Local Show Reviews: Punk, Hardcore, Emo, Pop Punk

Anthony Raneri & Vinny Caruana Show @ Maxwell's

2009-04-28T07:11:00.000-07:00

Clear your calendars! Anthony Raneri of Bayside just announced in today's twitter he will be playing a show with Vinny Caruana @ Maxwell's on 6/18.

New Album Leaked: The Sleeping - What It Takes

2009-02-14T20:35:00.000-08:00

The Sleeping's new album, What It Takes, was leaked on the internet about 18 hours ago.

Make sure you support these guys by buying the album on February 17th!

2008 Year In Music Review

2009-01-02T19:57:00.000-08:00

I have to be honest....I didn't take the time to listen to much of anything in 2008 let alone anything new from the underground and indie scene. I'm not sure if it's me or the industry this year, but I'll make sure to include a more diverse interest in music in 2009. For the most part, I stuck to what I knew to be good in the past. A formula that proved to be a decent 2008.

Favorite Songs of 2008:

Thursday - As He Climbed the Dark Mountain
Rise Against - Hero of War

Hidden Jewel of 2008:

Moving Mountains:

I saw these guys open for Thursday/The Sleeping at Toad's Place in December. All I can remember is I wanted a beer so bad, but I was too completely mezmorized to get one. In fact, I remember some random guy next to me saying, "Damn these guys are good." And, shit, they really fucking were.

Pretty Good Albums of 2008:

The Gaslight Anthem - The '59 Sound:

I didn't really care for Gaslight Anthem until I saw them play at Roseland in late 2008. It's nice to know that not all albums these days are centered around being angry or hurt. Instead, the '59 sound takes a more simple approach to life, which is why I think this album is embraced universally.

Jack's Mannequin - The Glass Passenger

I get quite reminicsent of how happy California makes me feel when listening to this album. You can tell that California means happiness even to Andrew MacMahon, who had been going through Leukemia before the album was released. Aside from my obvious love of SoCal, this album incorporates influences from the great Tom Petty most notably in the track, "American Love."

Alkaline Trio - Agony and Irony

Truth be told, I never got into Alkaline Trio until I picked up Agony and Irony. I'm grateful for this album because although it's probably not Alkaline Trio's best work, it opened up my world to their first album, Goddammit. I soon understood why everyone has been embracing this band since infancy.

Rise Against - Appeal to Reason

Some might say Appeal to Reason was an album too commercial for Rise Against. However, I absolutely have respect for a band that continues to produce great political music and promote it to the youth of America. I also give much respect to a band that can incorporate "Queen" influence into its melody. Lastly, any song that can make me feel so much emotion that I start crying while driving, is absolutely and positively worth every penny I spent on that album.

Bayside - Shudder

Any band that can release an album, tour non-stop, somehow find time for the lead singer to get married, and then produce another album all within a little more of a year's timespan is quite accomplishing in my books. Although Shudder isn't Bayside's best album to date, it absolutely illustrates their strong work ethic and talent. For that, Shudder's B+ receives a strong A-.

Most Anticipated 2009 Albums:

Green Day
Our Lady Peace
Thursday
Circa Survive

"Seriously, what the hell was I thinking?" Album in 2008:

Cobra Starship - Viva La Cobra!

New Found Glory, Set Your Goals, and Bayside

2009-01-02T19:25:00.000-08:00

Looks like NFG, Set Your Goals and Bayside will be touring this spring! http://hawthornetheater.com/calendar.php

Thursday, The Sleeping @ Toad's Place

2008-12-16T13:01:00.000-08:00

On December 12th, the Sleeping joined forces with Victory mates and NJ post-hardcore band, Thursday. The Dear Hunter and Moving Mountains supported the random get together show before the holidays.

To be honest, I wasn't able to stay for Thursday. Which is...believe me, a huge bummer. However, I did manage to hear some new songs from The Sleeping. Their new album is set to release on the 17th (same day as Thursday, which everyone should absolutely go buy). I'm still a little scared about The Sleeping's new songs, but I'm more excited than anything. I think their record is going to be one of those albums you need to listen to a few times before you somehow turn absolutely obsessed over the album (think...Incubus?).

I've heard of the Dear Hunter before and I was stoked to hear their music. However, I was a bit disappointed in how generic they sounded. That's not to say they weren't talented because they were absolutely beyond talented, but they didn't make me want to go out and buy their album the next day.

