Tag Archives: Review

DIY, Download This!, Indie, Music, Music Video, New Release, Rock, Sans Label

Sans Label: Brooklyn’s Monogold

2 Comments

I have a new feature I will periodically post here about up and coming artists and I call it simply Sans Label.  I was trying to think of a wittier name for this category but apparently I am suffering from brain-melt.  I just can not think of something clever regarding independent unsigned artists.

How often I post Sans Label entries will depend on the alignment of the sun and the moon or simply whenever I am wowed by an independent or underground act.  I will be sure to post a little something something up on this here site along with a MP3 to share with the band’s permission of course.

I am doing this out of the love for all music out there.  I receive so many emails from folk asking me to check out their work.  I feel this will be my thank you to all of the acts out there that spend day after day self-promoting their band.  These bands are unsigned acts trying to get their name out there with a D.I.Y. attitude.  I respect all genres of music so expect to see a variety of acts posted.

So without further delay here is the first Sans Label post:

A few weeks ago a Brooklyn based band named Monogold reached out to me via a simple email asking me to visit their MySpace page to check out their music.  Always looking for something new I clicking on the link in the email and checked out a song titled “Feel Animal”.  I was completely floored by how great it was.  The upbeat dramatic indie rock song was such a pleasant track to hear.

In fact just listen to it for yourself.

DOWNLOAD THIS! – Monogold – “Feel Animal”

The song alone in my opinion is proof this band is going to be going places. Of course I don’t want to jinx them but imagine my surprise of hearing such a track and instantly loving it.  I immediately asked the band for more.

The band kindly sent the rest of the EP to me titled We Animals.  Just as I had hoped the other six tracks that were self recorded, self produced, and self released  by the three members have a very likable feel to them.  The harmonous singing and catchy guitar playing is perfect for a soundtrack to a warm summer evening drive.  Trust me, I speak from personal experience.

The fact that this band is only a three piece amazes me.  Honestly when you hear their sound in the rest of the EP you would like it would take more than a trio to perform such tunes. I thought so highly of this band I decided that I wanted to take their music a step further to help them get their music heard.

Recently I was appointed by my good friends over at Sexy Photo Trip (SPT) as their music director.  I decided that I wanted to use one of Monogold’s songs for an episode of SPT.  Monogold was thrilled I asked them to use their song in the video and honestly so was I.  It fit perfectly.

You can see that episode by clicking HERE (warning all SPT material is NSFW so view at your own 18+ risk).

Look for Monogold to release the amazing We Animals EP next month.  I am hoping they are able to tour as well in support of this sure to be a hit release.

Here’s a video from an earlier track titled “Leaves”:

One a side note, I plan on continuing this trend of using unsigned bands  here in the Sans Label posts as well as in future episodes of SPT so if you know of anyone out there that is unsigned or independent and listenworthy, send them my way.  I would love to hear them and maybe even get one of their hard worked songs into a fun episode on SPT.

90's, Cleveland, Grunge, Live Shows, Music, Reunion, Rock, The Suck

Gin & Tonic Tour (Agitate The Gin & Light On The Tonic Please Edition) – Cain Park – Cleveland Hts., OH – 08/21/2009 – Concert Review

Leave a comment

I knew I was going to relive some of my high school memories last Friday when Matt tossed me a ticket to the cleverly titled Gin & Tonic tour featuring 90’s grunge rock sensations Tonic and the Gin Blossoms.  The outdoor show was held at the Evans Amphitheater at Cain Park in Cleveland Heights, a venue I had never been to before.  The weather was perfect for a night outside and I was just down right excited to see these two 90’s alt/rock bands take the stage.

Opening act One Lone Car from St. Louis took the stage with a nice little pop guitar rock / piano act and warmed up the crowd.  I could not help myself but wonder why they went on so late.  I was under the impression the show started at 8:00pm but they did not take stage until 9:00pm.

After they finished there was a surprise announcement over the PA that the second act, Tonic, was going to be late to the show due to problems at the airport.  It was then announced that the Gin Blossoms would take the stage next and play.  Everyone seemed ok with the announcement, at least everyone who was not a lead singer of a certain band that just had it’s slot bumped.

