Lands and People - “Everyday” Live at Metro Gallery
I have been meaning to post about these guys since I first heard them on Gluttony Is The New Black and then geeked during CMJ to Jimmy (who also runs the awesome Head Underwater) about my love for them.
“Everyday” is a live recording taken during their show at the Metro Gallery in Baltimore. Listening to it makes me want to drive down to Baltimore and catch a show or harass them enough until they just give up and come to NYC. You can listen to the three track live set from Metro Gallery below. And Jimmy just tweeted me this little goody bag of songs from a Mobtown Studios Microshow session that you can listen to and download here.
Peanut Butter Lovesicle - A Night of Rock & Roll, Whiskey and PBR
It’s too cold to be outside tonight and the Bedford L stop seems a lot further away from Grand St. than I last remember.Although I have on my heaviest jacket, a shearling beast that I purchased in Argentina some time ago, I can still feel the below freezing temperature creeping through, but I’m convinced it’s worth it.I’ve watched this band grow over time. They were always good, but there’s nothing like seeing one of your favorites become great, and that’s why I’m braving the cold on this February night.
Trash Bar is warm and the PBR is free, so I’ve automatically forgiven them for playing on such a horrid evening.The band, PBL is setting up.For those of you who don’t know what PBR stands for, you’re stupid.However, for those of you that don’t know what PBL stands for, I will cut you some slack because they are relatively new on the Brooklyn music circuit.PBL officially stands for Peanut Butter Lovesicle, and yes there is a relatively interesting story behind the name because let’s face it, that’s just not one you draw from thin air.
The band stands as three, the D’Arc brothers Jake and Mike who play guitar and bass respectively and their tall blond dreadlocked cousin, Timmy Miller on drums.To complete the family affair Jake and Mikes’ sister Jamie manages the group.Their musical style identifies with straight rock and roll mixed in with that Junior Kimbrough/ Black Keys southern blues rock influence, then add a bit of classic 60’s sounding guitar inspiration and you may start to get the gist.When speaking later, we all agree that their sound is refreshing change from that has been typically found in the Brooklyn music scene recently.
Watching these guys play you can see that they are true musicians, ridiculously in sync with an obvious understanding of their instruments.It just looks easy and natural.The wild, heavy and raw guitar riffs speak for themselves.They put on a great live show and play off each other’s energy.
Mike, the man responsible for most of the vocals although the writing is shared equally among the three, coolly taps his bass, ray bans on, leaning in every few minutes to bellow out some lyrics. He rolls back on his heels and keeps the impressive bass line flowing smoothly forward through the set.
Timmy does more than keep the beat in the background. With his blond dreads thrashing, his animalistic style definitely does not unnoticed (they call him the Puma). He dwarfs the drum set, occasionally leaning in to sing backing and lead vocals.
The eldest brother, Jake, takes on some extraordinary solos. In true rock and roll fashion, he gets down on one knee, then two, hunched over and ripping the guitar, turning it upside down and giving it a good shake all while producing a terrific sound.
By far my favorite song of theirs is “Hiroshima” and if you’re itching to see someone truly shred then this is the one to catch.The raw break down at the end will blow your mind.
When the set is over we sit down to speak a bit about the band.There is a plethora of beer glasses already accumulated on the table so we add a few shots of whiskey just for good measure.Starting out, we speak about the band dynamic.Jake and Mike look at each other and then at Timmy who is sitting next to me in the booth and laugh.“Well, we’re not sure if we’re actually gonna let Tim in the band.We’re thinking about doing a West Coast tour and recording out there so we may have to bring him.”Timmy plays along, “Yah, it’s like one of those relationships where you want to take it to the next level but the other person doesn’t want to.”As a side note these guys have been playing together since before their teen years to anyone who would listen at their family’s summer spot in Ocean City, NJ.
“So where did the name “Peanut Butter Lovesicle” come from?” I ask.They tell me that on the menu of an Ocean City pizza joint is a pizza the boys concocted and named Peanut Butter Lovesicle, PBL for short.It is described as, “A musicians dream (nice and spicy) Pepperoni and Hot Peppers.” I’m still not sure if the name fits the description, but at least it’s an explanation.What else would you expect from a group that was just named, “New Band to Burn One To” by Heavy Planet Stoner Blog.
I ask them what prompted the move to Brooklyn and what they feel are the major differences between the two spots.Jake quips, “Well there is just so many people in Ocean City especially in the winter.”They agree on the obvious, that there is way more opportunity here.They mention that there have been a few key people who have really pushed them to make the move and go after this seriously.
When I continue to ask about living in Brooklyn Timmy looks at me and asks if he can go get a beer because he doesn’t live in Brooklyn.He’s still a student at the University of Rhode Island, studying Geology.The brothers heckle and boo him saying, “God, you’re so unprofessional” laughing the whole time.I tell him to grab me a beer while he’s up.
We talk about their favorite venue to play in the area and they quickly respond saying, “Cameo Gallery in the back of the Lovin Cup is an easy favorite.”They can often be found grabbing eats and drinks at that spot.They feel akin to it not only because it’s a great venue but also due to love and support shown to artists there.They aren’t the first band to tell me that either. We speak more about their direct influences.Jake makes it a point to say that they have very different styles when it comes to the influences of their own instruments.He then references the “George Mikan Drill” saying, “we are more influenced by the rhythmic syncopation.”A day or two later Mike texts me to tell me he is also a big fan of the Avett Brothers and we have a quick text sesh about which is his favorite album.
