4/4 Free Spring Fling Showcase: Hank & Cupcakes, Dad Brother, The Big Drops @ The Lamp Post, Jersey City

Next week we have a doozy of a show for you. We are excited to present a Spring Fling showcase with ever sexy couple Hank & Cupcakes who wil make you dance and sweat with their infectious drum and bass pop. This free show happens at The Lamp Post, 382 2nd street in Jersey City, NJ on Thursday April 4th. Also, performing are rock 'n' rollers Dad Brother and The Big Drops. Come out and party with us as we celebrate warmer weather and fun times. We'll have records for sale and free stickers!


Hank & Cupcakes - fun, funky dance pop from Brooklyn http://hankandcupcakes.com/

Dad Brother - duo rock 'n' roll from Montclair http://dadbrother.bandcamp.com/

The Big Drops - psychedelic, sunshine, beatlesque pop http://thebigdrops.bandcamp.com/

21+
FREE
10pm Start

Screaming Females plan record store tour for "It All Means Nothing" 7''

This Sunday I'll be checking out Screaming Females at Generation Records for the first of a week long of record store shows to promote their new 7'' single "All Means Nothing" and upcoming LP, UGLY. The album is out on Don Giovanni Records on April 3rd. Yes, record store gigs are still a thing. I'm glad it is. See a free gig, pick up a few records. Supporting independent record stores is a good thing. It gets the music fan involved. Like real music fans go to a record store and get albums, because they want to have that physical product. I like seeking out music from the bands I like. It's an active thing. 

The band has a 7'' single called “It All Means Nothing” that will be available on the tour at the Don Giovanni Records showcase on Feb.11 with For Science, Laura Stevenson and the Cans, Black Wine, and Shellshag. Check out the single on Rolling Stone here. The release will be followed by a massive 14-song full-length.

Screaming Females Record Store Tour:

2/11 Brooklyn, NY - Don Giovanni Records Showcase @ Music Hall of Williamsburg

2/12 - Manhattan, NY - Generation Records

2/13 - Cambridge, MA - Lorem Ipsum Books

2/14 - Northampton, MA - Feeding Tube Records

2/15 - Philadelphia, PA - Long In The Tooth Records

2/16 - Richmond, VA - Steady Sounds

2/17 - Asheville, NC - Harvest Records

2/18 - Nashville, TN - Grimey's New and Preloved Music

2/19 - Chicago, IL - Permanent Records

Invisible Lines, Their Planes & The Micks @ Hells Kitchen, Newark 1/28/12

My first booked show at Hells Kitchen for "Voodoo Rock Saturdays." Come rock out and have a good time.

12AM- INVISIBLE LINES (Killing Horse Records)
Invisible Lines is a melodic rock band from Kearny, NJ that re-creates the intensely dynamic and danceable rhythms of post-punk.

WEBSITE: www.invisiblelinesmusic.com/

11pm- THEIR PLANES WILL BLOCK OUT THE SUN
Their Planes Will Block Out the Sun combine elements of rock and jazz with dark and uplifting rhythms thrown together with danceable beats to produce their sound. Based out of Clifton, New Jersey, the line up is John Falcone, (Drums) Victor Fernandes, (Vocals, Guitars, Keyboards) Wayne Green, (Bass, glockenspiel) Craig Monaco, (Guitar), Paul Falcone (Keyboard and Percussion)

WEBSITE: www.theirplanes.com

10pm- THE MICKS
The MiCKS are a 3-piece rock band most recently operating out of Jersey City, NJ. Founded by brothers Matthus and Sammy J. McMickle and finally joined by the multi-talented Hank Prol, the MiCKS have just finished mixing their first official EP. Once pressed and packaged this album will save your rock 'n' roll lifestyle! The band name might change but the music will remain. Look out for the MiCKS or whichever band with Matt, Sam and Hank in it.

WEBSITE: www.facebook.com/themicks

$5 COVER

Facebook Invite: https://www.facebook.com/events/230373373704508/

The Jim Jones Revue's single "High Horse" will get you on your toes

The Jim Jones Revue brings it back to a time when artists couldn't move their hips. They conjure up the sounds of Elvis and Little Richard for an intense rock'n'roll blast from the past with some wicked fast piano. Their single "High Horse" is an intense rock song you can dance to that's so driving and awesome you can headbag, shake your hips, move your shoulders, clap your hands and as the video indicates, even ballet too. The single will be released on 7'' vinyl on Aug. 23rd and the full-length, Burn Your House Down, is out Sept. 6th on 12" and CD on the aptly named label Punk Rock Blues Records. 

