Greg Kallor's 'Broken Sentences' is a Work of Art Throughout the 5 Boroughs

Musician Gregg Kallor released a concept video for his song, "Broken Sentences," that sees him traveling throughout the Five Boroughs to play all 88 public pianos for the organization, Sing For Hope Pianos. Filming throughout the summer, Kallor, is seen at many notable places around the city including some great footage of him in Staten Island!

Kallor's piano playing is top notch and superb. He is able to make the music come alive with there being any words. The way expressing, feeling, and emotion comes reverberating off of the key strings is simply amazing.

Here's what he had to say about the video:

"'A Single Noon' is a musical tableau of life in New York City, and I thought it would be exciting to present a visual component that captures the buzzing, exuberant energy of the city. My first music video collaboration with cinematographer and director Alan McIntyre Smith was 'Espresso Nirvana' (think caffeinated hijinks), the sixth movement of the suite. Alan thought that the Sing For Hope Pianos program, which took place in June, would make for a stunning new music video to complement 'Broken Sentences' - the frenetic second movement - so we ran around the five boroughs chasing pianos," said Gregg Kallor.

He continued, "Creating a music video gives me a fantastic opportunity to make the music tell a story and, hopefully, to engage with people who might not yet have found their way to my music. The response to 'Broken Sentences' has been fantastic - it's gotten over 50,000 views in the first two months since its release! When we reach a million views, I'll make another video. Maybe two!"

Gregg will be performing as part of a specially assembled holiday "house band" at SubCulture's 1st Annual Holiday Concert Series betweenDecember 17th - 22nd. More info at the following link here: http://www.subculturenewyork.com/holiday

He will then be performing on February 2nd at the Firehouse Space in Brooklyn.  Information for that show can be found here: http://thefirehousespace.org/event/hannah-collins/

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.

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.

Backslashes and Bad Ideas 'There's No Place Like Home' EP Review

Local Staten Island band, Backslashes and Bad Ideas, are gearing up to release their second EP, There's No Place Like Home, off of Harbor Records, November 9.

The band is:

Nick DePalo - Vocals/Guitar
Josh Crono - Vocals/Guitar
Ricky Abolt - Vocals/Guitar
Nick Colella - Bass
Ed Mone - Drums

With the musical stylings of post Tell All Your Friends, Taking Back Sunday and early Brand New, B&BI make the music of mid 2000s teenagers "mix CDs," but with updated flare for 2014.

"North By Noreaster" is a great intro instrumental track. It features nice acoustic guitar work, and a happy feel good bass line that eases the listener into what is sure to be something fantastic.


"Defend Josh's Life Choices," speak of the Devil, it's an ex-Taking Back Sunday member on a track! Fred Mascherino, former guitarist and secondary vocalist of TBS, makes an appearance on this track and fits perfectly. 

I am throughly impressed with this song for several reasons. 1) The song rocks. 2) B&BI have Fred "I've gotta bad feeling about this" on a track! 3) I prefer DePalo's vocal performance on this, and think he outshines the feature. Kudos Nick!

The next track is, "No Matter What Happens, Don't Ask Who." The opening is pretty cool because it is kind of mellow, but punky at the same time. Mone's double bass gallop throughout the song is most welcome, as is the guitars that weave in and out seamlessly.

This track has several different parts to it with the real highlight coming in the bridge over some guitar shredding and dual vocals.

"Conditions" follows, and is a perfect example of everything that is on this album. Depalo's smooth, calm vocals contrast nicely with Crono's more heavy and raspy background vocals…Then, just as you're ready to get to the end of the song, enter the female vocals!

The ending of the song is pretty awesome, three vocals going on, three distinct guitars going on, really strong start, and and even better ending to the song.

Following in vein of the last track, "Southern Tea" is an acoustic track that in its own way feels like a stripped down single reminiscent on something from Pop Goes Punk. I would love to hear this song with the full band just to gauge it. However, it is great as is!