Moving Mountains did just that. Moving Mountains hails from Purchase, NY and just released their full length, Foreward, last week. WOW these guys are good. They're indie (not exactly my favorite genre), but you can just tell they're amazing musicians with whatever type of music genre they touch.

I walked into Toad's just as the lights were dimming for Moving Mountains. Man, I wanted a beer so bad as soon as I got there, but I kept telling myself, "ok when this 'no name band' plays a bad song...move to the bar." Yeah, I never got to the bar during Moving Mountain's set. They were just as undoubtedly fantastic from the first note until the last. Memorizing.

In fact, I overheard someone next to me exclaim about how awesome this band was (probably just as clueless about their existance as I was). When Moving Mountains finished, you could hear the genuine claps from people who had no idea who these guys were until that very night.

Props to Moving Mountains for outstanding musicianship in such a world overruled by scene and regurgitated music. They're doing something different. I wish them best of luck on being the next big thing.

Angels & Kings Show 12.05.08

2008-12-16T12:49:00.000-08:00

Great showing for Vinnie from The Movielife at Angels & Kings in early December. Although it's been too long to really recall any of the acts from that night (sorry, laziness to blog set in, or maybe it was that no one really stood out?), I can tell you that I do quite clearly recall A&K being fully packed by 8pm. It was a fun night hearing the crowd sing along to Vinnie's jams (both from IATA and The Movielife). It also was nice knowing I'd hear Vinnie sing those Movielife songs at least one last time (although I'm sure it won't be the last *knocks on wood*). Vinnie did play again on the 12th which I missed to go see Thursday and The Sleeping instead @ Toad's Place in CT.

Anyone have comments about Vinnie @ A&K from the 12th?? I'd love to hear how that night went.

Vinnie Caruana: The Movielife Set at Angels & Kings

2008-12-01T12:32:00.000-08:00

Vinnie Caruana of I Am The Avalanche will be playing songs from The Movielife @ Angels & Kings on Friday December 5th, 7:30pm.

Oh how I'm so unbelievably stoked about this!

Bayside at Stone Pony on November 16, 2008

2008-11-24T18:28:00.000-08:00

Bayside's finished the final show of their tour at the Stone Pony last week with supporting acts The Status, The Matches, and Valencia. Now, to be honest, I don't think anyone really cared for the Matches. Well, there were people in front of the stage while they were playing, but maybe that's because they didn't have anywhere else to move? The Status and Valencia both displayed solid performances. Bayside played a 90 minute set which was much longer than December 2008's show at Stone Pony. They played music from all of their full length albums and even slowed the night down with "Don't Call Me Peanut" which can be viewed below.

Hamilton @ Angels and Kings

2008-11-24T17:54:00.000-08:00

Well, I must say. I probably wouldn't have showed up to JUST see I Am the Avalanche play A&K on November 15th. In fact, I didn't even catch them that night. Don't get me wrong, I would have, but an old friend was nice enough to keep me company that night. I certainly didn't want to make him sit through 4 hours of acoustic emo/punk/pop torture (something I happen to adore, mind you).

One of the guys from Hamilton remembered I had written review about them about a month ago, and was nice enough to let me know they were playing again.

Hamilton definitely had a much larger crowd this time around. In fact, I had to stand on my seat in order to get a good picture. Last time they played at A&K, I was able to enjoy them from the comfort the cozy lounge couches.

As I said before, my friend Chris isn't really into the scene, but as SOON as Hamilton mentioned they only had two more songs to play, Chris perked up saying with strong conviction (and a dash of disappointment), "That's It!? But why? They're way better than any of the other bands that just played?" Yeah, Chris, you're not the only one. I definitely feel a little cheated too.

It's true. These guys are great, and I will always go out and see them whenever possible. I added two pictures above I took of Hamilton at Angels & Kings. These guys truly have that unique ability to turn the most unlikely of fans into a fan.

Fall Out Boy and No Doubt in Bamboozle 2009

2008-11-24T17:41:00.000-08:00

New school and old school unite at Bamboozle 2008 with Fall Out Boy and No Doubt headlining.

To think...this is just the tip of the ice berg with this year's surprises.

Bamboozle 2009 also arrives just in time for kids to have their FOB songs memorized off of their new record, Folie a Deux, set to release on December 16th, 2008.

Let the Bamoozle 2009 guessing games begin!

No Doubt Comeback!?

2008-11-22T12:28:00.000-08:00

Looks like No Doubt will be returning to the music scene after all. NoDoubt.com features band members "chatting" about a tour in 2009. The chatting alluded they would begin writing new songs again, but certainly start playing venues and shows before a new record.

