Nevermind The Posers

See ya in the pit.

CMJ 2010 November 9, 2010

Filed under: Concert Reviews,Music Festivals — NVMP @ 10:19 AM
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Review by TNT

As new music filled the streets of the Lower East Side and Williamsburg during CMJ 2010, I was eager to discover something new for my ears to devour.  I did my research and planned a schedule; I was able to see majority of the bands and artists that struck my musical fancy and I will share some of those gems in just a moment.  In a future post, I will give a list of bands deemed worthy of checking out, either live or recorded, that’s your prerogative.

Its business time!

On Tuesday night, 10/19, I headed to NYU Judson Church to pick up my badge.  Walking through Washington Square Park felt like a moment of clarity and a breath of relief.  We all have our day jobs, and this year I was hitting up CMJ Tuesday through Friday immediately after mine, braving the rushing hour traffic from Jersey to NYC (averaging around an hour and a half of traffic each day).  This felt like my happy hour (minus the bar).  Working through a day job you don’t love and following it up with something you just can’t get enough of (new music, NYC, networking, meeting up with friends you don’t get to see as much as you’d like to), even knowing that you’re not going to be sleeping all week, made every second worthwhile.  Next stop was right next door, NYU Kimmel Center, for the festival guide and other various goodies.  Props to Reverend Moose and company for selecting such unbelievably fashionable travel bags.

Last but not least, I hunted down the Pure Volume House, which was conveniently located at the back alley of Extra Pl., a street I never knew existed in NYC until now.  I grabbed my pass, but am sad to say that I never made it inside.  Guess the discovery of Extra Pl. was good enough.   I saw Aunt Martha at Pianos once again.  Three members out of four played, but were still able to fill the air with their ambiance.  At least the last time I saw them there were four members, but their MySpace says three is the magic number.  But that is neither here nor there.  I always fall in love with the picture their lyrics and beats paint; it washes over me like a tidal wave.  My favorite songs were “Neighbor Song” and “Detroit City”.  They’ll be at The Living Room on 11/12 if you want to check them out live.

My favorite band at CMJ was Black Taxi.  I saw them at Bowery Electric Tuesday night and at the CMJ Gallery on Wednesday.  They always blow my mind.  Their live show is seriously not to be missed; so much energy and raw power!  Lead singer Ezra brings out a smorgasbord of instruments to keep your eyes and ears at attention.  My favorite?  The megaphone.  This man knows how to use it, especially in “Up Here for Thinking, Down There for Dancing”.  He crawled along the bar at the CMJ Gallery and jumped into the crowd.  I love Things of That Nature; every single song is a hit for me.  I dare you to not love them live, I double dog dare ya!

After surviving more rush hour traffic, I was ready hit the clubs and bars supporting CMJ on Wednesday.  One of the first bands I saw was the New Collisions @ CMJ Gallery.  This was a great band to check out live.  The lyrics were a mix between fun, carefree anthems and some darker lines.  The sound had a powerful pop rock/punk vibe with a new wave touch.  Besides their onstage energy, I thought the synth really made this band come alive.  Their catchy rhythms and beats kept the crowd moving.

I hate when you walk into a show and you know the band is on their second to last or last song.  It was a real shame with Click Clack Boom because they sounded like a band I would have wanted to catch their entire set.  I wish I could have heard more.  No use being upset, they often play in NYC.  I’m excited to hear more from this band and look forward to seeing them live again, hopefully a full set this time around.
One of the buzz bands at CMJ this year was Blood Red Shoes, whom I checked out at Le Poisson Rouge.  Minimal effects, just raw guitar riffs and drums made this rock duo from Brighton, UK a must see.  I loved what I heard on their MySpace page, but was not overly impressed with them live; I was expecting more from all the hype.  I liked that they both had a ‘I don’t care’ attitude while on stage, as if they were both in their own worlds and communicating only by looks.  Their music was pure and I would enjoy them at house party, but otherwise wouldn’t see them live again.

What could be a better end to a night of live music then with a dance party?  Nothing, which is why my last stop Wednesday night was at Bowery Ballroom to see The Knocks.  So much fun!  I can add them to my list of bands I’d hire to play a private party.  This duo knows how to kick it into high gear and get a crowd going wild.  The Knocks have been on my ‘must see’ list for some time, and I was not let down.  I recommend checking out some music, live if you can.

Free Poutine anyone?

Turbogeist at Bruar Falls

Thursday I had my heart set on seeing only a couple of bands.  I started at Arlene’s Grocery for Braids at the M for (pour) Montreal showcase.  As I waited for the music to start, I tried some free poutine, which is the Canadian version of disco fries (cheese and gravy on french fries).  I wasn’t crazy about the poutine, as the cheese was chunky and cold, the gravy was hot, and the fries were stale.  Maybe next time Canada, but I’m gonna pass on your version of an American classic.  I was not in love with Braids, they were all about the effects and it sounded like one big experiment to me.  I respected the effort and the sound was interesting to hear.  I stayed for most of their set when I was honestly done with them after the first few songs.  It started to get a bit repetitive.  Experiments are usually fun to watch, but I just wasn’t getting down with Braids.  I decided to hit up Bruar Falls in Williamsburg to catch Turbogeist from London/SE UK.  Tonight was the last show on their tour and knew it could not be missed.  This thrash rock band had so much energy and was just the music I needed to hear after the cab ride from hell (note to self and others- do not get a hot cup of coffee for a cab ride in NYC.  It’s just not going to happen).  “Extreme Closeup” was a great song to hear live and is about Wayne’s World.  I also loved “Ice Cold Beer” and “Devil’s Barter”.  This band is must see/must hear, check them out immediately!