Robin Wilson taking it to the crowd. Moments later he just sulked away.
Robin Wilson taking it to the crowd just before going into sulk mode.

Gin Blossoms took the stage and proceeded to rock out as the crowd went nuts.  Fans in the venue started moving from their assigned seats to get a better look at the rock act and the mom and pop security did not care one bit.  Lead singer Robin Wilson seemed to be happy to see the crowd and even tossed a tambourine to one lucky fan who failed to keep a beat along with the band.  Two songs later the tambourine was tossed back at the stage almost knocking over Robin Wilson’s Red Bull & vodka drink.  I still have no idea why she threw it back, I myself would have kept it for an ultimate souvenir of the evening…I also would have been able to keep a beat.

Early into the set I saw someone on the side of the stage wave the lead signer over to them to hand over a piece of paper with a secret note.  Robin Wilson read it and dropped it to the ground as he continued to sing.  I am pretty sure the note read: “Now is the time to act like a giant douche” and I say that because in mid-song Robin Wilson turned from enjoying himself to just plain annoyed for reasons unknown.  He sulked about and left the stage in between songs through the set leaving the guitarist to introduce the band and try to keep some positive vibe to all the folk who dropped over $40 a ticket.

There was no encore when the band finished.  They thanked the crowd all so non-convincing and left the stage.  Granted the Gin Blossoms were supposed to headline there was no reason for Robin Wilson to act they way he did and in fact he ruined the show for me.  It was the first time I had ever seen the Gin Blossoms live and it will also be my last.  First impressions last on me regardless if you are a person trying to be my friend or a band that I came to see.  I did not go to the show to see someone baby it up on stage because the other act was late or because the turnout was low.

There was a strange silence for a few moments while the stagehands disassembled the Gin Blossoms’ gear.  PA’s started being disconnected and I was just waiting for the announcer of the evening to announce that the show would be ending because Tonic was unable to show up.

Thankfully the stage hands started setting up for Tonic so I knew the night was not going to be a complete bust.  For whatever reason though a good chuck of the crowd left as if they only came there for the Gin Blossoms.  Matt and I took advantage of this and moved to the front center of the seating area and claimed our spot for Tonic.

Tonic showed up and took the stage around 11:00pm and was able to make up for the poor performance by the Gin Blossoms.  Tonic seemed to be down a man and they performed as a three piece although I am not even sure these days how many people are in the band since their reunion.  The fans who stuck around did not let the lack of a Tonic member bother them though.  Heavy and loud cheering filled the area with tons of folk including myself singing along.  Good times were had.  I love that band.

Lead singer Emerson Hart mentioned that they were late because of a plane crash and proceeded to let everyone know how much is sucks to have a plane lose pressure and not have the oxygen masks fall into you laps.  They were not too happy with a certain airline that flys out of the Hopkins International Airport but did not seem to let that bother them at all.  They sounded great but since they were supposed to be a middle act they only played for less than an hour with no encore either.  Matt and I agreed that there was no encore because of curfew as well as Tonic probably did not want to upset a certain lead vocalist for the Gin Blossoms.

When Tonic finished there was that eerie silence again.  I am used to music becing played once concerts are over but this time it was a dead silence with fans discussing the strange events of the evening.  As happy as I was seeing Tonic live finally I just felt the night could and should have been better with no thanks to Robin Wilson of course.

Then again I should thank Robin Wilson seeing how he has inspired me to create a new catergory… The Suck.

Download This!, Music, Music Video, Punk, Review

Pour Habit – Suiticide – CD Review

Leave a comment
There is no black or white, just Pour Habit.
There is no black or white, just Pour Habit.

What’s black and white and punk all over?

The answer is California’s Pour Habit.

Straight out of Compton (no really they are) comes the five piece punk rock band Pour Habit.  Their debut release Suiticide recently dropped on Fat Wreck Chords and I have to contest, it is amazing.  If you are looking for an album that can incite a circle pit from start to finish this is the CD for you.  Full of energy and raw power I have to admit that this was a surprise of a listen for me and I can not believe I did not give it a chance earlier.

