What’s Up Jersey: An Intimate Show w/ Frank Iero and the Cellabration

Forget the dazzling lights, the huge, deafening amps, and the ever-expanding arena fields. Today we are at the Crossroads in Garwood, New Jersey. This live venue offers nothing overtly majestic, and yet it does provide the setting for majestic performances: the space is small, yet cozy, dimly-lit, and yet inspiring. Active since 1996, the Crossroads has become a landmark for live music in NJ, and on May 1st it hosted two intimate, stripped-down performances by ex-My Chemical Romance guitarist Frank Iero, now touring under the pseudonym, frnkiero andthe cellabration.

frnkiero andthe cellabration (Frank Iero, Evan Nestor, Matt Olsson) live at the Crossroads, Garwood, NJ on May 1st, 2016 (Giulia Caparrelli ©)

Both shows had sold out in a few minutes after their announcement. On May 1st, on a heavily rainy Sunday, devoted fans invaded the parking lot of the Crossroads, lining up since early morning – the bravest ones had been camping outside for two days! Despite the bleakness of the weather, the atmosphere was serene: people introducing each other, exchanging past concert experiences, singing their heroes’ anthems, or drawing illustrations as gifts to later shower Iero with.

Around 1pm the tension rose dramatically as the doors finally opened. It took little time to fill up the venue. Fans gathered around the tiny stage, which actually looked like an intimate living room, furnished with a small table and an abat-jour. It felt like being home, and the performances really benefited from this familiar vibe.

Geoff Rickly, Iero’s old friend and frontman of successful post-hardcore band Thursday, first took the stage for a solo acoustic performance. The overall atmosphere was extremely casual, yet raw and authentic. He alternated music – both from Thursday’s past hits and his more recent solo mixtapes – with impromptu talk, addressing the audience. His vocals, foregrounded by the lack of extensive instrumentation, were impressive, rich in texture and emotion.

After an additional, nerve-wracking break, Iero finally made his way up on stage almost as casually as Rickly: he was followed by his family – his three kids and wife, Jamia Nestor. He was serenely drinking a cup of tea from a colorful mug with a fat cat stamped on. The audience went crazy.

Geoff Rickly at the Crossroads, Garwood, NJ on May 1st, 2016 (Giulia Caparrelli ©)

Iero greeted his fans with warm affection, and then introduced his accompanying musicians, Evan Nestor, the lead guitarist, and Matt Olsson, the drummer. It was just a big family reunion. Right from the start Iero pointed out he would rather watch people in the eyes than staring at blank smartphone screens. The audience fully agreed. The show turned into an honest, joyous sharing experience, filled with music – both original songs from Iero’s debut studio album, “Stomachaches”, and covers – and spontaneous Q&As with the fans. The questions ranged from “What do you think of this band?” to “Do you feel the Bern?”. The kind of talk you would have among good, old friends.

Turning to the music, the acoustic sound really gave new life to Iero’s songs: the vocals were more limpid, the harmonies with Nestor highlighted, the overall vibe engaging, and yet it retained the punk, angsty attitude of “Stomachaches”. One of the highlights: Iero’s energetic rendition of “25 Minutes To Go” by Jimmy Cash.

Frank Iero signing autographs after the show (Giulia Caparrelli ©)

Both shows lasted approximately 2 hours, and spanned from 2 till 10 pm. It was an all-day, music-enjoyment party. It is remarkable to note that, after each set, Iero took the time and patience to greet, talk to, and sign autographs for every single fan. He gave away his best smiles and hugs, and people truly appreciated his kindness. (Kudos to the Crossroads staff for the smart handling of the crowd!)
Dazzling lights, huge, deafening amps, and ever-extending arena fields weren’t really needed to make and experience true, astounding music. Frank Iero and his friends proved how much simplicity and good heart pay off.

(*STAY TUNED: frnkiero andthe cellabration just announced they’re going to start recording new music within the next few weeks!)

 

Music On The Edge: Lee Ranaldo and Dither

When it comes to experimental music, there is a very thin line between noise and sound.

The real distinction between top and average artists lies exactly in their ability to play on the edge of such a line, neither pushing it too far nor lingering in the comfort, predictable zone. On March 2nd, 2016, Sonic Youth founding member Lee Ranaldo and Brooklyn electric guitar quarter Dither showed us how it’s done: they managed to keep the balance and give an impressive, avant-gardist performance at the Ecstatic Music Festival hosted by the Kaufman Music Center in New York.

The Ecstatic Music Festival, defined as “a kind of heaven for show-goers in search of the ever-elusive, one-of-a-kind live music experience” by The Village Voice, is now running its sixth edition, and is currently taking place at the Merkin Concert Hall, a venue renowned for its cutting-edge programming.