Friday, the last day of CMJ for TNT.  I started the night at Pianos to check out Lord Huron for my curiosity.  Their MySpace page had me intrigued with elephants swimming in the ocean.   While listening, I felt like water was flowing all around me and that I was on vacation, either in Hawaii (because of the hula dancers on-screen behind them) or Africa (music has a tribal/tropical feel to it, like I was going on a safari).  I don’t think I came to any conclusions while listening to Lord Huron, but I did like the relaxed and chilled state their music put me in.  Any kind of music that is new to my ears and can do that gets a thumbs up in my book.  I wanted to see Bonfire at The Delancey, but due to a last-minute cancellation, I stuck around to check out Midnight Spin.  I liked what I heard, but it was short-lived when a bass string broke on stage.  It happens, but I didn’t have the time to stick around because K.Flay was playing next at Fat Baby.  Man alive, this girl is talented!  She can rap like no one I’ve ever heard.  Such speed and accuracy made me pay attention long ago, but any chance to hear her live is not to be taken for granted.  She just finished up a tour w/ Passion Pit and is on tour with 3OH!3.  Phenomenal!

The band to surprise me the most was Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.  You know when you know of a bands’ existence and have heard a song or maybe two, but just never really gave them the light of day or a fair chance?  This is what DEJJ was for me, until this epic night.  I LOVED every single song they played, reminding me of a mix between OkGo and Weezer and a touch of The Beatles.  The harmonies blew me away, the sound was so in tune that it felt natural for them; the pitch was perfect.  I was shocked to see them in the racing jumpsuits; those things have to be heavy and hot.  After the show, I did confirm with Daniel Zott that it’s 100% true.  Until next year CMJ!

 

Rockstar Energy Drink presents the UPROAR FESTIVAL! September 8, 2010

Filed under: Concert Reviews,Music Festivals — NVMP @ 2:28 AM
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Review by Angela BlasiAugust 29, 2010- PNC Bank Arts Center Holmdel, NJ.

Nothing says Sunday summer afternoon quite like a beautiful day complete with clear skies, scorching sun, and of course, face melting guitar riffs and guttural screams.  This particular Sunday played host to the UPROAR Festival sponsored by Rockstar Energy Drink; a day dedicated to the enjoyment of pure, American metal in all its glory.  Now, I’m not a metal head by any means, but I have an eclectic taste in music and there is definitely plenty of mental in there.  A nice change of pace from my latest musical undertakings, I hit the road to the show excited to see main stage performers Disturbed, Halestorm, Stone Sour, and Avenged Sevenfold.

Having been to Ozzfest a few times in the past at this particular venue, I came into the show expecting the same type of huge outdoor set up, rife with all things metal.  However, being a bit smaller of a bill than Ozzy’s, the outdoor set up was modest, housing only a few stands for accessories, clothing, and food as well as each bands specific merch table.  Thus, for the rest of the day my mind had dubbed this concert, “Ozzfest Lite.”  I made my way over to the second stage, or Jagermeister stage, in time to catch super group HellYeah. Comprised of members from successful bands Mudvayne, Nothingface, and Damageplan, this group held promise to make each show about having an amazing time with one another and their audience; absolutely no distinction between band or audience member.  Having been a long time fan of Mudvayne myself, hearing Chad Gray’s familiar vocals once again was refreshing.  I always loved his ability to go from melodic tones into screams that had this way of purging my youthful anger.  However, in this group I found the vocals swayed more towards the screaming and rougher side of his range.  A well-rounded mix of southern rock, country and pure metal, HellYeah brought their blend of music loving, beer drinking and red-blooded American passion for their craft to the festival.  At one point Gray even announced that he was going to do what he did at every show the last few dates, and that’s drink and have a good time with his friends as every member of the audience was one with the band, just in a different geographic location.  I didn’t stay for the entirety of their set.  Having heard a good half way though their set, I decided I’d seen enough and went to go stake out my spot on the lawn.  I felt as though it was just pure metal, heavy and in your face as I would expect any outfit in such a genre to be.  Nothing crazy or insanely catching as far as my musical taste was concerned.

On to the main stage!

Halestorm was the first act to appear on the main stage at PNC and admittedly, I was interested in seeing them.  I had only become familiar with their music fairly recently, but I enjoyed it so I looked forward to seeing if they had the chops to entertain me live.  When their show time finally arrived the arena was filled with the solo vocals of one Lzzy Hale, crooning into the mic signaling to the audience that the show had begun.  I had to give it to her, the woman could sing.  Her ability to sing a cappella for the first few minutes of the show while also staying in tune and exercising fantastic breath control (she was holding some nice melodic lines), began to sell me on this bands live performance and musical prowess.  Minutes later the rest of the band joined her on stage breaking into the song “It’s Not You.”  They had a more mainstream feel with thick guitar riffs tuned down to create an edgy sound that could appeal to a more widespread audience.  Furthermore, drummer Arejay Hale was a small beast behind the kit, leaving me glued to his movements as he created a solid foundation for the group.  Overall, I loved their set.  Though, it was brief they diversified their time on stage with more than just playing to an audience.  I particularly enjoyed Arejay’s use of giant prop drumsticks (by the way, he still tore it up with those) and their brief intermission of a Stomp like rhythmic breakdown.  Yes, at one point they brought metal trash cans front and center, each grabbing a pair of drum sticks and playing their hearts out while still creating cohesive music.  It was definitely unexpected, but different isn’t always bad.  One could see that this band was all about having a good time and playing the music they love.

Next up was Stone Sour, led by notable Slipknot front man Corey Taylor.  Honestly, I never really followed this band outside of their mainstream hits, “Bother” and “Through the Glass”.  But like always, I approached their set with open ears and mind.  They were definitely a tight musical unit, delivering hard rock with Corey’s signature vocals.  Other than that, their set left something to be desired for me.  I’m not saying they suck or anything, but there was very little interaction between band members.  In fact, Corey really was the main focus of the set.  Granted, he is the front man, but in all honesty I never found myself wanting to take a look at the other musicians as they held little interest for me.  Maybe it’s just me and my personal taste, but it felt lacking, like they could have brought more energy to the stage.  Understand, they didn’t make me want to up and flee like many bands I’ve seen live have done, their music just doesn’t do it for me.

