friends.: March 2011

Monday, March 28, 2011

04/01 Wacky Kastle - Allston, MA - All Ages

LUAU / TMF / THE INHALERS / PINK PARTS

04/03 Madison Arts Barn - Madison, CT - All Ages

THE FLAMING TSUNAMIS / CALL IT ARSON /

MY HEART TO JOY / SLINGSHOT DAKOTA / BRUNT OF IT

04/15 Dos Amigos Burritos - Dover, NH - All Ages

BRAVE LITTLE ABACUS / SHIRE

04/16 Outskirts House - Brighton, MA - All Ages

THE FELLOW PROJECT / GO SELL DRUGS

THE NEW WARDEN / YALE, MA

04/23 TT The Bears Place - Cambridge, MA - 18+

LEMURIA / JOYCE MANOR / WHITE WIVES

04/30 Outskirts House - Brighton, MA - All Ages

KILL CONRAD / BABY GRAND / CANVAS / JAKE JENKINS

05/11 Middle East Upstairs - Cambridge, MA - 18+

LAURA STEVENSON AND THE CANS / FAKE PROBLEMS

INTO IT OVER IT / POMEGRANATES

05/13 Club Hell - Providence, RI - All Ages

A WILHELM SCREAM / NO TRIGGER / OUTRAGE /

HALF HEARTED HERO / GHOSTTHROWER

05/19 Dover Brick House - Dover, NH - 18+

THE QUEERS / BANNER PILOT

05/21 Wilder Hall - Hingham, MA - All Ages

SHIRE / BRAVE LITTLE ABACUS / JACKSON CROW

JOE CAPEN / TRAVIS SOMERS / CHRIS O'GRADY / MORE

05/22 Middle East Downstairs - Cambridge, MA - All Ages

CONVERGE / DROPDEAD / BURNING LOVE / TRAP THEM

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

how do you contribute?

NAME: Jovani Villegas

AGE: 19

CURRENTLY RESIDING: I live in Allston

CURRENT PROJECTS: Currently playing guitar in a new band called Fragments that I started with my friends Joe and Anthony from The Town Line and Zack who drummed for Ghost I’m Gone.

PREVIOUS ENDEAVORS: I played bass in a pop punk band from Worcester, MA called Ghost I’m Gone

HOW DO YOU CONTRIBUTE? I like to book shows in my basements and at random venues all over, let bands crash at my place and help however I can, and book acoustic shows for solo acoustic acts that wanna come by.

SOMETHING YOU ARE PROUD OF: Well in November I had a show in my basement where Brave Little Abacus, Shire, Ghost I’m Gone, and Len Bias played and it was in support of rallying up donations to independently start a newspaper/zine sort of thing on our campus and freely spread student creative and academic writing called “The Intoxicated Inquirer”.

WHAT HAS INSPIRED YOU TO CONTRIBUTE? I’ve always wanted to be involved and active in helping out music that I love by friends that I love and just helping goood bands and people making good music, so the fact that I was never able to before because I lived at home or in a dorm, now that I’m able to I have been much more inspired to contribute to promoting good music.

WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY LISTENING TO? I’ve been kind of switching between a two things but mainly it has been Latterman, Cheap Girls, Get Bent, and Paul Baribeau, that and a shit ton of Herb Alpert and Tijuana Brass.

test press.

just finished my template and first test pressing of friendszine #1

waiting on some content, but should be available at the shire.bravelittleabacus.townline.fragments. show saturday!!

festing!

there are a TON of music festivals this summer

so I figured I'd highlight a few that I've come across

Mostly punk rock, but a couple other big ones

MACROCK

4/1-2 Harrisonburg, VA

ALGERNON CADWALLADER / BOUNCING SOULS / THE MENZINGERS /

HOLD TIGHT! / SUNDIALS / SNOWING / 1994! / MONUMENT / PIANOS BECOME THE TEETH / WE WERE SKELETONS / SCREAMING FEMALES / MORE