The performance was held in an elegant, yet cozy auditorium; the pre-show atmosphere was relaxed, yet quite formal, more resembling a theater than a wild concert location; the audience mostly consisted of couples going out for an alternative date, nostalgic middle-aged Sonic Youth fans, and hard-to-please peop
e simply looking for something new to be impressed with. (They were not disappointed).

Dither opened up the show. Resembling a string quartet, the four electric guitarists positioned on stage, and allowed no space for small talk: music began and it soon filled the entire venue – the acoustic was so refined that allow
ed for a 360° sensorial experience. They performed four songs, each composed by a different member, each retaining a peculiar feel, which ranged from Tibetan melodies, to more aggressive rock-ish rhythms or experimental classical sonatas. Drones, distorted notes, audio feedbacks, and white noises hit the audience; yet, among those seemingly chaotic and dissonant sonic textures you could definitely discern intelligent and amusing patterns. Indeed, they played extensively with dynamics, and based their music on suspended atmospheres, unexpected twists, engaging crescendos, and built-up, overlapping layers: it really felt like the sounds were just enfolding and evolving before your eyes. The result was a psychedelic, aerial trip.

Lee Ranaldo, Dither and Brian Chase (David Andrako)

Lee Ranaldo soon joined them on stage, and you could tell that a perceivable sense of anticipation arose in the audience. With the accompaniment of drummer Brian Chase, they performed three songs – the “Hurricane Trancriptions”, based on field recordings made by Ranaldo in New York during Hurricane Sandy in 2012, were the most striking – at such an intensity that you could easily mistake them for a full orchestra. Though, at one point, they really became one as Ranaldo turned himself into a conductor.

The show ended on a more pop, easy-listening note with new Ranaldo’s song, “Thrown Over The Wall”, which offered the audience some catchy hooks to sing along while going home. And yet, the overall purpose of the night was another: to create something new, challenge mainstream taste, and intrepidly walk on the edge of music.

As The Italians Do: “Be Forest” Got The Coolest Shoegaze Sound

Ever wondered what the Italian shoegaze scene sounded like? “Be Forest” got the perfect answer!

Be Forest | (image source)

Heading from Central Italy, precisely from the seaside town of Pesaro, “Be Forest” is a young, talented trio with a strong female presence: Costanza Delle Rose and Erica Terenzi are the two vocalists; they also play the bass and the drums, respectively; Nicola Lampredi is the lead guitarist. They have been playing together since 2009, and received significant international recognition, both in Europe and the US (WWNBB).

To be honest, when I first stumbled upon “Be Forest” I though they were anything but Italians. Their looks, attitude, and musicality instantly recall the British shoegaze and dream-pop scene of the 80s. Indeed, their genre ranges from the aforementioned shoegaze/dream-pop to dark-wave (introspective version of the new-wave) and post-punk. Moreover, their sound gets widely contaminated with rock, ambient, and electro atmospheres.

So far, “Be Forest” have released two full length albums, “Cold” (2011) and “Earthbeat” (2014), and two singles, “Hanged Man” and “I.O.” in 2012.

Their first record, “Cold”, has a much more darker vibe and rock-ish attitude: the sound strongly relies on electric guitar and distorted noises; the bass and the drums play a dominant part in the construction of the songs. The melodies are definitely haunting, yet at times may convey a subtle feeling of uneasiness. The tracks present large instrumental sections where the vocals delicately blend in and create hypnotic harmonies by overlapping one another.

Instead, their sophomore album,”Earthbeat” has a warmer feel.

“Be Forest’s melodies have always had a dreamy lightness as their striking feature, but now it is possible to feel a new warmth“(WWNBB).

“Earthbeat” contains embracing soundscapes relying more on acoustic guitar and pop-electro beats. The engaging guitar riffs of the previous album are retained, yet softened. The overall atmosphere is suspended and dreamlike. The new-wave and experimentalist influence is much more evident in this record, which presents more mature, developed, and varied sonorities.

Be Forest | © Flavia Eleonora Tullio (image source)

The band has just announced a new European tour that will kick off in January 2016, and will reach major cities in Germany, Luxembourg and France. Also, they will release a new single very soon, so stay tuned!

In the meantime, I will leave you with my personal recommendations for the week:

1. Totem

Embracing instrumental soundscape to indulge in during those winterly, rainy afternoons.

2. Dust

Dark, shadowy, rock-ish track with haunting vocals and guitar riffs. The result is magically ethereal.

3. Wild Brain

Hypnotic melodies and overlapping shoegaze sonorities will definitely make your brain go wild.

4. Captured Heart

Experimentalist track with new-wave influences, tribal percussions, and surreal vocals.

Feel free to share your impressions on “Be Forest” and the Italian alternative music scene. Whenever you are ready, press play and let the ethereal, dark, shoegaze journey begin.

