Alt-Nation: Festivals in Flux
Festivals in Flux
In local music, breaking news is kind of rare. Sure, bands put out albums and play shows, but those are more the result of months of work and planning than anything suddenly happening. But Liberty Fest had some breaking news as the steward of Liberty Fest decided to move the festival a mere week before its scheduled date from Dusk to Simon’s 677. The reasoning behind the move is that in order to run a second stage, Dusk would have to assume a significant financial risk to rent the equipment necessary. Dusk proposed adding “$3 suggested donation” to the show featuring over 40 acts to help cover the costs. The steward of Liberty Fest would not assume any of the financial burdens or accept any cover charge for the event that has traditionally been a free neighborhood block party. So last Saturday Liberty Fest announced the show was moving to Simon’s, which has its own outdoor stage already, eliminating a significant financial investment and keeping the event free.
So same bands, same times, different venue a half mile away – sounds so simple, right? Well, not so fast. Dusk quickly mobilized and announced they will be throwing a free one stage Fourth of July bash called Revival Fest. To muddy the waters, many of the better-known bands like World’s Greatest Lover, Happiness, VulGarrity, Fabulous Itchies, Hope Anchor, Gavage, Sire and more dropped out of Liberty Fest to play Revival Fest. So this 4th of July there’ll be two big free local shows to choose from: Revival Fest with the more established bands at Dusk or Liberty Fest with who knows what at press time at Simon’s 677.
Electric Six
It may seem strange for a person who writes a column titled “Alt-Nation,” but I find most modern alternative music boring. My favorite alternative band over the last decade plus is the Electric Six because they have soul. They rock with a sense of humor, try different styles and have amassed a war chest of booty shaking nuggets. Electric Six sound like Talking Heads if they took themselves less seriously, but still had the swagger of KISS and a touch of Abba thrown in. Throw in songs about Egyptian Cowboys, love stories about a 90-foot alien that vaporizes a Texas town during a high school football game, taking over McDonald’s after closing, and Motown-like romps about necrophilia and you have pretty much some of the best shit ever. Electric Six hit their commercial peak early with their debut album Fire (named because the word fire was in almost every song), which featured the singles “Gay Bar” and “Danger High Voltage.” The former’s video went viral with a flamboyant Abe Lincoln singing about how he has “something to put in you at the gay bar” over a catchy surf guitar riff. Electric Six never stopped making hits, but the world stopped taking notice. Albums that followed, like Señor Smoke, contained classics like “Future is in the Future” and “Rock and Roll Evacuation.” A downside of the Obama administration is the latter has been dropped from the live set likely ’til a Republican is back in office. Switzerland has gems like “I Buy the Drugs,” “Infected Girls” and “Night Vision.” Electric Six have continued making great music, putting out a new album pretty much every year. In addition, singer Dick Valentine has been putting out solo albums, including this year’s Here Comes The Bags, which features a couple of gems like “Saddam Hussein” and “List of Lovers.” Electric Six also has a kickstarter going for what is being billed as a doc/mockumentary called Roulette Stars of Metro Detroit that is online: kickstarter.com/projects/e6absolutetreasure/roulette-stars-of-metro-detroit One of the fascinating things about the Electric Six is that although they have plateaued commercially, their draw locally has been gaining. All the more reason to get there early to stake out a spot and check out some great local music from Atlantic Thrills and The Sweet Release. If you only take my advice to see one show this year, this is the one.
Electric Six, Atlantic Thrills and The Sweet Release will rock Fete on Jul 7.
Murder By Death – Big Dark Love (Bloodshot Records)
With their 7th full-length record, Big Dark Love, indie rockers Murder By Death created a collection of songs that touch on the darkness and beauty of life. Big Dark Love kicks off with a blast of soul in “I Shot an Arrow” that sounds like it was melded from a mix of folk over an electronic beat with a touch of Hall & Oates. The title track has a tension that just continues to mount in a Nick Cave-like fashion. Murder By Death show off their country influences on “Natural Pearl.” “Solitary One,” for me, is the money track because of the big-horn-propelled chorus that meshes soul, rock ‘n’ roll and gothic beauty. “It Will Never Die” mixes folk song with modern rock in a way that is unique to Murder By Death. Albums are great, but over the years what has drawn me to Murder By Death is their live performances. Don’t miss them at The Met Café!
Murder By Death and Shipla Ray will be at The Met Café on Jul 10.