And then Avenged Sevenfold took the stage.  By this point the sun had gone down and all of PNC Bank Arts Center was shrouded in darkness.  The house lights cut out and the black curtain drew itself back treating my eyes to a visually stunning display of cemetery gates and devilish backdrop only to make my jaw literally drop when a man, appearing to have hanged himself, came falling from the ceiling.  The first innocent notes of “Nightmare” rang out and the audience surged to life.  Creating this epic feel with both setup and energy, Avenged Sevenfold blew me the fuck away.  Lead and rhythm guitarists Sinister Gates and Zacky Vengeance, often took center stage, playing side by side with their right and left-handed guitars, impressing the hell out of me with their nimble fingers and perfect squeals while giving me this stunning picture of brothers in metal.  This was more than music, this was a show.  Not one other band I had seen so far created this intense energy that heightened the state of the entire crowd.  Circle pits broke out all over the lawn and bodies flew into one another in a pulsing dance, physically channeling each pound of the kick drum, every shredded riff, and moving faithfully to each word M. Shadows belted out.  From pyrotechnics to fireworks, this band rocked the house so hard it felt like this was their headlining show; which I feel they absolutely stole by the way.  Not going to lie, I asked myself how in the world Disturbed could follow that.  Their music is this dark, unyielding force, shredding its way through every single crowd it encounters, leaving them changed.  Notably, I admit, I saw many an Avenged Sevenfold t-shirt that day, more than any other band, which should have told me something.  And in true die-hard metal fan fashion, I noticed the lawn cleared out considerably after their set ended, meaning the fans had seen what they came for.  Prior to this, I was only vaguely familiar with their music, and even more clueless to their stage show.  After that, I can honestly say I’m a convert and would jump at the chance to see them again.

Finally the time had come for Disturbed, the main attraction to grace the stage.  I had seen this band several years before and I distinctly remember them delivering a high quality performance.  As a result, I had expectations for this evenings show.  Opening with a short film clip that went back and forth between flashes of adulthood and childhood in a horror movie like fashion, it depicted singer David Draiman’s torment and escape from confinement.  Subsequently, the movie synced up with his appearance on stage, where he joined band mates and broke into “Remnants.”  A simple stage setup of digital background lent itself to their set for the night, flashing with different colors and images as each song played on.  For the first few numbers I felt as though the band’s energy was lacking and David’s signature growls weren’t as clean and on point as I remembered them to be in their last performance.  It was difficult to tell at first if the band was really into the set at all.  However, as the set got underway, the vibe felt more natural and David was more interactive with the crowd, leading the audience in unison to raise their fists in the air.  Admittedly, the entire arena was in sync with the band, all chanting and pumping fists at his every command.  It was a mellower feel in opposition to the crazy energy just unleashed by the previous act, but still encapsulated the entire audience.  Playing tracks off their new release Asylum, as well as a great mixture of fan favorites like closer, “Down with the Sickness” and hit single “Stupefy,” I liked their set and found the music to be well-played and cleanly delivered.  The band members seemed to keep to themselves for most of the set, each separately defining his presence while creating a unit.  I’m glad I stayed until the very last note had rang out instead of fleeing in hopes of beating the traffic rush, as it was definitely a great set overall.

So there you have it.  My take on the musical acts adorning this years Rockstar Uproar Festival.  The metal scene in all its patriotism and no-nonsense attitude came out to show their love and support for the music that has defined countless fans for years.  On the whole, the show was definitely a success and worthy of revisiting in the future inceptions.

 

Guiding the Warped Tour – 5 Minutes with Andrew W.K. August 24, 2010

Filed under: Interviews,Music Festivals — NVMP @ 7:43 PM
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Klone and TNT with Andrew W.K. at Warped Tour 2010

TNT – How has the Warped Tour been so far this year, would you say it’s mid-way through?
AWK – Well said, it’s about mid-way right now.  We’re at the Warped Tour 2010 going strong, this is the 16th year of the Warped Tour and it’s our 2nd time doing the entire tour.  We did a handful of shows in 2002 when we were primarily on the Ozzfest and then we did the entire tour, headlining on the main stage in 2003, and now to be invited back after all that time, seven years later, 2010, we are just very happy to be here.  We’re at the half way point, just looking at the calendar now, two or three more shows will mark the official half way, but we’re getting close and gosh, it still feels like it just started.

TNT – What was it like filming your new animated video “I Wanna See You Get Wild”?  (Click Here to watch the video!)
AWK – Thank you, yes.  This is a new video we have, the first ever video for Andrew W.K. that features a green scene with live action, motion graphics and animated figures.  I never shot a video where I actually had to plan out my movement for more than a few seconds.  Normally we’d film the whole song a bunch of different ways, you do the whole take and then you then cut it together in editing.  But for this, it was “From 1 minute and 3 seconds to 1 minute and 6 seconds you’ll move from point A to point B, then circle back to point C and then return to point A.  That will comprise those three seconds.  Now we move on to the next four seconds.”  We broke it down and I think the results speak for themselves, “I Wanna See You Go Wild”, our music video off of our latest album Close Calls With Brick Walls.

KLONE – Do you want to do more stuff like that in the future after having an experience like that or do you want to keep it more like ‘let me just get on stage and rip it apart’ kind of videos?
AWK – I want a little bit of everything.  In my life, I want to experience as much as I possibly can.  I am a big fan of Peter Jackson.  Now Peter Jackson has filmed many of his movies, of course the Lord of the Rings trilogy, with a lot of green screen or blue screen; whatever color suits your fancy, go with it!  Now, I learned from that.  I watched those movies, I enjoyed them, I absorbed them and I want to be able to include that type of performance, that type of production in my repertoire.  I want to be able to say ‘Hey, I shot something on blue screen’ and you know what, we just did.  “I Wanna See You Go Wild” that video, it’s a blue screen/green screen, it’s a video that was made using that technology and if I ever get to do it again, I’ll say ‘Hey, I’m doubly blessed’.

TNT – So what’s next for you after Warped Tour?  Do you have anything in the works?
AWK – Absolutely.  Of course, again, very happy to be back not only on warped tour, but just back with my full band performing traditional concerts.  This is the first time I’ve been on a nationwide tour with my full band, playing concerts on a world-wide basis since, really 2005, 2006.   Things turned crazy for me around that time.  Fortunately now, four, five years down the road, we’ve gotten them all worked out.  All the loose ends have been tied up into a beautiful bow, that bow has encased itself around a beautiful gift, that gift is the freedom to do and be Andrew W.K. all the way, one hundred percent, one hundred and TEN percent and that’s what we’re bringing in 2010 and 2011!  New albums, full nation-wide tours, world tours, maybe a book, more television; we want to take this party message out there using every mode, every method, every style of entertainment we can!