Closing out the EP is "Wearing Thin." Shout out to Staten Island in this song! This is probably the most aggressive song of the album, and actually my favorite as well. Depalo and Crono showoff the throaty sing songy rasp scream, which makes this track all sorts of awesome. 

During the bridge Depalo speaks over a small musical break before gang vocals burst onto the scene and bring the EP home.

Backslashes again does a phenomenal job on this EP. Their sound has matured and evolved as well since the last release. The addition of the third guitar is evident as well. The drums are great, the strings are good all around, and the vocals stand up and stand out. The dual smack of DePalo's low with Crono's highs add a perfect dichotomy that this band needs.

The boys of Backslashes are making moves, and if their first EP was a step in the right direction, this one is a leap onto the highway. 

Keep up the good work fellas!

Pick up There's No Place Like Home November 9 at the Atlicic and Backslashes and Bad Ideas EP release show.

See B&BI's last review for their EP, Nothing Left to Give.

Music Videos! Cody Miles, Fairday Skyline, and Process of Fusion

Cody Miles
Hip-Hop artist Cody Miles reached out to me and sent me his newest music video. I was honestly quite impressed, check it out below!


Fairday Skyline
Check out these S.I. locals in their new heavy lyric video for "Circles"


Download the song - http://fairdayskyline.bandcamp.com/

Process of Fusion
My is continuing our Fusion Friday series. Check out a little promotional trailer for "Bright Eyes."

Staten Island Hardcore Documentary Showcases Music History (Interview with City Lights Films)

Why do you guys feel this was a movie that had to be made?
Sam and myself grew up in Staten Island, went to Staten Island shows, and  played in Staten Island bands. It is something that played a huge part  in our lives and continues to do so today. Memories fade, and we wanted to preserve the history and let people know what went on here, especially in the 1980s and 1990s.


How big would you say the punk scene was on the Island, and what was different for local music in it's heyday?
The hardcore punk scene "back in the day" was huge.  It was something to look forward to on your weekends after a long week of school. Flyers were passed around in school during the week, and on the weekends at the Staten Island Mall. Bands promoted, it wasn't just a social media Facebook event invite. You were almost certain you would have a decent crowd at a show where the crowd would stay for all of the bands playing, regardless of who was in the band or what type of musical genre they fell under, whether it be rock, metal, hardcore or punk.


What's something everyone will learn from watching the film?
Hopefully people get a good history lesson. We have learned, from filming this documentary that a large chunk of the current show goers and bands do not have an idea about any history or where their roots came from. They learned about their music from Facebook and Myspace. They found an underground mainstream band that their friend hit the like button on, and they decided to emulate it.




What surprised you the most about making this film?
We were surprised to get contacted from people out of the wood work. We have received our own history lesson just from digging up information on Staten Island and the music that was played out here, the beginning of punk and hardcore in this area. Little stories and urban legends, that made us realize we were dealing with something that was huge. For example, we had no idea that Metallica actually hung out on Staten Island for a few days, and that Kirk Hammet dated someone from here who went to shows and local concerts in the 80s. We didn't believe it until we received a photo showing the band with local Staten Islanders.


What are the pros and cons of making an indie film?
The pros of making a film is the rewarding experience, knowing you accomplished something great, and the excitement of knowing people will be watching something you created. The cons on the other hand, is the high cost of equipment, the time you put into the film and the lack of support because you aren't a "big time film maker."


Do you guys have a background in music yourselves, and tell me about it?
We have both played in many bands growing up, Sam since the age of 12, and myself since the age of 16 – some local bands, some non local bands. Sam has played in some well known S.I. bands such as Big Wheel, Indifference and Murdock, and I played in some local bands, my favorites being Dreams Forever Drowning, and my current band, Ruthless Dudes.


What's the difference between yesterday's punk and today's punk?
Yesterday's punk was all about hating authority, and doing things yourself. Today's punk is about going to Hot Topic, social media and how many Facebook friends you have.

