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.

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.

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.

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.