A few weeks ago, I caught Pearl and the Beard live when they performed at Brooklyn Bowl for Brunch After Dark. Their set powerfully engaged the crowd with memorizing harmonies and haunting musical accompaniment.
The stripped down “Black Vessel” impresses with light, finger picked guitar and string interludes while soaring harmonies from Jocelyn Mackenzie, Emily Hope Price and Jeremy Styles flush out the song. Additional tracks like “Good Dog” and “Donny and Johnny” feature beautiful harmonies with dark string accompaniment. For more on the band, visit their website and if you’re headed to SXSW be sure to catch them live at these showcases.
Watch Pearl and the Beard perform “Oh, Death” live below.
And watch their entertaining music video of a Will Smith medley below.
New Jersey’s own The Vinyls impressed a packed crowd at Maxwell’s recently. Though the first band showcased on a Saturday night, the quintet’s high energy set kept concertgoers engaged.
With familiar vocals, a driving drum beat and powerful guitar riffs, the Jersey boys’ set ended too soon. Drew Duddy’s stage presence captivated as his animated facial expressions provided a story that accompanied each song. Though an apt frontman, the musical accompaniment propelled the band from simply an opener to a memorable act.
Catchy tracks like “My Good Name” combined a forceful drum beat with solid guitar rhythms and relentless vocals.
“Feel free to move around. I know it’s not the venue for a circle pit, but this would be the song,” Duddy said. “This song’s called ‘My Good Name’ and it’s about starting over.” Girls in the front of the room danced along to the fast-paced track while the guys in the crowd raised their beer cups in the air.
“Loner” demonstrated The Vinyls more serious side. Despite a sordid tale at the song’s start, the storyline picked up mid-track to reveal a distinct optimism.
Current single, “American Dream” embodied a tale many can relate to. With fitting musical accompaniment, Duddy sang, “Every mark we make is a sign of change/I’m not alone in this American dream…I don’t need another let down.”
Hopeful, yet realistic, The Vinyls down to earth roots and relatable lyrics combined with their memorable music and energetic stage presence prove they won’t be an opening act for long.
For more on The Vinyls, be sure to visit them on PureVolume.
Last year, I interviewed Intimate Stranger before their appearance at SXSW. Currently on tour and gearing up for a few showcases at this year’s SXSW I caught the band’s show Friday night at Brooklyn’s Knitting Factory. Formed in Santiago, Chile, in 2005, Intimate Stranger has critics and music lovers alike raving about their live show.
Frontwoman Tessie S-Woodgate has been named one of the “Leading Ladies of Rock” by Rolling Stone Chile and last Friday she demonstrated just why. With powerful stage presence, her vocals immediately grab the listener. Her singing combined with atmospheric guitar effects, soaring synth melodies and solid drum rhythm had concertgoers energized and dancing along.
Last year, S-Woodgate said Intimate Stranger’s music “has elements of melancholy and a calm motivated energy.” Opening track “Moments” fully demonstrated this energy. With a pounding drum beat and S-Woodgate’s seductive vocals, the band impressed. Their energy never wavered throughout their set as the band segued from one high energy track right into the next.
Songs like “Undone” showcase a darker sound for the band while “In the Black” lightened up the mood and consequently, had the entire venue clapping along during a minute long instrumental breakdown. Complete with guitar distortion and deeper vocals, the song was a welcomed change.
Performing just under 45 minutes, the band closed their set with the fast-paced “Beastie Queen.” An adequate track to end their show, I’d be surprised to learn of any concertgoers who didn’t have the song stuck in their head long after the last note was played.
For more on Intimate Stranger, be sure to visit them on MySpace and catch a show when they’re in town.
Steel Magnolia’s chemistry was undeniable as they shared the stage at New York’s Bowery Ballroom Monday night. On the eve of their record release, the duo — Meghan Linsey and Joshua Scott Jones — gave New Yorkers a preview of their debut album, released today, 1/11/11.
Meghan, clad in a short black and white striped dress and Joshua in blue jeans and black button down shirt, walked out to screams before they began first song of the night — fittingly, the first track on their album, ‘Ooh La La.’
Throughout their set, the couple of more than five years continually interacted with each other, showcasing just how much fun they had onstage. At times, Joshua would walk, guitar in hand, from his mic stand to Meghan’s, so they could sing with their faces pressed tight against each other. Their harmonies were spot on as demonstrated on every song performed during their 90-minute set.
Whether it was an original or cover song, Steel Magnolia’s energy never wavered. Instead of performing the album from start to finish, the duo threw back to an old favorite for the second song on their set list, the Eagles’ ‘One of These Nights,’ on which they showcased impressive vocal prowess, accompanied by an equally impressive five-piece band.
To read more of my review of last night’s show and find out why Steel Magnolia is You Sing I Write’s band of the week, visit The Boot.
