The Last International makes a stand

So my travels brought me back to 89 North the best venue for original music on Long Island in my opinion. I was not expecting too be swept away as I was with The Last International. This three piece band reminded me of Concrete Blond and Dusty Springfield just a few to compare them to. They have this classic 60's tones in their music blended with a punkish blues / rock attitude. Fronting the band is the  beautiful black haired raven Delila who's voice sweeps you away on a musical journey. Backing her is guitar player  Edgey looking very much like a member of The Ramones. His playing is edgey with mounds of vintage guitar tones and rounding out the band is Fernando on the drums. This band is a must see in my book. You can find them in all the usual places such as Facebook, Myspace, Reverbnation and their own website. The band gave me a copy of their last cd called Choose Your Killer which has taken up residency in my cd player. I hear something new with each play that makes my ears smile and my soul wander.

Afro Brick?

Another awesome night of music hosted at 89 North Music Venue in Patchogue, NY. As the old proverb says build and they will come. And come they did 250+ strong came through the doors for a night of original music. And one of those bands were Afro Brick who slithered onstage and oozed an infectious blend of bluesy soulful rock an roll. Stirring a whirlwind of blistering jams and amplified greatness were Drew on guitar and vocals, Willy on bass and George on drums or as I read also known as Drumz, Houndog and Sticks. Might I add this bands was so much fun to watch as they were to listen to. You can check them out on their facebook page just type in afrobrick and be prepared to be infected.

KILLCODE spreading like wildfire

With NYC having a population of more than 8 million people. Tonight the city was missing five of it's resident's. Those five individuals were the members of Killcode. And they were taking up residency at Ollie's Point in Amityville, Long Island. This is Killcodes second visit to Ollie's Point. They are on a mission too spread their infectious brand of rock to the Long Island area.
 Emerging onstage like a hand grenade Killcode was ready too implode the crowd. Looking like they were soaked in a batch of tattoo's, denim and leather. You knew you weren't going to be assaulted by a batch of pop songs. By their name alone you should have been prepared to have your chest pulverized.
 Having been to their first show at Ollie's a few month's ago. It was amazing too see the difference from the crowd's reaction to Killcode the second time around. The crowd surrounded the stage singing word for word along with singer Tom Morrissey. Killcode songs are not just songs but street anthems for the masses. The audience was like an army fists pumping and bodies moving in sync too the music. It's hard not to be moved by their music it's heavy, soulful, bluesy and catchy. Highlights of the night were 6AM Again, Hands Up and Bad Muther Fucker. Hell there wasn't a bad song in their set. To find out more about Killcode check them out on facebook and reverbnation.

Spending the night with Jackknife Stiletto

First you gotta show respect. Too a band that defines their music by a term concocted by all the members combined. Jackknife Stiletto define their music as Vagcore? For those that are unaware that would be female driven music thats thinking inside the box. Visions of a smoke filled room with the smell of bourbon and debauchery fill my head.
 As the temperature dipped into the freezing 20's outside. Jackknife Stiletto were heating it up inside as they rocked the stage. Playing selections off their Beautiful Disaster CD and throwing in some covers for good measure.

  Fronting this female trio is Erica Bathory on Lead vocals/bass. There's something about that glare in her eyes and sarcastic wit. That leaves you yearning for more.

  Headbanging and bouncing across the stage is Annie Stoic on guitar and backing moans. Annie's weapon of choice is a Gibson SG Amazing that so much sex appeal  and talent could be squeezed into such a small package.  I'm guessing the stalker problem they are having. Could stem from some of Annie's compromising positions on stage.

