Motif Music Award Winners

On a rainy Tuesday night, an eclectic crowd of roughly 400 musicians and music lovers, from folk to hardcore, from hip-hop to EDM, gathered to swap stories, down drinks and receive awards. Thanks to all who came out, and thanks to the nearly 4,000 Motif readers who took the time to vote for their favorites.

It was awesome to see so much talent in one room – in this case, at The Met Café in Pawtucket. Different styles, genres, ages and instruments all mixed together, including stand-out performances by the amazing School of Rock teens, the almost-performance-art random rock of The Viennagram, the acoustic stylings of Amanda Salemi and hip-hop duo DirtyDurdie. There was something for everyone, in what was probably the most eclectic mix of styles to share a Rhode Island stage in a very, very long time. Big thanks to all, as well as to our many presenters, hosts John Fuzek and BettySioux Tailor, Rhodies Food Truck (rhodiesfoodtruck.tumblr.com), and of course, The Met Café.

Yes, there are winners (you picked ‘em!), but Motif puts on this awards show to celebrate all the amazing music and musical talent that’s fostered and we hope will thrive in our small-population, big- talent state. We don’t so much care who won – we’re just glad so many came out to play.

[AMERICANA] By: John Fuzek

BEST ACT: Consuelo’s Revenge

Consuelo doesn’t need revenge this time around. The band, whose self-termed musical label is “Genericana,” showed they are tops in the Americana category this year. “Consuelo is the invisible cog in the machine, the water in the well, the last one left after the lights have gone out and the first one to see the sunrise. And these are her songs.” Band members include Amanda Salemi on vocals; Ian Lacombe on vocals and bass; Becca Neveau on piano, guitar and vocals; Patrick Stewart on glockenspiel and percussion; Alicia Ruggiero on violin; John Ferreria on drums; Kirk Anderson on accordion and guitar; and Nicholas Smyth-vocals and guitar. For more, vindicate to consuelosrevenge.com

SINGER/SONGWRITER: Kris Hansen Kris Hansen is the driving force behind the band Viking Jesus. He is also a formidable solo singer- songwriter and has been playing music around New England for the past 20 years. Viking Jesus is a past Motif Award winner, so it is no surprise that Kris took the top spot here. For more, longship to reverbnation.com/vikingjesus

FEMALE VOCALIST: Amanda Salemi Amanda Salemi is the powerhouse vocalist who fronts the band Consuelo’s Revenge. She is no stranger to winning Motif Awards. Her band is a past and current Motif winner and she is also involved with The Spot in Providence, which also has taken home Motif Awards. For more, wake up to facebook.com/- wakeupyourface.

MALE VOCALIST: Elwood Donnelly

Elwood Donnelly is the Donnelly half of the husband/wife Atwood-Donnelly duo, which has been a fixture in the RI music scene for over 25 years. In addition to vocals, Elwood is a multi-instrumentalist and dancer and runs contra dances around the state. Elwood has written a songbook of The Carter Family for mountain dulcimer, a book of recipes and musings, and has created a songbook for “The Halfway Ground” and for “The Weaver’s Bonny.”

BLUEGRASS: Rank Strangers

The Rank Strangers had been the Susan Lucci of the Motif Awards. They were nominated just about every year and even performed at the awards show, but this is the first time that they have actually won! They are “Original Folk Fusion Country Rockers playing their very own unique brand of grass in the rank style.” They have been playing around the area for the past 15 years. You can often hear them at the Wood River Inn on a Sunday night. These Strangers may be familiar to you: Malcolm McFarlane on guitar and vocal, Thomas Duksta on mandolin and vocal, and Pete Vendettuoli on banjo and vocal. Currently they have a revolving line-up of bassists for the band that includes: Dan Parker and Jack Hanlon. For more, pick on over to The Rank Strangers on Facebook.

BREAKTHROUGH ACT: The Quahogs

The Quahogs began their musical journey to Motif stardom in 2011. The line-up features Steve DelMonico as lead singer and guitar, Ryan Gould on bass, Chaz Weber/Steve Donovan on lead guitar and John Faraone playing drums. The Quahogs have a blend of sound ranging from Dylan to Nirvana, Ernest Tubb, Hank Willams, and Townes Van Zandt to whom they dedicate a song to on their debut album, Traveler’s Log. They also cite Lightnin’ Hopkins, Blaze Foley, John Prine, The Animals, Rolling Stones, The Beatles, and Elliott Smith as influences. For more, shuck to thequahogs.bandcamp.com

BLUES ACT: The Cannibal Ramblers

The Cannibal Ramblers have the blues and it has won them the top spot in this year’s music awards. “The Cannibal Ramblers proudly play Abstract Ashcan Delta Swamp Backwater Stomp. They are a three (sometimes four) piece band from Boston/Providence. Their influences range from Mississippi Delta to surf music, punk, rock, jazz and deconstructive performance sound art. When they play you can smell the bear-shit and motor oil.” You can hear Mark Milloff on slide guitar and vocal, Kyle Anderson on drums, Erik Jerominek on bass, and Bryan Christopher Minto on Atmospheric Harmonium. For more, nibble over to cannibalramblers.com

CHORAL ACT: Quahog Quire

No matter what, this band should have won for their name alone, but they won for their music. They sing hymns, sea shanties, work songs and children’s songs mostly unaccompanied and “mostly in harmony.” One ad for a Quire show states, “To quaint yourself with a quorum of quadlibetic quoristers questing a quantuplicity of tunes. We sing of quinks, quacks, quanting and quagmires. Bring a quoin to quoff and quaff a beer and be quoted. So quit your quischen and quire with us. Quoristers, Quakers and quirkish quieters welcome.” No matter what, you are encouraged to sing along with them. This quire seems to be mostly quiet about their doings, but if you really need to know more ask William S. Monroe. Question to facebook.com/william.s.monroe

FOLK ACT: The Sugar Honey Iced Tea

The Sugar Honey Iced Tea isn’t a drink, it is a quartet of four music-making ladies from Providence: Ana Mallozzi on cello, banjo, drumasaur, and vocals; Emily Shaw on mandolin, vocals and kazoo; Kate Jones on banjolele and vocals; and Laila Aukee on ukulele and vocals. In 2010 the four joked that they should start a band. The first band practice consisted mostly of drinking red wine, munching on cupcakes, and deciding what they should write a song about. On this night the song “Giacomo” started forming and the name The Sugar Honey Iced Tea was stumbled upon, which encouraged them to have another practice. The next practice consisted mostly of creating an extensive back story for “Giacomo,” but eventually, they played through the entire song and felt something in their hearts they had never felt before. Currently the four are all pursuing their own musical or work projects in PVD. For more, steep to thesugarhoneyicedteamusic.com.