Do you feel the music scene is lacking unity, or is it in a good place as far as people working together?
I try to get to as many shows as I can, but due to work, school and film projects, I really only get to go when my band is playing, or if I am on a special project related to a Staten Island band. I don't see the unity like I did when I was much younger, it seems like more of a popularity contest or who wants to fight who.  It is sad. Not saying that all is lost, I still see many young people that remind me of myself when I was going to shows as a teenager.


What other projects have you guys worked on, and/or hope to make?
We have done music videos for the Staten Island band's A Wake In Providence and Deception Theory, and we have some more music videos in the future that we are working on. We also will be starting another film when we complete this one, to which the script is in the works.


Anything else to add?
We just want people to take the time out to check out our trailer, pass it along and tell a friend. Making a film is hard work and a lot of time and effort goes into it. Our goal is to get our film to blu-ray or DVD, get it into film festivals and have a following.

Support City Lights Films in their quest to bring notice to hardcore!
http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/staten-island-hardcore-a-history

Help Get S.I. Hardcore Indie Film Off the Ground

Staten Island Hardcore - A History

"Staten Island NY, also known as the forgotten borough, has a hardcore punk history that not many know about."

Indie filmmakers Anthony Clemente and Samuel Peralta are looking to gather some of the untold stories of Staten Island's booming punk and hardcore scene from the 80s into the late 90s as they document some of the former and still current rockers reliving their glory days. 

So if you are looking to learn some history, hear great music and stories of your favorite genre, and help contribute to the Staten island music scene, check out this film and help fund it!

http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/staten-island-hardcore-a-history

More information at - https://www.facebook.com/citylightsfilms

Link Drop - Free Music from Diet, Process of Fusion, Freestyle Fam and More!

Ghosts of Eden
Staten Island "Velvet Grunge" rockers Ghosts of Eden recently released a music video for their song "In Motion." Dead Dove Creative filmed and directed the video as the band acted out all the roles in this playful and funny big wheel race. Check it out below!


Freestyle Fam
Staten Island Hip-Hop group just released their new mixtape for free a few days ago, and wow, if it awesome. It's the best work they have done so far! On top of that, the duo of Quest the Wordsmith and Redeemed killed it at Rap Fest 2013 this past weekend. So download the mixtape and check out Quest's closing freestyle.





Process of Fusion
Download POF's first Ep from 2010 for FREE, yup, it's available right now for nothing, so go get it!


Diet
Also, be sure to check out Diet's recently released EP. It is one of my favorite of the year! If you like 90s alternative/grunge, mixed with punk, check it out!



Broken Records Magazine
Last but not least, check out the new issue of Broken Records Magazine featuring Shinedown, 311, and David Cook and more!
http://brokenrecordsonline.com/purchase

Diet EP Review

Local Staten Island punk/grunge band Diet are releasing an EP very, and upon the first listen, I'm in love. Diet consists of Thom Kinnear of guitar/vocals, Michal Pando on bass/backing vocals, and George Bulger on the drums, not to mention, the recent addition of Chris Taranto on guitar/vocals (he does all backing vocals on the EP).

The EP opens up with "Zooey," and has an erie feel to it with the way the guitars and bass seem to wave back and fourth over light drum work. It has a soothing yet hypnotizing feel to it. The track breaks into a standard groove and melody around the 1:40 mark of the song. The vocals come in and go perfectly with the music, and has a Brand New type haunting vibe to it, before the song yet again switches around at 3:55. In kicks the heaviness and the gritty guitars with louder vocals. For lack of a better word, a really cool song to kick off the album.

"Gaze" is a straight up punk song from the first snare hit, and sounds like a throwback to the late 70s and early 80s. To be quite honest, after the first track I feel like I'm listening to a totally different band. It really is an amazing switch of genres.

