musings from boston

screams, whispers and songs from planet earth

Category: Boston Bands Page 6 of 20

Agree To Disagree: If You Think We Suck Now, Just Wait Til We Sellout

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On August 11, 2014

In Boston Bands, Indie Music

If You Think We Suck Now, Just Wait Til We Sellout. With a lead-in like that, you know it’s going to be good. Released back in July, this is the debut album from Agree To Disagree, a “melodic-hardcore-pop-punk” quartet from the South Shore of our fine state of Massachusetts. Yes, that’s right, melodic hardcore. Sounds bizarre, but it works. Extremely well. The album packs in an ambitious 16 songs, and amazingly, all of them are quite good. This is a musical account of their progression as a band since 2009-2010. It was recorded by Matt Withrow of MGW Audio and mastered by Mike Abiuso (SwitchBitch Records, The Venetia Fair).

There are guitar melodies and pop vocals in here that are downright pretty (but maybe you shouldn’t tell them that, at least not to their faces). There is also some damned impressive guitar playing as well. The band features Zachary St. Paul and Matt Magnell on vocals/guitar, Bobby Magnell playing bass/vocals and Steven Kunevich on drums/vocals. Their debut EP was “I Like It Better In My Basement” (Oct 2011).

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Boston’s Kristen Ford Sets Out on the Road with Dinosaur

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On May 27, 2014

In Boston Bands, Gigs, Indie Music

Listening to Kristen Ford’s just-released album Dinosaur, the initial thought that came to mind — my first impression, if you will — was “strength and courage.” It comes across in the music with clear ringing guitar melodies, in comes through lyrically, and it’s especially evident in her powerful voice. If you enjoy listening to music that has an edge with an air of gutsiness and determination along with melodic prettiness, then definitely check this one out. After you listen, purchase a copy and support this fine musician on her musical journey.

The album was recorded with producers Dan Cardinal (of Josh Ritters’ Crew) and Jesse Ciarmataro (AKA Qwill) at Jamaica Plain’s Dimension Sounds.

Speaking of strength and courage, Kristen is poised to leave Boston, her home and music community for the past four years, to set out on the road full time. She and her band will be performing at the JP Block Party on June 15th, but after that, it’ll be Philly, Pittsburgh, Canton (OH), Columbia (MO), Middleton (WI)… see her tour schedule to see if she’ll be dropping by your town. It’s a massive thing, to believe in yourself and your music enough to make that big leap for 100% commitment, and we wish her well.

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Introducing The I Want You… Ah Really

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On May 13, 2014

In Boston Bands, Indie Music

photo by Christine Verret

photo by Christine Verret

Here’s some cool sounds for a warm spring or summer day (hang on, Boston, we’re getting there). The I Want You wants you to listen to their new EP, Ah Really. Ok, so that was a little too obvious. These guys are bright and colorful, from their sound, which is buoyant, spacey and punk-psychedelic, to their website, which is all about television color bars and crazy crayon rainbows. Ah Really has crazy colors too. There’s petulant punk and pretty melodies in the title track, and languid and dreamy vocal harmonies in “Queen Celeste” that almost sound Beatlesque. “Drifting” is exactly that, with the persistant percussion holding things together while the music and vocals weave in and out and meander around. “Not Giving It Up” is a compact gem, with its off-kilter vocals and bits of melodic dissonance that makes the song utterly delightful. “Total Disaster” throws everything out there, ending in wonderfully unhinged mayhem.

The I Want You features Jim Gerdeman (8-string bass, vocals), Jonathan Ulman (drums), Blake Girndt (guitar, vocals) and Jonathan Donaldson (guitar, casio, vocals). You know a band is serious when their instrumentation includes a casio. They have two local shows scheduled in the next few months. They’ll be at the Middlesex Lounge in Cambridge on June 4 for their EP release show (presented by priMORDIAL sOUNDS), along with Spirit Kid and Reports. On July 2, they head over to T.T. the Bear’s Place and will be playing with Joe Turner and the 7 Levels and Slowdim.