JAZZ/R&B ACT: Brass Attack

This horn driven band is one of the hottest in New England. Brass Attack is a nine-piece band featuring four horns, a rhythm section, and a , performing the hits of Tower of Power, Chicago, Frank Sinatra, James Brown, Glen Miller, Van Morrison, and Blood Sweat and Tears, as well as classic hits from the 1930s up to today. The unique instrumentation and high degree of musicianship lend to the band’s versatility and professionalism. Members of the band have performed with prominent national acts such as The Tonight Show Band, Tavares, Ray Charles, The Four Tops, The Temptations, NRBQ, Dizzy Gillespie and Aretha Franklin. The band has shared the stage with Earth Wind and Fire, Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, and NRBQ. Band members include Fritz Benz on trumpet; Kevin Johnson, lead vocalist, songwriter and guitarist; David Tanury on guitar; Steve L’Heureux on trombone and flute; Jeff Mortrude; Tom Petteruti on drums; Brass Attack’s leader, Bill Smith, on trumpet; John Knasas on saxophone; and Steve Vallante on keys. For more, toot to brassattack.com

WORLD MUSIC: Atwater-Donelly

Elwood Donelly and Aubrey Atwater have toured the world, bringing their programs of traditional American and Celtic folk songs, a capella pieces, old-time gospel songs, dance tunes and original works to large audiences. Elwood and Aubrey blend harmonies and play guitar, Appalachian mountain dulcimer, mandolin, tin whistle, harmonica, banjo, bones, spoons and limberjacks, and they bring other surprises including Appalachian clog dancing, French Canadian footwork, and tap. Aubrey and Elwood met as volunteers at the Stone Soup Coffeehouse in PVD in early 1987 and within just a few months, these self-taught musicians formed a duo and were married two years later. For more, tap over to atwater-donnelly.com

BEST OPEN MIC: The Parlour

This venue, located on North Main St, was originally known as the Penalty Box when the old RI Auditorium was next door. Now that location is a parking lot and the Penalty Box was transformed into The Parlour, one of RI’s hottest clubs. The open mic happens every Tues night at 7:30pm, so get your talent down there and take the stage! For more, check theparlourri.com.

BEST ALBUM: Haunt the House’s Jack Rabbit Jones This album was recorded and engineered by Ben Knox Miller and Jeffrey Prystowsky at the Columbus Theatre and mastered at Machines with Magnets by Seth and Keith Souza. It features contributions by Will Houlihan on guitar, harmonica and vocals; Bessie Bessin on accordion and vocals; Allysen Callery on vocals; Ryan Smith on vocals; Meg Bayley on vocals; David Henry Passafiume on percussion; Amato Zinno on upright bass; and Stephen Lloyd Law on mandolin. “Haunt the House, (Will Houlihan) falls somewhere between a bedroom whispered heart broken prayer and a brilliant repentant cry in the dark. He consistently writes songs that are simple and personal.” HTH will be performing at this year’s Newport Folk Festival. For more, moan over to hauntthehouse.bandcamp.com

[ALTERNATIVE] By: Marc Clarkin and Jake Bissaro BEST BAND: The Silks The Silks take top honors as Best Band Rock ‘n’ Roll. This past year was a big one for The Silks that included a US tour, multiple performances at the SXSW Festival in Austin, prestigious gigs like being direct support for The Replacements in Detroit, headlining the Harpoon Brewery Festival in Boston, and bringing the music from their excellent 2013 album Last American Band to thousands. Front man Tyler- James Kelly’s guitar wizardry breathes new life into the blues on numbers like “Livin’ in the World” and “Trouble.” On the rockers like “Down at the Heel” and “Mountain Man,” The Silks kick into gear with an early ’70s Stones-type thump. The Silks have a boat load of ammo in their repertoire, which makes every show a unique and exciting testament to the power of rock ‘n’ roll.

LIVE ACT: The Viennagram The Viennagram treat every performance like constructing a piece of art. Everyone describes something different with the common thread being that realms of a typical rock show were pushed till they broke. This past year The Viennagram released the first proper release, Learn To Tame The Patterns, that is both maddening and magical. The album spans 21 songs, and front man AV Vienna told me it was a six- year process to create the perfect sound. The Viennagram remind me of a combination of the dark side of the carnival where all the fun is mixed with a touch of Tom Waits and black magic. The Viennagram have been for years the band one is guaranteed to walk away from seeing with a story guaranteed to be told over and over.

REGGAE/SKA: The Copacetics

The Copacetics have been the go-to ska band in town for a while now. This award just confirmed something that music lovers already knew. The Copacetics mix in a combination of ska, rocksteady, reggae and soul that just swings. They recently released a self-titled album with 13 jams that will get any party started. The Copacetics are always money for a fun time out dancing the night away.

JAM BAND: Fungus Amungus Fungus Amungus have had a dynasty over the Best Jam Band for the past decade, winning the award seven times over the last nine years. This, along with Best Band Award, stakes Fungus Amungus a claim to be arguably the most successful band locally over the last decade if you throw out bands that graduated from the local scene. More than a jam band, Fungus Amungus have earned their awards by belting out a mix of funk, reggae, soul and rock. They improvise and push their songs so each performance is unique. Fungus Amungus last winter endured the loss of one of their members, Chelsy Lau, but the band is soldiering on and keeping her memory alive through the music. More than just kings of the jam, Fungus Amungus is one of the best bands on the local scene now and for the past decade. POP PUNK ACT: Trophy Wives For the first time, Best Pop Punk Act is a category and Trophy Wives take home the inaugural honors. Trophy Wives are an appropriate choice for the category because they harness the energy of and sugarcoat it with the catchy hooks and dynamic songs. Trophy Wives have a couple of releases with 2013 One Way to Mars being the most recent. Last summer Trophy Wives were voted to perform on the Vans Warped Tour in Boston. Keep an eye out for Trophy Wives performing in town in the future!

PUNK ACT: Gymshorts

Gymshorts brings it with a three punch combo of surf, punk and garage rock ‘n’ roll. In the past year Gymshorts have put out their debut record, No Backsies, brought the music to the people by doing a full US tour, and attracted many new converts to their brand of rock ‘n’ roll. Gymshorts shows are chock full of rock ‘n’ roll mayhem. Compared to some of the other garage and punk bands in town, I think the surf guitar work is what really distinguishes Gymshorts. Check out their debut album, No Backsies, and keep a look out for them playing around town soon!

HARDCORE/METAL: Weak Teeth

By: Khrysta Ryan

Their newest album was released in November, and the guys in Weak Teeth have been working hard to spread the sound and message of So You’ve Ruined Your Life. With frantic, fast-paced guitar and self- proclaimed vocals, the not-so-cookie-cutter punk band has been redefining the limits of what exactly punk music is. Sewing hardcore punk and emo styles together, Weak Teeth creates politically charged and powerfully performed music.