GET BETTER FEST

4/8-9 Keene, NH

TOBY FOSTER / TRAGWAG / THE THIN HEIR / BILLY RAYGUN / THE YOUNG LEAVES / THE NEW WARDEN / CANDY HEARTS / SUNDIALS / VACATION / SPRAYNARD / JEFF ROWE / SAINTE CATHERINES / MORE

STAY SWEET! FEST

4/15-17 Richmond, VA

ALGERNON CADWALLADER / BOMB THE MUSIC INDUSTRY / THE DOPAMINES /

GROWN UPS / THE MAX LEVINE ENSEMBLE / THE SIDEKICKS /

SPRAYNARD / TIGERS JAW / THE WILD / MORE

KRAZY FEST

5/20-22 Louisville, KY

7 SECONDS / AGAINST ME! / ANTI FLAG / BANE / BOUNCING SOULS / DAYTRADER / DEFEATER / LA DISPUTE / LEMURIA / MAKE DO AND MEND / SMALL BROWN BIKE / STRIKE ANYWHERE / TIGERS JAW / TITLE FIGHT / MORE

B.O.M.B. FEST

5/28-29 Danbury, CT

WEEZER / SNOOP DOGG / COHEED AND CAMBRIA / GEORGE CLINTON AND PARLIMENT FUNKADELIC / AGAINST ME! / BEST COAST / RJD2 / TITUS ANDRONICUS / WAVVES / PORTUGAL THE MAN / DUM DUM GIRLS / DAN DEACON / MORE

CRUCIAL FUN FEST

6/3-5 Berea, KY

DELAY / THE SIDEKICKS / TIMESHARES / SUNDIALS / ANDREW JACKSON JIHAD / PINK HOUSES / P.S. ELIOT / LAURA STEVENSON AND THE CANS / HOP ALONG / CANDY HEARTS / THE MAX LEVINE ENSEMBLE / THE WILD / MISCHIEF BREW / KEPI GHOULIE / NEW CREASES / SPRAYNARD / MORE

BONNAROO

6/9-12 Manchester, TN

EMINEM / ARCADE FIRE / WIDESPREAD PANIC / BUFFALO SPRINGFIELD / MY MORNING JACKET / LIL WAYNE / STRING CHEESE INCIDENT / ROBERT PLANT / THE STROKES / THE DECEMBERISTS / IRON & WINE / PRIMUS / EXPLOSIONS IN THE SKY / GOLGOL BORDELLO / BEIRUT / BIG BOI / BEST COAST / MATT & KIM / SLEIGH BELLS / WAVVES / OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW / KYLESA / MORE

PITCHFORK FEST

2/15-17 Chicago, IL

ANIMAL COLLECTIVE / TV ON THE RADIO / FLEET FOXES /

CUT COPY / THE DISMEMBERMENT PLAN / DEERHUNTER /

OFWGKTA / KYLESA AND MORE

THE FEST

10/28-30 Gainesville, Fl

HOT WATER MUSIC / AGAINST ME! / LESS THAN JAKE / LIFETIME / BOUNCING SOULS / DILLINGER FOUR / NONE MORE BLACK / PAINT IT BLACK / SMALL BROWN BIKE / DEAD TO ME / OFF WITH THEIR HEADS / BOMB THE MUSIC INDUSTRY / DEAR LANDLORD / CHEAP GIRLS / THE MEASURE (SA) (FINAL SHOW), THE FLATLINERS / THE SNIPS / WE ARE THE UNION / GROWN UPS / TIGERS JAW / O PIONEERS!!! and MANY MORE

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

weekend update.