KLONE – Well we’re happy to help continue proving that Andrew W.K. exists and helping support your identity out there with everything we were talking about back in the winter time.  How has everything been going with that?  Everything positive and moving forward?
(Klone is referring to our first interview with Andrew W.K., click here to read and listen)
AWK – I appreciate you asking about that, I appreciate your support.  Anybody out there who has joined us partying, who has found some value, some experience as part of Andrew W.K., if it means anything to you, thank you very much for choosing to participate on that level and I’m here to continue that.  My name is Andrew W.K. and I’m here to keep it going. As far as everything else is concerned, all those elements, all those questions have been answered, all the pieces have been into place,  the puzzle has been finished.  And now we can just move on, move forward, have fun, party hard, you know how we do it.

TNT and KLONE – We can state that he’s definitely here in the flesh, he’s a real person, he’s not a hologram.
AWK – Yes, I am.  This is 3-d 100% in the flesh, Andrew W.K. talking to you live here.  I’m wearing the proper white clothing, I even have the white socks on.  So there you go, that’s proof.
KLONE – He does, I see them right there.

TNT – If you had to, could you pick one band you’d love to go on tour with?
AWK – There are so many groups out there I would love to tour with.  We’ve been fortunate enough to tour with so many of them, whether it’s been with Aerosmith, whether it’s been touring, of course, on something like today, Warped Tour, or Ozzfest that I mentioned earlier, or touring with bands like High on Fire, The Locust, The Used even.  I mean we’ve played with all kinds of groups, all kinds of folks.  We want to keep it going and that’s the tradition that we intend to establish and continue.  To continue partying, playing with music of all sorts, taking the party to people of all places and really making sure that joy is spread throughout the world as often and as much as possible.

 

Reel Big Fish Interview, 7/17/10 Warped Tour @ Nassau Coliseum August 13, 2010

Filed under: Interviews,Music Festivals — NVMP @ 9:16 PM
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Interview by Angela Blasi

Angela Blasi: I’m here speaking with Reel Big Fish and for the record you are…
Reel Big Fish: Aaron Barrett and Dan Regan from the Reel Big Fish!

AB: It’s kind of late in the day, how’s Warped tour been so far for NY?
Barrett: So far so good, we haven’t played yet.
Regan: We have a lot of time to get pumped up…and eat live cobras…get ready.
Barrett: We’ve been going on first or last this tour.  I prefer last.

AB: You guys get to close the show pretty much?
Barrett: Yeah, at 11am I like to be sleeping.  That’s why I chose the rock n’ roll touring lifestyle, so I could be asleep at noon.

AB: What do you normally do to get ready for a show, before you hit the stage?  Any pre-show rituals?
Regan: We avoid each other so that when we get on stage, its magic.  It’s like were seeing each other for the first time, like a new-born fawn falling out of its mother.
Barrett: We all change our clothes at the same time on the bus…try not to look at each others balls.

AB: Hows that workin’ out?
Barrett: Awful.  We love balls.
Regan: It’s so hard not to look at the balls.

AB: We are a music blog called Nevermind the Posers, and we’re dedicated to keeping music real.  Now, you guys play a lot of colleges, which I love that you still do despite your fame.  What is it about playing colleges and that type of environment that keeps you coming back?
Barrett: We pretty much play anywhere we’re invited.  That’s why.  A lot of colleges ask us, so we go play for ‘em.
Regan: We would play the Playland at Mcdonalds if they wanted to have us.
Barrett: If someone said ‘hey come and set it up,’ we’d do it.  We definitely try to play a variety of gig.  Tours of the UK where we’re playing fairly small venues, sometimes we’re playing giant festivals like this, or sometimes colleges, even acoustic invite only things.  We really try to spread it out, it keeps it fresh.

AB: Do you find it keeps you on an even keel?
Regan: Definitely, and the unifying factor in all of this that the fans are always so awesome and they’ll come out and see whatever.

AB: Not gonna lie, the first time I ever saw you guys was at a college in Vermont in the middle of nowhere.
Regan: Vermont is the middle of nowhere though, so that’s kinda redundant.

AB: I admired that though.  It was great that you guys were still out there giving it your all.  I’ve noticed that your live show comes across with a lot of energy, a lot of fun.  Is that something you strive for or does it just come naturally?
Barrett and Regan: Oh yeah, definitely.
Regan: We’re pretty awkward people in regular life, so we get on stage and it’s like we can finally relax and be awkward…professionally.
Barrett: We like to play, so we have a lot of fun being up on stage.

AB: Is there something you guys like to do, a favorite song you like to play, a certain gimmick, something you love doing for the audience that they always react to?
Barrett: Any song that they go crazy for.  I like doing that.  It starts, they recognize it and they start screaming and going crazy.

AB: Any top songs?
Barrett:  The “Beer” song, “Take on Me,” and “She Has A Girlfriend Now.”

AB: Have you found any other bands on this tour that you’ve gotten into, discovered or become fans of?
Regan: Nothing has jumped out yet, there’s a band people keep telling us to check out that’s a blue grassy thing- The Reverend Payton and his Big Damn Band.  We’re kind of waiting to see a lot of our friends, like Streetlight [Manifesto] and Chase Long Beach, then there will be more horn players hanging out.
Barrett: I saw a cool reggae band today called Tomorrows Bad Seeds.  Kind of like the reggae rock thing.

AB: Ok, last question.  Being that we’re Nevermind the Posers, we like to ask people how they define a poser.  So in your own words, as bluntly and as vulgarly as you’d like, what’s your definition of a poser?
Regan: It’s hard, you know, our style of music definitely brings an eclectic group of people together.  You got a lot of people who only know about us from radio and Baseketball maybe, or a lot of little band geeks.  Which, that’s me.  We’re an all-encompassing group.  I’d say…how to recognize a poser…usually they’re wearing some kind of pro-sports team attire.  Because that’s like instant inclusion.  It’s like,  ‘hey we’re friends automatically because we shopped at the same mall shop.’
Barrett: Oh man, you just pissed off a whole lot of people just then…sports fans get angry.  A poser…someone who tries way too hard to have a certain look or certain uniform for a music style or something.  Gotta have the perfect mohawk, the tightest pants, sleeviest tattoo sleeve.
Regan: You can always spot the poser, they’re trying the hardest.  You should be practicing your instrument not doing your hair.
Barrett: You should enjoy the music and what you do, not if people can tell how punk rock or hardcore or how whatever you are.