FEMALE VOCALIST: Ruth Marie (SEXCoffee)

There’s no shortage of badassery when it comes to female vocalists around here, and SexCoffee’s rockin’ frontwoman Ruth Marie is proof of that fact. On their latest album, Nothing Personal (see this year’s best album winner), Ruth’s voice goes from mellow to heavy and commits 100% to the song. It’s also worth noting that Ruth’s powerful lead vocals are bolstered by spot-on harmonies and oohs and ahhs, courtesy of bassist Sharlene DeNardo and guitarist Robert Dumont. And she isn’t just the vocal talent; along with DeNardo, she also writes all the band’s lyrics.

MALE VOCALIST: Mark Cutler (Mark Cutler and Men of Great Courage)

The winner in this category, yet again, is Mark Cutler, a man who needs no introduction. But what the hell: Mark has been a mainstay around these parts since the late ’70s when he formed Schemers, the band everybody was sure would become the next big thing. In the mid-’80s, he took the helm of The Raindogs, a Boston-based folk-rock act. And now, decades later, he continues to produce great music via his solo material and The Men Of Great Courage. The Schemers’ recent induction into the R.I. Music Hall of Fame further solidifies Cutler’s place in the annals of music history.

BREAKTHROUGH ACT: Beta Motel

Providence has a lot of great rock bands, but if you’re looking for something more danceable, get yourself to a Beta Motel show. Though they haven’t been around long, the trio has been gaining momentum in the area with their catchy electro pop. Beta Motel mixes the upbeat synths of Devo and the artsy sensabilities of bands like Gang of Four and the Talking Heads. Do yourself a favor and check them out at the Providence Public Library on May 22, and be sure to look for some recorded material from the band in the coming months.

ALBUM: SEXCoffee — Nothing Personal

SexCoffee has been at it since 2007, and it’s apparent that the eight years of playing have paid off for the Providence quartet led by Ruth Marie. Their latest release, Nothing Personal, puts forward a healthy dose of hard rock with spot-on musical performances. The heavy riffs and catchy refrains make this album a great choice for ’80s metal heads, ’90s enthusiasts and 2000s nu-metal fans alike. “Heart on a Shelf” is a rocker that kicks off the album with flair, and “Ready or Not” builds a slow, steady groove into an big chorus. If you want an injection of volume and intensity, Nothing Personal is a winner.

TRIBUTE BAND: Dirty Deeds (AC/DC)

Sometimes all you want is a night of yell-out-the-words, old-school rock ‘n’ roll. Enter Dirty Deeds, the area’s pre-eminent AC/DC cover band. It’s AC/DC without the high ticket price or any of the unpleasant murder allegations! It’s probably quite a task to find musicians who can nail the opening “Thunderstruck” riff or perfect Brian Johnson’s hoarse, screeching vocals, but these guys pull it off flawlessly. But it’s about way more than fancy fretwork; their live shows are a raucous affair that capture the energy of AC/DC’s stadium concerts (and occasionally make use of Angus Young’s schoolboy outfit).

HIP-HOP ACT: Symmetry

By: Caitlin Ardito

Symmetry approaches hip-hop with a minimalistic and modern artistic flair. His animated spoken word style of rapping paired with his strong vocals over bare-bones melodic riffs and easy-riding beats piques listeners’ interest and quickly turns them to fans. The North Providence native emerged onto the scene in 2009 with the release of his first self-titled full-length album alongside Ryan Lewis, producer and musician currently of the hip-hop duo, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis. After six years of writing and producing, Symmetry produced and released Junky. The solo project reached its Kickstarter funding goal in a mere six hours.

EDM DJ: DJ DubLN

By: Llewelyn Dior

A Providence Native, DJ DubLn (real name Rob Murphy) is a founding member of the Afrosonic collective, which describes its sound as “global soul music.” He is curator and resident DJ of Soul Teknology, a soulful dance movement that takes flight at local venues such as hipster standby The Salon and The Parlour. In conjunction with his crew’s mission to spread positivity to the dance floor, DubLn’s mixes tend to feature uplifting, spirited afrobeat (a blend of African, jazz, soul and funk music) tunes as well as classic soul/r&b cuts — tracks range from Stevie Wonder to Fela Kuti.

CLUB DJ: Ty Jesso

It may surprise some readers that 2015’s best local club DJ is responsible for sending everyone on the dance floor back in time, to a place where Motown was king. Indeed, Ty Jesso’s signature sound is that of a Johnny Rocket’s music catalog on steroids. He’s in the unique position of being the go-to guy for events ranging from retro nights at local hot spots all the way to father-daughter dances. Ty Jesso is currently a resident DJ at Dusk (his nights there are called Soul Power). There you can find him spinning ample danceable funk, soul and r&b oldies.

Alt-Nation: Hot Rocks

Waxahatchee – Ivy Trip (Merge Records)

Indie rockers Waxahatchee released their 3rd album, Ivy Trip, last month. Primarily a vehicle for singer/songwriter Katie Crutchfield, Waxahatchee finish up this leg of their US tour at the Greenwich Odeum this Thursday night, March 14. On Ivy Trip, tunes like “Under a Rock,” which reminds me of the of bands like Letters to Cleo. “Poison” sounds like a lost Velocity Girl song, which is never a bad thing. “La Loose” has a bit of a math rock vibe between the keyboards and repetitive beats. Waxahatchee kick it a notch on “The Dirt,” which places ’60s girl group harmonies over a driving backbeat reminiscent of ’90s indie rockers like The Vaselines or Beat Happening. “Summer of Love” has a wistfulness of a Mazzy Star with lyrics, “the summer of love is a photograph of us.” On Ivy Trip, Waxahatchee offer a slice of heaven. Don’t miss what The New York Times named as one of the top ten female musicians to watch in 2015 as she rocks East Greenwich.

Waxahatchee will play the Greenwich Odeum, 59 Main St, East Greenwich on May 14.

Email music news to [email protected] Alt-Nation: Brown Bird’s Final Album

Brown Bird – Axis Mundi (Supply and Demand Music)

The loss of Brown Bird founder Dave Lamb to leukemia last year was devastating to the local music community and beyond. It wasn’t supposed to end that way. Lamb was too young, a mere 36. I interviewed Lamb days before Brown Bird was set to go on what turned out to be their final tour on the eve of the release of 2013’s Fits of Reason (Supply and Demand Music). He was excited about unveiling the record and bringing the music to the people on the road. Life sometimes is cruelly unpredictable in the way fortunes can suddenly change.

The tour had to be cancelled a little over a week in, when Lamb starting feeling ill and was eventually diagnosed with leukemia. The final Brown Bird album, Axis Mundi, was recorded in the apartment shared by Lamb and his partner in life and in Brown Bird, MorganEve Swain. Lamb would record and write when he had the strength between treatments and for the brief time the leukemia was in remission. After Lamb’s passing, Swain, an accomplished fiddler who also plays upright bass and cello, recorded additional parts to complete their shared vision with the help of her brother, Spencer Swain, and engineer Seth Manchester from Machines With Magnets. The end result is an eerily beautiful record.