Next up is "Shapes," which mellows the fast paced previous track down. The song feels drum driven as steady tom rolls swing rhythmically with the guitars building an instrumental tension of what's to come next.

And what's next is the "Short Song," as it flows directly from the last and picks up around 1:05. As the name suggests, the song is over quickly but in that short span they reminded me of Relient K's first album, one of my favorite punk albums by the way...

"Shoe Bomber" goes back to more of a 90s signature punk style, think old Blink 182, MxPx, or the aforementioned Relient K. The driving guitars lead to a nice solo section toward the end flowing over pulsing drums.

Up next is the single,"Knee Brace." I previously spoke about this track and it's no secret I'm a big fan of it, and so is everyone else locally. The verse is super fast, the bridge is super melodic and features a lot of bassy goodness along with effected guitar work. The transitions are great between the instrumental and the vocals.

"Planks" is the final track on the EP. Again Diet slows the tempo down, and focuses on instrumentation as the vocal point. The song has a very distinct bass line, a signature sound on guitar that kind of runs as a theme throughout the album. The vocals on this are really soft, and the track has a little more of an indie, Nirvanish appeal to it. About mid way through the song, it starts coming undone and intentionally falls apart. The distortion is cranked up, strings are plucked feverishly and chaotically, but the bass and drums remain a constant as the song sort of descents into itself. 

Overall, the album is work of art unto itself. I am actually blown away by this band's artistic ability, and their willingness to stray away from the stereotypical notions of punk rock being "easy" and "non-musically" driven. Diet manages to take the best parts of classic punk, 90s punk, indie rock, and alternative and mesh them into a melting pot of an EP that flows from one song to the next seamlessly. 

Thom Kinnear's vocals and vision as a guitarist and vocalist are extraordinary. Michal Pando's bass playing is so fluid and succinct, that most of the songs would simply not sound so pretty without him, and George Bulger's drumming is on point. The way he effortlessly switches between fast and slow, heavy and soft, tom rolls and straight up snare and bass is great! 

Diet isn't playing any games or holding anything back, and with the addition of Chris Taranto are sure to, if not already, change the way people think of punk music. Hands down my favorite local submission of the year. Well done gentlemen.

Freestyle Fam New Song 'By Your Side'

Local hip-hop duo, Freestyle Fam released a banger that touches on their personal lives and why they rap the way they do. Check it out, and download it below.

Staten Island alternative rock band Four Nights Gone are trying to take themselves to the next level. Successfully completing a tour and stacking up on their social networks, these guys entered the studio for their second EP, Resilience, which is being released on June 11th.

The EP opens up with "J. Buck," which is definitely the radio single of this record. It just might be the best and most catchy FNG song to date. Damian's vocals shine through on this track and the instrumentals are very solid too. Lots of great layering and little intricacies if you listen closely. The screaming is a good touch as well, and a change of pace.

"Broken Wings," starts off with heavy guitars, yet has a mello feel until the chorus, where it picks up. The chorus has a big feel to it, and fits perfectly within the song. There's a nice little build in the bridge that leads into a solo part before rounding out into a final chorus. That's probably the heaviest FNG gets instrument-wise, well done.

The next track is "The Scars Remain." It starts off slowly with heavily effected guitars before going crunchy at the chorus. The dueling guitar work adds a nice feel to the track, and the softer background vocals add depth to the verses. They released this track as their first single, I feel this more of a secondary single than a lead, but nonetheless, a great track.

"Monster" starts off slow with light instrumentals and very subtle electronic sounds mixed in, giving it a Linkin Park type feel musically before it changes up at the chorus. The standout in this song is the drum work by Lobes. The patterns are tight and consistent and he does a good job keeping rhythm on the toms. The choir hums at the end of the song is a great touch as well.

The last track is "The One Who Knocks." Do I see a "Breaking Bad" reference in this song...which as I type this sentence I hear Damian sing, "Breaking Bad, going mad with all this power he has." Touche FNG, touche. Listen to the words and basically hear the plot of the show. You should send it to AMC before the show ends!