The Naked Heroes : Demon The Whiskey Down Teaser

Rock 'n' roll duo couple The Naked Heroes are releasing a new album, Demon The Whiskey Down,  this fall. If the below video teaser is any indication, then the new album will be pretty rippin'.

Screaming Females, No Pasaran, Ben Franklin, Eula in Kearny, NJ on May 6th

I'm pleased to announce my former hometown of Kearny, NJ will witness a quadruple shot of rock when Screaming Females, No Pasaran, Ben Franklin, and Eula come to play there on May 6th. It's a Friday, one of the best days to go out, so why not catch a show? If the weather turns out nice that evening I'm going to plan a bike ride starting in Newark to the venue, The Irish at 95 Kearny Ave, a short 15-20 minute breeze of a ride. This show is being put together by the good folks at Killing Horse Records ,who house Ben Franklin and No Pasaran. Ben Franklin just dropped their wicked good 7'' single called Urgency and No Pasaran is in the studio working on their 7'' single to be released this summer. Eula is coming out from CT for this gig. I haven't heard them but the Facebook invite calls them noisey post-punk, which sounds good to me. Screaming Females, of course will bring the sweet licks and dancey bass for a dashing rock 'n' roll live show that will leave a jaw-dropping impression. 10 beans for this one.

Advance tickets here: http://www.ticketfly.com/event/33605/

Facebook Invite: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=157130091013067

UPDATE: My bike group has planned a ride to Kearny. Tonight, May 6, at 7pm. Meet at Beaver Street (between Broad and Mulberry) in Newark. Details with the route and map here: http://www.brickcitybikecollective.org/archives/810

Demo Review of Monitors

Monitors-Demo

Birmingham, AL

Rock 'n' Roll

Self Released

Monitors is Jackie Sullivan's, formerly of Tin Kitchen and Little Lungs, new band out of Birmingham, Alabama. Jackie plays drums on this release. It's a departure from her emo and pop-punk influenced bands of the past, but awesome all the same. Monitors is more of a good ol' rock 'n' roll band-- something you can dig if you're into bands like Ted Leo & the Pharmacists or Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers. That's pretty sweet, I must say. What you get are two rock ragers and a slower song.

http://monitorsrule.bandcamp.com/

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?

Australian duo The Fumes playing 4 NYC shows, new album out

DOWNLOAD: The Fumes- Automobile

Two piece rock n' roll bands seem to be all the rage nowadays. There's Japandroids, JEFF: the Brotherhood, The Naked Heroes, and Trophy Wife, among others. But now there's the Fumes, a gritty bluesy rock duo from Australia. The band's new album Automobile dropped this week and features 14 songs that'll comfort your blues. 

The Fumes play two back-to-back 10pm shows at Rockwood Music Hall's stage 2 this Thursday and Friday. That's followed by two Brooklyn dates. Sept. 1st they're at D.I.Y venue Death By Audio, then a gig gig at Rock Shop with Black Bells and TAB: the band (Joe Perry of Aerosmith's son's band who are opening up on the Stone Temple Pilots tour). Tickets are only $8 here. Get out to a show. It looks to be pretty gnarly.

See below for tour dates.

The Naked Heroes release "Foxy Moxy" video, opening for Hacienda

Rock 'n rollers The Naked Heroes have a new video for "Foxy Moxy" directed by Milner Ayala. You can see it below.



Also, check out the video for "Sheila" here.

Additionally, the band opens for San Antonio's Hacienda, who recently opened for Grace Potter, on Aug. 21st at Mercury Lounge. It's an early one, so get there at 7:30pm to catch both bands.

Album Review: Candy Snatchers- Down at Delilah's

Candy Snatchers is a punk, rock 'n roll in-your-face band. They get you fueled, and ready to dance, and pump your fist with their reckless songs. on Down at Delilah's. These are songs you fall over to with a beer in your hand. These are songs you hear at a club or live show show to let loose. Loud and fast without pre-caution The Candy Snatchers play and say whatever the hell they want. Unapologetic and brash, guitar pummeling, rock 'n roll that'll snatch you up if you're not paying attention.

Down At Delilah's is out now. It is available on limited edition picture disc LP, CD and as a digital download at drugfrontrecords.com.

 

--by Star Child

Live Review: Semi-Precious Weapons @ Best Buy, Union Square (photos)

Photos & Words by Rozlyn Smith

Glam-rockers Semi Precious Weapons made an appearance at the Best Buy in Union Square on July 9th to support their recently release album, You Love You. What was supposed to be an acoustic performance turned into an electric one, due to some technical difficulties. Even so, it was another amazing performance.  