AB: I feel like you guys definitely stay true to yourselves and do just that.
Barrett: I don’t care what anyone thinks or if anyone knows what kind of music I listen to or if I’m cool or not.
Regan: He can say that because he’s so damn cool.
Barrett: I know, I’m that cool and I don’t care.

AB: To wrap up, you’ve been interviewing all day, is there anything you want to share with us or your fans that you haven’t been asked.  Maybe something you’d like to promote, anything?
Regan: Just get out there and see the show.  We love to see everyone come out to shows and boogie.
Barrett: We love to play, so come watch us do it.  Because if you’re not there, it’s really awkward, just an empty room.

 

A Walk Through Warped Tour- 7/18/10 @ Monmouth Park Racetrack

Filed under: Concert Reviews,Music Festivals,New Music — NVMP @ 3:51 AM
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Review by TNT

Bands I saw: AM Taxi, Face to Face, Left Alone, Anarbor, The Sparring, The Casualties, All American Rejects, Sum 41, The Mighty Regis, and Alkaline Trio
Bands I wish I saw: Reel Big Fish, Andrew W.K., The Flatliners, Tomorrows Bad Seeds, Middle Finger Salute, and Riverboat Gamblers

It doesn’t feel like summer until the Vans Warped Tour rolls into town.  I’ve gone consecutively since 2003 and before I journey to the tour, I’m always convinced it’s Christmas morning.  Well, at least that’s what it feels like to me.  I describe it as one of the most exciting feelings in the world…knowing you’re going to see a festival that lasts all day with some of the greatest punk and rock n’ roll bands around (from legends to up and coming artists), knowing that you’re going to discover loads of new music, and meet some cool people who actually enjoy the same music as you.  Now, I know there has been an increase in posers at the Warped Tour, but if you think about it like that, you’re not going to experience the same overwhelming excitement-filled feeling.  There are posers everywhere, let’s face the fact that there isn’t much we can do about it other than try to set them on the right path (and perhaps introduce them to this website).

I’d also like to note that Kevin Lyman, creator of the Warped Tour, does not pick the bands based on what YOU listen to.  When you create your own US/Canada tour, you can choose whoever you want to play.  If the bands were the same every single year or there was a limited variety of genres or if unsigned bands weren’t given a chance, I think it would get pretty boring and repetitive.  I also understand that if he didn’t go somewhat of the corporate route (mainly finding such huge sponsors in addition to Vans), this tour would not be able to go so far.  If you have beef with the tour because you think it “went corporate” or “sold out” then you obviously don’t know how expensive it is to financially support a tour of this size.  I would also like to thank Lyman for keeping the price of a ticket as low as possible and getting the tour to think and act green.

With all that being said, I did have a couple of gripes with the tour this year.  First of all, the NJ/NY dates were gypped out of seeing practically all the worth-while headliners: Anti-Flag, Big D and the Kid’s Table, The Dickies, Dropkick Murphys, Everclear, Street Sweeper Social Club, Streetlight Manifesto (they’re from NJ!) and The Bouncing Souls (also from the NJ/NYC area) were NOT in attendance.  What the fuck?  Without these acts, I feel like our ticket prices should have been cut in half.  Big freakin’ whoop; All American Rejects and Sum 41 don’t even compare to the bands I just listed.  I’m hoping some of them have upcoming concerts in the area, at least that would justify why they skipped NJ.  Secondly, due to an immense amount of traffic (half was from tour congestion and the other half was shore traffic), I was unable to see two of the greatest acts to play the NJ date.  Andrew W.K. and Reel Big Fish were the first acts to play.  I know I’m the only one to blame for this, since the acts are randomly picked for time slots on said day throughout the tour, but it still grinds my gears.  At least we snagged an interview with Andrew W.K. (will be posted soon).

Trying not to let the NJ line up bother me, my hungry ears and I were on the hunt for some new music.  The first band I stumbled upon was AM Taxi, a punk rock band from Chicago.  Let me explain filing AM Taxi under the punk rock category…they have both elements, in their natural form.  Punk lyrics are noted with simple chords and the guitar riffs are pure rock n’ roll, with driving drums beats that bring it all together.  There is also somewhat of a modern pop hook here, an edge that pulls you in.  I was impressed, especially with their lyrics and energy.  “The Mistake” is extremely well written with lyrics that stun you, (much like Brand New did for me back in the day) and the keys really bring this song together.  It’s hard to say punk music has a heart, but AM Taxi does, their music just hits home.  Right after their set, I made a personal note to pick up their latest album We Don’t Stand A Chance.

Coming back from an ever-changing line up and a long hiatus, Face to Face was the next band I sought out.  What a performance!  It’s been way too long and I was so excited to see them play.  I file Face to Face as one of the original Warped Tour bands, also included are Bad Religion, Anti-Flag, NOFX, and The Casualties.  Face to Face is fucking back and they’re releasing a new album this fall entitled Laugh Now, Laugh Later.  It was great to hear them play again and I pray they’re on the tour in 2011.  SoCal punk rock (F2F since 1991) will never die.

Left Alone was up next.  They remind me of Rancid so much; people look at me like I’m crazy when I say this, but that’s what I hear!  I guess Tim Armstrong and I have similar ears because after hearing Lonely Starts and Broken Hearts in 2004, he signed this band to his label, Hellcat Records.  Straight up, Left Alone is fast punk music with three chords and ska influences.  “Out of Tune Melody” made for a perfect circle pit.  I think I relate with Left Alone so well because they are a true DIY band.  Frontman Elvis Cortez started off as a roadie on the 2003 Warped Tour and when Lyman heard some music from the band, he appointed the band as the official Warped Tour BBQ band in 2004 and 2005.  I’m happy to see their hard work has paid off, as they officially played the tour this year.  See?  Sometimes all you need is good music and the rest will follow.