The title Axis Mundi comes from a phrase that Swain came across in one of Lamb’s notebooks, and it means “where heaven meets the earth.” While some of the tunes were written before Lamb’s diagnosis, it is impossible not to think about the tunes in the context of his situation. Many of the lyrics examine the fragility of life. Axis Mundi doesn’t waste any time when it comes to providing raw moments that will give you the chills. The opening track, “Focus,” starts with Lamb’s chant-like singing, “Tethered to the cure, I focus on the pain. Transformation comes. Tempered by the flame, and if this flesh should fail, devour me from within. May then my soul prevail, free to roam again.” Swain’s vocals kick in to meld perfectly with Lamb’s while adding a haunting siren ambience to the song.

Brown Bird gets lumped into the folk category because of Lamb’s evocative narrations, but they’ve never fit in any one category. Tunes like “Bannerman” and “Blood From the Tree” have a Middle Eastern feel. The instrumental “Aloha Senor Mano” has a roaming gypsy surf rock vibe. “Pale and Paralyzed” is a rocker. On “Raging Squall” and “Smoke Rising,” Brown Bird sound like a metal band playing folk tunes. While the themes of mortality and spirituality are littered throughout Axis Mundi, Brown Bird sounds like a band at the peak of power throughout. There are tender moments that tug at the heartstrings, like Swain’s “Tortured Boy” lullaby to Lamb. On the closing “Avalon,” Lamb returns the love, ending with the line “your heart is the Avalon I seek for my end.”

On Axis Mundi Lamb and Swain journey to the place the title is based from. Created in the fires of uncertain mortality and pieced together in the throes of anguish and grief, against all odds Brown Bird have triumphed over adversity and sound more alive than ever. Nothing can change the tragedy that Dave Lamb left this world too soon. However, through Axis Mundi and the rest of Brown Bird’s catalogue, Lamb will live on forever in the hearts of all he touched. His light will never dim nor fade away.

The Skatalites

The Skatalites are celebrating 50 years of rock-steady ska. The band is kind of like the Roomful of Blues of ska, where members change, but the institution lives on. In fact, a quick check of their Wikipedia page reveals that all their founding members have passed. I caught them a few years ago, though, and the party still rages. Hailing from Jamaica, The Skatalites were pioneers in the evolution of ska from reggae. Their sound has influenced everyone from Bob Marley, The Specials and even more contemporary bands like Reel Big Fish. This will be a show for the ages!

The Skatalites, Soulshot, The Thad Merrit Trio bring the rasta good time vibes to the Spot Underground on May 7.

Melt-Banana

Legendary Japanese noise band Melt-Banana returns to these shores for what is sure to be a humdinger of a show. For over 20 years Melt-Banana have been sculpting jams by mixing experimental noise, punk, grindcore and even electronic into traditional song structures. I missed Melt-Banana the last time they were at AS220 so I’m especially looking forward to this show. Their shows at the Living Room back in the day were just an amphetamine fueled rock ‘n’ roll assault on the senses.

Melt-Banana will rock AS220 on May 19.

Email music news to [email protected]

Alt-Nation: Starting May Off Right Rough Francis

The sons of Death return to the Columbus Theatre to lay a smackdown of ’70s Motor City inspired rock ‘n’ roll. I call them the sons of Death because three members of the band are sons of the Hackney brothers who had the band Death in the early ’70s. Death has come back to public eye in recent years due to the attention from the documentary, A Band Called Death. However, Rough Francis aren’t lost in the shadow of Death’s spotlight by any means. I may be a little biased toward any band that draws heavily from early ’70s Detroit bands like MC5 and (both of which I’ve seen Rough Francis cover) but Rough Francis are the real deal. One of the best young live bands I’ve seen in recent years. Rough Francis released a killer album last year in Maximum Soul Power. Cuts off Maximum Soul Power like “Ruffians,” I-90 East,” and “Not A Nice Guy” harness the aggression of early ’70s punk rock. They mix in some psychedelic by re-working the MC5’s “Black to Comm” to their version called “Comm to Space.” Get there early for local garage rockers Gymshorts, who will get things heated up.

Rough Francis and Gymshorts rock the Columbus Theatre on May 1.

The Relationship

The Relationship is an alt-rock super groups of sorts composed of members of , U.S. Bombs, and . The band was formed by Weezer guitarist Brian Bell and Nate Shaw from Die Hunns. The Relationship has been around for several years; they released a self-titled full-length in 2010 and this month released a 7-inch single for the tune “Oh Allen.” The Relationship remind me a little of early ’70s Kinks with a modern alternative slant. It’s not bad. This should be a cool show. Get there early to check out local alt-rockers Satellites Fall who are putting together a one-of-a-kind set just for this show.

The Relationship, Gringo Star, and Satellites Fall will rock The Met Café on May 1.

Cannibal Ramblers

Cannibal Ramblers kick out swamp blues in psychedelic squalls. They are essentially a blues band, but there is so much more happening than say with your typical bar blues band. Singer/guitarist Mark Milloff is a beast on slide guitar and the rest of the band gels behind him. Cannibal Ramblers take the tradition of the blues and rock it to a whole other dimension. This is an excellent, no-risk opportunity to check them out if you haven’t already. Cannibal Ramblers and The Cider Mill Stompers play a free show at Nick-A-Nee’s on May 2.

Email music news to [email protected]

Alt-Nation: A Celebration, A Film, and Shows You Don’t Want to Miss

Before we begin the roundup, I have to congratulate the National Champion Providence College Men’s Hockey team! I had the thrill of seeing the championship game last Saturday and the atmosphere was electric. Congrats boys, you’ve earned it! On another note, to hear some tasty cuts from some of these upcoming shows, the best in local rock ‘n’ roll, old school, rock, R&B, soul and punk come down to the E&O Tap in Providence on Thurs, April 16 where I’ll stage my monthly coup d’état of the tunes from 9pm to midnight.

From The Living Room to The Parlour: 40 years of Local Music!

In April 1975, on Westminster St in downtown PVD, brothers Randy and Brian Hien opened the first of what would be three locations of The Living Room. The Living Room became a place where, thanks to the vision and spirit of the late great Randy Hien, every aspiring musician had a chance to realize their dreams. Longtime Living Room employees (and now owners of The Parlour) Aaron Jaehing and Gregory Rourke along with Brian Hien will host a two-day celebration of the 40th anniversary of The Living Room opening. The Parlour will host this celebration of The Living Rooms over two days packed with great local music. Sat, April 18 will feature performances by Pistol Shot Gypsy, Hope Anchor, Viking Jesus, That’ll Learn ‘Ya, Joe Silva (The Threats), Brian McKenzie (Kilgore), James “Boney” Beaupre (The Probers) and Hillbilly Graham Crackers. On Sun, April 19, Extinction Machine, Sasquatch and The Sick- A-Billys, The Worried, Neutral Nations, Two Guys and Another Guy, Bill Keough, and more to be announced will rock the house. The shows start early with set to open at 4pm, and the music runs all night.

