Ben Alexander and Kevin Lucey start playing to a full house of people finishing up dinner and others sipping and slugging their first beer of the night. I can tell these guys are two separate acts who are supporting each other. They’re playing an easy-going folk style, kinda like a mellow Arlo Guthrie. Kevin is the more serious of the two—Ben sometimes goes for the easy laugh. They bring up Julie Alexander to do some singing (yep—she’s Ben’s sister) on “Baby I Love You” (should I be worried about incest?). The audience is extremely attentive, listening closely to the somber “Shady Grove” and “Train Bound for Heartache.” Sister Julie comes up again being followed by another Julie (Zook) on violin. The two Julies sing excellently together on a Latino number sung in Spanish—then the Zook Julie follows it up with another Spanish song—it’s like someone accidentally sat on the remote and switched us to the Spanish channel. The audience lavishes them with praise.

The last time I was up in Portsmouth I saw a radio station advertising in the local weekly listing their top ten and Peter Moore’s CD was number three. Despite that, the beer drinkers are growing louder. When Peter’s not playing in Count Zero, he does his solo thing on piano and bass drum. Peter is a superb musician and tonight he shows that he also knows his way around a crowd. He nonchalantly introduces himself—“Hi, I’m Peter. What’s your name?” and proceeds to run though tunes from his award-winning solo release, One Ride. I’m use to hearing the full arrangement production of songs like “I Know Someone Who Wants You,” Sister Sunshine” and “If Heaven Ever Knew,” so they come off pretty raw, counting more on Peter’s loose, yet superb, technical execution, than the lavish treatment they get in the studio. He throws in some newer and older songs, “Vacuum Cleaner” and “Here Comes Another Day.” The former is derived from Plato’s Republic, in which it’s believed we’re all living in a cage and that very few ever get out. The latter, written in 1987, although one of the most memorable of the night, is nothing like the band he was in at the time (Think Tree). “Shock of the New” displays Peter’s ability to play the roles of different characters in the same song. He ends with “The Romance” from One Ride, where he puts a tambourine on the floor to add that ever-needed snare hit on two and four. Ultimately, Peter Moore is worth driving over an hour for—One Ride is worth even more. (T Max)

THE CRASH KINGS
The Middle East Downstairs, Cambridge, MA
12/13/09

The Crash Kings feature brothers Tony and Mike Beliveau from Andover, MA who, not too long ago, moved to L.A. and have been creating a pretty big buzz in the music scene. Their song “It’s only Wednesday” just appeared in the movie Zombieland and even more recently, grunge-god, Chris Cornell joined them on stage to perform a version of Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs.” The music is upbeat and surprisingly dense for just a three piece. The beats are heavy enough to make John Bonham proud. The club is packed to the gills and the crowd loves every minute of it. While the Crash Kings play a style of high energy, metal-infused rock, the really neat thing is that they don’t have a guitar, even though it sounds as if Eddie Van Halen himself was onstage shredding away. Instead, Tony Beliveau does it all on an instrument called a clavinet, a keyboard instrument that has strings like a guitar braced by a metal arm that serves to bend the strings, much like a Floyd Rose or a whammy bar. Pretty cool. Its good to see when a couple of local boys do good. (Kier Byrnes)

PORT CHARLES QUINTET, KENNE HIGHLAND, COROLLA DEVILLE, THE VARMINTS
The Cantab, Cambridge, MA
11/21/09

I figured I was overdue for some local music, so I went to the Cantab for a Neon Nite show. Waiting for the first band, I recognized the Dawgs playing on the house system, and asked Mickey Bliss about it. Turns out it was an advance CD, but also he said Phil Haynen had passed away recently. Sorry to hear that.

Up first are the Varmints, whom I don’t get to see very often and always enjoy. Billy Borgioli and Fred Evicci aptly handle their Gibsons, Dan McCarthy slams the Ludwigs, and Josh Bloomer rocks on bass. They’re out of the gate with “Boston Cream,” “Talk Talk,” “Rosalita,” and old chestnuts “Open Season,” “Baby’s Off Her Rocker,” “Don’t Make Me Wait.” Very cool set.

Corolla DeVille has songs written by Phil Haynen (“Heartbeat” and the newer “Telephone”), that complement their own. Rock chicks Lisa Conolly, Betsy Sears, and Cindy Bugden sound more polished every time I see them. Their fill-in drummer, Poppy Seed (Psychedelic Relics), cruises through “Junkyard DeVille” and “Lady Kenmore.” They’re talkin’ about the North Shore (my neighborhood) in “Pink Triple Decker.” People are sayin’ Lisa’s vocals are impressive.

