A Vegas Marriage Self-Titled EP Review

A Vegas Marriage is a three band from Staten Island consisting of Matthew Pelli on vocals/bass, Justin Imperatrice on guitar, and Vincent Rizzo on drums. They recently released their self-titled EP on September 20.

A Vegas Marriage kicks open their EP with the pounding sounds of "Don't You Ever." I couldn't think of a more perfect way to start the album. The driving guitars, steady pulse, and the accompanying drum beat light a fire in the listener. The vocal performance of this track is reminiscent to Dave Grohl as far as style, and the way it is sung, more so at the end.

"The Outside," is more melodic all around. It is a good change of pace from the first track, but still has the same feel and root as the previous. Call me crazy, but there is something about this song that makes me think of a Western themed music video with saloons and everything. Maybe keep that in mind guys…

"Breakthrough" is the slow ballad of the EP. It has a very 90s STP, Pearl Jam type feel, especially vocally. The vocalist has a great voice, and this is a track that really helps him showcase it. The harmonies add superb layers, and the guitar solo over the bridge fits so well.Towards the end of the track the song picks up and the vocals get belted out; nice touch.

The next track, "Something to See," dives right back into the heavier rock elements of AVM. This is probably the most rocking song on the album, as the vocals are stretched and the guitars are crunchier. I enjoyed a lot of the background vocals in this song, "ah-ahs" were a good touch behind the singing.

"Freight Train" again brings out some of the twang from "The Outside," and feels like some sort of epic train chase, hence the name. It is hard not to imagine the scene of events playing out in your head as this song plays through. Again, just another solid song, with a little more classic rock sensibilities than the others.

To close off the EP is, "Presence." The song opens up with strummed acoustic guitar work with light airy vocals. The chanted background vocals work well for this song and add more depth and dynamic to the song. Mid way through the song, and out bursts the electric guitar over the acoustic. It is a perfect spot and well executed until the end.

I agree with the acoustic jam closing out the album because it stands out from the rest of the tracks. A lot of bands choose to go with the power and energy to close out an album, but "Presence" does exactly what it is called, creates a presence to send AVM out.

All in all this EP is great! I have not seen A Vegas Marriage in a few years, and this EP shows me exactly what I've been missing as well as how much they have grown. The band takes an already well established sound and manages to put their own twist to it.  One moment they sound like Jet, at other times they are as aggressive as the Foo Fighters, and the next minute they rock out like Queens of the Stone Age. 

The band's next two shows are at the Cup on December 6th, and the 21st at Scout Hall.

https://www.facebook.com/Avegasmarriage

Emergency Protocol Release Single 'Social Butterfly'

Emergency Protocol is a local Staten Island fusion band that blends many too many different styles to count! They recently released a single track called, "Social Butterfly."

The song changes up quite a bit from slow to fast, heavy and light, and even more technical. Musically the song is solid. The guitar solo at the end is great, and the airy almost haunting keys over certain points are fantastic.

The vocals go almost throughout the entire song, and have many parts to it between mostly two vocalists who take turns rapidly or come in together. At times, I feel the vocals are too much and it may take away from the music at at certain times, however, based one track it's hard to figure the dynamic.

I would love to hear a complete body of work from these guys and gal, and I am excited to see what Emergency Protocol can come up with next.

 Check out "Social Butterfly" below, and give them a LIKE on Facebook.



https://www.facebook.com/EmergencyProtocol

A Wake in Providence Release new Single 'Psycho'

One of Staten Island's biggest hardcore/metal bands, A Wake Providence, released a lyric video for their new single,"Psycho," which is off their upcoming EP Insidious. The track features Davis Rider of Immortalist lending screams to the song.

To put it simply, the song is brutal. It kicks you in the face, and then curb stomps you as you get up. It has all the heavy guttural noise AWIP is known for as well as the insane chug chug of the guitars, china ridden double bass breakdowns.

Thematically, the song is very dark as the American Psycho inspired song talks about becoming the monstrous thing they hate. The song look inward to failure and life choices that essentially self inflict pain and torture...you know, light stuff.

Listen to the song below:

Download the song here.

https://www.facebook.com/AWAKEINPROVIDENCENYC

Local Update - Backslashes and Bad Ideas and Antonio Yhap

Staten Island locals, Backslashes & Bad Ideas recently made their second appearance Absolutepunk.net. The popular punk site posted their new EP, There's No Place Like Home.

See the posting – http://absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=3525351

Check out local S.I. rapper, Antonio Yhap. He recently released a mixtape called, Maturation. Listen below.

Cody Miles Releases 'Figure You Out' and Open House Indie Horror Flick Needs YOUR Help

Cody Miles releases "Figure You Out (Featuring Heath McNeese)"

Check it out below!




Support Indie Film makers!

A former co-worker of mine, and Staten Islander, is out in L.A. making movies, cool right? He is about 75% done with his film, and could really use some help via donation to fund the rest of the film. Check out the Kickstarter project and all the cool perks - http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/292284710/open-house-1

Open House is a horror movie starring two kids who with their father move into a house with some peculiar things going on...

See Thomas Della Bella's film below.

The Atlicic EP Review for 'Over the Atlantic'

The Atlicic are a local Staten Island indie/alternative band comprised of three guys and a girl. Indie/alternative is being modest as the band rocks through a number of well played genres throughout this six song EP, Over the Atlantic.

Ricky Boyance - Lead Guitar

Emilee Barrett - Rhythm Guitar/Vocals

Jason Seelal - Bass/Lead Vocals

Justin Caputo - Drums

Leading off the EP, "Intro" has an ominous feel and a great build up that seems to be coming to a head as it flows right into the next track.

"Can't Breathe," picks up right where the intro left off and hits the listener with a steady pulse of bass, tom hits, and intricate guitar work. It is a bit mellow but has a Incubus like feel to it both musically and vocally. From the jump, listening to this song prepares the listener for what is sure to be a short punch in the face of music.

"Let Me Go" rips right in with a super fast paced metal-esque riff, before settling into a more progressive/post hardcore part. The chorus then comes in suddenly, and its really punky. I am honestly having a hard time deciding what this song is as far as genre, because "really dope" does not cover it. This song does a great job at mixing up multiple influences.

Whatever Makes You Smile" brings the band back to halt, and layers on an Incubus Light Grenades style of music. The nice "Woo's" add a nice layer over the already great chorus. This song takes elements of every song on the EP and kind of jumbles them together into a solid mixture of what the band is. 

Next up is  "So Long" has a calming almost pop like beginning unto it transforms into a full out pop-punk fest off open high hats and fast riffs. This song would fit nicely on one of Yellowcard's albums post Ocean Avenue. "So Long" would make for a great radio single, and I could definitely see it as a sort of summer jam anthem.

Closing out the EP is "Running On Batteries." I love this song! The guitars and tone are excellent. The bass and drums really drive the song along, and the vocals are just so catchy. The chorus is fantastic, and honestly, I want to keep playing this track over and over. What an excellent way to close out the EP.

Over the Atlantic is very very impressive. It seems every album I review this year becomes my new favorite, but this one has a different feel to it. It has lasting power, and I can't wait to see what else these guys and gal come up with. 

Check them out on November 9th as they release their EP along with Backslashes and Bad Ideas. 

Follow them on Twitter and Facebook.

Bella Muerte Release 'Guilty Pleasures, Desperate Measures'

Bella Muerte

Kansas City, Missouri electronic/post hardcore band Bella Muerte has been quite busy releasing a number of new tracks including their music video, "Guilty Pleasures, Desperate Measures" on Halloween.

Check out these songs!




Ice King Remix


Ice King (Original)


Download the song here.