TV references aside, the song is quite good and introduces some more screaming it. There's a major key change at the end that flows seamlessly, and the lyrics are among the best penned for the band.

All in all, Resilience is a major upgrade on their last EP in my opinion. Gone are all the little mistakes, the rookie recording experiments and such, this EP is for real. The sound is better, the quality and music is better, and the lyrics are more mature. Although not much time has passed since the last recording, the results are much better. Vocally, there is a major improvement as well. Everything is on point, and done well. I'm impressed guys. This EP has a much stronger commercial feel to it and is good for anyone who enjoys 3 Days Grace, Breaking Benjamin, and good alternative.

Go fourth and make music!

Backslashes & Bad Ideas with Fred Mascherino (Ex: Taking Back Sunday)

Shout out to the homies in Backslashes & Bad Ideas. They were just featured on Alternative Press for the release of their new song, "Defend Josh's Life Choices." (I know Josh, it's tough do do so... ;)

Not only is AP picking up the story and featuring the song awesome, but having Fred Mascherino on the track is huge! If you don't know who Fred is, he is the former guitarist/back-up singer of Taking Back Sunday, and now is solo in his project, The Color Fred. If you still don't know, he's the one that goes, "I got a bad feeling about this," 100x and makes you think, "Wow this sounds like John Nolan but isn't." I digress....

Go check the song out, listen to the song, and support these dudes from Staten Island.

Keep it coming guys, link below.

http://www.altpress.com/features/entry/single_premiere_backslashes_and_bad_ideas_defend_joshs_life_choices_ft._fre

Process of Fusion and Vinny Jett Release Music Videos, InDisguise News

Process of Fusion
My band Process of Fusion released our first music video on Friday. The song, "Connections," is a long time fan favorite of ours and not for nothing the video looks amazing. The concept and cinematography was done by Dead Dove Creative and Four Walls Productions. If you enjoy horror movies, suspense, and girls being chased my monsters, then this video is for you! Check it out below.



Vinny Jett
From Vinny Jett in his own words, "A video and song that document the events of Hurricane Sandy. The video was shot in the New Dorp Beach area of Staten Island, New York where many homes were leveled and made uninhabitable after the storm. This same area was visited by President Barack Obama in November 2012."

DONATE HERE: http://fundrazr.com/campaigns/5Q6rc

DOWNLOAD SONG: VinnyJett.BandCamp.com

Check out the video below and read my interview with him:

InDisguise

Check out InDisguise and their latest show https://www.facebook.com/events/539027719473341/

They will be opening up for 3 Years Hollow and Another Lost Year, so this is definitely a big opportunity! 

New Hope Release's 'Just Like Yesterday'

New Hope is a punk band from Staten Island comprised of Cedric Brice (guitar/vocals), Justin Alpert (guitar/vocals), Rosario Panarelli (bass/vocals), and Dino Casalino (drums). They are hoping to release their new EP, Unlucky 17, this spring and recently released their first single, "Just Like Yesterday."

"Just Like Yesterday" is a slower song chalk full of punk guitar tones, drum patterns, and vocal work. They mix it up by throwing in a piano part, and musical solo/bridge part.

The chorus is catchy, and the singer's voice goes well with the song. I like the background vocals and harmonies and the "oh-oh's" in the first chorus.

Be sure to give this band a listen if you like 90s punk like MxPx, Slick Shoes, and old Green Day.

Download the track for FREE below

https://www.facebook.com/NewHopeNY
https://twitter.com/NHPunkNY
http://newhopeny.bandcamp.com/

Backfire EP Review 'Prisoner of War'

Backfire simply put is a rock band, but if you listen deeper and uncover the layers of their music you'll discover hints of classic rock, 80s metal, and new alternative.

Consisting of Vincent Lane (vocals), Andrew Ahne (guitar), John White (guitar), Carl Giacalone (bass/vocals), and Jay Nichols (drums), they just released their first EP, Prisoner of War.

