead" f/ Jon Tummilo of Folly


"She's A Carnivore"

Video footage by Chris Falkowski

Break-Ups: Cheeky, The Besties, and Used Kids

Used Kids


Three beloved Brooklyn punk bands are calling it a day, but not without some final shows and records. Used Kids features Kate Eldridge who is also in Cheeky. All the best to the bands. Thanks for the good shows and catchy as hell songs!

CHEEKY (2007-2009)
Releasing an 8-song 12'' called "What the Heck" on Freedom School Records
11/27 @ TBA, New Brunswick, NJ w/ Lighten Up!
11/ 28 @ Death by Audio, Brooklyn, NY w/ Slingshot Dakota, Stupid Party, Zombie Dogs, and Shellshag

THE BESTIES (2004-2009)
Releasing a 7'' on Art of the Underground
12/4 @ Asbury Lanes, Asbury Park, NJ w/ Black Wine, Pysched to Die, The Measure (SA), and Night Birds
12/6 @ Bruar Falls, Brooklyn, NY w/ The Specific Heats and Bunnygrunt

USED KIDS (2007-2009)
10/31 @ The Kickstand, Gainesville, FL w/ Shellshag, Totally Michael, Little Lungs, Algernon Cadwallader, Max Levine Ensemble, and more
11/1 @ Flaco's, Gainesville, FL (Nate Coles solog set)

The Besties (2004-2009), Shows, 7inch, & Video

The Besties "Prison Song" @ Knitting Factory 2007


The Besties, Brooklyn's deliciously catchy pop/punk 4-piece is calling it quits. Last night they announced this news via myspace. The band's latest album Home Free was release this past February. I'll always remember how fun this band was and how they had two keyboardist. I saw them last year in a New Brunswick basement, it hardly seemed like they had room to set up all their instruments. Check out the band in December and pick up their new 7-inch. Below is the statement from the band:

Hi.
So, bad news first: The Besties are officially done. As happens with many awesome relationships, stuff happens and things get hard, and so you end it and remain friends and all that junk. It’s like that. We guess? Well, Kelly moved to Asheville, and Frank renewed his vows with the city of Boston. And other stuff. So there’s that.

Here’s the good news! We are playing two last shows around NYC in December, and we plan on going out with a serious bang. So sell some CDs (keep the Lemonheads ones), bodily fluids or organs for plane ticket money, start hitchhiking, do whatever you need to do – let’s party! The shows are:
***Friday December 4th at Asbury Lanes in Asbury Park , NJ with The Measure, Black Wine, Psyched to Die and Night Birds. This is Jay Insult's annual b-day extravaganza and you were probably going to go anyway. Can you even believe that lineup? Makes our heads spin.

*** Sunday December 6th Final Show at Braur Falls in Brooklyn, NY with our dearest buds The Specific Heats and Bunnygrunt, who are coming ALL THE WAY FROM ST. LOUIS TO PLAY THIS SHOW!!! Holy crap! Now that's love. Plus, for any outta towners who are on the fence about coming... Psssst! Our good friends the mighty Pants Yell are playing Bruar Falls the night before (the 5th) in celebration of their new record on Slumberland.

So come hang out, and make a weekend of it! We would love to see every single one of your beautiful faces there.

More good news! We have one last 7” coming out as part of the Art of The Underground single series - http://www.artoftheunderground.com/single-series.php More details on that soon!

And we have a new video up here - http://estherbell.com/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=35 – so even if you miss the shows, you can watch us play ‘Helgafell’ for all eternity. This was written and directed by the lovely and talented Esther Bell. Check her out, she rules!

We are very likely more heartbroken about this than anyone – this band has shaped our lives in so many ways, and is responsible for us meeting so many incredible people and bands. Thank you so much to everyone who bought our records, came to see us play (or played with us!), set up a show for us, let us sleep on your floor, or pointed us towards the best burritos in town. You are all awesome and we love you!

No sad goodbyes!
xoxo
Kelly, Marisa, Frank and Rikky