After Left Alone, I decided to check out what the hype was about with the band Anarbor.  Until today, I never gave the band a fair chance, but I’m glad I caught some songs.  I loved “You and I”; I feel that majority of pop rock bands would make this way more whiny and annoying.  Kudos.  I loved the lyrics in “Always Dirty, Never Clean” – ‘I’ve got bruises on my hands and knees/And a list of failures in between/Always dirty, I am never clean/Music is what you hear, and not what you see.’  When I get older and start doing needle-points and other old lady shit, I’m going to stitch this on a pillow.  “Gypsy Woman” has a great beat that makes it hard to stand still, but its not my favorite song.  I just hear Cage the Elephant and nothing else.  Anarbor released their first full length album on Hopeless records, 4/20/2010.

As I was getting read for Warped Tour this year, pre-listening to the bands, I came across The Sparring (Old Shoe Records) and knew they could not be missed.  Lead singer Joel Bourne cleared a space for himself to perform in front of the stage, stopping festival goers to stay for some music and pouring Monster Energy Drink on fans waiting in line for some meet n’ greet.  He stated that you can’t enjoy live music if you’re waiting in line for an autograph.  I say right on brother!  Borne had much to say, screaming his sarcastic punk lyrics.  This trio is powerful and I predict a solid future for them in the DIY punk rock community.  I recommend catching a live show soon.  Fair warning, the pit will be dangerous so be sure to bring it!

Being crunched for time, I was only able to catch one song from The Casualties.  Watching from the side of the stage, I felt like I was experiencing The Casualties (and the tour) for the first time all over again.

All American Rejects and Sum 41 performances left me with one question: Why?  I love the singles by All American Rejects, but never listened to the rest of their music.  Their big hits were of course covered; “Dirty Little Secrets,” “Swing, Swing,” and “Gives You Hell” were all played.  It was a good performance, but I felt like the members were distant, didn’t feel a connection.  It wasn’t an absent of energy, that was there, it just felt a little forced.  Perhaps the weight of touring has gotten the best of them on this particular date.  Lead Singer Tyson Ritter was promoting the campaign “Don’t Hate on Haiti”, spray painted on his white suit, with a clear mission statement being that if you forget about this disaster, its hatred.  He stated that he was touring to help raise money to build clean water wells for the people of Haiti.  Very noble.

With Sum 41, it felt like they were trying to relive their glory days with hits like “Fat Lip,” “All To Blame” and “The Hell Song”.  Their latest album, All the Good Shit: 14 Solid Gold Hits 2000-2008, was released in November 2008 and rumors of a new album in 2011 are buzzing around too.  Honestly, I miss Dave Baksh.  He brought a heavier punk sound to the group with his guitar style and it is missed.  I was less than thrilled with Sum 41.  I do wish Deryck Whibley a speedy recover though.  In Japan, where the band was set to play the Summer Sonic Rock Festival, Whibley was attacked on 8/6/10 in a bar by three men (and police) and aggravated a slipped disk injury in his back from 2007.

I wanted to like The Mighty Regis, but I just couldn’t.  They had a great performance, but for me it felt too much like they were impersonating Flogging Molly.  Both bands have seven members (6 male, 1 female), play the same instruments, and are both Celtic punk rock bands from Los Angeles.  It’s similar to the great debate of The Grateful Dead vs. Phish.  I was never able to get into Phish because I’m a deadhead and never saw (or heard) the point of getting into practically the same band.

Finally!  It was time to check out Alkaline Trio!  What a stellar performance, as usual!  I was happy to hear “Armageddon” and “Private Eye”, as From Here to Infirmary is an all-time favorite album of mine.  Personally, I haven’t seen Alkaline Trio live in some time, so every song was amazing to me; tons of energy, guts and love.  Also, the crowd was huge.  On their speakers, they stenciled on “Free the WM3” and “WM3.org”.  I am so touched that bands today are still supporting the West Memphis Three but furious that they’re still in jail.  Please visit WM3.org to find out what you can do to support and free the WM3.

In final summation, here are my thoughts on the tour this year:  Although I missed the majority of the bands I was excited to see, I made the most of the day.  I understand that set times are randomly selected every day of the tour, but it still stinks that I missed out on a few great acts.  Oh well, there’s always next year.  I discovered a lot of new music and look forward to checking out more music by said bands.  Nevermind the Posers has attended Vans Warped Tour since 2003 and we’re looking forward to the lineup in 2011.

Don’t forget, to check out the bands mentioned in this review simply click on their names; they are linked to their MySpace pages.

 

Tomorrows Bad Seeds August 10, 2010

Filed under: Interviews,Music Festivals,New Music — NVMP @ 12:56 AM
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The 2010 Warped Tour held a lot of promise this year with another amazing lineup and packed draw.  The first band I was able to speak with was Tomorrows Bad Seeds, a rock reggae group from Hermosa Beach, California whose name was abuzz all over the tour this year.  I had the distinct pleasure of speaking to Matt McEwan and Sean Chapman, both guitarists and vocalists for the group.

Angela Blasi: I was doing my homework on you guys and I had read that you fused many different styles together, I got a little bit of a sublime feel at first listen…in terms of influences, what is your main goal with what you are trying to do with that?
Tomorrows Bad Seeds: There is no real aim…we kind of just take of all the influences we have and try to mend them with the talent that we have.  There are some bands that we like and we draw from their influences without copying.  Absolutely Sublime is a big influence and being from Hermosa beach area, them being right next door,  it’s an obvious influence…but we’ve also been influenced by bands like Pennywise, Rage Against the Machine, Red Hot Chili Peppers, all those LA bands that have influenced us to create an edgier sound as well.  We kinda just do whatever comes to us.  There’s no one thing that we try to do.

AB: As far as Warped Tour goes, how’s it been treating you?
TBS: It’s been great.  Really, really good.

AB: What are some of the highlights?
TBS: Being a part of it and meeting the other bands and all those bands coming to check out our sets and everybody being really humble.  Everyone is really equal, it’s all about the tour, not just one band, one headliner.  Everyone has to work and put in their time, from doing press to waiting in line for lunch.  Our set times are randomly picked every morning, everyone is all the same.

