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.

Demon's Eye branding some old standards

 So as I surf the web for another show to catch I came across the name of a band called Demon's Eye. Now this conjures up all sorts of imagery in my head. I'm thinking another heavy metal band singing of knights and sorcery and things of that nature. So with that thought in my mind I research this band even further. I come to find that Charlie Grosso is playing guitar for this band. I recently learned of Charlie a couple of weeks ago when I caught him in another band called Sinner's Prayer. Behind the kit is Nick D'Alessandro from Awaken and Earth Eatz Dog and I'm sure many others. From my perspective Nick is the go to drummer on Long Island. And if you have ever seen him live you'll know why. Rounding out this trio is Leo Binelli on Vocals / Bass a force too be reckoned with in his own right.
 So that was all I needed to make my way to LuLu's Pub and catch this trio live. For starters I didn't get the heavy metal knights and sorcery I had envisioned. What I got was some ripping heavy blues with extended jams. These guys are well versed musicians and play well off each other. Opening their set with a killer rendition of Rufus Tomas / Walking the Dog some may be more familiar with the Aerosmith version.  Charlie explained to me that the idea behind their set was covering songs originating from black American blues artists that were subsequently redone by white classic rock artists.  And now Demon's Eye giving these songs life with their brand of hard rock/blues interpretation. The band likes to think of it as a presentation of standards for the next generation. Demon's Eye plays these songs with such heart and conviction you would have thought they wrote these songs themselves. Other highlight's of the night were Baby Please Don't Go, Just Got Paid and Bring It On Home.
 The audience cheered, danced and sang along to every song in the set. And a few audience members started shouting out requests. Hopefully the band took some notes so they can surprise the audience next time around with some of those tunes.
  So with other good night of live music under my belt. I'm happy too report the LI music scene is thriving with great talent. If your not part of the scene then get your ass off the couch and catch a show.
 I must thank Charlie for graciously giving me a CD before the show. It has many of the songs that they played tonight and I've been happily jamming it in my vehicle as I cruised around town today.

It's a Panzie invasion.

Once again NYC's Panzie has crossed the L.I. boarder and deployed themselves to Ollie's Point in Amityville. This being their second time playing Ollie's and L.I. for that matter. It is very apparent that the buzz about Panzie is growing rapidly. Frontman Johnny Hawaiian is a very animated frontman besides every inch of exposed skin being covered in tattoos he also sings with authority and passion. He draws you in with his storytelling via his lyrics. His two main partners are the guitar duo of Jonnie Rocket and Dc Gonzalez. They have laid the foundation with a heavy melodic groove too move you. Playing a blistering set of music this Friday night there wasn't a body in the room not paying attention. With songs such as Built on Hate or Angry Man or what I like to call metal's new dance anthem "Dance" there is something for every rock & roll fan. Ollies' Point is such a great venue to showcase this band from the kicking sound system, amazing lighting rig and fog machine. It adds another dimension to the Panzie experience. I hope to see Panzie make more trips out to the island and I'll keep spreading the word about this amazing band.

Raise your metal horns to Martyrd

It seems I have been crossing paths with bands from the NYC music scene lately. And Saturday night was another one of those encounters.
 I made my way to one of my favorite Long Island music venues LuLu's of Port Jefferson on this cold March evening. Hosting tonight's event was the debut of Metal Infinity Television bringing metal showcases throughout the 5 major tri-state areas.
 Tonight there were four heavy metal hitters. And one of those hitters were NYC's Martyrd. If you like old school metal with a touch of some modern progressive metal then you need to checkout this band. Soaring vocals, duel guitar attack and driving rhythm section is just the beginning of this melt your face off powerhouse of a band. The energy coming from the stage tonight was intense. Frontman Aaron and guitarist Mike's performance was very theatrical. Aaron even join the crowd during one of Mikes guitar solos and mimicked Mike during it all. The rest of the band was tight and a perfect compliment to the antics of Aaron and Mike.
 Martyrd would be right at home playing along the side of bands such as Iron Maiden and Megadeath to name a few. You can find Martyrd on facebook and various other sites including their own.
 So if you like your metal be sure to see them live in a club near you before your forking over the big bucks when they hit the big time.

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.

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 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.

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.

Awaken the metal thunder.

This weeks band is a progressive metal band called Awaken. I wish this show was better attended. Why is it people will spend 100+ for tickets through ticket master? When they can see great bands close to home for a few dollars? But for those who spent a couple of bucks tonight were treated to a great show. These are five very talented musicians.

I was approached by bass player Freddy Villano before the show. This was nice to see and more bands should be networking a room like this. We spoke about the scene and his band briefly. Turns out the members are spread throughout the New York area. Which make rehearsing not such an easy task. Also singer Glenn DaGrossa (from Lazarus fame) resides in CT.

During the show Glenn joked with the crowd. Stating he had to swim to get to the show. The guitar duo of Joe Todaro and Scott Bennet were amazing to watch. I was shocked that Scott had never practiced with the band before and it was his first time on stage with them. And rounding out the band was drummer Nick D'alessando. I've seen Nick play in various bands in the past and he is one hell of a drummer.

I would like to have seen Awaken with a merchandise table setup during the show. I think a band should have an area in the club to promote themselves. And clubs should give the space for a band to set up a merchandise table. It should be as important as the performance itself.

Awaken has no official .com at the moment. But they are taking advantage of sites like Myspace, Facebook and my favorite site ReverbNation.

To all you bands out there. Take my advice and sign up for a ReverbNation account. There are many tools for you to further your career.

On a final note. With the experience, Talent and accolades this band has combined. They should have no problem climbing the metal mountain. I wish them great success.