Useful Links:

• Be Forest’s Official Website
• Facebook
• Record Label

 

 

Marble Sounds: Belgian Phenomenon Taking Over International Audiences (+ New Album on its Way)

After hitting million views on Youtube and gaining some recognition beyond its homeland’s borders, the Belgian-based indie-pop band, Marble Sounds, is ready to turn its audience into an international fan-base. Following the success of their two full-length albums, “Nice is Good” (2010) and “Dear Me, Look Up” (2013), Marble Sounds are about to finish mixing their new upcoming album, scheduled to be released on January 15th, 2016.

Marble Sounds Live |©Kmeron/Flickr

Marble Sounds was born as another creative outlet for the eclectic, Belgian scoring composer and musician, Pieter Van Dessel, also member of the electronic duo, Plastic Operator.

“I’ve always liked making guitar songs. I couldn’t put all my ideas in Plastic Operator. It’s hard to turn a melancholic waltz on a banjo into an electro-pop song. So  I created Marble Sounds,” Van Dessel reveals on Tomatrax.

Van Dessel recorded Marble Sounds’ first EP, “A Painting or a Spill” (2007) in Canada, all by himself. The EP contains 4 songs, and its delicate, melancholic, calming sound laid the foundations for the following albums – two of its songs, “Good Occasions” and “Redesign” are included in the next album, “Nice is Good”.

Marble Sounds – Nice is Good / @Eugene and Louise Studio

When Van Dessel came back to Belgium, he decided to set up a band, now including 5 members (voice, guitar/banjo/ukulele, bass, drums, and keys). In 2010, the newly formed group released “Nice is Good”, taking their music to a higher level. Their sound is more defined, mature, and consistent. Yet, it retains its pop-orientation, easy-listening feeling, and soothing feeling. Both folk and electro influences blend together with an indie-pop matrix, creating uplifting songs to accompany your travels, your readings, as well as and your afternoon’s naps.

Marble Sounds – Dear Me, Look Up / © Eugene and Louise Studio

In 2013, they release “Dear Me, Look Up”. Again, it is amazing how this band is capable of growing and experimenting with each new album: their intensity is greater, their sound stronger thanks to the prominence given to electric guitars and drums, their lyrics more poignant and reflective. Renowned BBC DJ, Steve Lamacq, praised Marble Sounds describing their new album as “so clean sounding but then again so sensitive and emotional at the same time”.
Given these promising premises, we cannot wait to hear what their new album, coming up in January 2016, will sound like.

In the meantime, I’ll leave you with my recommended songs for this week:

1. Come Here

This is a cover from the American, folk musician Kath Bloom. Marble Sounds’ version is gentle and super cheesy – Van Dessel recorded it for his wife on Valentine’s day (Tomatrax).

2. Good Occasions

Heavily instrumental with some delicate vocals blended into it. It’s genuine, raw music to lose track of time with.

3. No One Ever Gave Us The Right

First single taken out from Dear Me, Look Up. It’s an uplifting musical crescendo paired with inspiring, reflection-triggering lyrics.

4. Never Lost, Never Won

Engaging tune with a catchy chorus. It builds up toward a stronger, rawer ending with electric guitar and drums dominating the scene. The ending is majestic.

Feel free to share your thoughts on Marble Sounds, and stay tuned for their new album!

Follow their updates here:

• Marble Sounds’ Official Website 
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Youtube

Low Roar’s Soothing Tunes to Match your Autumn Mood

It’s that gloomy and yet fascinating time of the year when leaves keep falling all over the place, a windy weather finally takes over summer heat, and fireplaces start to warm every household. Now, picture yourself cuddling up in your comfy bed, over soft embracing blankets, with a cup of hot tea on your right, and a good pretentious book on your left. What’s missing? The appropriate soundtrack to welcome autumn season.

Let me introduce you to Low Roar’s melancholic and soothing sound, which will pleasantly accompany your mood in the transitioning atmosphere of the autumn.

Low Roar started as a solo venture. Ryan Karazija was the former singer of Audrye Sessions, an indie rock band based in Oakland and active from 2002 to 2010. When the band broke up, Ryan moved to Iceland and self-recorded his first album Low Roar, in 2011. A second album, 0, came out in 2014.

Low Roar/ © Saulius Baradinskas

Low Roar is the result of Ryan’s struggle to settle in a foreign country. While trying to adjust to the new climate, environment, and job market, he started recording Low Roar to both give voice to his concern and counter solitude. It was also a way to “support his family by writing a song each day” (All Music). The whole album, then, melodically expresses ideas of change, moving, and transitioning to a new life chapter.

Today, Low Roar counts 4 members: Ryan, Logi, Leifur, Andrew Scheps. They are signed to Tonequake Records, and are currently touring Europe.

