Spreading the Code.

 Remember the days you got turned onto a band and you needed to let everyone know about them? Well Killcode is one of those bands.
 I just got their new self titled CD two weeks before the official release date of March 24th. This CD  had been looping in my ride for days now. Forget what's on the billboard charts this disc is pure local platinum.
 Its just too bad its winter. I can't ride around with the top down and raise my fist while cranking the second song on the disc called Hands Up. And if you don't have a convertible you may find yourself with a saw. converting your ride. And its songs like I'm Liberated stating I'm Liberated, Im living free, I'm nobody's burden baby, I only answer too me. Are word's to live by and take to your grave. Another treat on the disc is a duet with Angelina Del Carmen from Charetta on Trust. And closing out the CD is Bad Mother which will have you screaming down the highway.
 Killcode have element of rock, metal, hints of southern rock all wrapped into one package. This band is the bomb. Catch their CD release show at The Bowery Ballroom on Saturday 24, 2012. Remember to pick up the CD that night and help spread the code.

A cosmos of tunes delivered by The Vital MIght

 Hailing from Boston, MA The Vital Might brought their brand of progressive rock to the town of Port Jefferson.Taking the stage at LuLus they opened the night with Slow and Sound off their 2006 CD Obsidian.  One can't help but be taken on a musical journey and this is one ride you wish not too end. The Vital Might mixes elements of many styles into their musical arsenal. Looking through the diverse crowd in attendance there seemed to be something for everyone too enjoy. And it all seems to work to The Vital Mights advantage. A highlight of the night was during the song Saturday. A very upbeat tune with a hypnotic guitar progression driving the song. The band was in full form at this point of the night. Jumping around smiling. Its moments like this in a bands performance. That transcend throughout a crowd in a positive way.
 The Vital Might consists of Andy Milk / vocals, guitars, Rick Gauthier / Bass and Evan Kraker on drums. They are working on a new CD. And you can find them in the usual places like Facebook, Reverbnation, myspace and their own website
 On a final note to the local bands on the scene. Be on the lookout for out of town bands. This is a good opportunity to network with them. Find out about places to play, local news outlets that support your music. Don't miss out. It's from these bands you can learn first hand about other scenes out there.

New addition to the 2012 dictionary: PANZIE

 I must give a shout out too Radio J for turning me onto the band Panzie. It was through his radio show and facebook page that I found out about this kick ass band.
 So on this cold bitter Friday night. I ventured out to Ollie's Point in Amityville to catch Panzie live. Let me just say after seeing this band they are now in my top 5 favorite original bands from the area. Even tho they are from NYC. Long Island is still part of NY. Here is a band that has the it factor. Great songs. Great stage presence. And oh yea they look like a band. They actually have given some thought to their image. (So many bands miss the mark about the image factor of their band).
 Obvious influences to me were bands like Danzig, White Zombie to name a few. As you can tell this band rocks and rocks hard. The energy from the stage rippled through Ollie's Point and you couldn't help but to move from the effect. Highlights of the night were ABC (Alphabet Soup) and Angry Man.
 At the end of the night I picked up their CD Love & Blood. And have been looping it my vehicle's cd player ever since. Its a great alternative to use other than therapy for getting out some road rage.
 You can find out more about Panzie at the usual places facebook, reverbnation. For some reason I couldn't get on there web site.
 In closing this is a must see band. And Love & Blood should be in your cd collection if you consider yourself a true rocker. Panzie with my metal horns I salute you.

400+ Gather to support Original Music

400 + were in attendance to support local music on a Wednesday night. Let me back track a bit. Four bands were chosen to play WBAB's second Homegrown Superstar Contest. Starting in October fans could vote of there favorite band in weekly rounds. And in December the four bands that survived those weekly rounds got to play the Homegrown Superstar show. And at the end of the night. The band bringing the most fans through the door. Would be crowned WBWB's Homegrown Superstar. The winning band would receive a prize package that would help them along there musical journey.

The first to perform was a four piece hard rock unit called Permanent Scar. I've been wanting to catch this band for some time now. This band possesses well crafted thought provoking songs. A bonus of the night was a free full length CD that they were handing out at the show. They played a solid set. And from the crowds reaction it was apparent they left with more fans than they began with.

The second to perform was the alternative/hip hop band Echo Sonic. Fronted by the charismatic Aaron Turner on vocals. Aaron worked the crowd and stage like a seasoned professional. Spiting lyrics and rhymes while backed by his amazing band.

The third to perform was the rock band Revel 9. Opening with the energetic San Jose. They got the crowd going right out of the gate. Rhythm guitarist Matt Dower is very entertaining too watch. He seems to be in his own little word as he plays. A very animated player bringing his playing to another level. Highlight of the set was watching a row of fans playing the leads along with guitarist/singer DJ Pearlman. From a distance all you could see in front of DJ were fingers twiddling about.

The final act and the winner of the night was Oogee Wawa. They brought a party to the stage. I would describe them is a fun loving jam band. Watching them perform and seeing how they interact with the audience. It's no surprise why they have such a loving fan base. Their motto must be Just Have Some Fun.

Most of us are aware of the poor shape the local scene is in. Its not due to the lack of talent out there. Because there is plenty of talent here on Long Island. Many people have many opinions on this subject. And just like politics there is no simple answer to this complex problem. But as long as we continue to ask questions and try different solutions. The music scene may once again thrive.