Ex Hex

I’ve been stoked to see Ex Hex from the minute this show was announced. Ex Hex is an all-female punk power trio that released one of last year’s best albums, appropriately called Rips. Ex Hex is led by singer/guitarist Mary Timony who is best known for fronting indie rock bands like Autoclave, the Boston-based Helium, and most recently, the super group Wild Flag. Ex Hex are like a mix of the power pop of Cheap Trick with the punk rock of Johnny Thunders and The Heartbreakers boiled up and dished out with a heavy dosage of sass. This will be a show for the ages.

Ex Hex, Kuroma and Littlefoot rock The Parlour on Apr 25.

Roddy Radiation (from The Specials)

The only time I got to see The Specials was in the late ’90s in the basement of the Middle East nightclub. I was staking out a spot near the stage when I got shoved out of the way by a bodyguard who was escorting Robert Smith from The Cure through the crowd up a ramp to the backstage area. If the king of goth new wave loves The Specials, how could anyone not? The Specials, for those unfamiliar, were the leading band behind the late ’70s ska revival that mixed a rocksteady beat with a punk attitude. Roddy Radiation was the lead guitarist and songwriter for The Specials. In addition to having perhaps the coolest stage name in rock ‘n’ roll, Radiation will be playing a mix of tunes he wrote for The Specials and tunes from his other projects while backed by The Scotch Bonnets.

Roddy Radiation of The Specials, The Scotch Bonnets, and The Copacetics will rock it rock steady at The Parlour on Apr 26.

The Final Obsession

The Final Obsession is a new short film that delves into the world of a made-for-TV actress and the dramas that surround her life. The Final Obsession has a lot of connections to the local music community. The film features Miss Wensday Greenbaum (Miss Wensday & The Cotillions) and Dan White (The Cobra-matics) as actors. The movie was also written and directed by Adam Theroux (Hank Sinatra Jr., Bi Anal Ham Sandwich, and Girl Haggard). In addition to the screening of The Final Obsession there will be screening of some other shorts and live performances from Dan White, Eric and the Nothing, and Denver Boot.

The Final Obsession Premiere is at AS220 on May 1. The fun starts at 8pm.

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Alt-Nation: Public Alley Wins the 2015 WBRU Rock Hunt and Jesse Malin’s Latest

In one of the biggest upsets in Rock Hunt history, Public Alley shocked the local music community to take the crown. This high school band didn’t even make the original cut and had to win an online poll against somewhere around 20 other local acts just to sneak into the Finals. Vegas had Public Alley at a distant 43 to 1, but I thought it was a steal for those odds because once you’re in the dance, you always have a chance. Another reason why I didn’t think Public Alley was a snowball’s chance in Hell type pick was that I wasn’t really impressed with either We Were Astronauts or Forest Fires. They are each well rehearsed and good at what they do. That said … I find them both to be boring. It happens; great songs don’t grow on trees. You can be as tight as a virgin and have some good ideas, but it doesn’t mean that one is going to be able to hold the attention of a couple hundred people for 30 minutes. It’s not easy. Watching Forest Fires in the semi-finals, they just struck me as the type of band that never wins it all in these types of contests. They reminded me of ’90s shoe gazing indie rock — if that’s your bag, check them out. We Were Astronauts have a more contemporized indie rock sound.

The goliath in the competition was the aptly named Most Dangerous Men Alive. They are kind of like a hybrid between alt rock and a jam band. They have hooks that can be lethal in a fight. I accepted that Most Dangerous Men Alive were taking the crown despite the eye opening set from Public Alley till someone told me they were planning on doing a Rage Against the Machine cover. Covers can hurt a band in a competition like this as much as they help them. Most Dangerous Men Alive had everything firing on all cylinders, totally nailing it, and then in a WBRU Rock Hunt moment they threw it away. Close to the end of their set they slowed it down for some dumb Dave Matthews sounding tune and tried to pick it back up with the Rage cover and it blew up in their face. It’s just not what they do. Covering a punk/rap/rock thing like Rage Against The Machine doesn’t work well for jam bands being judged by music critics because it has to live up to the originals.

Most of the people I was talking to knew nothing about Public Alley before they played, which is normal considering… they are still in high school. But what they did have going for them is they made an impression. Some people shrugged them off as they’ll be good in a few years. Others, including myself, loved them for the imperfections. They had a certain chaos to them where the songs were all different. They may not have been as tight as the other bands, but they were rock ‘n’ roll! It worked because it was all heart and soul. They are pretty much , but they play around with different things. It was really their energy on stage that made Public Alley so endearing. Sure it helped that they packed the room with friends and family, but that is what bands are supposed to do. Congratulations to the new WBRU Rock Hunt Champions, Public Alley! Congratulations to all the other bands that participated especially Most Dangerous Men Alive, Forest Fires, We Were Astronauts, and to WBRU for once again putting on a great extravaganza.

Jesse Malin – New York Before The War (One Little Indian Records)

Jesse Malin returns with his sixth studio solo album after five years on the down low. Much of New York Before The War deals with pre- and post-gentrification of Malin’s hometown. On New York Before The War, Malin presents a collection of tunes that have a couple of rockers, but mostly mid-tempo numbers that are sandwiched between an opening and closing ballad. Tunes like “Addicted” mix the rhythm of Simon & Garfunkel with the aggression of the Ramones while Malin sings about book stores being razed for high end condos. “She Don’t Love Me Now” has a cool doo-wop feel to it, while “Bent Up” is a roots-tinged ’50s styled rocker. “Turn Up The Mains” finds Malin going back to his punk rock roots channeling the MC5 and The Clash with its chorus “to kick the system and turn up the mains.” “Death Star” has nothing to do with Star Wars, but has a with a better hook style to it feel. The horns illuminate the album closer “Bar Life,” which wouldn’t be out of place on a record like Tim by The Replacements. Alive with memories of the past and wariness of the future, New York Before The War is a gritty ride on the roller coaster of life. And possibly the best record of the year to-date.

Jesse Malin and band will be performing at The Church in Boston on April 9. Email music news to [email protected]

Alt-Nation: Station Park, New Discs and Autism Awareness

The Station Memorial Foundation recently announced that a park to be built where the nightclub once stood, memorializing the 100 people who passed away in the tragedy, is on target to open in 2016. Plans call for the park to feature a gazebo, an archway reading “Station Fire Memorial Park” and 12 circular shapes in the ground designed to look like vinyl records. In each circle, granite monuments in the shape of speaker boxes will have a portrait etching of a fire victim’s face. To support the construction of the memorial park, go to stationfirememorialfoundation.org/support.