Their melodies are capable of evoking dreamy, melancholic, blue feelings. Their rhythms are repetitive, yet embracing, as they gently carry you to another dimension. The suspended, ethereal atmosphere of Nordic environment seems to have largely influenced their sound.

Speaking of instruments, acoustic guitar’s arpeggios structure the whole songs; strings and keys contribute to the delicate background atmosphere; the harmonica gives certain songs a much more folksy rhythm; the addition of special, electronic effects enhances the timelessness of the music. Moreover, the voices play an important role in the making of the sound: Ryan’s leading voice has a monotone feel, yet manages to instantly capture your attention. It creates a catchy sonic pattern, and is softened by background, secondary chorus.

In Low Roar the instrumental part prevails on the voices, the overall mood is much more agitated and gloomy, the tone softer; 0 presents a stronger vibe, a more cheerful feeling, and more prevalent lyrics. Following a contemporary trend, 0 widely implemented electronic and synthetized effects.

Here are my recommended tunes for the week:

1. & 2. Patience; Give Up
Emotional, delicate, embracing music to get lost in your thoughts.

3. & 4. Easy you out; Nobody Loves me Like you do
Soothing tunes building up to a stronger ending: perfect to daydream and relax.

Feel free to always share your thoughts and impression about it.
Now, give these autumn-ish tunes a go, and spread the music!

Useful Links:

• Low Roar’s Website
• Facebook
• Youtube Channel
• Twitter
• Instagram

3 Useful Tips to Discover New Indie Music Online

Ever wondered how to discover new music without having to rely on your music-junkie friends who’ll just point out your ignorance, navigate the depths of YouTube before finding something really worth it, or waste time on those few MTV channels today only broadcasting the hits of the season?

Here are three useful, enjoyable ways that will enhance your musical journey and enlarge your songs collection with new artist discoveries.

1.  MusicRoamer: interactive, graphical appealing, user-friendly

MusicRoamer Logo/FB

MusicRoamer is one of the coolest websites I have recently stumbled upon. It is an interesting music search engine that, relying on a huge library of tunes, allows you to  potentially search for any musician you want: you look up an artist and it provides you with an interactive, graphical, floating list of similar artists (up to 20). The graph shows the relationship between different artists, and can continuously expand as you click on more and more results, and play with them to identify further similarities.

Although equivalent online tools exist, I prefer this one because it allows you to immediately listen to the songs on the website itself, without having to look them up elsewhere: it opens up an automatic sidebar on the right displaying a playlist with top tracks from the artist to be freely streamed. Additionally, you can also buy the songs and be redirected to iTunes.

2. Bandcamp: art promoter, indie supporter, music mediator.

Bandcamp Logo/ WikiCommons

Bandcamp’s mission is to promote artists and directly connect them to their fans. Thus, artists – mostly small, independent ones – can upload their music on the website and set a variable price or minimum donation to download their songs. Music streaming, however, is rigorously free.

As for music search, you have plenty of genres and sub genres to choose from, as well as numerous staff-picked artists and recent updates. It’s absolutely interactive, and foster both individual discovery and discussion among other music peers: you can create your profile, review artists, and collect your favorite tunes on your personal page. You can also follow other users and wander through their profile’s picks as in any other social network.

Bandcamp is on Facebook – where they post “Bandcamp Weeklys”,  unique music selections for each week –  Twitter, and Instagram.

They also have an inspiring blog with numerous suggestions on newly released records and fresh new artists.

3. 8Tracks: “Music-oriented social media”

8tracks Logo/Wiki Commons

An entertaining way to discover new artists and tunes is through playlists. 8tracks is a web platform containing innumerable playlists (containing at least 8 tracks) created by users to be freely shared, liked, commented on, and, of course, streamed. Users can also save an entire mix or single songs for future reference, or purchase them through iTunes. Indeed, it presents the typical social networks’ characteristics, and its founder, David Porter, defined it as a “Music-oriented social media”.

8tracks’ homepage consists of endless playlists to scroll down. Through the search engine you have the chance to look up either an artist, a specific genre, or even select and combine interactive “mood tags” such as instrumental, relax, fitness, happy… Its main focus is on instrumental and ambient songs.

 

When you’re listening to the playlists, the songs are revealed one at a time and you’re only allowed 3 skips. However, what is actually amazing about it is that it does not have ads interruptions, like major streaming tools like Spotify or Pandora.

It also has mobile phone apps for both iPhone and Android.

Lastly, as an additional piece of advice, I’d suggest you to read through music blogs, either the ones dedicated to the music genre you’re interested in or those focusing on a wider range of styles  – their author’s personal insights and reviews might trigger something in you, and make you discover your new favorite artist!

So, now that you have the tools – what are you waiting for to show it off to your music-junkie-bragger friends?