AB: Your tag line – Conscious music for your mind – how could you define that for me and tell me how you embody that running motto?
TBS: That’s exactly what our music is- music that stops and makes you think about everyday life.  We write about our life experiences and we try to bring that out, maybe other people can relate to it.  There are a lot of  things in the music industry and the entertainment industry that go on that are really desensitized and are really shallow; we try to dig deeper with our music and really affect (people).  We want someone to listen to one of our songs and not only let it dig deep so that it sticks with them, but also make what they want out of it as well.  We write pretty broadly where it’s like: ok, you can listen to a song and imagine it how you want it.  It doesn’t necessarily mean one thing or tell a certain story, it’s more like: here’s a song, how does it fit into your life?  But at the same time we want to spread a message with our lyrics of positivity and consciousness.

AB: As far as the creative process goes, do you write collectively as a group?
TBS: Yea, for the most part.  If one of us gets an idea we’ll bring it to the table and work it out; whatever works best for the song is what happens.  There is always the obvious, one guy may write the song but it gets finished and arranged by the whole band to make it what it is.

AB: Are there any bands that you as fans are excited to be sharing the same venue with?
TBS: All of them.  Reel Big Fish, All American Rejects, Sum 41, Fight Fair, Suicide Silence…especially the bands we don’t even know.  We get to hang out with them and then we become instant fans.  Everyone is really, really cool.

AB: What are your plans post Warped Tour as you gain momentum and things happen for you?  What are you plans from this point forward?
TBS: Touring and touring and touring.  We love playing live, it’s what we love to do.  We’re also involved with this film, Lions Gates “The Expendables”.  We do a signing with them every day.  That’s another huge highlight coming up.  And we’re also getting ready to hit the road with a band from New Zealand call Katchafire, a great roots reggae band.  We’re gonna headline a tour end of September into October.  We also just came out with our second album Sacred for Sale and have been touring for that since it came out.

AB: What could someone whose new to your music, and has never seen you before, expect to see standing in the crowd at your live show?
TBS: Feel good music that you just want to groove to and dance, hang out and try to relate to it; not just go out there and slam your head against the floor.  A high energy performance, for being a mellow band, we do mix it up.  Our set goes up and down; we bring a lot of energy to the stage but we also bring a groove.  We don’t just come and blow your head off, . . . it’s like reggae up your ass.

AB: For my last question, and being that we are Nevermind the Posers, what’s your definition of a poser?
TBS: Someone that switches their style up every couple of weeks, whether it’s listening to a different type of music or the way you dress, the lifestyle you lead…someone that isn’t true to themselves.  Someone who basically will change everything about themselves to what they watch on TV or the music they listen to instead of just being themselves or genuinely liking the music or maybe something they saw.

Click here for Tomorrows Bad Seeds website
Click here for more pictures of Tomorrows Bad Seeds

 

Take the Clean Concert Pledge! April 29, 2010

Filed under: Concert Reviews,Music Festivals,Too Cool for a Category — NVMP @ 5:17 AM
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I took the Clean Concert pledge. CleanConcert.org

Finally!  Thank you Ben Coe and the Artist Farm for officially creating the Clean Concert Pledge!

If you’ve ever been to a concert or musical festival and care about our environment or are a half-way decent human being, at some point, you must have felt guilty from all the garbage and plastic bottles left behind.  Think back to when you stayed until the end of a show.  A mass of bodies are walking away from a sea of garbage.

Please click here and take the pledge, and by taking the pledge, I mean actually obeying it.  Spread the word, help keep the scene clean!

Do YOU recycle?

I took the Clean Concert pledge. CleanConcert.org

 

What Can I Say About SxSW? Part Two April 2, 2010

Filed under: Concert Reviews,Music Festivals — NVMP @ 5:20 PM
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After this trip, my shoes were worn out and legs a new type of sore.  Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t have a problem hoofing it to see legends like Cheap Trick and Smokey Robinson tear it up, logging 2 miles on my feet bouncing from show to show.  But I now see the appeal of “pedi-cabs.”  Stone Temple Pilots, although I was never a huge fan but dug their sound in general, killed it.  I couldn’t tell if I was at a live show or listening to a record.  That good.  The same went for old Smokey and Cheap Trick.

Scott from Stone Temple Pilots @ Austin Music Hall.

STP again...yea the light show was that serious.

And one thing I want to note about seeing Cheap Trick, first off, whatever venue it was, whatever park it may have been, they took care of press. We had our own section with our own bar.  And free beer . Yes free beer.  Shockingly to this New Yorker, everyone was nice, helping people up and down embankments, moving to the side, and saying sorry for bumping into you.  Imagine that, New York, people actually apologizing for running into you.  Teens, twenty-something’s, and the older crowd all sang along together;  while the kids quietly played light sabers with glow sticks in the corner – probably the first and last time kid’s didn’t get on my nerves at a show.  When they played their classic “I Want You To Want Me,” all I could do is smile and revel in the intoxicating nature of music, and its ability to transcend decades, generations and nationalities.  Cheap Trick isn’t the first band to do this, but at this show, it was the most apparent.

As for the street that Friday night, imagine the feast of San Genaro in Manhattan, Feast of Santa Rosalia on 18th Ave in Brooklyn or any other street fair in the tri-state.  Now add 70 bars, rope off six blocks, incorporate live music everywhere, and multiply it by 30.  That was 6th Ave in Downtown, Austin on a Friday night.  And on Saturday night.  You get the idea.  The place lived, breathed, sweated, and became music, everywhere, all day and night.

This is what the show would seem like if you were trippin' balls.

I could go on for days about the observations I made and experiences I absorbed, but I’m going to cut it here, and just give you a few bands I saw for the first time and recommend.

In short, two bands I HIGHLY RECOMMEND: (All which I had the pleasure of catching, and I thought they absolutely destroyed it.)