The third slot brings the latest version of Kenne Highland, and it’s starting to heat up in this little cellar. Early numbers include “Empty Heart” (old Stones), an old Creedence song, and then come some Kenne originals. Standouts include “She’s My Best Bette” and “She’s My Aquarian Angel.” He turns the mic over to Mo on guitar and Jo on tambourine (get it, MoJo working) for a few tunes, including “These Boots Were Made for Walkin’” and Big Brother’s “Piece of My Heart” before closing with a Dylan/Hendrix medley.

I decide to hang out for the last group, Port Charles Quintet, and I’m glad I do. I recognize Cam Ackland (ex-Prime Movers) and I’m happily surprised that he’s fronting this band with Dennis McCarthy on drum kit. Cam still sounds great and soon the floor is hopping with what cougars remain here. High-energy originals give way to a walloping version of the Remains’ “Why Do I Cry.” Also sprinkled in is “Government Center” by Jonathan Richman.

Hats off to Nancy Neon and Mickey Bliss for keeping the old school- style Boston rock shows going. I feel recharged as I hit the expressway north and head home. (Steve Martel)

KATE TAYLOR, THE DOUBLENECKS
Studio 99, Nashua, NH
1/10/11

From Georgetown, MA, I drive to Nashua, NH, via Cambridge, MA (to attend Asa Brebner’s art show opening at Passim) and poor planning lands me about 20 minutes late for Studio 99’s early starting time of 7:00. I stroll into a medium-size room with folding chairs covering two-thirds of the space; the other third is the stage area. On the stage side sit two guitarists, spread out about 10 feet apart, performing “Ashland,” a mellow Jeff Beck-like instrumental. There’s no singing here. On left is Jimmy Gaudette, playing his ’56 natural sunburst Gibson ES125 hollow body with F holes, and on the right is Mike Loce on a ’71 Les Paul Recording—a guitar that has as many switches and knobs as a cockpit. These guys are both above-excellent guitarist. They swing into “Red River Valley”—though they call it “Merrimack River Rock.” The show is a study in pure guitar sounds. They close the show with covers of Gordon Lightfoot’s “Sundown” and the Ventures’ “Walk Don’t Run.” I think I have to go home now and work on my guitar skills.

Okay, I decide to stay to see Kate Taylor, who also performs tonight as a duet with Billy Derby—another guitarist who puts me in awe of his playing. Kate plays an acoustic in most of her songs too, but, when she doesn’t, Billy has no fear in taking solos that leave wide-open space for you to feel the beat—not as easy as it sounds. Kate is a wonderful storyteller between songs—her daughter pleaded with her not to play “Don’t Break Two Hearts” before her wedding—the opening line is “Stop the wedding!” She learned about carny barking at the Martha’s Vineyard annual agricultural fair and found it a place full of romance to be had. The title of her latest CD is Fair Time, and she plays the title track. She and Billy do almost all their recording in Billy’s home studio in Bedford, NH. One highlight is their soul groovin’ version of Ike Turner’s “You’re Just a Fool”—made for a duet to sing. Kate tells a touching story before “Red Tail,” a song about her late husband, Charlie Witham, and the embodiment of his spirit in the red tail hawk, who would circle the sky during family occasions. With “Soap Opera Life” and “King of the Pond” the story telling is as much a part of the show as the musical performance. After the duet ends with “Auld Lang Syne,” Kate heads right into the small audience and chats with everyone individually. This was a very special night. (T Max)

CASPIAN, CONSTANTS, DOOMSTAR!, ANIMAL HOSPITAL
The Middle East, Cambridge, MA
12/30/09

This is my second trip to Radar Recordings’ Last Night on Earth show, this year being their seventh. These shows are always a who’s who of Boston’s experimental and instrumental scene, and I’ve got high expectations.

Animal Hospital, Kevin Micka’s one-man band, takes the stage. There’s about two thirds of a drum set in front of him as well as a folding table that’s buckling slightly from the weight of all the effects pedals and loop stations. A white sheet is hanging behind him, and a camera is pointed towards his rig of effects, providing a cool real-time video projected behind him. He grabs his guitar and blankets the crowd with layered textures and ethereal soundscapes, reminiscent of Brian Eno or Hammock. The crowd is having trouble getting into the ambient stuff. About halfway through his set he introduces more beats, and the crowd is starts to dig it. He loops drums and builds guitar harmonies on top, creating a wall of sound that is impressive for a one-man band. Animal Hospital seems to be more on the side of performance art, but it’s well done.