  And if that were not enough you have the ever so cute  Mel Funk on the drums/vocals. She is well protected behind the kit. Its just as well. Because you have a sudden urge to want too go up and give her a hug.
 But lets put looks and personality aside. Jackknife Stiletto rock. There passion and drive come across like seasoned professionals. They collectively know how to work a crowd. And deliver an entertaining show.
 Here is a local band going out and making a name for themselves. While other bands complain about the scene. Jackknife Stiletto is making a scene.
 You can find them at the usual places like facebook, myspace, reverbnation and their own website to name a few. And you can pickup their CD Beautiful Disaster at itunes or better yet at a show.

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.

A leisurely night with Big Mosey.

 So the last weekend of January 2012 brings me to LuLus in Port Jefferson. I love this club, but we need to spread the word about what a great room this is too play. I would hate too see this club end up like so many other's in the wasteland of club's that have come and gone. If your in a band or know someone in a band turn them on to this place and book a show.
 Ok onto the band at hand. Big Mosey got me to travel to LuLus tonight. I previewed their collection of songs online. Which instantly struck a nerve that needed to be addressed with a live performance. Big Mosey didn't disappoint . This band shines live. Artists such as Seven Mary Three and Tom Waits come to mind if I was asked who they remind me of. They have a gritty blues vibe with a sonic groove that comforts your soul. The lead stylings of Nick Fokas hits you emotionally. His use of delay was hauntingly beautiful and added even more texture to their sound.
 Singer/guitarist Matt Jacobs did a fine job working the crowd. He was able to interact with the audience and make them feel like part of the show.
 I spoke briefly with bass player Evan Hammer and Drummer Tim Lykins before the show. Evan and Tim were extremely friendly and it was nice chatting with them. I was approached by them both. Bands make a note. Its important to work the room and make contact with the people who come out to see you. Even if you have never met them before.
 You can download a free song form there web site by signing there email list. The Blue Skies Are Over is a favorite of mine. Thats if you were to ask me.
 You can also find Big Mosey on facebook and reverbnation. So if you like your music with soul check out Big Mosey.

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.

The "Rise"of the night beckons J.Rad.

 There is an old proverb stating a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. And after seeing J.Rad perform this past Saturday night. That chain shows no sign of breaking anytime soon.
 I have heard of J.Rad for years now. I've never checked out there music or seen them live. But that has all changed since Saturday night. These four guys should be on a major tour playing to a national audience.
 There is a feeling in the air that can't really be put into words. When you see a band with the "it" factor. And J.Rad has the "it" factor. I can say all the usual things as. This band is tight. They have great stage presence. Good songwriting skills and so on. Yes they have all that. But too really appreciate J. Rad one must experience them live. Since Saturday night  I've devoured all there music online. But its live where this band really shines.
 You can download their Rise - EP on iTunes for $5.94 or better yet pick one up the next time they play in your town.
 Also you can find them at all the usual place's such as Facebook, Myspace, Reverbnation. And at there very own web site www.jradrocks.com.

Stolen Babies found in Los Angeles

Ok as I searched for another bands to feature in our new connecting the scenes feature. I came across another Los Angeles band. And that was purely accidental. Let me explain. As I search the world wide web. I have some favorite places I like too use to search out bands. And for me bands that catch my attention are purely visual first (bands take note. Make sure you have eye catching photos it will make people stop and click through too check you out). The old saying first impressions go a long way. So if you catch my eye I'll check you out further. So on this outing while surfing the web I came across Stolen Babies.

For me I like dark images. And that's what drew me towards Stolen Babies. The first picture I saw was a group portrait.Two members in top hats a female in the middle and a member on each side. The photograph had a eerie feel to it. This grabbed my attention immediately. See the importance of a good photograph. I passed other bands up before clicking through on Stolen Babies. Why? a good photograph.

How would I describe Stolen Babies? Imagine if Tim Burton and Danny Elfman had a baby. And what makes them so appealing is not only their music but how visually stimulating they are. I think bands that say we will let the music do the talking are just plain lazy. You need the complete package too stand out.

Back to their music. Picture if No Doubt got hired too play a funeral. Or a circus of the dead passed through your town. And if you happen to live in Az, OR, WA or CA you'll be able to catch them as they pass through your state. I'm sure more date will follow.