Starting out with one of their most well known tracks, “Semi Precious Weapons” had the very diverse crowd of parents and their children, young adults and even a few middle-aged men singing in unison, which set the tone for the laid back and intimate performance. Also spotted in the crowd of people were Breedlove and Lady Starlight, who performed at the band's Bowery Ballroom show. SPW played another fan favorite, “Put a Diamond in It” and had the sea of people dancing, bopping up and down, singing and just having a great time. 

In an attempt to slow the tempo down guitarist Stevy Pyne picked up an acoustic guitar. While Pyne tried to get the acoustic to work, Tranter talked to the crowd about how much he loves all those who were there, how he can’t curse at Best Buy, and how Stevy is picky on how his guitar sounds. He also thanked the Best Buy staff for letting the band perform there.  

After a ton of effort, the acoustic still wouldn't work, so that idea was retired. Picking up his electric guitar, Pyne and Tranter performed the final two songs as a duo--a modest attempt to bring a  lighter tone. What was in store for everyone was a very emotional performance of “Look at Me” and “Leave Your Pretty to Me." Tranter’s voice sent chills up my spine, and in this intimate environment you could feel the same emotions pouring off of Tranter and the audience. Just hearing two of the Precious Weapons gave me an idea of how the band would sound acoustic. Though the duo could not perform “Leave Your Pretty to Me” acoustically, it was enough to have some of the audience teary eyed.  Following their set, the band signed cd's, meet with fans, and took picture with fans. 

More photos below.

Township playing Asbury Lanes this Sunday w/ Electric Six, Win Tickets

Township is bringing their progressive, psychedelic rock sound from Boston to Asbury Lanes in Asbury Park, NJ this Sunday, July 18th. The band will perform with Electric Six and Metallica cover band Misstallica at the punk-rock bowling venue. The band's song "Lady Ann" has some sweet, infectious licks and bass that's reminds me why rock 'n roll is not dead. This is fun, groovy music that's filled with harder and softer jams.

We have a pair of tickets to the show, for one lucky winner. You'll be saving $24. Otherwise, you can purchase tickets here. But why pay, when you can win? To enter, simply tweet the following:

Just entered to win tickets to see Township at Asbury Lanes this Sunday from @starbeat! #TownshipContest

Good luck! Contest ends Friday at noon.

Asbury Lanes is located at 209 4th Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ. 07712.

Live Review: Grace Potter and Hacienda @ Webster Hall 6-12-10 (photos)

By Rozlyn Smith

Grace Potter and the Nocturnals read the sign that shields the entrance to Webster Hall. The show started out with Grace Potter’s band, the Nocturnals walking on the candles and roses filled stage and then Grace Potter danced onto the stage. Opening up with “Medicine” off of Potter’s new self-titled album I knew that I was going to be satisfied after seeing this performance. Potter’s stage presence, Janis Joplin like vocals, and her contagious energy kept the crowd having a great time. With a sound that I can only classify as a rock ‘n’ roll meets blues meets country with a hint of girl power, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals is a sure fit to most musical tastes. My favorite song from the set was a song that Potter referred to as the “saddest love song.” Potter’s powerful voice really had me there, and then came the harmonica, which just added to the bluesy vibe of the song to really make it the saddest love song.

While performing songs from her sophomore and first album, Potter also performed a few covers, including Jefferson Airplane’s “White Rabbit.” I’ve seen many bands cover this song, but none of them did it better than Grace Potter. I must say Grace Slick would be proud. While on the subject of covers, Potter also performed a cover of Blondie’s "Heart of Glass." The band’s set time was well over an hour and they also performed not one, but two encores.

The Sights (from Detroit) to perform in NYC 4/30 & 5/1, releasing new album June 11

The Sights (from Detroit) bring an infectious blend of psychedelic blues-rock on their upcoming release Most of What Follows is True, out on June 11th. They rock hard but know when to slow it down.

The band have two NYC shows this weekend. This Friday, April 30th the band plays at Piano's with Wolff, Tyburn Saints, Giant Cloud, and Township. Tickets are $10 and The Sights perform at 10pm. This Saturday, May 1st the band is at Bruar Falls with The Nuclears and Longeye. $8. 7pm. Both shows are 21+. 

For those who dig vinyl, the band released Silver/Gold, a maxi-single (a 12-inch LP that spins at 45 RPM with grooves on one side only).  There are four songs on the A-side and the B-side is just smooth vinyl with a very cool screen-printed design on it.  Two songs ("Ba Bump" and "Silver/Gold") will only be available in this format and "How Do You Sleep" and "Guilty" will be on the band's upcoming release. You can check it out here.

Get a taste of the band's sound with the video posted below. 