What NYC venues will No Doubt be playing? My guess is they could probably even do MSG if they wanted.

Could this mean a Bamboozle 2009 "surprise guest?"

I am REALLY anticipating new songs, but I need to keep in mind that 7 years have passed since Rock Steady.

My question is, can they adapt to the current scene, and make it big again like Green Day, or are they just a thing of the past?

The Sleeping in Recording and Announce Tour Dates

2008-11-03T10:48:00.000-08:00

The Sleeping are entering Salad Day Studios today to record their third full length album. The band will be recording throughout the next month. More updates will be announced in the near future via The Sleeping's Myspace.

The Sleeping will also be playing a local show at Toad's Place in New Haven, Connecticut on December 12th. They've also scheduled a tour to kick off the new year with Funeral for a Friend.

Will The Sleeping headline Irving Plaza??

I am the Avalanche @ Mason Dixon 9.30.08

2008-09-29T10:48:00.001-07:00

I am the Avalanche will be playing an acoustic set at Mason Dixon (NYC, Lower East Side) tomorrow night at 10:30pm. The bar is located on Essex St. between Stanton and Irvington. Free Show, 21+.

13 NYC Area Shows to see before 2009

2008-09-22T14:01:00.001-07:00

1) 09.26.08 New Found Glory with Four Year Strong and A Day To Remember @ Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, NJ.

2) 10.13.08 Rise Against with Alkaline Trio and Thrice @ Roseland Ballroom (New York City)

3) 10.15.08 & 10.16.08 NOFX at Irving Plaza (NYC)

4) 10.26.08 Just Surrender @ School of Rock East in South Hackensack, NJ

5) 11.03.08 I Am The Avalanche with This Is Hell @ Knitting Factory (NYC)

6)11.06.08 Pierce the Veil, Breathe Carolina and Four Letter Lie @ Knitting Factory

7) 11.07.08 Chiodos with Silverstein @ Roseland Ballroom (New York City)

8) 11.08.08 Norma Jean @ Starland Ballroom (Sayreville, NJ)

9) 11.14.08 & 11.16.08 Bayside @ Irving Plaza (NYC) & Stone Pony (Asbury Park, NJ)

10) 11.15.08 The Academy Is... @ Starland Ballroom (Sayreville, NJ)

11) 11.21.08 & 11.22.08 Jack's Mannequin @ Blender Theater (NYC)

12) 11.22.08 Senses Fail @ Starland Ballroom (Sayreville, NJ)

13) 11.25.08 Hawthorne Heights @ Irving Plaza (NYC)

I am the Avalanche at Angels and Kings on 9.06.08

2008-09-07T16:16:00.000-07:00

The hurricane weather didn't stop anyone from coming to see Avalanche and its supporting acts on Saturday night. In fact, Angels & Kings was pretty damn packed. Actually, "packed" might not be the best word. If the bar had an extra 10-15 people, it would have been packed...at least in the uhh....claustrophobic sense. This was packed as in....more of a flush sense.

Upon arrival, I quickly grabbed a beer in fear of what I would be subjected to for the next hour or two before Avalanche. Seating in the lounge area was limited so we quickly grabbed one of the last seats facing A&K's "stage." Yes, "stage" is in quotes because it really wasn't much of one. Which, by the way, was oh so conveniently right next to the entranceway (and I do say this with complete sarcasm).

Gregory James at Angels & Kings

By the time we sat down, Gregory James was in the midst of playing his acoustic set. He had no additional back-up acoustics. It was him and his guitar. I guess the only thing I really can recall from Gregory James' performance was the overall relaxed feeling that came upon me as he played. Or...maybe it was just that $5 bud light I bought 10 minutes earlier?

Can You Keep a Secret at Angels & Kings

Immediately following Gregory James, Can You Keep a Secret set up and took stage. As soon as it was apparent who the band members were, you would have thought "oh boy, it's another goddamn emo band." And, well, that's exactly what they were. In their credit, I'm sure Can You Keep A Secret's songs would have been a lot catchier with electric guitars. I only say that in sheer optimism since I really don't understand how they were booked otherwise. CYKAS followed their first song with an off beat, flat and poorly done acoustic cover of Saves the Day. It was one of those rare times you truly wish you could hear the ~~emo kids~~ emo-looking adults singing louder than the actual musician himself. Also amusing, was the fact grown men in their 20s stood alongside the front singing every word. Perhaps they were fan boys, or maybe even the rest of the band? I don't know, but I really thought singing on the side stage was a 15 year old groupie thing.