Doomstar! is a change of pace for sure. They’ve got a big sound for three guys, and their energy is huge. Surf-rock drums pound through every track and the bass thumps on every beat. The crowd really gets into it, even though the band is not what anyone expected. The vocals have lots of “woo-hoo’s” and “eh-oh’s,” and everyone in the club bobs their heads and smiles. Their sound is hard to put a finger on, something like a mix between the Hives and the Surfaris, maybe with some early REM. It’s original, whatever it is, and I like it a lot. Their energy is unwavering, and they break in the set only once to coordinate a shot or two. They’ve got a very genuine vibe to their music and performance. They seem out of place on the bill at first, but by the end of their set everyone seems glad they got to meet Doomstar!

Constants, the band in charge of Radar Recordings and the Last Night on Earth event, take the stage to big hometown applause. They’ve been whittled down to a three piece since their first album, but they’re still one of the louder bands in Boston. Their echoed guitar riffs are a good base for the songs, and their overall compositions are progressive without sounding arrogant. Will Benoit provides smoky vocals that seem to be just out of reach, almost in the back of the mix. Phil Jamieson from Caspian joins the trio on stage for a song, adding to the incredible volume. Did I mention it’s loud? At times, there are long instrumental breaks in their songs that develop into well-crafted grooves. They play with a good energy and seamlessly transition into complex time signatures without sounding awkward. They end their set with the thunderous “Passage” and have the whole crowd swaying and nodding their heads, this being their heaviest song of the night.

It’s almost midnight when Caspian packs onto the stage. With three guitarists, a bass player, and drums, Caspian seem to be the only band in Boston to top Constants’ volume. They start their set off huge, building up melodies and harmonies with their three guitars. Caspian is all-instrumental, but their songs don’t seem to have much room for vocals anyway. Their touring guitarist, Jonny Ashburn, steps onto the stage halfway through for a song. That’s four guitars, for those of you counting at home. They build up giant walls of sound, and knock them back down again with well-written interludes and touching melodies. As they play, it becomes more and more apparent that Caspian is no one trick pony and their songs are more than just gigantic crescendos. They end their set by looping harmonies on top of one another, and then putting away their guitars in exchange for snare drums. The song slowly fades out and finishes off with a five-man drum solo—it’s something to be seen for sure. (Alex Enman)

JJ & THEE CUBAN HEELS
Plough And Stars, Cambridge MA
12/23/09

Two days before Christmas and I’ve already got my present. Yep, it’s true—much like the universe itself, the Downbeat 5 are expanding! With Jenny Dee & the Deelinquents traipsing all around these days, it’s only fair there should be a JJ Rassler showcase–if only to maintain the delicate balance of time/ space/ reality. Thee Cuban Heels are JJ (gee-tar and vocals), Mike Yocco (bass and vocals), Jeff Norcross (drums) and Julian Hammond (second guitar and vocals). Essentially the current DB5 line-up, in other words. The sound however is something else—less a garage and R&B cross pollination and more a mixture of a wide range of styles: some soul-ish, some kinda jazz-ish, some country-ish and some beyond. My pre-show expectations were that this would be a vehicle showing off JJ’s spectacular rock ’n’ roll guitarsmanship, but instead it’s a vehicle showing off his musical versatility (what can’t he play?), and that’s a big surprise. Another surprise is that while his vocals are perfectly capable, he relinquishes half the lead vocal chores to Mike (who’s also fine here). There are plenty of originals (one being a slow and sultry version of DB5’s “Number One”) and plenty of amazing cover selections, too. As is evident with both DB5 and thee Cuban Heels, nobody picks covers better than JJ Rassler (okay, with the possible exception of Dave Edmunds). Tonight for sheer coolness we’ve got “Tell Him” (original by ’60s quasi-girl group the Exciters), and for pure obscurity we’ve got “Why Don’t You Love Me” (from Alice Cooper’s first band, the Spiders!). You can’t beat that! This is the band’s debut show, and it’s a great start (Frank Strom)