Here is another example of a band hitting the pavement and spreading their music. And not just staying in there hometown. Ask them how they do it if your not sure.

You can find Stolen Babies at the usual places. FaceBook, MySpace, ReverbNation or at their website

So there you have it. My second pick for connecting the scenes. Leave a comment for any bands you may have heard of. Also leave me some feedback.

Wednesday Spotlight / Things that irk me.

Why is it in this day and age I can't find a band on the web? And if their name does come up it isn't them. I had this problem for a show I attended on Saturday night.

The first band I couldn't find was The Dynamics. First off bands please do a name search before naming your band after a band that already has that name. Turns out The Dynamics are not the old R&B's group from Detroit, Michigan. The one I saw was lead by David Koltai president of Pixtronix effects pedals. And the only reason I know that is because he mentioned it while onstage. As for his band I still haven't found a web site for them. Hint name is already taken.

I would think if your out there playing you would want to promote yourself the best way possible? Yes or am I mistaken?

I can only believe Pigtronix is doing well. Thats why his band has no web site. It must be through word of mouth and his circle of friends that he's expecting a good turnout on the local scene. Yes or am I mistaken?

As for the band David was coaching the other band members between songs. Giving them cue's as to the tempo of the songs and what to do during the changes of the song. That aside they were very good and entertaining.

Do you think if a band is playing the scene that they should be relevant on the web? I think they should. It could be the deciding factor if I come out to see you play or not.

I had the same problem with one of the other bands on the bill called Rodeo Clown. I had left before they even took the stage.

Bands do yourself a favor and make it easy for people to find you. Post a link back to your band from the club you playing if possible. Hint facebook is a great place to do that. Oh yea there are some hint's above to help you promote yourself.

VagXcore, thinking inside the box.

So I got an invitation to the VagXcore one year anniversary party this week. I had to check that this wasn't a mistake? Was there a gynecology convention in town? And I was mistakenly added to the list? Just checked no funny business changed down there.

Turns out VagXcore is a record label that promotes All female or female fronted bands. And this year the label turned a year old. And what better way to celebrate than have a party with four bands gracing the stage at Bartini Bar in West Babylon.

Tho the spotlight is shining on the females fronting these bands (except Jackknife Stiletto/all female band). Lets not forget the male members backing these ladies up. If not for you there light would not shine as brightly as it does.

The first band of the night was Better Off. Fronted by Desiree Parrillo on vocals/guitar. Their music was reminiscent of the british invasion, garage rock era days. They are currently working on a cd. So be on the lookout for it. Give them a listen on facebook.

The second band of the night was Extreme Makeover. Center stage for this band is Michele Meech. Extreme Makeover is a unique band on the scene. They take songs were all familiar with and blend them into something new and refreshing. I would hate to categorise them as a cover band. They are so much more than that. Friend them at facebook. And ask them to post some music.

I was really looking forward to the next band of the night. American Pinup is a high energy rockabilly pop band. Vocalist/guitarist Lauren West fronts the band. Lauren's vocals remind me of Imelda May on steroids. This band blew the roof off the place. I know they gain a-lot of new fans tonight. There wasn't a person sitting still during their fabulous set. Go to their website to learn more about this up an coming band.

The last band of the night was Jackknife Stiletto. Our host and ringleader of the nights festivities. How would you describe this band? Imagine if the Sex Pistols were an all female band. Their sound has an energy and edge that you have too experience live. The band consists of EsotErica on Vocals/bass, Annie Stoic on Guitar and Mel Funk on drums. These ladies engaged the crowd with lighthearted humor with a touch of sarcasm. All three of them know how to work an audience. And did I mention the stalker from their Dear Jane video was spotted in the crowd.

A great time was had by all tonight. Thank you to VagXcore for a night of great music. And I wish you the best in all your future endeavors.