2/25 Mikey Erg @ Outskirts House

The anticipation was unbearable on friday afternoon. My footprints in the new fallen snow showed how impatient i was for the show, as I paced back and forth waiting for the train. After meeting up with some friends in Allston amidst a flash snow storm, we took the bus out to Brighton. Outskirts House was a bit more accessible this time around, as all shows have been moved to the basement.The show started with Joey Unis of the band the BFs, with some acoustic renditions of his own songs as well as some cover songs.

The show continued with Jeff Rowe, who I'd previously seen with friends Laura Stevenson and the Cans at Great Scott. His energy was more apparent in this basement setting as he embraced the crowd with his gruff but tender vocals. The audience joined in on the songs that they knew and even added some harmony vocals which I assumed were from close friends of his, who were also at the show at Great Scott. Jeff closed his set with a song that just can't seem to escape the basements of Allston/Brighton, "Bikeage" by Descendents. Tigers Jaw covered this at the last Outskirts show and I felt like it was quite appropriate that this tradition continued as Jeff took this song on as his own and gave it new life. Dan Webb, normally backed by the Spiders, played a solo set as the acoustic music continued through the night. He brought a little more of a country rock twinge into the bill, which the audience seemed to enjoy. Not being familiar with his band, I had a hard time imagining these songs in that setting as they stood on their own very well. But I was certainly left with the urge to see Dan Webb with the Spiders.

Mikey Erg took the stage with very little commotion as he began to loop the opening chords of "Introducing Morrisey". Mike Erg otherwise known as Mike Yannich, was full of stories on this night. He was very open with the crowd as he encouraged them to move closer. He spoke of failed album release shows, as this show was supposed to be a release for his first solo single released on a 12" die-cut heart on Paper and Plastic records. Unfortunately he didn't have them with him, but he told the crowd that this wasn't the first time this had happened, as most of his album releases this was the case. He also told of his future endeavors which includes touring full time with the Star Fucking Hipsters featuring Stza of Leftover Crack, as well as a new split with Alex Kerns of Lemuria on Asian Man Records. Mike continued to play songs from his new 12", the future split, classic ergs songs as well as covers from Jonathan Edwards and Cee-Lo Green. It was great to sing along to these songs in such an intimate setting beside good friends. I look forward to what Outskirts House has to offer, and if you are curious look them up on facebook for future shows.

2/27 The Toasters @ Middle East Upstairs

This was kind of a last minute venture for me as I had remembered that my friend Logan was coming to town with The Toasters and asked if there was any chance of a guest spot. He returned my text promptly saying that he was planning to get a hold of me. It's nice to know that people are thinking of you sometimes, especially when it has been a long time. I first was introduced to Logan through his last band Royal City Riot, but was familiar with his playing from The Flaming Tsunamis record "Fear Everything". I got to the club just in time to catch the Allstonians who I have only seen once before, but It had been quite some time. They were quite impressive as usual with a more dominant horn section than I remember than before. They played some tunes that I recalled, and even got me dancing a little bit. The night was off to a good start but by no means did I expect what it would turn into.

I caught up with Logan a little bit before The Toasters went on and it was really great to see him, as it had been a few years since he'd played with Royal City Riot at Westbound Train's cd release show at the same venue a few years ago. The Toasters took the stage and the crowd responded immediately. The room exploded as one of the oldest collective mosh pits I'd seen in a while formed. Just about every one in the room was moving to countless songs, spanning their 30 year career as this marked their 30th anniversary. This band has seen many different members over the years, but this time around lead singer and sole original member Bucket was joined by members of local bands Westbound Train and Mile 21, which was cool to see.

I recalled a moment of my youth as my glasses were knocked off of my face while attempting to dance, and half of the floor assisted me in their retrieval. What a great feeling it was, as everyone in the room continued to dance. I was covered in sweat as usual as the show ended, but it was nice to be in the same position as many people my age for once. I caught up with Logan again after the show, and it was nice to reaffirm my friendship with him and know that he is still playing music for all the right reasons.