THE NORTH LOT
Copperfields, Boston, MA
12/5/09

It’s a cold wintry night with the first snow of the season. While some may choose to avoid the snow, a crowd of souls dares to make their way to Copperfields in Kenmore Square, heaving snowballs to and fro along the way in their quest to find pure rock ’n’ roll. Inside the room is warm, the beers are cold and the band is kickin’. Around the stage is a crew of dedicated fans of the North Lot dancing and having an awesome time. There are a few diehards that are even singing along with the lyrics. The music is a blend of soul, funk, punk and more, a complete amalgamation of all things rock. Accordingly, the band, like true professionals, delivers the up-tempo rhythms and crystal perfect harmonies with guileless ease. There are plenty of girls in the front that sure do look like they are appreciative. The melodies fade from the amplifiers after the band plays its last song with everybody eagerly looking forward to this group’s next performance. (Kier Byrnes)

THE STOMPERS, BIG CITY ROCKERS, 1-4-5, FOX PASS, FIREKING, PASTICHE, THE BITTERSWEETS International Pop Overthrow (day three)
Church, Boston, MA
11/20/09

This is the seventh year that David Bash has held his International Pop Overthrow festival in Boston. I moved here about 30 years too late, but the IPO gives me a taste of a great era for music in Boston. The openers, the Bittersweets, have returned to the stage after a fifteen-year hiatus.

As you can imagine, the meeting of the minds of Sal Baglio and Jon Macey, the main men of the Stompers and Fox Pass, yields shimmering pop with a dark underbelly. While I’ve been a long time fan of Macey’s songwriting, there’s something about working with Baglio that spurs Macey to new heights, both musically and lyrically. The portraits that they carve are finely chiseled. Their characters are deep thinkers and intense feelers who have been sucked dry by love or addiction. Speaking of addiction, “Louie Goes to the Rainforest In Search of God” is the most honest portrayal of heroin addiction you are likely to hear.

Pastiche appeared on my radar screen as early as 1976 with a cool pop-rock song, “Flash of the Moment.” Tonight, three original members—Ken Scales (vocals), Mr. Curt (guitar), and Ron Marrick (keyboards) are joined by Jim Clemens (drums), Billy Carl Mancini (guitar), and Glenn Williams (bass). Pastiche opens with the quirky pop perfection of “Psychoblonde” written by Marc Thor and Nola Rezzo. Wow! It’s been decades since those two have been blips on my radar. Just moments into the set, Scales proves himself to be a dynamic performer. As I watch Scales, Danny Elfman of Oingo Boingo comes to mind, but Scales comes off as just as dynamic, just as theatrical, but much more authentic. As the 1980 WBCN Rumble winner, Pastiche was very influential on local bands and the new wave scene as a whole. My ears prick up to try to discern the lyrics in the Scales/Hallen tune, “Terminal Barbershop” and the Curt Naihersey penned “Talk Show.”

When I see Anthony Kaczyski in the audience, I think that he looks like a writer and/or a film director. This doesn’t happen to me very often, but I’m thinking, “This is someone I should know!” When Fireking takes the stage, I notice that Anthony is the band’s singer/ guitarist. He has a Love (as in the Arthur Lee group) sticker on his guitar and I say to Blowfish (Boston Groupie News) “That can’t be a bad sign!” The presence of Fireking at IPO proves that the festival is not limited to pure pop bands because Fireking is a kickass, ballsy power trio. Kacynski and company are originally from Detroit and bring to mind the Stooges and MC5. The bass player, Drew, provides the necessary sensual throb. Smitty, the drummer, looks fantastic in his gigantic navy blue fez with its swaying tassle. These guys have a different feel from the other bands except 1-4-5 and the Varmints with whom they felt a kinship. I can not only imagine a Fireking/Varmints bill; I demand it!

It’s no secret that I’m a long time admirer of Fox Pass. I’ve seen them evolve from their hard rock phase in 1976 to their slick, variety show phase in 1977 to their return to their garage roots circa 1978. Back in the day, Jon Macey always wanted a bass player like Steve Gilligan. Drummer Tom Landers is a heavy hitter, a real team player that gives the band a new energy. Macey and Michael Roy teamed up in the early seventies to provide the band’s solid core. Tonight Fox Pass delivers a nice balance of tunes from their self-titled debut album and their upcoming Intemporel. “Fly Away From Me” is a poetic portrayal of unconditional love. Roy sings lead on “Front Page Girl,” a real rave-up. “Downtown Talk” is a fist-pumping anthem about addiction from Macey and Roy’s stint in Tom Dickie & the Desires. Check out Intemporel.