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A Taste Of Iceland 2014 ~ the music, the art, the culture, the food, the vodka…

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On March 14, 2014

In Boston Bands, Indie Music, Show Previews

It’s time again to celebrate the arts, culture, food (and vodka) of Iceland! Presented by Iceland Naturally, this annual mini-festival is called A Taste Of Iceland—and it is, quite literally. From today through Tuesday, there’s an epicurean Icelandic feast prepared by chef Hákon Már Örvarsson at Rialto in Harvard Square. On Saturday from 5-7pm, there’s an Icelandic Photography Reception with a talk by Boston photographer Neal Rantoul at 555 Gallery. The FREE CONCERT, Reykjavik Calling, with Icelandic (and Boston) musicians is on Saturday night at The Middle East (downstairs) in Central Square (RSVP; first come, first serve). On Sunday, things wind down with a Reyka Vodka Craft Cocktail Class at The Liberty Hotel in Boston (RSVP HERE; limited to 50 people).

Read more about this weekend’s activities and learn how you can win an Icelandic prize pack in a special “Iceland scavanger hunt.”

We’ll focus on the music, which you can get a taste of below in a terrific little sampler. This is your chance to experience these Icelandic musicians live, without the long flight. You’ll also get to hear some unique collaborations with local artists. I attended one of these special events a few years ago, and it was a hell of a lot of fun. Mark my words; you’ll make some amazing discoveries.

Keep reading for some information about the show and some samples from the featured artists.

Read More

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This Much shows their “Disdain” for this Boston winter (or maybe it’s just me?)

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On March 12, 2014

In Boston Bands, Indie Music

(left to right): John Stricker, bass; Denny Kennedy, drums; Terrence Mulhern, vocals, guitar, keyboards

(left to right): John Stricker, bass; Denny Kennedy, drums; Terrence Mulhern, vocals, guitar, keyboards

For their fifth song, just released along with an official video and perfect for the season, is This Much’s aptly titled “Disdain.” A full-length album is apparently forthcoming. You may think these snowy scenes of Boston are pretty, but as far as I’m concerned, never was there a more effective public service announcement for moving to Southern California. There. I said it.

I intend to post this on Wednesday, when we’re due to have yet another Nor’easter. True to form, even when I try to be clever and make the most of things, the weather doesn’t cooperate with me. I see it’s now going to rain. Figures.

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Faces on Film Poised to release their new album, Elite Lines

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On March 11, 2014

In Boston Bands, Indie Music

Courtesy of Crash Avenue // Credit: Michael Basu

Courtesy of Crash Avenue // Credit: Michael Basu

Boston singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Mike Fiore, whose musical persona is known as Faces on Film, will be releasing a new album on March 25. Its title, Elite Lines, is a brief but beautiful track on the new album, a delicately finger-picked, mysterious and personal instrumental piece (which came to him in a dream), that serves as an important focal point. Though the remaining seven songs are varied musically—a wistful piano and organ ballad, dreamy Big Star-esque pieces, bluesy R&B, Eastern flavorings and languid indie pop, it is all underpinned by the intimacy of a bedroom recording. It’s about quiet introspection. As Fiore explains his middle-of-the-night muse visitation, “When that happens, when you’ve got something good,” he says, “you gotta hold up your end of the bargain and go wake up and at least capture it.”

Elite Lines is Faces on Film’s third album since their 2008 debut, The Troubles, which was followed up in 2011 with Some Weather. Fiore has said that this album is less opaque and more obviously personal than his previous releases. He’s also been open about his creative inspiration, citing Neil Young’s “I Believe You,” Harry Nilsson’s “Many Rivers to Cross” and Frank Ocean’s “Swim Good.”

Two songs have been released so far, a gorgeous and haunting guitar and piano lament called “The Rule” and the soulful yearning of “Heartspeed.” Elite Lines can be preordered on Esty and presumably will also be available from the usual iTunes and Amazon sources.

