Ghosts Of Eden come packing heat.

If the headstock of a guitar were the barrel of a gun. Ghost of Eden's guitars would have been smoking tonight at O'Breins. Ghost of Eden came out to eastern LI to represent the NYC music scene. And by the reaction of the crowd they represented it well.
 This was my second time catching them live and they floor me every single time. Ghosts of Eden are the real deal. A winning combination of well crafted songs and a powerful live performance. What is surprising is you wouldn't expect the sound coming out of this band by just looking at them. They look like the could be selling you life insurance or doing your taxes. But once they start to play. They end up kicking your ass.
 Fronting GOE is Tom Pinto pulling double duty on lead vocals and guitar. Here is a frontman putting his heart, soul and sweat into every song. Oh how can you tell? Just take a look around a room while he's performing.
 Their collection of songs will have you moving, fist pumping and singing along. Its a convulsion you can't control. Stand out numbers would be In Motion, Heartbreak Crutch and K.M.A to name a few.
 I'm  also impressed by there strategy to sell their Cd's. There was no set price for the Cd's. As Tom put it. Give us what you can afford. Just go home with some of our music cause that's what it's all about.
 You can find Ghosts Of Eden on facebook, reverbnation and myspace. Pick up their Cd's Ignorance and Lies and Something Kinetic at itunes. Just a little fair warning playing these Cd's can become addicting.

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.

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.

The angelic voice of Eva Adalai

Eva Adalai is a must know artist from Long Island. I've been following this artist for a few years now. I've had the pleasure to watch her grow as a musician and a performer. I first met her at an open mic at the Village Pub in Port Jefferson NY. Now known as LuLus Village Pub.

From there I saw her front Evelyn Red which blossomed into Eva then transformed into Eva Adalai.

In 2007 she recorded This Machine. I have played this CD hundreds if not thousands of time's (no joke) it is that good. I would recommend everyone to get a copy and give it a listen. You won't be disappointed.

This past Friday I got to catch up with her and see her perform at Buckleys Irish Pub in Center Moriches. She was performing from 5:30 to 8:30 performing two sets of well known covers. She captivated the crowd with her interruptions of these well know songs. And by looking at her tip jar the crowd was more than satisfied.

While it seems she has traded the bigger stages for the more intimate venues of Long Island. She looks too have found peace as an artist in this landscape. You can find out more about Eva Adalai at her web site. And you can purchase her CD " This Machine" at itunes or at her next show.

A splash of Aqua Cherry

This week I attended a show with Aqua Cherry on the bill. These four men bring a hybrid of rock/funk/reggae to the table. Combined it makes for a tasty musical brew. What was nice to see was they looked like a band. A touch of fashion goes a long way. Unlike many bands out there that look like they just rolled out of bed and onto the stage. Aqua Cherry all looked like they were rock stars and they played like one too.

During their set they played songs from both of their CD's. 2010's ep "So Pretty" and their full length Cd "Drowning in the shallow end". You can find both CD's on itunes.

Aqua Cherry has a great energy on stage that an audience can't help but absorb. You'll find yourself start to move as Stu lays down a groovy bass line from his Music man. And when Chad joins in with the drums your movements will turn into a full fledge dance. Adding color to the mix from his fender stratocaster is Brain. And wrapping it all together is vocalist Derick.

My only gripe is they didn't have a merchandise table set up. Bands should remember this is as important as the gig itself.

All in all Aqua Cherry put on a great performance and it looked like the audience was having as much fun as the band themselves.

You can learn more about Aqua Cherry at their facebook and reverbnation pages.