Blowfish gives me some background on 1-4-5, showing me some pix he took back in the day. It takes me awhile to realize that I’m familiar with singer, guitarist Paul Armstrong from the Syracuse power pop group, the Flashcues who had a cut on the Bomp compilation Waves. Ducky Carlisle, the drummer is a name I recognize as the producer from the studio, Room 9 From Outer Space. It was also a pleasant surprise to realize their bass player Dave is from the Riviera Playboys from Rochester, NY. I like how their MySpace page describes 1-4-5 as “no bullshit rock ‘n’ roll with hooks.” Billy Varmint comments on their strong driving beat and the cool sound that Armstrong is wringing out of his guitar. These guys are avid Heartbreakers’ fans and you can certainly hear that in their blasting guitar and machine gun drums. They play all their crowd pleasers including “Let’s Groove,” “Couldn’t Say No,” “Are You Ready,” and “Afterschool.” Can’t wait to see 1-4-5 again!

Big City Rockers feature original Atlantics members Tom Hauck and Fred Pineau. Blowfish enlightens me that BCR are dong Atlantics material exclusively and “note perfect” at that. Blowfish says that they succeed at recreating the Atlantics experience. Patrick Moyihan, the bass player who has impressed me with Two Saints and Tenafly Vipers, always brings the rawk!

The Stompers are up next and judging from the crowd’s reaction, the band’s appearance has been eagerly awaited. In the late ’70s/early ’80s when the new wave bands were donning skinny ties, Sal Baglio and company were laying down rootsy Americana rock ’n’ roll. The Stompers may get lumped in with the Bruce Springsteen/John Cougar camp, yet Baglio’s pop songwriting instincts have always been sharp. Baglio’s songs are well-crafted and melodic. Moreover his onstage demeanor is the same as offstage—warm, approachable, and real.When Baglio invites people onstage to sing along, the stage is filled with members of Pastiche, Bird Mancini, Fox Pass, Jetset, etc. The Stompers bring rock ’n’ roll to the party and they bring the party to rock ’n’ roll. (Nancy Neon)

THREE DAY THRESHOLD with JOE (Summer Villians)
Middle East Christmas Party
Middle East Downstairs, Cambridge, MA
12/14/09

Nabil and Joseph Sater prove once again to be the most generous club owners in the area, throwing a major party complete with food, drink, and entertainment for hundreds of invited guests. After I wash down a healthy portion of Middle Eastern cuisine, Three Day Threshold takes the stage with an extra member (Joe from Summer Villains). Lead singer Kier Byrnes adorns a Santa hat and is the perfect host asking the audience to give it up for Nabil and Joseph and the entire staff of the Middle East. Then the band proceeds to play an entire set of rootsy party songs from their holiday album—the highlight being “I Want a Zoo For Christmas”—a Sesame Street type song with all the sounds of the animals—sort of a modern day “Old MacDonald”—and I’m told there’s even an animated video of the song online! Live, the band has help with all those animal sounds from three of Santa’s sexiest helpers. These babes in red and white have the moves, the looks, the acting, and I could go on and on about them, but I need to focus on the band. Oh yeah, 3DT does one non-holiday song from their upcoming CD Straight Outta the Barrel—and that was “My Favorite Titty Bar”! That must be where Kier picked up these Santa Helpers—did I say they were sexy?! What a great way to get into the holiday spirit. (T Max)

DRAGO, OO7 HUNDRED CLUB, THE SPOILERS, THE DOLL EYES
Midway Café, Jamaica Plain, MA
11/20/09

Well, high fa lootin’, root beer shootin’, sarsaparilla through the nose spouting—I am indeed back, in resplendent, respectful Jamaica Plain at the plush very exclusive nightclub known as the Midway. Just flew in to catch this batch from Cali, jet setter that I am. Rotten Drunk is drumming for a new band, the Doll’s Eyes, and Sarah, (who’s 6’9” in her heels) bends down to give us big hugs, but jeepers creepers there’s a McGunk with the drunk and that’s an extra special added plus! They make some noise and it seems all right. Actually, the Irish/Punk influence of the McGunks is more attuned to early ’80s English punk in the Doll’s Eyes—at least that’s what Slimedog says. We both say it’s spiffy.

Next up are the Spoilers, Slimedog’s favorite, but he’s passed out vomiting on his knees in the men’s room stall, head passed out against the bowl while other patrons are pissing on him. So let’s just say he would’ve had a much better time seeing this band. They rock, they punk, they rule!

Then it’s this 007 Hundred Club band that is made up of secret spies or agents or something. They play noise like the other bands but actually sound like they’re playing the same song at the same time! This is something I believe all the bands should do. But really they are very tight and energetic and put on the best performance of the night. Meanwhile club owner Dangerous Dave is shooting plastic missiles at unsuspecting patrons and feeding them psychedelic mushrooms grilled outside. Is there no method to his madness?