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Alt-Nation: Liberty Fest, The Spot Celebrates, BridgeFest and Under My Skin
Last week Providence Liberty Fest unveiled a staggering listing of 40 bands for their 16th anniversary show this 4th of July at Dusk. Confirmed bands for the show include Atlantic Thrills, Baylies Band, Beta Motel, Big Huge, Blackletter, Cross-Armed Calculator, Eric and the Nothing, Feedback Psychosis, The Frenzy of Tongs, Gavage, Gymshorts, Happiness, Headless Nixon, Honest John, Hope Anchor, Thee Itchies, Izzy True, J, Jacques Le Coque, M.O.T.O., New Maps, Pals, Pyramid, Radio Carbon, School of Rock Seekonk, Smith & Weeden, Swan Point, The Sweet Release, TEAZER, The Chiselers, Tomorrow & Tomorrow, Trunkweed, The Viennagram, Vulgarrity, World’s Greatest Lover and more! The event starts at high noon at Dusk on Harris Ave in PVD and will run all day and night. Liberty Fest will have at least two stages (indoor and outdoor) of live music featuring short 15- to 30-minute performances from the listed bands, food trucks. As always, this show will be all ages and free!
Sick Pills — Under My Skin (75orLess Records)
I’ve fallen dreadfully behind on my record reviews, but one of favorite releases of the year is the sophomore release from New Bedford’s Sick Pills, Under My Skin. I got into listening to this biscuit a few weeks ago on a road trip to Philly where I literally listened to it on repeat for three hours. For the uninitiated, Sick Pills have a post-punk ’80s indie guitar swing feel to them. Sick Pills are kind of in between as far as singer/guitarist Chris (Dr. Evil) Guaraldi’s other bands. Sick Pills are not as heavy as Chris Evil & The Taints, but heavier than The Blood Moons. Under My Skin kicks off with a couple of punk stompers in “You Make Me Sick” and “Black Skies,” and then proceeds to sprinkle in different influences. “Close To You” somehow has parts that channel both The Knack and Sonic Youth. “Don’t Know What To Do” has this kind of epic indie rock blues sway. Tunes like “Get Away From Me” and “I Got Nothing” have a ’60s garage rock groove, while “All Day” has a mid-’80s era Replacements feel. Sick Pills do not play PVD often, but as it happens they are coming to Firehouse 13. I’m particularly excited for this show, not only because Sick Pills did my favorite local release of the year, but because it also includes Deadlands (top 10 local release last year), and you can catch The Lincoln Tunnel channel indie rock of bands like The Replacements and Sebadoh.
Catch Sick Pills on a stacked local bill with Deadlands, The Lincoln Tunnel and The Matt Fraza Band at Firehouse 13 on Jun 20.
The Spot’s Five-Year Anniversary
It recently moved into its fourth and largest installment, and The Spot Underground is throwing a two- day 5-year anniversary hootenanny. The Spot has grown from its humble beginnings as an art gallery/yoga space on Thayer St to an 800 capacity venue with an additional 180 capacity outdoor patio inside The Colosseum, plus a full bar and deli. That growth and five5 years is sure cause to party, and party The Spot will with an action-packed weekend of funky jams. On Fri, Jun 26, The Spot will host performances by Turkuaz, Consider The Source, Adam Travis & The Soul, and Elephant, as well as an outdoor patio afternoon acoustic lineup to be announced. On Sat, The Spot will host performances by Daddie Long Legs, Levitation Jones, Funky Dawgz Brass Band, more outdoor patio entertainment, and a top secret headliner. Check out The Spot’s website at thespotunderground.com for advance ticket information that includes an option for a discounted two-day pass. Happy anniversary to the Spot crew!
The Spot’s Five-Year Anniversary goes down Jun 26 & 27 at their new location on 180 Pine St in PVD inside The Colosseum.
