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.
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.
Currently on their first American headlining tour, The Boxer Rebellion have been impressing audiences with their atmospheric rock. With soaring guitar interludes, foot-thumping percussion and frontman Nathan Nicholson’s emotion-fueled vocals, the band captivated all in attendance during their show Saturday at The Bell House.
Performing just over an hour, the UK-based band showcased tracks off their albums, Exits and Union as well as debuted new material from their upcoming 2011 release. The first unsigned band in history to break into the Billboard Top 200 Charts with a digital only release, you can expect to hear much more from The Boxer Rebellion soon.
Currently featured in the film, “Going the Distance” with Drew Barrymore and Justin Long, Nicholson and guitarist Todd Howe confessed in an interview before their set that a lot more women have been showing up to their gigs, not that they mind.
“It’s good to be back in New York…in Brooklyn I should say. I don’t want any people to get pissed off,” Nicholson told the crowd after playing “Evacuate.”
With vocals that bring to mind U2’s Bono and arena friendly musical accompaniment, it’s easy to picture The Boxer Rebellion in a stadium setting. Hard to believe they remain unsigned, their American tour promises to be a success. Both lead guitarist Howe and Nicholson command the stage while bassist Adam Harrison and drummer Piers Hewitt flush out the sound. Throughout their set, the band transitioned from slower ballads to more rock centric numbers effortlessly. In fact, on some tracks each member could be found pounding away on some form of percussion.
Tracks like “Semi-Automatic” slowed down their set with solid instrumental interludes while others, like “Soviets” were a welcomed surprise. Switching gears from electric to acoustic guitar, Nicholson told the crowd that the song is “a kind of country song if there were such a song in our repertoire.”
While the girls were most excited to hear tracks from “Going the Distance” performed, the band managed to please all in attendance. Whether it was the females nearing close to the stage or the men back towards the soundboard nodding along, The Boxer Rebellion satisfied during their gig in Brooklyn. Lucky fans who stayed until the very end of their set enjoyed dancing and singing along with Nicholson when he jumped off the stage for last song of the night, “Watermelon.”
For more on The Boxer Rebellion, be sure to visit them on MySpace and watch a video of Saturday’s show here. Stay tuned for my exclusive interview and concert footage.
Earlier today, I came across a Tumblr post by Titus Andronicus’ guitarist and violinist Amy Klein. Titled “Tour Diary Day Four: Rock and Roll Is Dead,” Klein writes about the way women are perceived in the media and music industry. Being the only female in indie rock band Titus Andronicus, she’s had her fair share of experiences and insults thrown her way. On Saturday, she wrote a powerful post after she dissected the latest issue of Rolling Stone, and asked why females are left out of the discussion and coverage of rock & roll.
“What we’re doing when we exclude women from rock and roll, and from the sense of rebellion that rock and roll promises, is disallowing women that independent perspective. We’re never giving them the chance to think critically about the world, and about the systems that oppress them. When we take women out of the arts, and take them out of art’s ability to critique the way things are, we’re making sure that women keep swallowing the status quo, day after day, and it’s the status quo that keeps us down,” she writes.
An insightful read, her entry got me thinking. Having recently read Pat Benatar’s memoir and learned of all the hardships she went through being a female in the industry in the 80s — 30 years later, why aren’t more women being showcased for their talent?
It’s musicians like Klein who leave an impact. One fifth of Titus Andronicus, her violin interludes are an intriguing addition to the punk rock outfit. With countless Bruce Springsteen and Jersey mentions in their songs, (see “A More Perfect Union”) the New Jersey based band has been garnering praise from music publications everywhere. Their popularity only seems fitting, because their songs embody a certain punk urgency that hasn’t been heard in years. And with Klein’s passion about women in rock, one can only wonder what her influence on future albums will hold.
While slower songs like “No Future Part One” showcases their more serious side, it’s tracks like the fast paced “Titus Andronicus” that brings to mind the beginning of the punk era. Complete with heavy percussion and relentless vocals, Titus Andronicus impress.
For more on Titus Andronicus, be sure to visit them on MySpace and check out the video for “A More Perfect Union” below. Definitely give Amy’s Tumblr a read. I’d love to know your thoughts.