Dylan Sevey & The Gentlemen – New Mischief

Dylan Sevey & The Gentleman are back with a sophomore release, New Mischief, that is a powder keg ready to explode with ’70s flavored rock, country and blues. The album was delivered with one simple request from Sevey to play the record loud. Sevey and The Gentlemen mine areas of ’70s rock covered by bands like The Band and Flying Burrito Brothers with an added early Petty & The Heartbreakers kick. New Mischief comes flying out of the gates with a pair of rockers in “The One I Love” (no relation to the REM tune) and “Here Goes Nothing.” The band showcase their country chops on “The Part You Never See” and “This Will Be The One That Kills Me.” The centerpieces to New Mischief is the sprawling 8-minute-plus title track that is chock full of the ragged glory of Crazy Horse Neil Young guitar showers, ’70s southern rock and even hints of that other guy in music with the name Dylan. Don’t miss what should be a grand night of local rock ‘n’ roll at The Spot and pick up your copy of New Mischief stat!

Dylan Sevey and The Gentlemen have a CD release show for New Mischief at The Spot Underground (above ground) on April 4. The Cranston Dean Band and Julia Rhodes will also perform.

The Sonics – This is The Sonics

Some bands take some time off between albums but in the case of original core of The Sonics, some time off is 50 years. It makes Axl Rose look like Robert Pollard in comparison. When I heard the news of the original members of The Sonics putting out their first album in nearly 50 years, I expected it to suck. Like, why are they even bothering, right? Just play the old stuff like “Strychnine” and end the show with “The Witch” and everybody will go home happy. The Sonics aren’t content to rest on their laurels as one of the originators of garage rock, though. This is The Sonics doesn’t sound like a reunion album, but more like a lost album from an unearthed time capsule. This Is The Sonics was recorded in mono and sounds more like it was from 1965 than 2015. The Sonics jump out of the gates with a slew of rockers like “I Don’t Need a Doctor,” “Bad Betty” and my favorite, “Livin’ In Chaos.” The energy here is off chart so much that I think I actually like this record better than their classic recordings. The saxophone breaths a whole new life into their classic garage rock sound. The Sonics throw in some choice covers like “You Can’t Judge a Book by the Cover” and the pre-Who High Numbers “Leaving Here,” which they slay. They even have what might be the greatest song ever written for Earth Day in “Save The Planet” with lines like “reality is for people that don’t know how to drink” and “critics are hot, some planets are cold, I want to stay on earth and rock and roll.” This is no nostalgia act. Don’t miss The Sonics at the Columbus because given their rate of productivity, we might all be dead by the time they get around to coming back.

The Sonics, Barrence Whitfield and The Savages, and Thee Fabulous Itchies will rock the Columbus Theatre to the rafters on April 11.

A is for Awesome 2 Autism Benefit

John White has put together another beast of a benefit for autism with four shows over three days. All proceeds will benefit the Trudeau Center and The Autism Project of Rhode Island. These shows speak for themselves so without any hesitation, let’s get to the details. On Fri, April 10, Gabby Rizzle, Zack Silk, Steve Donovan, Plastic Horse, Frankie Ranks and The Freeloaders, The Quahogs, and Cactus Attack will play Firehouse 13. On Sat, April 11, there will be an early show that runs from 3 till 10pm with performances by Chrissy Gavin, School of Rock, Blevin Blectum, Sharks Come Cruisin’, Consuelo’s Revenge, Junior Beat, Viking Jesus, and The Red Pennys at Aurora in Providence. Then there will be a nightcap show running from 9pm till close at The Parlour featuring Neutral Nation, The Frenzy of Tongs, The McGunks, and Me Jane also on the 11. On Sun, April 12, The Worried, Pyramid, Black Oil Incinerator, Atlantic Thrills, Neutrinos, and The Evil Streaks will rock The Parlour. Mr. White has got your entire weekend planned and it is all for a great cause to boot!

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Alt-Nation: Diamond Rugs’ Cosmetics

It was March 2012 when the much hyped “indie super group” known as Diamond Rugs — composed of members of Deer Tick, Black Lips, Dead Confederate, Los Lobos and Six Finger Satellite — rolled into the music industry’s premier annual showcase: the South By Southwest Festival (SXSW). The band had only played a couple of shows in the year before. Their self-titled debut would be released the following month and SXSW was to be Diamond Rugs’ grand unveiling to the industry movers and shakers. The rollicking train that is Diamonds Rugs didn’t so much arrive at SXSW as it crashed through the gates.

The first night in town, drummer Bryan Dufresne and vocalist/guitarist John McCauley went to see play a show in a tiny bar. However, the real party began after they arrived back at the hotel. Dufresne recounts: “We got back and were out of beer. It was past last call. John walks into the hotel lobby with a case of wine. He said he went to the first gay bar that he could find, flirted with the bartender and put down 40 bucks in exchange for the wine. So we’re drinking and a bottle shatters on the floor while we’re waiting in line at this deli in the hotel lobby. People are getting upset. John is sipping wine through a straw off the floor, I’m wasted, and in walks and of The Cult who are heroes of mine. I yell, ‘Hey great show guys. Want to party with us?’ They looked horrified at the spectacle, said no and left. Eventually I made my way to our hotel room and opened the door only to have a newspaper that was on fire sail over my head out the door as someone yells to get in. John is lying on a bed with a girl and I opened the door to the bathroom only to find the entire floor and walls on fire. I yell, ‘Why is the bathroom on fire?’ John shows me an empty bottle of nail polish that had been spilled on the floor, like that makes any sense. I start looking for my sandwich, for which we went through the fiasco in the lobby to get, and someone yells, ‘It’s right there!’ pointing to ceiling where what remained was smeared. We’re halfway across the country with our hotel room on fire and that was just the beginning.”

Diamond Rugs would go on to play a half dozen shows at SXSW that year and get touted as one of the highlights of the festival.

The idea of the Diamond Rugs was hatched between Dufresne and McCauley. Dufresne describes it as months of asking, “When are we going to play?” when he finally got a call from McCauley to come by because Ian St. Pe (formerly of Black Lips) was in town to jam. The chemistry between the three was evident immediately with St. Pe agreeing to join the yet-to-be-named group. McCauley added, “The initial idea was to make a punk record about weed and call it Stoner Drama and write all these songs about what stoner roommates argue about. Then I met Steve Berlin (of Los Lobos) and he was a big fan of the way the Middle Brother record sounded. I told him that I was going to go back to the same studio and invited him to join because he was a big fan of Deer Tick and Black Lips. His signing up surprised us, so we kind of decided to take it a bit more seriously. Then Hardy (T. Hardy Morris of Dead Confederate) and Robbie (Robbie Crowell of Deer Tick) also joined and we had a band.”