The EP opens up with "Prisoner of War" which calmly transitions into fast paced metal guitars reminiscent of an 80s metal band. Lane is telling a story about not giving up and pushing on. About two and half minutes into the song, a nice instrumental section complete with solo and dueling guitars and a quick drum fill fit nicely into the last chorus.

"One O'Clock"comes in soft then switches to blaring guitars and heavy tones. The effect on the opening vocals are very good and the chorus is tight. Again, more guitar solos and more metal! Solid start so far.

"Regret" is probably the catchiest song on the demo and has my personal favorite chorus. "My regret is what kills me, my regret is undaunted..."as gang vocals chime in. I'm also really digging the harmonic "woah-o's" at the end. It adds a little dynamic and diversity to the music.

The next track, "Trifling Whore," slows things down a bit and is more of a ballad in the beginning. The meaning of the song is pretty self-explanatory and yet has an epic vibe to it. The song shows great maturity in the band as they are able to mesh their signature sound along with something slightly different.

"The Few, the Proud, the Forgotten" sounds like it is the most single worthy track on the EP. It has a little bit of something for everyone and a strong chorus. It has a climatic build towards the end that has Lane belting out the finals words of the song.

Overall the Prisoner of War EP is a solid first effort for the boys of Backfire. They take familiar sounds and make it their own. Lane has a great almost classic type of voice. The guitarists Ahne and White shine most with steady and consistent riff work throughout. Be on the lookout for these guys!

Check out Backfire on Facebook.

Diet Review for New Single 'Knee Brace'

Having never heard Diet's music before, I went into this not knowing what to expect after I got a message from vocalist/guitarist Thom Kinnear. With that being said, I absolutely loved their up coming single "Knee Brace."

Diet has a punk sound so familiar and yet so unique at the same time. They are a mixture of the Offspring, Blink 182, New Found Glory, and Nirvana, with the later comparison occurring toward the midway break point of "Knee Brace."

Thom has a great tone and quality to his voice. It's almost like if you mixed Mark Hoppus' and Tom Delonge's voice together, essentially Blink 182 with one vocalist.

At first I wasn't so keen on the mix and levels for the vocals and upon further questioning, Thom told me it was on purpose saying, "The vibe of this song was really personal so we wanted the vocals kinda low to make it really like unsure of what I'm saying but still hearing the melody and some words. I kinda wanted it to sound like mumbling and me being nervous for some reason; the low vocals were definitely on purpose for this one song."

The song has multiple parts alternating between really fast and slow, melodic and more pulsing. Overall, if every Diet track sounds as good as this first one, then I'm a fan. Great, creative instrumentals with a unique blending of punk sounds and good vocals.

One more thing...I CAN"T show you all the song! But if you want to hear it live and have it made available to you, come on out to the Arts Cypher in Staten Island March 23rd along with Figurehead, my band - Process of Fusion, and others! Info here.




Listen to some other demos on their Facebook page!
http://www.facebook.com/dietfudge
dietnewyork.bandcamp.com
@DietTakeover
diet_newyork@yahoo.com

Link Drop - A Wake in Providence, Sweet Lucy, & A Vegas Marriage Videos

A Wake in Providence
Staten Island hardcore/metal pros, A Wake in Providence just released their first music video for, "Through the Eyes of a Traitor."The video was filmed at Warehouse last month. Check it out below.



Sweet Lucy
Sweet Lucy took their bluesy/jazzy rock to the Trash Bar in Brooklyn. Watch the video to see them perform "In Another World" and "Can't Catch a Break."



A Vegas Marriage
These S.I. locals ventured out to New Jersey to play the Crossroads. Watch them as they perform "The Outside" and "Something to See" live.



Process of Fusion
My band POF has been experimenting with a weekly show called Fusion Friday's. Our last episode featured Chris Taranto of Figurehead. Check it out!