Next a raffle happens and Rotten Drunk is wearing tie-dyed pants and Slimedog’s piss-encrusted face is pried from the toilet. Andy Slimedog is due back at the prostrate replacement plant—he works the night shift at so we must leave post haste. Catch a few tunes by Drago who meld hardcore, punk and what’s dripping from under the kitchen sink into a totally putrid decaying piece of cancerous flesh and somehow metamorphose it into a pleasing, delectable morsel for the palette. Ooh, what exquisite taste!

Hugs and kisses to all you wonderful punks holding up the morals and fiber or our great prostitution. You make me proud to be a former illegal alien. This was truly a life affirming musical experience tonight. I could only compare it to Andrea Bocelli’s Christmas album—high praise indeed! Slimedog with his vomit and piss-dripping face can only nod in total agreement, too. Good doggie! (Mrs. Slimedog)

ESTRANGE, ROCKET ROCKET, THE LIZ BORDEN BAND, THE IZA
Inevitable Zombie Apocolypse
Copperfield’s, Boston, MA 12/4/09

Cool. Cool. Cool. Just a block out of Kenmore Square, this semi-known hotspot hosts Dark Sky Productions’ great night featuring three newer bands and the iconic intensity of Liz Borden’s latest project. Estranged play original alternative rock and do crafty covers of Scorpions and Foo Fighters songs: followed by Rocket Rocket, a grunge band in the vein of Stone Temple Pilots and Soundgarden. They do covers of “Psycho Killer” and an artsy Doors’ song that are powerful—they set the crowd up for local legend Liz Borden. By this time, the club has a nice crowd and when long time scenester sisters Karen and Nancy Greene settle in, everyone is ready to rock ’n’ roll. The band does songs from their current CD, Beautiful, and also includes tunes scheduled for their next CD, due out in March. The song “Bang Bang” has all of what you’d expect from one of Liz’s songs: a great, memorable hook sung in her best sincere (insincere?) vocals. The band also does a great and timely version of Creedence’s anti-war anthem “Who’ll Will Stop the Rain?” that goes over well with the audience. And last, the IZA closes the night with their fast-paced alternative rock/punk. Dark Sky’s owner Anderson Mar (former Skybar booker/Paul Green School of Rock G.M.) reminds me about the IZA: “They don’t do any covers, they just write songs about zombies.” A great club. A great night. A great show. (AJ Wachtel)

ATLAS SOUL, BULLETBREED, THE TURKEYS
Copperfield’s, Boston MA
12/12/09

Bulletbreed is my main reason for coming to Copperfield’s tonight, after weeks of e-mailing back and forth with them, so I’ve been looking forward to this for a long time.

Atlas Soul mixes North African and Middle Eastern tunes to the evening. Sax and trombone solos create some jazz, making a mix that the audience can’t help but groove to, and a few band members take a break to get the dancing under-way. These guys don’t just play for the audience, they engage them, a trait the separates the great musicians from the good ones. Lyrics aren’t required here—the music itself is enough, and once the set is over I make my way up to the stage to snag a CD.

This is a hell of a mix considering what’s next. Atlas Soul is flow and grace, where Bulletbreed, the new heavy metal venture from members of Never Enough Bullets and the New Breed, is the musical juggernaut of the night. They draw in the crowd as much as Atlas Soul did, but for a very different reason. For bands like this I have to get right up to the stage, earplugs firmly in place, because I know I’ll be deaf by dawn if I don’t. They blast the audience, then take things down a rung with some more mellow tunes, the go right back to the blasting. These guys are currently in the studio working on their new album, and you can bet I’ll be one of the first to get it.

The Turkeys... hell, I don’t know what these guys are, but they end the show on a great note. From the faded Ouija board used as a set decoration to the old rotary phone reborn as a microphone, these guys are a whole ’nother bird. The pace of this six-piece rock band is fast, the lyrics angry, but I don’t get any real malice from the Turkeys, more of a sarcastic mocking of the world as we know it. The crowd is thinning out at this point, but those remaining get right up to the stage. Vocalist Flagg asks the crowd to help name the songs during the set, while Wes Brooks does “all sorts of crap,” rocking the flute, trumpet, and saxophone. The music’s great and even better, the band sounds like they’ve gone clear around the bend. I like it. (Max Bowen)

