Under the radar: Farewell to Arms
With my wife away this past weekend, I had to find something to do Saturday night. A friend of mine, Joshua Landis, called me that afternoon to let me know he was playing at a bar like 15 minutes from my house (a microbrewery with a good stoudt called Destiny Brewing Company in Phoenixville, PA). So, it was a no brainer, I went to hang out with Josh, hear him play a few songs, and drink a few…
After Josh played a short opening set (he was supposed to play 45 minutes or something and they only gave him 20… bastards!), a band from Connecticut set up and began tearing into a 30 minute set that impressed me quite a bit. After a song or two, they introduced themselves as Farewell to Arms, then without delay tore into another song. Continues after the jump »
Under the Radar: Harris
In December, I wrote a piece on the top ten unsigned bands of 2005 and Harris rocked their way into the top 5 (#4 to be exact). The band has been on the steady rise to the top of their local scene and are undoubtedly going to hit the national scene hard in the coming months and years. Their live show is excellent and their sound is unique and powerful. Check their Myspace page for upcoming shows in a city, town, of village near you.
Last week I caught up with Mike, the lead singer and bassist. We got the chance to discuss indy rock, the Massachussetts sound, and Canada.
CF: Harris? What does the name mean?
Mike: We needed a name pronto to apply for a battle of the bands that we didn’t even make it into. Our original drummer wouldn’t share his middle name with us, so we stole his license. Turns out his middle name was “Harris”.
CF: Who are the musicians that comprise Harris?
Mike: Matt plays guitar, Jon plays guitar, I sing and play bass, Jim plays keys and sings, and Rob plays the drums. Continues after the jump »
Under the radar: Paper Tiger
Despite what you may think Paper Tiger is not simply a tool for taking off wall paper (although it is a great tool if trying to perform said task). The Philadelphia based rock outfit of the same name has been tearing it up in their short life as a band. I booked them twice, their 3rd and 5th shows respectively (I think), and they did a remarkable job each time. Packed houses of their friends and a great developing sound, Paper Tiger had it all. And they still do… I suspect they are better today than last I saw them and their cohesiveness and development will continue to improve. Paper Tiger is undoubtedly a band on their way to the top of the local scene and hopefully beyond.
Check out my interview with Keith and Chris, and try not to hold Keith’s obsession with Howard Stern against him, it’s not his fault he has bad taste:
CF: Who are you and what instrument do you play in Paper Tiger?
Keith: I am Keith Montgomery and I play the bass in Paper Tiger.
Chris: Chris, and I play lead guitar and backing vocals.
CF: Though I have seen and heard you, most of the readers here have not… describe your sound to those folks who have not yet been so blessed as to listen to you.
Keith: The best way I can describe it is loud, quiet, happy and sad. In all honesty though, I like to let the listener decide for themselves what we sound like. I don’t like to compare our band to other bands because I just end up stumped trying to think of who we sound like, which is a good thing.
Chris: Well, we have a very unique sound that is also quite palatable. I bring in a classic rock element, while Nick and Keith bringin a hard hitting sound. Then, Brad has his funk/classic rock/hip-hop influences. We have been described as having a “wall of sound”. Pop Music 101: The term “Wall of Sound” was originally coined in reference to the recording style of Phil Spector. Continues after the jump »
Under the Radar: Keyke
Keyke is a singer/songwriter in NYC, whom I just learned was born and lived the early part of her life in the Amish Country of this great home state of mine. Her live show is an experience who all who witness it, improvisational tunes about life, love, lust, and anything else beginning with an “L”… she has a shy awkwardness on stage that will win over anyone’s heart. Below is an AIM interview from earlier today that reveals just a little insight into this extraordinary girl who is willing and able to pour her heart out to anyone… once she gets through that stage fright. Enjoy:
pronouncedcake: I dunno, right now might be wierd because I’m sick and all silly feeling from drinking at an open mic
pronouncedcake: Is there such thing as a good time?
pronouncedcake: I mean for an interview,
pronouncedcake: Never ever did one before
pronouncedcake: Ha, did I fuck this up Justin?
Continues after the jump »
Under the radar: John Mallinen
When I first met John, he struck me as 2 things: 1. a musical GENIUS and 2. a dirty hippie from Colorado. Both of these perceptions proved to be true. He can play just about any instrument you put in front of him and many of them he can play very well. And, though you cannot quite tell from this picture, he is indeed a dirty, smelly, dreadlocked hippie… in addition, I have come to know that John is an idealistic guy who wants to change the world, not just through his music but through all of what he does. Continues after the jump »
Under the radar: Jeff Cloud
Jeff Cloud is not the member of any unsigned bands at the current moment, but his indy-rock cred is disgusting. Performing with Joy Electric, Starflyer 59, and his own project, Pony Express, no one can say he doesn’t know music. I personally own albums of all three of the aforementioned acts, yet what strikes me most about Jeff is NOT his performance ability, which is superb… it is his love and devotion to helping unknown bands and artists get their shot.