Hamilton at Angels & Kings

The final band to open was Hamilton (from Medford, MA). They seriously sounded so amazing they could have closed the night. Hamilton is still unsigned and JUST now added a Myspace account (yes, please add). I would be incredibly surprised if a label doesn't pick them up within the next 6-12 months. My only fear is that they sound a little too "Yellowcard"-esq and would get thrown into the diluted pop punk genre. Now, with that being said, Hamilton is an incredible live acoustic performer. As long as the band can distinguish themselves either through their Elvis microphones or some other musical way, they will be playing venues like Starland and Knitting Factory in no time. Well, that could have been the third beer talking, but they're a very promising band and I wish them the best of luck.

I am the Avalanche at Angels & Kings

Before Avalanche came on, I was able to enjoy all of the opening bands without having to stand. In fact, as soon as Hamilton finished, Avalanche fans poured in front and center blocking my rather premium seating view. IATA opened with an acoustic version and fan favorite of "Green Eyes." During the set, fans were graced with a new song entitled "Mrs. Green." Which, through my own interpretation, was a song about weed somehow appropriately mixed in with a dedication to Mr. John Beatz. "Mrs. Green" is well written and an incredibly catchy song. You could just tell fans were just itching to know the lyrics so they too could sing right along with Vinnie.

Vinnie's voiced his appreciation for the evening several times throughout the night to both fans and the promoter. Ironic, since he and the rest of IATA were the ones giving us this amazing acoustic show for the price of free. The band appropriately closed the evening with "Brooklyn Dodgers."

Time and time again, Avalanche has shown an unwavering ability to display the unique talent of being able to sound just as amazing acoustically as they do electrically. Hands down, last night was the best free show I've ever been to, and it's unfortunate every Avalanche fan wasn't there to see it.

I Am the Avalanche Playing Angels and Kings on Saturday Night

2008-09-05T19:15:00.000-07:00

I am the Avalanche will be playing a free acoustic set at Angels and Kings on Saturday September 5th, 2008. Doors open at 8. It will be a free show; however, there will be an open bar special for $45, tip included.

Avalanche will be performing alongside Gregory James, Hamilton, Boy and His Machine and Can You Keep A Secret.

I plan on going to A&K tomorrow night so hopefully I'll have an update on the show by the end of the weekend.

Review - The Sleeping at Irving Plaza w/ Envy on the Coast

2008-08-31T16:01:00.000-07:00

The Sleeping Live at Irving Plaza on 8.27.08

Unannounced, The Sleeping went into hibernation for most of 2008 greatly due to the departure of guitarist Cameron Keym. Armed with a new guitarist, a pianst, and two new songs, The Sleeping made its comeback by touring the east coast this August. The tour witnessed its peak this past Wednesday night as The Sleeping took center stage for the first time ever at Irving Plaza.

Opening Acts: The Gay Blades, Secret Lives of the Free Masons, I am the Avalanche, and Envy of the Coast

A great sense of camaraderie and admiration could be sensed throughout the entire show. Douglas Robinson of The Sleeping appeared on stage with openers, Secret Lives of the Free Masons. Joe Zizzo (The Sleeping), Ryan Hunter and Dan Gluszak (Envy on the Coast) accompanied The Gay Blades for a song which included three separate drum kits on one stage. These opening bands illustrated exactly why they're sometimes referred to as "supporting acts."

I had never heard of The Gay Blades previous to Wednesday night. From my 3-day post recollection, they didn't seem to really differentiate their Indie sound. However, the lead singer's enthusiasm and love for the audience turned The Gay Blades into one of the most memorable performances of the evening. Dare I say, more memorable than Envy on the Coast?

Before Envy hit the stage, I Am The Avalanche performed a delightful intermission. Just days before the show, the band was announced to appear for a surprise acoustic performance. The performance included acoustic versions of "The Brooklyn Dodgers" and "I Took A Beating." Although The Sleeping had toured with IATA in the past, a surprisingly few fans seemed to know the songs. Those that did, got quite the treat.

By the time Avalanche finished, nearly everyone within the venue had pushed their way up to get closer for Envy on the Coast. Envy displayed a stellar performance and sounded...dare I say...better than their CD, Lucy Gray? Just before the band finished for the night, Ryan Hunter (lead singer of Envy) announced that "if it never gets bigger than this" he's ok with that. When Envy finished, 15 year old girls pushed shoved themselves to the side of the stage to get photos with the band along with a chance to touch Ryan Hunter's hair.