Virginia-based trio Deep River booked their CD release show before they wrote their first song together. Though they formed just six months ago, you’d never be able to tell as all three members have performed in various solo and full band projects over the years. The band consists of Rachel Beauregard’s angelic vocals combined with Luke Brindley’s impressive guitar and songwriting skills and Bryan Dawley’s perfected harmonies and multi-instrumentalist virtuosity.
Their 11-track debut release, Ten Mornings, is an adequate introduction to their talent. A solid mix of blues, Americana and country the LP demonstrates Deep River’s soul and passion for music. Southern flavored tracks like “See You Shine” and “New Set of Wings” impress with powerful vocals and a foot stomp that begs listeners to join in. With alternating vocals and spot on harmonies between Beauregard and Dawley, the band brings to mind popular country trio Lady Antebellum.
“Feel like a poor man in a rich man’s town/Not a dime to my name, it won’t get me down/We dream about tomorrow/Today suits us just fine/Got all we need right here/And it’s all mine,” Deep River sing on “See You Shine.”
The band’s November release show at Virginia’s famed Jammin’ Java saw over 500 people in attendance and their first New York showcase earlier this month at The Living Room greeted the band to another packed room. Throughout their nearly hour set, Beauregard commanded the stage and held the audience in the palm of her hand, frequently having them stomp and clap along during Deep River’s performance.
“We’re really big into doing house concerts,” Beauregard told the standing room only crowd. “The good thing is I can see all of you and call you out if you’re not doing it,” she joked.
Having seen Luke Brindley in concert before, many tracks sounded familiar as his solo work was performed by Deep River. Songs like “Hold On To the Mystery” impressed with Beauregard’s soaring vocals and light guitar and percussion accompaniment. Additionally, Brindley’s ballad “On Your Side” struck a chord with light keyboard features and soft finger-picked guitar.
Deep River left their mark on “Virginia,” the band’s tribute to their state as well as “Let Me Down Easy,” a song about the end of a relationship with emotion filled vocals from Beuregard and fitting harmonies by Dawley.
For more on Deep River, visit their Website and be sure to watch footage of them performing “New Set of Wings” at their CD release show below.
New Zealand’s Brooke Fraser has been readying the release of her stand-out third album, Flags. With angelic vocals reminiscent to singer-songwriters Ingrid Michaelson and Colbie Caillat, Fraser’s 11-track LP combines descriptive songwriting with remarkable musical accompaniment.
Flags begins with the energetic “Something In the Water.” With a catchy beat and a chorus that is bound to stay stuck in your head long after the last verse is sung, Fraser kicks of the album strongly. Next track, “Betty,” co-written by Fraser, Switchfoot’s Jon Foreman and The Real Efforts of Real People’s Ben West, segues nicely with horn features, a driving percussion beat and Fraser’s relentless vocals.
Of Flags, Fraser says, “I’ve never used as many characters or as much narrative in my songwriting as I have on this record. On my previous albums, I was singing completely as myself, which is why I think I got so burnt out from touring.”
Last album, Albertine, Fraser says was inspired by “incredibly significant events and people and every time I’d sing I’d go back to that moment where my heart was ripped open. So singing such heavy songs nearly every night for three years took a toll … On Flags, it’s still me speaking, but it’s me speaking the voices of different characters and their stories. It’s more survivable.”
A new character is woven into each of Fraser’s 11 songs while her angelic voice captivates on all. “Orphans, Kingdoms” impresses with a steadfast drumbeat underneath her slower singing style while “Ice on Her Lashes,” a beautiful ballad, introduces soaring string features for the first time.
Continuously showcasing her versatility, on “Jack Kerouac” soulful electric guitar accompanies the Caribbean folk influenced track while moving ballad “Sailboats” displays Fraser’s more serious side. With a release this strong, Americans can expect to hear much more from the New Zealand native.
Watch Brooke’s video for “Something In the Water” below and be sure to visit her Web site to download “May Waltz.”
From the moment NEEDTOBREATHE took the stage at Irving Plaza November 5, it was evident that this wasn’t just any concert. The South Carolina natives have been honing their live show for the past 10 years and Friday night was no exception. Fans came out in flocks to see them and they didn’t disappoint.
As smoke engulfed the stage and guitar fuzz and percussion were heard in the background, NEEDTOBREATHE took the stage to screams. The band kicked off their set with the energetic “Prisoner.” With an impeccable electric guitar interlude mid-song and frontman Bear Rinehart teetering close to the edge of the stage, the band kept the audience on it’s feet. Not a complete deviation from their album, NEEDTOBREATHE proved their live show is like none other. While “Prisoner” neared eight minutes with instrumental features and improvisation, the band managed to keep things fresh and continually showcased their musicality.
“Thank you all for being here. It means a lot to us. We appreciate it very, very much,” Bear said before they performed “More Time” off their album Heat to excited fans who sang along word for word. With an instrumental breakdown and foot stomping rhythm mid-song the band impressed.