Newport Bridgefest
The problem with doing a Summer Guide is there is really too much going on to get it all in one issue. Case in point, one thing I missed is Newport Bridgefest, which will happen Jul 28 thru 31. Bridgefest will be going down at four different locations on three different bodies of land (they weren’t kidding about the need for bridges with two islands). We at The Motif will be sponsoring a Rock Stage at Sandywoods Center For The Arts located at 43 Muse Way in Tiverton. Some highlights for the week include Monday’s opening rock night, which features The Skinny Millionaires, Pier Jump (formerly Castle), and more for only $5! One is not going to find much in Tiverton for only $5. Tuesday night I’d highly recommend catching The Copacetics as Tiverton goes rasta for reggae/ska night. Wednesday includes a barbecue dinner plus great music by Joe Fitz & They Don’t, James Montgomery and more. The Americana finale Thursday includes performances by The Mighty Good Boys, The Little Compton Band, Able Thought and Shotgun. While I don’t quite get why anyone would want to hold a festival exclusively on week nights, it is summer and a good excuse to get out and soak up some great music and beat away the mid-week blues. For full listings for the Newport Bridgefest go to newportbridgefest.com. Email music news to [email protected]
Alt-Nation: Summer in the City
All killer, no filler, hot times, summer in the city, back of my neck getting dirty and gritty… Hey ho, let’s go!
Sebadoh
Lou Barlow’s other seminal band, Sebadoh, reunited a few years ago and has been off and on touring ever since. Sebadoh put out some classic indie guitar swing with albums like Bubble and Scrape, Bakesale, and Harmacy. There is a reason why there is a demand for Sebadoh to keep coming back from the dead and it’s simple – they’re just that good.
Sebadoh, Total Babes, and Twin Foxes will rock The Met Café on June 6.
One Providence Experience
The Columbus Cooperative and The Imaginary Company present One Providence Experience as part of the Providence International Arts Festival inside the ruins of the Providence National Bank on 35 Weybosset St in Providence on June 13. The event features performances by Lee Fields & The Expressions, The Low Anthem, Gymshorts, And The Kids, Medusah Black, Ravi Shavi and more. One Providence is free and open to the public. For more information check out the Facebook event: facebook.com/events/1636545956575553/
Local H
Local H burst upon the scene with the hit “Bound for the Floor” from 2006’s As Good as Dead. As a two- piece, Local H brought a new twist to grunge. Scott Lucas pretty much started the two piece fad that later saw bands like White Stripes and Black Keys emerge. I caught Local H a few years ago; Lucas still shreds and the band kicks as fierce as ever.
Local H, Aeges, and Six Star General will rock The Met Café on June 18.
Bettye Lavette
Bettye Lavette is a powerhouse on the pipes when it comes to belting out soul and R&B-infused rock ‘n’ roll. Lavette is best known for her breakthrough album I’ve Got My Own Hell to Raise, which in addition to being one of the greatest album titles ever, has great tracks like “Down to Zero” and “The High Road.” Lavette is known for her chops live and covering classics and making them her own.
Bettye Lavette will play the Narrows Center For The Arts in Fall River on June 20. Liberty Fest
Liberty Fest returns to Dusk after a long run as a Smith Hill neighborhood festival. Liberty Fest will have both indoor and outdoor stages with 12 hours of music on both stages. There will be food vendors and more, and the event is open to all ages. The list of acts still is being finalized, but the listing of bands that will be rocking this year’s Liberty Fest includes Atlantic Thrills, Baylies Band, Gymshorts, Happiness, The Viennagram, Beta Motel, The Sweet Release, M.O.T.O., PALS, Blackletter, Hope Anchor and more to be announced.
Liberty Fest will blow up like freedom at Dusk and spread all down Harris Ave on July 4.
Electric Six
Electric Six are in my top three bands of the last 15 years. They burst upon the scene with the album Fire, singing about gay bars and fires in Taco Bells, and haven’t stopped putting out album of heart pumping rock ‘n’ roll. Last year’s Human Zoo (Metropolis Records) continued in that vein with jams like “Karate Lips” and the most catchy song ever written about necrophilia, “Alone with Your Body.” While Electric Six alone is reason to go, the presence of Atlantic Thrills and The Sweet Release on this bill is reason to go early!
Electric Six, Atlantic Thrills and The Sweet Release will throw down at the one of the biggest parties of the summer at Fete on July 7.
Alejandro Escovedo and the Sensitive Boys
Alejandro Escovedo’s career started in the mid-70s with the punk group The Nuns. His career now spans 40 years that in addition to punk has touched on Americana, country, and plenty of straight forward rock ‘n’ roll. Escovedo is also known for busting out some excellent live covers to boot. I caught him the last time he was at the Narrows and it was a great show.
Alejandro Escovedo and the Sensitive Boys will rock the Narrows on July 9.
Amanda Palmer & PWM BTTM
Amanda Palmer rose to fame as one half of the cabaret punk Dresden Dolls, continued performing as a solo artist and collaborated with Grand Theft Orchestra and Neil Gaiman. This show should be a hoot!