The Sleeping Performance At Irving

As the Envy groupies piled out, Sleeping fans pushed their way in. Douglas Robinson opened with an acoustic version of "King of Hearts." This was the first time I've ever seen the acoustic guitar work throughout the entire song. "King of Hearts" was played beautifully and it was only enhanced by the collective singing of every fan in that venue. You just knew that song had an impact on every kid who was singing it including yourself.

The Sleeping played two new songs. The first one sounded a bit repetitive and slow. The second one perfectly entwined pieces of melody along with hard riffs. You can tell Cameron had no part in the creation of these songs. The Sleeping Part 1 had died with Cameron's departure. However, their new guitarist, Paul Cadena, has already brought a lot to the table, and I'm absolutely looking forward to hearing more from their release in February. We can call it The Sleeping: Part 2 (Part 2's are usually better anyway, ie Back to the Future, Empire Strikes Back, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade). In other words, I'm not worried. In fact, I'm like a little kid waiting for Christmas now.

Out of the 7 Sleeping shows I've been to, nothing, and I mean NOTHING could compare to Wednesday night's show at Irving. Every single person in the venue from the fans to the band members were there because they wanted to be there. Fans were dancing and flailing their arms around in the front just as much as they were in the back. Everyone just...bonded through their love for The Sleeping. In my opinion, it doesn't matter how many people show up for a show, but how many people WANT to be at that show. Not only was Irving Plaza filled, but it was filled with bands and fans alike who all were there to adore and come together with their admiration for The Sleeping.

For the band's encore, all of the bands came out to rock out using one drumset, a bass and two mics singing (err...rapping?) Snoop Dogg's "Gin and Juice." What a wonderful surprise! The video can be seen below.

Hit the Lights at Knitting Factory NYC (5.13.08)

2008-05-14T06:22:00.000-07:00

I need to admit one thing before I review Hit the Lights and Co. on Tuesday night at the Knitting Factory. I messaged the band about their lack of an "add" button on their page. I accused them of pretty much selling out and letting the label control their site. So Nick and the rest of Hit the Lights responded by telling me not to hate and a kid had done their myspace. They couldn't find the kid again to place the "Add song button" into the html. I apologized many times, and HTL replied with a "no hard feelings" attitude. Honestly, they are total sweethearts even after my myspace angst message.

OK so the show. The show opened with Red Light Green Light hailing from Rockaway-ish, NJ. They were actually quite good. I've only seen them once before when they opened for the Sleeping. The singer wasn't bad, but sometimes he'd sing with an annoying high pitch in which I oddly felt uncontrollably drawn to.

Sing It Loud came on. The only thing worth noting was the incredible bubblegum punk pop coating surrounding these guys and their incredibly long hair. Their fans must have been no older than 15 and that's pushing it. They sounded good, but sported way too much Glamour Kills clothing for their own sake.

Farewell was the only band aside from Hit the Lights in which I knew at least one song. Some (note...only some) of their songs are catchy, but they didn't really seem to hold up live.

Next, Every Avenue took the stage and were actually the best opening band of the night (although I'm not sure if that's saying much). They sounded good and were incredibly catchy. They seemed to captivate the audience and kids knew their lyrics.

Finally, Hit The Lights took the stage. Now, I'm not one to normally go to an HTL show on a whim, but after our little umm.."spat" I felt as if I should go down to show my support and respect for those guys. Plus, their music is quite catchy. And, if I didn't say it already, these guys are incredibly genuine and down to earth. They sound JUST as amazing live as on their CD. Unfortunately, I had to leave early. However, a downtown $12 HTL show was absolutely worth it.

Note to Self: Start bringing camera with you to shows....no one ever checks esp under the Tampons.

Four Year Strong Review

2008-05-10T19:32:00.000-07:00

I've seen Four Year Strong play twice now. Actually, 1.2 times. I walked in on the last song of a set with Bayside.

Let's start with the band's pros: Their album, Rise or Die Trying, mixes hardcore and pop punk perfectly. In fact, it's so perfect that you can find your girlfriend headbanging with hardcore punk fans. Four Year Strong will be playing alongside some amazing bands at the Give It a Name tour this year. They've also been endorsed by Alternative Press magazine as one of the 100 bands you need to know in 2008.

In order for Four Year Strong to reach "great band status," they need to work on sounding great live. Unfortunately (in my 1.2 times of seeing them), they seem to have a hard time balancing melody with hardcore in concert. If Four Year Strong wants to gain more fans while touring, they need to find a balance between sounding catchy and sounding hard.