CHANDLER TRAVIS PHILHARMONIC, TRIPPING LILY
Johnny D’s, Somerville, MA
11/19/09

Tripping Lily is an attractive four-piece acoustic folk group without a trace of jaded attitude. The Becrelis brothers, Demetrius and Alex, supply guitar, uke, mandolin, and vocals; Laird Boles moves the bottom around with his double bass, and the pretty Monica Rizzio adds charm, vocals, violin, and uke. The band sings lovely together—soft cool melodies and harmonies. The musical accompaniment is gentle. The band enjoys watching movies and sometimes writes songs during TV commercials. “I’m Sorry,” in melody, harmony, and arrangement, reminds me of the Roches in their serious mode. The band, using the gather-round-one-mic performance method is easy on the ears. Their songs have a fresh quality with unexpected rhythmic and melodic turns to keep me paying attention. They end with “Little Black Dress,” a bluegrass hopper with the intent to leave the audience on a high note, but their gentle songs come across stronger. They join arms and take a Beatlesque bow.

Time for the Chandler Travis Philharmonic—and I know to expect musical tomfoolery packaged in pajama robes and funny headwear. Chandler takes the stage in a white suit (!) and a tall grey hat. The scruffy bearded performer gently sings what could be a new Randy Newman tune (it’s not). He plays his guitar ever so easy, with keys and double bass sticking right with him. With each passing song, more musicians advance on the stage until the Philharmonic totals eight. These guys, who look like the tripping homeless, know how to play without stepping on Chandler’s gentle touch—a feat a lot tougher than they allow you to perceive. Chandler claims to be apolitical but uses Obama’s name in a song, because “it’s a good-sounding name.” “Ticky Don’t Do That” bounces with the catchiest of melodies. The three-piece horn section (the June Trailer Dancers) is especially amusing with each player acting out his own theatrical minor masterpiece. Ah, let’s not forget drummer Rikki Bates—now she may be the most curious character with a constant crazed smile that glares right through her drum set. Chandler changes into his more customary pajama robe (with aid from his singing valet) and does a little magical miming on the dance floor with his wizard’s wand. Then he changes to a gold glitter jacket with complimentary Egyptian gladiator Viking tribal headwear (I think he later told me it was an Hawaiian wedding crown)—it’s as if a little acid was slipped into Johnny D’s water tonight—mind you the band’s sound reflects these images at times. But to give the music a little more reasonable explanation—take one-half Randy Newman, one-quarter Ray Davies, one-quarter George Carlin and mix them into the Mardi Gras. But would that make you think of a solemn rendition of “Bring Back My Bonnie to Me”? There’s a lot of contradiction going on and a massive amount of variety. Chandler ends with “Good Bye,” allowing us to reflect on the strange mix of the whole evening. Oh wait, it’s not over—time to feature the keys in a rousing Broadway-type show stopper—and then another—one of my favorites—“How Do You Keep Your Hair So Fluffy?” that may sound as if Chandler is complimenting his wife—but it’s a song about his dog. Woo—two and a half hours just slipped by and it felt like a half-hour set—how many bands do you know that could pull that off? (T Max)

THE QUEERS, THE THROWAWAYS, THE CRETINS, THE KILLER ABS
T.T. the Bears, Cambridge MA
12/4/09

With a current plague of disbanding bands reaching critical proportions these days, it’s nice seeing Killer Abs soldiering on despite the loss of guitarist Michelle. Not every show is consistently “wow” (bands that pull that off are the exception, not the rule), but most of ’em are at least consistently “yee-haw.” Tonight the Abs are definitely on—probably drawing energy from the sizable audience, which is tailor-made receptive for their material. A punk-rock jukebox of covers, they’ve got a cherry-picked selection of the best material possible, guaranteed to be crowd-pleasing (they’re your perfect party band). Frontlady Killer Cara has vocals that are suitably professional, but at the same time have fan-just-having-fun qualities, which really make them appealing. Time for some original material, says I—they’re more than up for it.

Old local faves the Cretins continue on in that big tempo/big melody punk-rock stuff. I’m not 100 percent certain if they’d officially disbanded or not sometime along the way, so this could well be a comeback for them (and if not, then they haven’t played much lately). Looks like previous line-ups with Dilan on vocals and AJ (ex-Mission 120) on drums—not sure about the bassist, so apologies! They sound sharp, even playing my favorite from their catalogue—the tragic love lost tune “Strawberry Trees.” Good stuff.