Amanda Palmer & PWM BTTM plus special guest Neil Gaiman will perform at the Columbus Theatre on July 11.
WBRU Summer Concert Series
An annual summer tradition is the WBRU Summer Concert Series at Waterplace Park for the perfect way to kick off the weekend. This year WBRU presents these shows to get you rocking on summer nights:
July 17 – Joywave (w/ openers Jetty) July 24 – 2015′s WBRU Rock Hunt Champions – Public Alley (w/ openers S. Walcott) July 31 – St. Motel (w/ openers We Were Astronauts) Aug 7 – In the Valley Below (w/ 2014′s WBRU Rock Hunt Champions – The Rare Occasions) Aug 14 – Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness (w/ openers Forest Fires) Aug 21 – Life in Film (w/ openers Le Roxy Pro)
The shows usually start around 6pm, but get there early to stake out a good spot for these FREE shows!
Bloody Diamonds
Bloody Diamonds are a Canadian duo that mix the blues rock of a White Stripes/Black Keys with grunge into a stiff elixir. Blood Diamonds have their fair share of pop hooks, too. I’m looking forward to escaping the city for some heavy rock ‘n’ roll in the backstreets of West Warwick.
Bloody Diamonds will rock Manchester 65 on July 17.
Newport Folk Fest
The lineup for the Newport Folk Fest seems to grow more staggering every year. This year is no exception and they are still announcing acts. I’m looking forward to the genius behind much of Pink Floyd seminal works Roger Waters, First Aid Kid (a highlight of 2012 Folk Fest), Jason Isbell (2013 Festival highlight), The Felice Brothers, Calexico, J Mascis (Dinosaur Jr. front man is always great live), Courtney Barnett, Tommy Stinson, Joe Fletcher & The Wrong Reasons, and Haunt The House. In addition to the Folk Fest at the Fort, there are plenty of post-Folk Fests going on all weekend. Check out newportfolk.org for a full listing of festival performers as well as other events happening at night!
Newport Folk Fest returns to take over Fort Adams State Park July 24 thru 26.
Deer Tick
Deer Tick return to Newport to do their annual post-Festival romps at the Newport Blues Café for those lucky enough to score tickets. Deer Tick do different sets every night and this year it will be the only opportunity to see them as they are not playing the festival. These shows are always electric and chock full of surprise guests from the festival. You never know who is going to jump up on stage.
Deer Tick return to the Newport Blues Café for their annual post-Folk Fest after-parties July 24 thru 26.
Swamp Stomp 8
Swamp Stomp is an outdoor BYO/picnic event that attracts some of the best musicians nationally in the roots and rock ‘n’ roll scene. Swamp Stomp goes down every year near the entrance of The Great Swamp of West Kingston. This year’s lineup is loaded, featuring two prior headliners, The Sadies and Steve Wynn & The Miracle Three. Also on the bill is Vermont native Caroline Rose and hometown rock ‘n’ rollers The Silks. Capacity is limited to 200 and last year sold out, so advance tickets are recommended.
Swamp Stomp 8 returns to The Great Swamp of West Kingston on Aug 1. Grounds open by 2pm, music begins around 3pm. Tickets can be purchased online at brownpapertickets.com/event/1429145. For more info or to pay by check, email [email protected].
AS220 FOO FEST Once again AS22o will take over Empire St in PVD for 12 hours with all kinds of vendors, activities for kids, and two stages of music rocking all day and night. In what has been hailed in music circles as the best FOO FEST lineup in years, AS220 is rolling out the heavy guns with headliner, the national noise punkers DEERHOOF. The local headliners represent PVD’s Americana scene with standouts like The Low Anthem and Death Vessel. My other picks to check out are Way Out, Gymshorts, Beta Motel, Good Lord, and Bloodpheasant. Check as220.org for the full lineup and more information.
AS220’s FOO FEST takes over Empire St on Aug 8.
Beach House
Dream pop duo Beach House hits Lupo’s in support of their newest album, Depression Cherry. Beach House has been called the perfect soundtrack for a David Lynch film for their sense of subversive melody. The songs are modern alt-pop, but retain a sense of imagination that separates Beach House from the rest of the pack.
Beach House will rock Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel on Aug 25.