Proving that hard work pays off, the band almost could not afford to record demos to offer to Fat Wreck Chords’ owner Fat Mike.  Formed in 2005 the band started for the sake of fun and not trying to make money.  The band got together to make music for themselves and any good punk rock loving patron out there.  Once they obtained a local following thanks to opening for some bigger named punk bands the band threw what money they had toward a studio to record Suiticide and before they knew it they were selling mad amounts of the CD as well as finding themselves opening for NOFX, a band they blame for detouring their path in life.

In fact drummer Colin Walsh had this to say about the effect of the iconic member of the punk rock band NOFX and his independent label:

“Fat Mike ruined me and my brother’s lives.  If it wasn’t for Fat Wreck Chords, I’d probably be working a steady job, but because of those bastards this is my life and there’s no way I could ever quit or stop. None of us could and that’s the thing—the five of us are so plugged into each other that we’re really best friends and that’s why we’re so dedicated to making this work.”

After opening for NOFX numerous times Fat Mike soon signed the band to Fat Wreck Chords after the band opened for NOFX numerous times.  The CD was re-released but hardly modified as Fat Mike was so impressed with the overall sound.  With a melodic mix of energy, metal riffs, and 90’s SoCal punk style, it’s no wonder Fat Mike signed these guys.

In fact the moment I heard the opening track “Institution” I was blown away with it and can see why everyone has been taking such a likening to them.  Fast, punk, and energetic, this song has it all to capture any punk rock loving fan’s attention.  Following was “Light The Torch”, a song that sounded like a younger Offspring from their years with Nitro Records if not better.

“Against Me” has nothing to do with the other one time Fat Wreck Chord label mate and is way more heavier sounding than Tom Gabel and crew create.  The song is thrashy at times and really has a strong Death By Stereo sound.  Sick guitar solos, intense vocals, and enough energy to make one jump around swinging fists about.

“Resignation” was a killer track and very technical at that.  I loved the guitar playing and just the signing, rather screaming demands throughout the track.  “Bad Luck Drunk” emulated everything I love about 90’s thrash punk rock and hinted heavy on Guttermouth with a song about the love of cracking open cold ones.

Starting off a little rasta and detonating into a full fetched riot was “Zion”, a track that stood out over the others with a sick catchy sound, fun guitar playing, and left me wanting more once the track came to an end.

Honestly after the album ended I had to play it again because I was just digging their style so much.  In fact I have listened to Suiticide at least ten times and plan on listening to it a few more times before moving on to something else.  I have not been addicted to an entire album like this for quite some time.

I can keep talking about this CD or you can go drop $8.00 on it and see for yourself on what good punk rock sounds like.  Suiticide is full of what punk rock used to be about, not caring, having a good time, and not giving a crap about what others think.  I can not wait until these guys tour over in my neck of the woods.  I can guarantee you I will be in attendance.

DOWNLOAD THIS! – Pour Habit – “Institution”

Music Video / Interview w/ Pour Habit (lots o cussing…):

00's, Music, Music Video, Pop, Review

Lights – Lights – CD/EP Review

Leave a comment

The heavy on the synthesizer pop act Lights, also known as Valerie Poxleitner, has been getting a lot of hype for not even having a full length release out yet. It could be solely from her beauty seeing as she is capable of turning one or two hundred heads, but in all honesty this girl is more than just a looker. She is a musician and has the voice to prove it.

The Canadian born singer actually wrote her first song when she was only eleven years old. At twenty-two Valerie Poxleitner was discovered when she casted to be a model for corporate giant bastards Wal-Mart. The modeling supervisor asked if she was a musician while looking at a picture of the hopeful model holding a guitar. Without hesitation she began to sing for them and the rest is pretty much history.

Her songs were first featured in Old Navy commercials and before long, Lights was playing the Facebook party at the 2009 SXSW, appearing on Canada’s MuchMusic, and even playing live for MTV. After grabbing a Juno award for being the best artist of 2009 she jumped on board for a summer tour with the Van’s Warped Tour. All of this happened within a four year period and Lights is still going. With plans on releasing a full length album this September and also acting as a supporting artist for a Fall Keane tour, Lights certainly as a lot on her plate.