NEEDTOBREATHE has been working on a new record much to their fans delight and they debuted a track off their upcoming release called “Devil’s Been Talking.” With a memorable banjo intro, soaring guitars and powerful percussion, the song is only an introduction of what’s to come. While concertgoers no doubt enjoyed hearing new tracks, it was songs from their most recent album, The Outsiders, that received the loudest screams.
“Girl Named Tennessee” livened up the venue with funky guitar accompaniment and hand clapped rhythms. The floor shook as fans stomped along during the song’s entirety. Showcasing their ability to switch gears, moving ballad “Stones Under Rushing Water” slowed things down with light guitar and percussion combined with Bear’s relentless vocals. As the music lessened to the fadeout of the track, Bear sounded like a gospel singer as his voice reverberated throughout the venue.
The piano infused “Washed By the Water” followed suit before Bear once again thanked the audience for attending the show. “We’ve been together for 10 years and it means everything to us that you show up.”
After NEEDTOBREATHE performed for just over an hour they left the stage. But, not for long. As fans chanted “NEEDTOBREATHE,” the quintet came back out for a two-song encore, which included a jaw-dropping acapella version of “Valley of Tomorrow” to the hushed crowd. (Watch below!) NEEDTOBREATHE closed their impressive set with “The Outsiders,” to a sing-along. A testament to how far they’ve come, after 10 years NEEDTOBREATHE show no signs of slowing down.
Watch NEEDTOBREATHE perform “Valley of Tomorrow” acoustic below and for my interview with them, click here.
Called by one critic “a more talented version of Kings of Leon,” Vanaprasta is just that. With soaring guitar interludes, solid percussion and relentless vocals, Vanaprasta impresses. Formed in Los Angeles in 2008, the five-piece band has been making a name for themselves with their “blood-stirring” live show and well received debut EP, Forming the Shapes.
Gearing up for their full length LP, Healthy Geometry, the band released a 7-inch vinyl in September which featured two album tracks, giving fans a preview of what’s to come. Singing with distinct urgency, frontman Steven Wilkin’s vocals coupled with the band’s powerful music accompaniment stands out.
Songs like “Minnesota” impress with soaring vocals and haunting musical crescendos mid-song while “Skinny State” continues to pick up the pace with quick guitar licks and equally fast percussion features.
Title track, “Healthy Geometry” showcases the band’s softer side at the song’s start. However, as the track continues, the tempo quickens with a screaming, almost rap-like interlude from Wilkin. By far the most memorable number, “Healthy Geometry” sets Vanaprasta apart from the crowd.
In addition to original music featured on their MySpace page, the band recorded an impressive cover of LCD Soundsystem’s “All My Friends.” With tracks so diverse, you can expect to hear much more from Vanaprasta in the upcoming months. Be sure to visit them on MySpace.
Together since 2005, MayOrWest got their start practicing at guitarist Pete Cataldo’s apartment on Hoboken’s Jackson Street. The four-piece alternative punk rock band has since performed throughout Mile Square City at venues including Maxwell’s and The Dubliner, the location of their first show.
“Our friend bartended there and said he could get us a gig. We only had three original songs, [so I told him] we could play a bunch of covers,” Cataldo said.
The band played nearly 30 songs for three-and-a-half hours. An enjoyable experience, they’ve been performing and recording ever since.
I sat down with the quartet outside Hotel Victor Bar and Grill over beers as they filled me in on their lives as musicians, the inspiration behind their songs and near death van experiences traveling to gigs. Easy-going personalities coupled with a hard work ethic, MayOrWest is one Hoboken act to pay attention to.
Pennsylvania based singer-songwriter Joy Ike has been making a name for herself. After releasing her second album independently, she won an opening slot performing at this summer’s reinstated Lilith Fair through a fan voted contest on OurStage. Since then, she has continued her grassroots approach to music to stay true to her values.
With vocals that recall popular singer-songwriters Sara Bareilles and Regina Spektor, Ike’s soulful singing style and breathtaking piano accompaniment impress. What is most striking of Ike is that she embodies a timeless and familiar quality. Songs like opening track, “Sweeter” draw the listener in with her upbeat singing style while the nearly one minute piano intro on “Give Me Truth” relaxes.
Beautiful title track, “Rumors” leaves an impact on the listener with Ike’s slow and powerful vocals accompanied by the light strokes of the piano and fitting string features. Despite the impressive music, it is Ike’s hopeful and introspective lyrics that allow her to stand out from popular singer-songwriters.
In fact, in an interview with OurStage.com, she touched upon the importance of creating memorable music.
“What a person says reflects who they are. I want to make music that’s purposeful and I want to create music that people can hold onto for a long time.”
With a release as strong as Rumors, Ike is well on her way.
For more on Joy Ike, be sure to visit her on MySpace and watch the interview below. You can download her track, “Sweeter” here.