Rhythm & Roots Festival
The 18th annual Rhythm & Roots festival returns to Ninigret Park in Charlestown for an action-packed Labor Day weekend. I went for the first time last year and it’s a pretty sweet setup. You can take a break and literally go swimming, chill out and come back. There also is camping space if you want to make a weekend of it. This year’s lineup has some gems like Los Lobos, Keb Mo, The Mavericks, and Lake Street Dive. Check out the full lineup and ticket info at rhythmandroots.com.
Rhythm & Roots Festival returns to Ninigret Park from Sept 4 thru 6.
The J. Geils Band
This show popped up in my Bandsintown and Facebook feed and I thought it was a cruel joke. More than their hits like “Centerfold,” “Love Stinks,” and “Freeze Frame,” it’s their dynamic live shows that make The J. Geils Band legend. Tthey don’t even have J. Geils playing anymore. As long as they have the Wolfa Goofa, Peter Wolf, one of the most electric front men in the history of rock ‘n’ roll, The J. Geils Band will be one of the best party bands in the world. Plus any band with a guy called Magic Dick is bound to be cool.
The J. Geils Band rock India Point Park in Providence on Sept 5.
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Alt-Nation: Just Going to the Library
Providence Public Library – “From Pop to Punk: Highlights of 20th century Popular Music in Providence”
I’ve had the privilege to patronize some legendary joints like The Rat in Boston, CBGBs in New York City, The Roxy in LA, and of course The Living Room and Safari Lounge locally. So it’s always a pleasure to check out another building with some history to it. The Providence Public Library has been very active hosting music events as part of their “Don’t Stop The Music” campaign, which includes a series of live music in the Library’s Grand Hall and the “From Pop to Punk: Highlights of 20th century Popular Music in Providence” exhibit. The exhibit traces the history of local popular music starting with turn of the century classical music and moving all the way up through modern day punk rock. It includes photographs, programs, instruments, composer notes, show posters, outfits from the ’70s disco sensation Tavares, recordings and even the script of the movie Purple Rain! Another reason to stop into the library is their series of live events. For the full list, go to tech.pplspc.org/music/index.html, but some highlights include Beta Motel on May 22, Providence Rock and Roll Yard Sale with performances by Alec K. Redfearn and The Eyesores and others on June 13, and Roz & The Rice Cakes on June 19.
The Spot Underground on The Move
The Spot Underground recently moved around the corner to 180 Pine St inside The Colosseum nightclub, and has some great shows coming up like SIRSY, VulGarrity, and Young Pandas on May 22; Les Racquet, Full Tang, and Alec Huston Trio on May 23; and an early show from 6-10pm with performances by Pixels, The Planes, and Eric and the Nothing also on May 23.
The Independents
The kings of horror ska from Florence, South Carolina, return to get Memorial Day weekend started right! I first saw The Independents 19 years ago opening for the Ramones and after seeing them last year, they still bring it with a vengeance. The Independents have so many great tunes like “Succubus,” “Left For Dead,” and “Legion of Doom” with the latter being off last year’s excellent Into the Light album. More of a punk band playing ska than a traditional ska band, The Independents have played some of my favorite shows that I’ve ever attended. This show will be a doozy!
The Independents, Brunt of It, Black Cat Attack, and Honest John bring the thunder to Firehouse 13 on May 22.
Slim Cessna’s Auto Club
Slim’s Cessna’s Auto Club has been around for 20 years, making it happen every show. Slim Cessna’s Auto Club are like The E Street Band of Americana music. They take country, folk and rock ‘n’ roll and meld it together into some of the most powerful anthems ever written. Slim Cessna used to live in Cranston and had a side project called Blackstone Valley Sinners. Cessna’s time in RI is shown in several Auto Club tunes like “Cranston,” “Providence, New Jerusalem,” and the epic set closing anthem “He, Roger Williams.” These guys are simply one of the best bands in the world and it would be foolish to miss them. Get there early for the strong local support!
Slim Cessna’s Auto Club, King Sickabilly, and The Red Pennys will rock the Columbus Theatre on May 27.
Email music news to [email protected] 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 power pop 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 indie rock 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.
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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.
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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 The Stooges (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 Weezer, U.S. Bombs, and The Bravery. 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.
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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 the doors 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: 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!
Email music news to [email protected] 2015 Motif Music Awards Nominees
VOTING is Closed For this Year.