When Diamond Rugs went to Nashville in 2011 to record their debut with producers Justin Collins and Adam Landry, things moved at a breakneck pace with everything written and recorded within a week and a half. Dufresne described the first session starting with McCauley, Crowell, and him in the studio not sure what they were doing. “John said, ‘Follow me,’ and within 5 minutes we’re locked and the riff became the song ‘Tell Me Why’ off our first record.

“Ian Saint Pe came up for a few days and then we talked Hardy into calling out of work for a week and coming up. Nobody really expected Steve Berlin to show up, being that he is a much more accomplished musician and producer, but when he did show up, he loved it so much that he ended up calling his wife to say he was going to stay an extra few days.”

Dufresne remembers the session as “Madness. [We were] doing two songs a day with everyone switching off instruments. John would play percussion with me and on another song I’d do backing vocals. We made a record with horns on it that doesn’t sound stupid, which is really hard to do. Our producers, Justin and Adam, were great at keeping us in the moment and not over-thinking things. We all weren’t actually in a room together at the same time till our first show months later in Atlanta.”

When asked about the differences between playing in Deer Tick and Diamond Rugs, McCauley described Diamond Rugs as “just having a good time.”

“It’s not the most brilliant music in the world, but then again neither is Deer Tick,” continued McCauley. “There is no big concept behind it since we ditched stoner drama. I’m glad we ditched stoner drama because it turned into something much better. There wasn’t really time to over-think anything, but I’m not a fan of over-thought music.” Robbie Crowell, when asked about the difference between being in Deer Tick and Diamond Rugs, cited his shift from keyboards to bass. Crowell says his major influence on bass is James Jamerson. “He pretty much revolutionized the instrument, and everyone else I love has idolized him. Carol Kaye’s a monster too — so many hits, so many hooks.”

Diamond Rugs released their second album, Cosmetics, last month, which I premiered at my monthly DJ night that happens on the third Thursday of the month at E&O Tap. On Cosmetics, Diamond Rugs nail it as far as creating sweaty barroom rock ‘n’ roll. The looseness of the sessions comes out in tunes like “Voodoo Doll” where Saint Pe wrote the verse and told McCauley that he had a song about a stalker and wanted McCauley to come up with a chorus to sing on it. Both Morris’ “Thunk” and McCauley’s “Couldn’t Help It” have an early Tom Petty pumped up on horns vibe. Known for his rough vocals in the past, McCauley’s voice has never sounded smoother on tracks like “Ain’t Religion.” “So What” starts with a Ramones-like jabbing guitar riff and evolves into a pop-punk nugget. The biggest rocker off the new record, Cosmetics, “Motel Room” has a pleading chorus of “open your heart, open your heart, like surgery in a motel room.” McCauley recalls seeing a video of a guy castrating himself in a hotel room. “It’s an image I’ve never been able to forget so I guess that is where the song came from although it’s not about castration.”

Cosmetics may not be something completely new, but what is … and still enjoyable? Cosmetics is more like the soundtrack of barbecue or the jukebox blaring on a Saturday evening at the neighborhood dive bar.

As for what’s next for Deer Tick, McCauley said the band is working on a new record, which is a slow and long process. “The plan is to take more time working on it than almost all the other combined (laughs).” He said there was some talk about doing another Dude Smash (Deer Tick’s all-day show with local RI bands), but it is up in the air right now. Deer Tick don’t have anything booked for the summer, but will return to the Newport Blues Café for their annual post-Folk Fest after parties. A new album isn’t likely till 2016. There is a Deer Tick documentary by William Miller in the works; McCauley was uncertain of its production stage, but there are plans to shoot additional footage when he is in town at the end of the month. In the meantime, McCauley is living in Nashville with his wife, singer Vanessa Carlton, and their beautiful 9-week-old daughter, Sidney.

When asked the biggest highlight of his professional career to-date, McCauley cited the year 2014, which included being tapped to play with Nirvana at their post-Rock and Roll Hall of Fame party, opening for the Replacements, and closing out 10 years of Deer Tick by backing Stevie Nicks on New Year’s Eve. McCauley said of Deer Tick’s future, “I’m curious to see where we go. We’re a cult band now. Our fans have a very particular taste, which makes it all the more exciting.”

Unless you’re lucky enough to obtain tickets to Deer Tick’s Blues Café shows this summer, it’s likely the only chance to see McCauley this year will be when Diamond Rugs rock The Met Café!

Diamond Rugs, New Madrid, and Justin Collins will rock The Met Café on March 28.

Email music news to [email protected] Alt-Nation: Lightning Bolt’s Latest and Other Electrifying Shows

Lightning Bolt – (Thrill Jockey)

The first time I experienced the rush of Lightning Bolt live was sometime in the late ’90s. I was talking to someone when Lightning Bolt, without any fanfare, launched a full-on assault. I could barely see through the crowd that was going apeshit huddled around the band playing on the floor, per usual. I had to get closer. Their intensity was like a tractor beam sucking you into the fire of the pit with the adrenaline rush of a rock show. They get saddled with the noise rock tag, which is understandable to a certain extent. But their tunes had this element of experimental jazz where they pound and carve up squalls of feedback to push the song into another dimension.

Lightning Bolt will be forever linked to the legendary — an abandoned warehouse in Eagle Square started by drummer and his college roommate. Fort Thunder really harkened the rise of the whole Providence noise rock and Olneyville warehouse scene that is still going today. Fort Thunder grew to host national and local shows as an under-the-radar word-of-mouth thing till the city stepped in and shut it down.

But nobody has been able to stop Lighting Bolt. They continue to roll like a freight train into their 21st year as a band. This month Lightning Bolt will release Fantasy Empire, their first full-length album since 2009’s Earthly Delights, although they did release an EP titled Oblivion Hunter in 2012. Recording at Machines With Magnets in Pawtucket, Fantasy Empire captures the raw power of Lightning Bolt’s live performances as much as possible. The album opens with what sounds like a call to arms with the manic marching beat of “The Metal East.” “Runaway Train” reminds me of a cross between stoner rock and industrial kraut rock. Lightning Bolt has always had more going on within the song than merely noise over a drum beat. Tracks like “Dream Genie” have bassist Brian Gibson adding a prog-metal blitzkrieg over the relentless pounding of Chippendale’s backbeat. Chippendale’s vocals are buried in the mix that functions more as an additional sonic texture than anything poetic. On some tunes, like “Snow White (& The 7 Dwarves Fans),” this has the effect of adding a psych rock tinge. Lightning Bolt’s legacy lives on in the underground shows and Olneyville noise bands of today, but on Fantasy Empire they sound like a band that cares only about writing their next chapter.