There will be two album release shows in Boston and NYC:

3/24 – T.T. the Bear’s, Cambridge, MA – buy tickets
3/25 – Rockwood Music Hall, New York, NY – buy tickets

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The Needy Visions: Deuce

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On January 15, 2014

In Boston Bands, Indie Music

It’s not particularly deep, nor will it answer any of life’s pressing questions. It’s just good ol’ “Old School Garage Psychedelia” in the proud tradition of those Boston bands of bygone days. The Needy Visions are a gathering of noisy and dirty guitar jamming glory. Three years after their debut album, the not titled LP, they’ve finally released their follow up, Deuce. The band features Boston Hassle founders Dan Shea and Sam Potrykus, and I guess the delicious guitar licks I’m hearing might well be the guest appearance of Arian Shafiee (Guerilla Toss), who appears on the new album. My guess is that they’d be a lot of fun live, so if you’re in the Boston area, keep a lookout for them.

facebook | bandcamp | Bufu Records

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Sarah Rabdau and Sophia Cacciola Take on Shakespears Sister

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On December 15, 2013

In Boston Bands, Indie Music

Two of Boston’s “leading ladies,” Sarah Rabdau and Sophia Cacciola (of Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling), have teamed up for a passionate and hilarious remake of the 1990s classic “Stay” by Shakespears Sister. Not only is the cover itself spot-on (and seemingly made for these two), but the video… Have a look at Sarah and Sophia’s version and the original below. Campy magnificence.

Other Sarah Rabdau and Self-Employed Assassins news: their new album “Free As Thieves” can be heard (and purchased) on bandcamp, and they recently covered fellow Boston Band Dead Cats Dead Rats’ song, “No God In Massachusetts,” which can be heard here. Sarah also joined Lifestyle for a Thomas Dolby cover of “Cruel”. As for Sophia, I believe her next appearance may well be with the Michael J. Epstein Memorial Library on January 13 for the Encyclopedia Show at the Davis Square Theater. What with DFMOMD, the MJEML, Darling Pet Munkee and Space Balloons, it’s tough to keep up, but you can visit her official site and add yourself to the mailing list.

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Sir Walter Sickert and The Army of Broken Toys does Dr. Caligari

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On November 21, 2013

In Boston Bands, Indie Music

Alright, mind out of the gutter. This is actually one of my favorite Boston-imprisonedbased bands, Sir Walter Sickert and The Esteemed Army of Broken Toys, with their original soundtrack performed live to the legendary film, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, at the Music Hall of Portsmouth (New Hampshire, I’m guessing) back on October 24. On this cold, dark and lonely Boston night, when I can’t wrap my head around any sort of meaningful writing, I know I can count on these guys. It’s a fine psychotropic romp through a surreal desert landscape while munching on psilocybin mushrooms, feeling mildly ill-at-ease but enjoying the fine view nonetheless. That’s without the film playing. With it, I imagine, even better.

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The loosening of a hardened crust

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On November 17, 2013

In Boston Bands, Musings

Rust Never Sleeps at Johnny D's in Somerville 11/16/13

Rust Never Sleeps at Johnny D's in Somerville 11/16/13

There’s something about a heartfelt live music performance that can melt away any amount of hardened pain. For me, and unlike any other art form, a piece of music, even a single phrase from a familiar song, can bring back not just distant memories but also the emotional feelings that accompanied them. Exactly as it was, so many years ago, there’s the taste and the very essence of that moment. The experience is like a drilling through seemingly impenetratable granite, an unearthing of old sentiments and forgotten dreams.

Rust Never Sleeps is a Boston-based band that celebrates the music of Neil Young, not only by beautifully interpreting his songs in a faithful way and with stellar musicianship, but by infusing their performance with the warmth and honesty of the man himself. Check out some video and audio clips on their site. I had the pleasure of seeing these fine musicians at Johnny D’s last night, and they have a few area shows already scheduled for next year.

“I am just a dreamer,
But you are just a dream,
You could have been
Anyone to me.”
– Like a Hurricane, by Neil Young

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