The list of nominees is out for the 2015 Motif Music Awards, celebrating the best in local music. Nominees are selected mathematically from the suggestions by over 75 local booking agents, labels, radio stations, and over a dozen of our music writers.You decide the winners. Voting closes at Midnight on Monday, May 11. The Music Awards show is free and open to the public on Tue, May 19 at The Met, 1001 Main St, Pawtucket, RI
[AMERICANA] BEST ACT Cannibal Ramblers Consuelo’s Revenge Dylan Sevey and the Gentlemen Flav Martin Longshot Voodoo
SINGER/SONGWRITER Allysen Callery Dan Dodd Joanne Lurgio John Faraone Kris Hansen Travis Colby FEMALE VOCALIST Allysen Callery Amanda Salemi (Consuelo’s Revenge) Joyce Katzberg Kayla Farnham Malyssa BellaRosa
MALE VOCALIST Dylan Sevey (Dylan Sevey and the Gentlemen) Elwood Donnelly (Atwater-Donnelly) Keith Munslow (Superchief Trio) Mike Martinelli Will Houlihan (Haunt the House)
BLUEGRASS Barley Hoppers Blackstone Valley Bluegrass The Kropp Dusters The Pegheads The Rank Strangers
BREAKTHROUGH ACT Cardboard Ox The Dust Ruffles Eastern Medicine Singers The Horse-Eyed Men The Quahogs
BLUES ACT Cannibal Ramblers Sugar Ray & the Bluetones Superchief Trio Wolf & The Jam Daddies Band Young Neal and the Vipers
CHORAL ACT Chorus of Westerly North Kingstown Community Chorus Quahog Quire Schubert Chor Sync or Swim
FOLK ACT Becky Chace Band Cardboard Ox Haunt the House The Sugar Honey Iced Tea The Slackwater String Band JAZZ / R&B ACT Bohemian Quartet Brass Attack The John Allmark Jazz Band Miss Wensday & the Cotillions Occidental Gypsy
WORLD MUSIC Alpenblumen Schuhplattlers Atwater-Donnelly The Gnomes Kathleen Conneely Pendragon Tom Lanigan Band
BEST OPEN MIC Greenwich Hotel The Mediator Stage The Parlour Sandywoods Wood River Inn
ALBUM Haunt The House – “Jack Rabbit Jones” The Horse-Eyed Men – “Grave Country” Kala Farnham – “Anahata: Wake Up Your Heart” Tammy LaForest – “Copper” [ALTERNATIVE] BEST BAND Bloodpheasant Happiness Ravi Shavi The Silks Smith&Weeden Whore Paint
LIVE ACT The Copacetics Jay Berndt & The Orphans Ravi Shavi Satellites Fall The Viennagram
REGGAE/SKA Boo City Chachi & The International Players The Copacetics Natural Element Band Truth in Soul
JAM BAND Fungus Amungus Phamily Sgt Baker & The Clones Viral Sound
POP PUNK ACT The October Account Que Sera Royal Street Senior Discount Trophy Wives
PUNK ACT Gavage Good Lord Gymshorts Tony Jones & The Cretin 3 The Worried
HARDCORE / METAL ACT Church Burn Extinction Machine Reason To Fight Super Limit Weak Teeth
FEMALE VOCALIST Connie (Pyramid) Erica Sutherland(Littlefoot) Jess Moroney (Nymphidels) Ruth Marie (Sexcoffee) Roz Raskin (Roz and the Rice Cakes)
MALE VOCALIST Bill Keough Jay Berndt (Jay Berndt & The Orphans) Mark Cutler (Mark Cutler and Men of Great Courage) Matt DiChiara (The Copacetics) Pip/Paul Everett (Hope Anchor) Tony Jones (Tony Jones & The Cretin 3)
BREAKTHROUGH ACT Beta Motel Jetty Less than a felony Teezer Twin Foxes
ALBUM Bill Keough – “The Big Let Down” The Copacetics – self titled Roz and the Rice Cakes – “Need to Feed” SexCoffee – “Nothing Personal” Steve Volkmann – “The Plant”
TRIBUTE BAND Dirty Deeds (AC/DC) J (X) K19 (Steely Dan) Monkey Wrench (Foo Fighters) Violin River (The Grateful Dead)
[ELECTRONIC] HIP-HOP ACT B. Dolan DirtyDurdie Meta P Symmetry Zumo Kollie
BEST EDM DJ DJ Zydrate DJ Dublin Jackie Treehorn Michael Savant Unb4lanced
BEST CLUB DJ Dank Coma DJ Nook Dox Pauly Danger Ty Jesso
Thank you for voting and supporting great music!