Jupiter One – Caught them at the Galaxy Room on 6th Ave – Hailing from Brooklyn, NY, this quartet is the most dynamic, engaging, and utterly magnetic stage performance I have seen in a while.  Without pyro and flashy lights, this multi-talented ensemble ripped it apart.  A mellow vibe in some of their tracks and a pounding rhythm in the others, it’s simply great “tune-age.”  But here’s what I found to be astonishing: Both guitarists, yes both, would switch from playing their respective Strats to drop some keyboards…mid-song!  And it doesn’t end there.  Did I tell you the rhythm guitarist is also the singer.  And he also plays violin. Yes, vio-fuckin-lin, mid-song.

The best track by far, and it was amazing seeing them close with it live, otherwise I would have thought all the layering was done post-production.  This track (which you will have to buy the CD to hear because I have no idea what it is called) was a sonorous ascension, complete with out of control stage antics by everyone.  Violin, keyboard, drums, bass, and two guitars being played by 4 people simultaneously.  It ended in a rising crescendo, with each band mate layering and looping a chant or sung word to come together in perfect harmony.  From an onlookers point of view, I was amazed, from someone versed in technology and studio gear, I was in awe.  Astounding musicians, every one of them.  Check out Jupiter One from Brooklyn, NY.

Fighting With Wire –Checked them out at B.D. Riley’s Irish Pub.  All the way from across the pond in Dublin, these dudes can wail.  A little more aggressive than the previous band I told you to check out, they definitely rock.  A nice blend of old Thrice and old Poison the well with a few other influences I can’t quite put my finger on.  At least not until they’re CD gets here.  All in all, they are a kick ass band on Photo Finish Records/Smalltown America, and you should go check them out.  Period.

By: Alex ‘Stigz’ Castiglione

 

What Can I Say About SxSW? Part One April 1, 2010

Filed under: Concert Reviews,Music Festivals — NVMP @ 2:57 PM
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

(That stands for ‘South By Southwest,’ a gigantic international music festival held annually in Austin, Texas, by the way.)

Well there are literally, and I mean it, no words to describe the experience, but I will do my best.

First, allow me to take you on a journey with just some key phrases.  Picture this:

A quaint strip called 6th Ave in Downtown Austin lined with nothing but bars, cantinas, shops, tattoo spots, and restaurants.
Everyone has a tattoo, and I mean everyone.  Face.  Neck .  Legs.  Chest.  And other unseen places I’m sure.
Music emanating from EVERYWHERE.  Blues, Jazz, Rock, Punk, Metal, Indie-all blending together a dissonant symphony that permeates energy.
Awesome fuckin’ food and never a minute to say, “Hmm, what should I do.”

Leave it to Texas to have an ENTIRE SHOP with nothing but hot sauce.

With those phrases in mind, let me take you on a journey.

From the time I woke up in this city, I knew it was going to be a crazy weekend.  March 18th, a Thursday, I awoke to the din of an indie-blues type jam pulsing against my 11th story window.  Looking down, I could see a moat of sorts, cutting through the outside patio of my hotel, with little catwalks leading to the street.  Some walkways were al fresco and wide open, other ways took you through a little detour through a faux-cave tunnel.  The sun was shining and it was a balmy 71 degrees.

It was 10 AM, and music was already pumping, and people were pounding the pavement.
Sweet, right?

6th Ave in Austin TX...at 10AM

I hoofed it over to the convention center, a nice 2 block walk, passing a horde of music junkies, bands, groupies, wanna-be’s, and of course, locals en route.  Passing a sign that said “Austin-Live Music Capitol of the World,” I just smiled.  If I only knew how this place was going to explode at night.

So I caught a few seminars, all of which were cleverly named.  “Welcome to the Music Industry – You’re Fucked,” “Quickies 1: Branding Marketing & Publicity,” “Nerdcore 101,” and even more enticingly quirky titles for panel discussions.  Not the first time SxSW takes a conference to a rock star level.  They give out free beer to press and people with SxSW passes from 3-4 PM.  But the bad-assery has only just begun.

Other panels included names…big names.  GWAR and Smokey Robinson to give you the two ends of the spectrum.  Both the infamous and incomparable metal band and Motown phenom were equally entertaining.

On top of all of this, there were trade shows with new recording rigs, guitar gadgets, music schools, promo companies, internet networking sites.  Name it.  If it was connected with music, marketing, press, or anything between the trifecta, it was there.

Know who else was there?  What seemed like every band on the planet!

In my handy SxSW itinerary, the first thing I noticed was the fact that there were 76 authorized SxSW venues.  Authorized venues is only the tip of the iceberg.  Any place that served food and/or liquor and could squeeze a band and at least 50 people in; music was bumping from.

Just like NYC, you never know what you'll see at SxSW. Like a dude hula hooping while balancing a guitar on his nose.

And I mean every band.  From Motorhead on Wednesday night, to Stone Temple Pilots on Thursday, to Cheap Trick and Smokey Robinson on Friday, the musical spectrum was represented in its entirety.  And these were just the headliners that played the Austin Music Hall and such, with legends like Cheap Trick playing (what seemed like a festival-in a good way) in one of Austin’s beautiful parks-right outside the Performing Arts Center.

But don’t get discouraged if the classics I just name didn’t get your pulse going.  Minus the Bear, Andrew W.K, Temper Trap, The Crystal Method, Steve Aoki, Redman (Yes, fuckin’ Redman), Street Sweeper Social Club, Estelle, Sum 41 (I know I thought they were dead, too) , The Boxer Rebellion, and frankly too many more bands and artists to named.  And these were just the ones I knew.  There were tons, and I mean tons, of kick ass bands rocking the 15 block radius, pulsating all night in downtown Austin.  I was left with a couple questions though when I looked at the bill.  Like who the hell were some of these DJ’s I never heard of, who the fuck invited Patrick Stump for a solo performance, and who was the genius who came up with “Flosstradamus,” “Pigeon Religion” and “Puffy Areolas” for band names?

The overall vibe of the entire trip was simply “chill.” That is probably the most hippie statement I have ever put in print, but everyone was unbelievably nice and laid back, music was everywhere, drinks were flowing and the food was great.  Add this to a nice 75 degree sunny day, and this is a recipe for something beautiful.  Everyone was in a good mood and there was a reason to be.  Despite all the stigma surrounding Texas, I saw one fight in all my travels.  And it was at a metal show.  No surprise.

By: Alex ‘Stigz’ Castiglione