It’s pretty loud at Trash Bar and I know it will be tough to hear the recorded interview so we wrap it up by talking about their future plans.They are adamant about planning a trip to London and last summer they went to L.A, and recorded some new stuff for a possible EP but nothing is set in stone yet.
I announce that the interview is officially over. We all cheers and celebrate with another round of whiskey shots.All of their supporters, mostly family and close friends from Ocean City and childhood come over to join in the festivities.
Can we talk about how good this album is? It’s real real good! I’ve written about Screaming Females before. I literally remember dropping what I was doing to go write a post when I first heard Marissa P. shredding and howling. These are some seriously heavy guitar riffs, not to be messed with.
It beats the hell out of me why I neglected to discuss how fantastic their newest LP, Castle Talk is. You can tell that these musicians are products of early 90’s metal and grunge. It makes me nostalgic and I’m happy to hear some of that influence. As much as I love indie rock pop and shoe gaze it’s nice to hear a band that’s in your face with a heavier more aggressive style. Getting that blood pumping. However, don’t get lost in the instrumental there are some very clever lyrics in there too. If you pick this album up, pay attention to the chorus of “Sheep”.
It was hard to choose one track to share with you, but I think the one above “Wild” was a strong choice. Other favorites off the album include, “I Don’t Mind It” which was previously released and “Normal.” You can catch them tonight with DOM and Yo La Tengo at Brooklyn Bowl MOG CMJ kickoff party FREE! Also, do yourself a favor and own their album here.
The White Stripes - Under the Great Northern Lights
As many of you must know by now we love all things Jack White from the White Stripes to the Raconteurs and of course The Dead Weather. As far as this Vagabond is concerned Jack White has proven over and over again that he can do no wrong.
We told you all that It Might Get Loud is not to be missed and we feel the same way about their new documentary, Under the Great Northern Lights. Above is a teaser for the documentary which come out today along with CD titled under the same name. The film documents all of the free shows the White Stripes played in Canada promoting Icky Thump as well as some more intimate and unique shows in cafes, bowling allies, YMCA’s and buses. You’ll also get a look at their daily life on tour and testimonials from fans. If you are a White Stripes fan or a Jack White fan this DVD and CD is a must. You can purchase them here.
Hip-hop meets some serious rock when this dynamic group from Ann Arbor, Michigan hits the stage. Hold on tight for foot stomping, guitar screaming, bass attacking, double lead singing wild performance.
Before the show even starts Belikos captures your attention with their diverse look. The drummer and the guitarists are always shirtless and with bodies like that the ladies in the audience are not protesting. The two lead singers couldn’t look more different and you can tell right off that they will have an interesting dynamic going on. Then there’s the bassist, who seems to be an unassuming character until he hits that first chord. I haven’t seen anyone looking so in love with their music in a long time. He’s definitely having the most fun up there.
In all honestly I can say this music isn’t my usual cup of tea. I have a severe crush in blues rock and experimental electric pop if you hadn’t noticed. Seeing Belikos live made them an exception to the rule. Especially when they get on stage with another one of my favorite local acts Hank and Cupcakes. I’ve seen them a few times and the audience is always dancing up a storm jaws on the ground stoked to hear something truly new and ear shattering in a good way of course.
The song above “TPE” is off their album, Vendetticate. It’s a perfect example of Belikos easily blending the genres of hip-hop and rock. I almost think this is what it would sound like if Outkast decided to go rock on their next album.Saying they have a unique sound is an understatement. To fully appreciate Belikos you must see them live. Catch next show is this Friday at Pianos.
If you’ve been following our posts then you already know how the Vagabonds feel about this band. I hear people saying their only fault is that they aren’t from Brooklyn because by now they would have blown up. Fuck that, they are way to raw for the bk hipsters and they are doing just fine for themselves. One of the best things about them is that they are from New Brunswick, NJ.
The band is comprised of three members Jarrett D. on drums, King Mike on Bass and Marissa P. shredding it on guitar and vocals. The first time I saw a video of them playing I was hooked they are rock and roll to the core and I can’t get enough. They also have a great blog complete with illustrations of their adventures on tour which you can find below along with their record label, Don Giovanni sampler that features three of their tracks free to download.
For those of you in the New York area you can catch them at the Don Giovanni showcase at The Bowery Ball Room, February 6th (also my day of birth). I’m sure it will be off the hook. A little birdie also told me that they will be playing at the Fire House in Northern Jersey for the next “Pantry Party” if so we will be there in force. Their song “Bell” is featured above. Other favorites include “Skull” and “I Do”. Check out the rest of their tracks on MySpace.
I’m supposed to be doing work work for my real job right now, but I just heard this track from Screaming Females good music combined with excessive A.D.D and the ability to work from home allows for major distractions especially when inspired by such bad ass music.
Today Flavorwire put them on the list of the most underrated bands of 2009 and I have to agree 100%. New York Magazine also gave them an awesome review which you can take a look at here. Their pint size front woman can absolutely shred and her voice ain’t to shabby either.