So what is the hype about Lights you ask? Trust me I was asking myself the same question. While at the Warped Tour this summer I missed out on seeing this Lights act everyone was talking about. I read the schedule wrong and completely missed her set. Finally I have obtained a copy of her EP and I must say it was an interesting listen.

Opener “Ice” reminded me of all the cheap pop acts out there I just never cared for. You know, the one time Mousekateers that grew up to be pop stars that have everyone else do the work for them while they look pretty. I had to keep reminding myself that this was an honest musician. This song aside from the poppiness was catchy and I loved the Vanilla Ice throw in.

“Drive My Soul” was down shifted a few gears from the opening track as was “February Air”. At times I though of Gwen Stefani when she ditched No Doubt to go solo. The one song I actually enjoyed was “I Owe You One”, a thank you song for someone special. I think if Ben Gibbard did some back-up vocals on this track it would have been awesome. I guess it’s me, but I feel the song was very reminiscent of The Postal Service.

Think of a modern day Cyndi Lauper, Tiffany, or Debbie Gibson with keyboards galore and that pretty much sums up Lights. Honestly while listening to the EP I kept hoping for Lights to break into “Goonies Are Good Enough” cover. All I could image was 80’s style throughout the six songs. It was just too much for me.

Björk may be Lights’ most major influence but there is not any egg laying on the red carpet crazy experimental anything going on in this EP. It is straight forward syth-pop music for all the pop fans out there and not for me.

Lights certainly has an amazing voice, and the looks as well. I think it is just the music that backs her vocals that turned me off from most of the tracks. I think with a full band backing her she would sound amazing in my ears and others for that matter. With her full length debut The Listening dropping in a little over a month I can honestly say I am curious to see what is to come.

“Drive My Soul” video:

Music, Pop, Punk, Review, Vinyl

The Sidekicks – SAM – 7″ Review

Leave a comment

I just found my new favorite hometown punk rock band thanks to a friend who literally left me their four song 7″ SAM in my door on Monday. I still have yet to hear their full release but I can tell you that from the four songs I heard I was turned to an instant fan.

The band is called The Sidekicks and they hail from all three major Ohio cities according to their MySpace page.  Recently just playing Berea Fest IV the band has a pretty big east coast tour lined up in front of them where they will finish off in NYC but only to hit the road again at the end of October to play the Gainsville, FL Fest 8.

The 7″ was actually a tie me over until their full length So Long, Soggy Dog was released and just gives you a small taste of how great this band is.  Heavy pop punk with hints towards acts like The Falcon, The Lawrence Arms, Gaslight Anthem, The Get Up Kids, even O Pioneers!!! This band has some serious potential at making a name for themselves with their upbeat punk as well as a matured indie rock feel.

I did not know what to expect when I spun this 7″  and “Hop On A Sea Cow & Manatee Up” played, but I can tell you I was moderately shocked at how solid sounding it was.  The band has some serious talent and this song alone won me over.  The first band that came to mind if someone asked me what this song sounded like easily would be Millencolin.

“Bryant Gregst (gets nervous)” honestly had more so an indie rock feel to it but that did not discourage me one bit.  The singing alone was so charismatic and inviting I had to give it another listen just to enjoy it some more. “The Island” again was more so an indie rock jam but it was so good especially at the climax of the song where lead singer just explodes vocally.

For a mere four bucks this 7″ can be yours too by heading over to Woah Oh Records, or if you prefer you can download it from iTunes as well.  If you want to take it a step further head over to Vinyl Collective and put in and order their full length So Long, Soggy Dog.

If you are a fan of punk rock you really need to at least check these guys out.  From what I hear their live shows are not to be missed and now that I know of their existence I will make a huge effort to hit one of their shows.

I’m not sure how much longer a band like The Sidekicks will be and underground punk band seeing as they have the skills to play with the big boys.  I can only imagine the crowd at Fest 8 when The Sidekicks introduce themselves to all the punk rock loving fans.  I am sure the outcome of their set will be amazing.

Just do me a favor guys, don’t forget about Cleveland.

The Sidekicks – Hop On a Sea Cow & Manatee Up from If You Make It on Vimeo.