Bit of confusion on my part regarding the next band—my ears heard “the Throwaways” and my brain translated it as “the Leftovers.” Duh. Definitely not the Leftovers! Coming to us from the cold rocky shores of Maine, the Throwaways remind, me a lot of one of the first modern era West Coast punk bands, Sweet Baby—fast and loud but also very chipper and jovial. Y’know, the sorta thing that makes those hardcore creeps say, “That’s not punk!” It is, of course, so fuck them.

Before the set, Joe Q fills me in on the deal: “This is our pop tour.” I am confused no end. This is punk rock—that’s pop-derived music! If it wasn’t, we’d have a shitload of skinheads and skateboarders on our hands. The Queers’ “pop” set includes practically everything you’d expect from their non-pop set (“Love Love Love,” “Granola Head,” “Noodlebrain,” etc) and caps off with a brief wimpy set of early hardcore material, which is of course as melodic a take on hardcore as you’ll ever hear. My issues are with terminology and the tired old punk vs. pop vs. hardcore dispute—no problems with the band or the set, which is one of the best sounding Queers sets in a long time. Everybody wins! (Frank Strom)

THE SEAMONSTERS
Precinct, Somerville, MA
12/13/09

If you plan to celebrate Sunday Funday right, there’s only one place to end up: Precinct in Union Square. Of course, Precinct is a great night any night of the week, with great food and great bands, but tonight is extra special, with the Seamonsters on stage, as they continue their ongoing Sunday night residency. Tonight Jesse Dee, another stellar frontman, is tag-teaming on vocalist duties alongside Christian McNeil. The lineup is a little different than the review I had written about this band in the last issue of The Noise, but equally as impressive. As the grooves are laid out, the crowd collects in front of the stage like moths drawn to a streetlamp. I too, find myself hypnotized by the rhythmic beats and the nasty jams. In no time at all, I find myself joining the sea of Sunday Funday Seamonster fans. There ain’t no better way to lose the Sunday blues when you party with the Seamonsters. (Kier Byrnes)

MRS. DANVERS
The Middle East Downstairs, Cambridge MA
12/12/09

It’s a Saturday night and in the dimly lit downstairs of the Middle East, fans are already piling in to see Mrs. Danvers. I am skeptical about the music a self-proclaimed lesbian band will bring to the stage—too many bands focus on what they are instead of their music—but by the end of their first song, the band has more than changed my mind. Mrs. Danvers’ strangely alluring frontwoman, Ann Driscoll, kicks off the set with the catchy and upbeat “Trophy Fuck” to cheers from the audience. Within seconds the 30 feet in front of the stage has turned into one big dancing mess. The five-piece band is comprised entirely of Berklee students, so you can rest assured that the music Mrs. Danvers is providing isn’t just pop-rock, but pop-rock with style. Throughout the set the band’s bassist, Dhyana, her sweet Mohawk, and her five-stringed friend lay down bass lines that lend each song decidedly funky undertones. In songs like “Wicked One,” Randi from Alaska completes the band’s sound with trumpet lines ranging from smooth and soulful to ska-like pump-ups. Mixing pop, rock, funk, catchy melodies, fun lyrics, and an all-around cool image, Mrs. Danvers plays a rocking show that ends all too fast. (Yon Dotan)

STILRIZE, FORCE THE FALLEN
Church, Boston, MA
11/24/09

I walk into Church and already a couple dozen people are there, though the show’s not for another hour. Travis Deprey, the business manager for Stilrize, greets me and tells me to expect around 250 people. 250 people! Unless he has knowledge of bending space and time (or at least the fire codes), I don’t see that happening. As showtime approaches, however, I see I wasn’t lied to.

From the T-shirts and general attitude, it’s clear the crowd isn’t there for the first act, Force the Fallen. They show some love, though, and the band shows some back, joking that their song “Steamy Nights,” is about their encounters with Stilrize. They’ve got good energy, and I can’t help but laugh when lead singer Roger Hagopian jokes that the story behind the song “I Deserve Better” is about his cat.

Stilrize takes the stage and the crowd loses it. Fists and hands fill the air, and cameras flash so brightly I wonder which is going to go first—my ears or my eyes. Eh, screw it, as long as I can hear I’m set. Lead singer Andrew Deprey’s emotion rolls off every word during songs like “Lonely Water,” and brothers Dan and Sean Timmins’ accompaniment on the bass and guitar, keep the crowd pumped, while drummer Mike Ciera knocks me back 10 feet as he slams the drums. The crowd is so packed I can’t get anywhere near the stage. As the set ends, the crowd refuses to let the band leave, and Stilrize treats them to a new song finished the previous day. Like they say, timing is everything. (Max Bowen)