The Naked Heroes played Rockbar, released vinyl picture disc (live review + album remarks)

Brooklyn's The Naked Heroes know how to boogey. With their '80s rock 'n roll influenced hardrock style you can't help but want to shake, headbang, and raise your fist while listening to these ferocious gems on 99 Diamond  Guitarist and vocalist George Michael Jackson (what a name) and drummer Merica Lee are a great combination of goodness to get you groovin'. The band performed at gay club, Rockbar at the edge of NYC's Christopher Street. Opening the evening was drag-queen Devin Stone, who did a little dance on the pool table and introduced the band.

After, the show was underway with the beginning of "99 Diamond." The anthemic nature of the song calls for you to sing "99 Diamond. Yeah." The sexy harmonica playing was greeted with cheers from the crowd. "Black Dress" also had that '80s hardrock flair to it. There were a few technical difficulties but the band stuck through it and improvised and the show carried on fairly smoothly after the sound issues diminished. "Sheila" was also a groovin' and driving number that. During the band's last song they played in the crowd, something that always makes me happy. I remember seeing Monotonix for the first time at Bowery Ballroom playing on the floor and thought that more bands should do that.

Live Review: Bern and the Brights / The Defending Champions / Old Wives / Any Day Parade @ Bowery Poetry Club 4-10-10

Four New Jersey bands played NYC's Bowery Poetry Club two Saturday evenings ago. The Defending Champions champ Matt Ryan put together a delightfully fun night at the poetry club turned rock venue ,where two years ago I was seeing The Beets, Nanunchka, Emilyn Brodsky, and various punk bands. This time it was all about rockin' n rollin'. From country tinged folk rock to jam rock to reggae rock and more, the band's brought somewhat different sounds, but managed to keep my attention the entire show. The evening started with Any Day Parade, a sharp sounding folk/ country / blues rock band. They had some slower, somewhat country/Americana songs and some jammier ones as well. Personally, I've never been a fan of country but the way this band does it is nice. I was also pleased to see they had a 7'' inch record.

The Neutron Drivers & The Swingin' Neckbreakers in New Brunswick on March 17

A rock explosion continues to hit New Brunswick, NJ. This St. Patty's Day The Neutron Drivers and Wormburner hit the stage with The Swingin' Neckbreakers. The show goes down at the Court Tavern at 9pm. for those 21 and over. The show is $5. The Neutron Drivers have a 4-song EP available for free at: www.theneutrondrivers.com The lead song on the EP is also featured on a charity compilation from New Jersey  label Dromedary Records. So download the tunes and head on over to the Court  Tavern this Wednesday for a night of garage, punk, and rock 'n roll. It'll be pretty gnarly.

Upcoming Neutron Drivers Shows:

Mar 17 @ The Court Tavern, New Brunswick, NJ w/The Swingin’ Neckbreakers and Wormburner    
Apr 8 @ Bar Matchless, Brooklyn, NY w/ Will Pilot, The K’s and The Jupiter Deluxe    
Apr 24 @ Lamp Post, Jersey City, NJ w/ The Jamies    
Apr 29 @ National Underground, New York, NY w/ Jay Banerjee & the Heartthrobs    
May 19 @ Fontana’s, New York, NY w/ The Jamies   

Kicking Spit (a new band from New Brunswick, NJ) - New Music & Tour Dates (3/17 NJ, 3/19 NYC)

Kicking Spit, New Brunswick's latest rock 'n roll band, has released a new  6-song demo tape and is touring, beginning on St. Patrick's Day. The band's tape, PsychRockBullshit, is available digitally for free here. They remind me of Dinosaur Jr. and Unwound with definite punk and hardcore influences. Listen for yourself.

They're already going on tour and the band only played their first show in December. The band is in New Brunswick on March 17 with Screaming Females, then Brooklyn on March 19. Both shows are with Big Eyes. They'll be hitting up places on the east coast, so make sure to catch them while they're touring. 

Ben Franklin have two NYC shows in March + CD Giveaway

Ben Franklin, a punk rock 'n roll band from Brooklyn, have two upcoming NYC shows in March. The first is on March 5 at the Delancey for Day 1 of the Knocks From the Underground's (an online magazine) two day 1-year anniversary show. BF will open the show along with The Nightlights, The Press, and Paul and the Patients. Tickets are $8. The following week on March 12 at Matchless Ben Franklin hosts a free night of music at Matchless with The Courtesy Tier, I Am the Heat, and New Madrid Faults. Both are 21+.

If you like your rock with a punch, then these are the shows to check out. Heck, just last week Ben Franklin performed in Kearny, NJ and destroyed, literally. See the above photo for proof.

*Giveaway*: Win a copy of Ben Franklin's new cd, Optimist. The trio from Brooklyn blend a good mix of punk and rock 'n roll. The album features 11 songs with lyrics & stickers. To enter send your full name, location, and e-mail address, subject "Ben Franklin CD Contest" to us.