Jeff’s label, Velvet Blue Music has become, to me, one of the labels I can always trust to put out great music on nearly every release. Without further adieu, I present to you my interview with Mr. Jeff Cloud.
CF: What exactly is Velvet Blue Music and what is your vision?
Jeff: Small, 100% independent record label based in Huntington Beach, CA. My vision is / was to work with new and creative bands that were being ignored by the larger labels. We are on our 108th release right now, and I think we have stayed true to this vision. Continues after the jump »
Under the radar: Sprite Slowdown
Recently, Philadelphia based Nintendo-rock octet, Chromelodeon decided to create an alterego to release their arrangements of music from video game classics. To the average listener, one may think their original music was composed for video games in the first place, and whether or not this may be true, Chromelodeon came to a point where they decided their original music and their covers needed separate identities, this article focusing on their new creation Sprite Slowdown. My only concern in choosing them for an “Under the radar” piece was whether or not they were signed, because I knew they had recently done some work with local label, Bloodlink Records. They reassured me in choosing them:
We’re in a gray area. Still working with Bloodlink on the ongoing press we’re getting for albums through them, but we have no further agreements on projects. In fact, we just finished a new DIY album on our own we’ve very happy with…
We begin with a few questions for the band… Continues after the jump »
Under the radar: Straitlaced
Philadelphia based rock quartet, Straitlaced, is young and on the right track. Sure, they are a lot of bands that play punk-influenced emotion-laden rock, but most don’t do it as well. Straitlaced knows how to produce solid rhythm and catchy hooks, while setting themselves apart with their high level of professionalism. They’ve toured all over and played with some huge names in the process. Locally, they have gotten press from several Philly area magazines and have secured a solid fanbase ranging from teenage kids to accomplished musicians. With a tight sound and a solid direction, it’s no surprise.
With a solid sound, I was curious as to their greatest influences. “Carson Daly, Ashley Simpson, and Subway,” was their reply when I inquired, showing they don’t take themselves too seriously despite being serious about their music. I always find this refreshing, because being a serious musician shouldn’t mean that you don’t like to have fun… and many artists think in order to be taken seriously as a band, you have to present yourself as serious people. Straitlaced proves that a professional approach to music can be accompanied by a jovial and fun attitude about life. Continues after the jump »
Under the radar: Miss Argentina
In this, the first edition of a new weekly feature, I will be highlighting Philadelphia based sex-rock band Miss Argentina. What exactly do I mean by sex-rock? Simply, Miss Argentina is a rock band with a strong sexual presence, due in part to the sultry vocalist, Merecedes, and in part to tongue-in-cheek, innuendo laced lyrics. Their sound is throwback, retro rock ‘n’ roll with heavy influences from bands like The Who and The Kinks, as well as more modern influences like The Strokes. One could compare their sound and presence to Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Without further adieu, I present you, Miss Argentina:
[This interview was conducted online with Pete, Matt, and Mercedes, Blayer was busy trying to grow dreadlocks]
Justin from Crap Filter (CF): Previous to Miss A, what were you doing?
Matt: I was playing in a band called Run to Lynae which then changed to My Fallen America which then changed to Lemec (Blayer was playing in those as well).
Pete: Same as I’m doing presently sexually. A shit-load of
masturbation.
Mercedes: Mostly Van Halen, Tesla, and Air Supply covers. They were hot in the LBC at the time and, well, I had to make a buck Continues after the jump »
Under the radar
I recently put together a top 10 list entitled “Someone sign these guys”, in which the only criteria to be on the list (besides impressing me as a superb band) was that the bands/artist could not be signed by an major or independent label. I have received a positive response regarding the article and the bands and wanted to briefly follow up with our readers.
Due to the positive response, I will be starting a weekly feature entitled “Under the radar” in which I will highlight an unsigned act, probably beginning with many of the acts in the article. It will include a brief background/bio, hopefully some words from the act, and some upcoming shows where you may be able to check them out. If you are interested in being considered for the “Under the radar” column, you will need to contact me, Justin, at crapfilterpress@gmail.com and in the subject line of the email write “Under the Radar: [insert your name here]”. If chosen, you will be contacted.
Next week, we will feature the first edition of the column, “Under the Radar: Miss Argentina”. Later this week, a review will be posted of Greenwood’s new release, “The Hope Dialect”, and Peasant’s “Fear Not, Distant Lover”. Thanks for reading.