WBAB is a great supporter of the original music scene. It would be nice to see more effort from other areas of media. There is great potential out there to revive the scene. We just need more like minds to join the mission.

Aunt Hildegard the relative you were warned about.

The dynamic duo Johnny Stupid and Crock LaRock of Aunt Hildegard assaulted the crowd at LuLu's this Friday night.With an original mix of rock, punk and doom. A sonic bliss created by one guitar and one drum set. Sorry bass players obviously no room for you in this mix.

Johnny Stupid took to the stage with his white semi-hollow Hagstrom guitar in hand. One might have expected some spontaneous jazz riffs from this elegant instrument with its sleek lines and double f holes. Instead they got an in your face barrage guitar assault. All the while his partner Crock LaRock took center stage playing his drums. Sounding/looking much like a solider on a turret holding down the fort.

Aunt Hildegard played selections off their upcoming CD. Produced by none other than Joey Z (Life of Agony/Steromud). "Check Please" was one of the songs that has stuck in my head from the night. That song alone should give Aunt Hildegard plenty of life too forge ahead while the AH army grows.

I guess I can brag that I was one of the first to see these songs performed live. And I'm now enlisted in the first division of the ever growing AH army.

If you like your music raw and too the point. Give Aunt Hildegard a test drive on your ipod or CD player. Be warned their tunes can be highly contagious.

There was no mercy this Saturday night.

This week I briefly attended a show put on by No Mercy Metal at LuLu's in Port Jefferson. I had to retire my metal horns early this night. I had a prior commitment that required me to rise in the early am. That being said I was able too see the first two bands of the night.

Awaken started the night. I have covered this band in an earlier blog. Check it out for more details on this band. Let me say they get better every time I see them. I got to speak with Glenn during the night and got to know more history of the band. He tells me there will be more music from them in the future. And I look forward to hearing it. But let them ride out their current CD for now. And from the positive response of the crowd tonight. They should milk every last drop from the current release. Then replenish supplies when all is done. Leave the fans wanting more I say. Then open the flood gates for them to bathe in.

The second band of the night was Fear The Dawn. This band marked there territory with their brand of metalcore. Aside from their music. I was entertained by the antics of frontman Sean Patrick. I can only imagine that he would be a fun person too hang out with. I won't go into detail of his mannerisms I observed. All I will say is that I was chuckling too myself. And a word to drummer Christopher Scott. Thank you for make photographing a band so much fun. You definitely played it up for the camera. Your personality came across big time. Its so cool when you can project to a room full of people that your having a great time. And it wouldn't be complete not to mention Guitar player Tom Mong and Bass player Greg Zahra. Fear The Dawn kicked some major ass tonight.

A big heads up to No Mercy Metal for putting together these showcases for the metal scene. This show was well attended. And that can only mean on thing. Metal is alive and well!

Im sure the rest of the night was spectacular. Like I mentioned before I had to retire my metal horns early. But I'm sure there were many horns saluting the rest of the band's into the wee hours of the morning.

A Midnight Mob infestation.

This is a public emergency notification. Be on the lookout for a Midnight Mob infecting the nation with there contagious brand of rock and roll.

Welcome everyone to In a Crowds first CD review courtesy of NY's own Midnight Mob. The first of many reviews too come.

I got my copy of Midnight Mobs self titled CD at a show I was photographing. Midnight Mob was a complete surprise too me. I can't even remember the band I was there to photograph?

If you haven't hear of them yet. Then you should get yourself acquainted with them right now!

Midnight Mob has labeled their sound as swag "n" roll. They do have a swagger about them. Their four song CD oozes swagger and attitude. These songs are not only heard but felt by the listeners. Once a band can make you feel a song. Then you know you are listening too something special. From the opening sound of the cowbell of the Perfect Crime to the ending frenzy of Overdrive. Your like a drug addict looking too score again. Only it's more music your trying too score.

Fronting the band is Blackey Deathproof. She could be considered the female version of Johnny Rotten and Nikki Sixx. And thats a compliment. They are two of my favorite rockers know for their swagger and no bared attitude.

Midnight Mob has the goods to go all the way. With songs already placed on MTV, Fox Sports and E. This is just the beginning too a long and fruitful career.

So do you consider yourself a rock fan? I would beg to differ if the Midnight Mob isn't in your CD or ipod collection. Get your copy now and don't be left behind.

A tidal wave named Tenpoint.

Tenpoint rolled into LuLu's of Port Jefferson like a tidal wave. Saturating everything in sight with there riff laden brand of rock. As guitar player Steven Seigerman proclaims he's infected with riffs. And may I add memorable riffs at that. Backing up those riffs is the powerful rhythm section consisting of Chris Kozikowski on bass guitar and Doug Bohn on drums. And fronting this power house is vocalist Mike Dimeo. Hands down has too be one of the best vocalists on the island.

Anyone who missed this show missed out on a stadium performance in an intimate setting. Fans were treated with songs off their first CD Northen rock. We also got to hear some new songs off their upcoming CD as well.

Tenpoint is the real deal. If we don't see them with a major record deal and a worldwide tour then the music business is truly being run with deaf ears.

You can keep track of Tenpoint at their facebook page. Friend them and catch a show. I can guarantee you'll be blow away.