Lightning Bolt have no Rhode Island shows announced at this time, but you can catch them up at The Sinclair in Cambridge, Mass., on May 17. The Silks & Daddy Long Legs

The road to South By Southwest Festival for The Silks starts with a hometown show at Fete. The Silks’ sound is reminiscent of early ’70s country-stained rock ‘n’ roll with the blood of the blues. I’ve written about The Silks so many times in this space that I’m not sure what to say other than to implore you to go to the show and pick up their debut album, Last American Band, if you haven’t already. An added bonus is having Daddy Long Legs on this bill; they blew me away a few weeks ago. Daddy Long Legs are on the renowned garage rock label, Norton Records, where every band seems to be great. Daddy Long Legs hold their own against the lofty label’s roster and put on a hell of a show.

The Silks & Daddy Long Leg will rock Fete on March 7.

The Quahogs

The Quahogs have been saddled with the “Deer Tick Light” label for a few years. It’s not totally fair to throw labels on bands just because they mix folk, country, and rock ‘n’ roll like a more successful band. The Quahogs have been developing their own sound for the past few years and have recently been recording some new tracks, which I look forward to hearing. Till then, go check them out with some other great local bands at Machines With Magnets!

The Quahogs, Haunt The House, Dan Dodd, and The Sugar Honey Iced Tea will play Machines With Magnets on March 7.

Dwarves

The ever-notorious Dwarves return to Providence after several years of banishment. That’s nothing new, as controversy has long been the calling card of the band; singer Blag Dahlia and guitarist HeWhoCanNotBeNamed have been known to raise a ruckus. Dwarves specialize in churning out minute-and-a-half tunes that mix shock value with sugar hooks. You don’t know what punk rock is if you’ve never seen the Dwarves. Get there early for locals Skinny Millionaires (congrats to new dad Mike O’D) and The Worried!

Dwarves, Skinny Millionaires, and The Worried bring the rock to Firehouse 13 on March 14.

Black No. 1 (Type O Negative Tribute)

What’s a Saturday night like without hitting up a place with a full dungeon setup complete with whipping station and medieval rack? If you answered boring, then check out Manchester 65’s Vice Night, which is the best fetish night in all of West Warwick. As an added bonus, Black No. 1 (Type O Negative Tribute Band) will be playing their first show. So all you Doms and subs get ready to get down and unleash your inner demons. And yes, there will be cage dancing. Wooo!

Black No. 1 (Type O Negative Tribute) plays Vice Night at the Manchester 65 in West Warwick on March 14.

Email music news to [email protected] Alt-Nation: Vikings, Gypsies and Cows

Kris Hansen The Viking Jesus

Kris Hanson has been a staple on the local music scene performing both solo and with his band Viking Jesus for the past 20 years. His new record, Kris Hansen The Viking Jesus, is a hodgepodge of both the indie folk of solo work and the more Beatles-esque inspired rock of Viking Jesus. The album sound is rich with each note ringing out clear, no doubt thanks to the wizardry of Viking Jesus guitarist and producer George Dussault. The album starts out slow with the folk of “Bury Your Bags” that is kind of the anti-song to someone that subscribes to the “don’t bore us, get to the chorus” mentality. By the third track Hansen and the band start to hit their stride with “Passing The Buck” with Dussault’s George Harrison style guitar leads providing a complementary foil to Hansen’s acoustic. “A Song For My Father” tugs at the heartstrings while the catchy groove of “Friends” is another winner. The album closes with “The Giver,” which borrows the melody from “Dirty Old Town” and buttresses it with Hansen’s lyrics to usher the tune into the modern age.

Kris Hansen does acoustic sets every Thurs at the Fatt Squirrel in PVD starting at 8pm and the great thing is there is never a cover.

Coma Coma – New American Dream (75orLess Records)

Coma Coma have always reminded me of late ’90s alternative rock bands like Radiohead and Hum. Coma Coma works the quiet verse to loud chorus formula with “Warning From The Outside” with mediocre results. The verse lingers too long and doesn’t really have the punch to carry it to the chorus. On the other hand, “Lost in The Slow Decay” excels in this format because it is stronger both musically and lyrically. Even better is “21st Century Savior,” which between its sing-a-long from the ledge chorus to the stoner rock guitar sorcery, might be the best thing that Coma Coma has ever done! New American Dream closes with “Letter to Your Former Self,” which is a 9-minute opus that channels and Sonic Youth with an outro that is an indie rock version of “Free Bird.”

Further Down the Road, Classic Ruins, Silver Screams, and Coma Coma will drop the hammer at AS220 on Feb 20.

Hot Rocks:

George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic

I’ve often said that George Clinton has the easiest job in rock ‘n’ roll, presiding over his orchestra of seasoned pros in Parliament Funkadelic. He comes out, sings a bar and maybe grunts, and then goes off to the background or leaves the stage for 10 minutes only to return and repeat. Who knows what he does in the meantime or cares what he’s does in the meantime with the funk so fly? In the old days there were stories alleging he was smoking crack in the basement; nowadays he’s probably Tinder-ing. Clinton has long since cleaned up. Gone are his trademarked dreads in favor of suave suit and hat. He seems like he’s having a blast and the players who make up the current version of Parliament Funkadelic all slay when it comes to propelling the mother ship with an overload of ’70s funk. George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic and Chachi Carvalho and the International Players will pump out the jams at Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel on Feb 20.

Gogol Bordello

Few bands with a message make their performance a party the way Gogol Bordello rock the house. They play gypsy folk songs with the intensity of Motorhead, the conscience of Joe Strummer, and the flair of the Stones. Eons ago at the Living Room, singer/guitarist/head honcho Eugene Hutz agreed with my initial take that Gogol Bordello were like The Pogues if they were from Eastern Europe with the attitude of The Clash. Their latest record, 2013’s Pura Vida Conspiracy (ATO Records), was their best record in my opinion. However, on stage under the spotlights will always be where Gogol Bordello is truly at their best.

Gogol Bordello will rock it revolution style at Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel on Feb 28. This is an early show with doors at 6pm and show to begin at 7pm.

Two Cow Garage

Whenever the book is written on post-millennium indie rock, Columbus, Ohio’s Two Cow Garage is going to be one of the central figures. Otherwise branded as alt-country, Two Cow Garage probably owes as much of a debt to The Replacements as anyone. Singer/bassist Micah Schnabel has seemingly an endless supply of anthems channeling everything from the teenage punk romance of youth to the alt- country exploration of adulthood. Two Cow Garage are one of the best bands in the world that you’re ever going to have the opportunity to see in 120-person capacity club.

Two Cow Garage, Six Star General, The Pourmen, and The McGunks will rock Firehouse 13 on Feb 28.

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