2/28 Paul Baribeau @ Mass Art

Kids started to pile up in front of classroom 181 and the doors were pushed back slightly. My friend Cash, who is a student at Mass Art said that the show would cap at around 65 which made me somewhat nervous as I waited for the E line amongst hundreds since there had been "difficulties" with the green line. Since I had friends who were coming from New Hampshire, I wanted to make sure they got in and began to worry a bit. I got to the show around the time it was slated to start and thankfully there weren't too many people there. Paul has a way of keeping his shows under wraps, which I think is a really cool and personal thing. This usually makes his shows a special thing.

The Poorest Saint took the stage after the crowded hallway filled the classroom and the people in attendance were eagerly awaiting the start. The Poorest Saint played a few songs which seemed to really connect with the crowd. He melded manic strumming and strained vocals which appropriately resonated as a great start to a wonderful show. My friend Vicky, who also was responsible for the show, played with the next band Parasol. A female dominant three piece pop punk band who embraced minimalism to their advantage. Despite a few technical difficulties, this band played quite well for a band who I believe are quite new band. Another solo performer,

The New and Very Welcome encouraged the audience to sit, and I think this really worked to her advantage. Her vocals resonated thoroughly throughout the room and captured everyones attention. I couldn't help but associate my reaction to her with the act of On The Might Of Princes who also portray a quite brooding version of emotional post punk? but with a larger instrumentation. A Saves The Day captured the attention of many and really got the crowd involved as she led the crowd in some crowd participation in her final songs. Following The New and Very Welcome was Lion Cub, an act that didn't really resonate with me only because of their mix. After listening to their recordings, I found that much of their accompanying drum and bass prerecorded tracks were drowned out by guitars and vocals. They had good ideas, but the fact that their female keyboardist and bell kit player was completely drowned out really bothered me. Watching her every move go unheard was quite a hard thing for me to watch, but her energy was certainly appreciated.

The acts that followed brought an unprecedented energy to the classroom which really unified the audience. The Boy Who Could Fly took perch on a cinder block to get a head on the audience and it really had a way of demanding attention. From what I understand, this is not usually a solo act, but I think that it was a very hard thing to tell. Her clear and crisp vocals beautifully accompanied her clear telecaster sound. It was nice to see her reach out to the crowd and be quite personable. I can only imagine she has taken cues from Paul in that regard, seeing that they are both residents of Bloomington, Indiana. Finally Paul took the stage and blazed through a number of songs from his newest self released album Unbearable. These songs have been gathered by Paul over the years, but were finally released last year. The majority of the crowd seemed familiar with Paul's work, which is always a great addition to the show because it gives a really overwhelming sense of unity. It seems as though, some of his older songs were still the more well known ones, but I guess that every performer strives for their songs to be lasting in a way. Although the crowd was a bit larger than his last performance in a Cambridge living room, he seemed to address the crowd in a humble manner. It was a great thing to see him in the company of my friends from New Hampshire, who began to appreciate Paul after I exposed him to them during our trip to The Fest. Paul pleased the crowd as always, and the show went off without a hitch. Much thanks to Vicky for putting on this show and continuing to make awesome shows like this happen in awesome spaces.

updates.

So I'm kind of making up for lost time in the past couple weeks by posting a whole bunch today. I just have a few more days of school and I will be enjoying my SPRING BREAK!! WOO!

I posted my last album review in a series that I have been attempting to archive from a series I posted on tumblr. because I find that website does not cater to written work, as it gets lost amongst thousands of pictures of cute cats and things about Justin Beiber. I figured I'd put it here where people can expect that kind of thing in the future.

Hopefully if all goes well, the first NEW review will be from my good friend Adam Demirjian next week! Also, after I eat the wonderful roasted vegetable tamale that is waiting for me, I'm going to attempt a new section I call WEEKEND UPDATE which will encompass a bunch of recent shows I went to in short blurbs, because sometimes its hard to keep up with all of the good music YA KNOW?

REMEMBER! If you are interested in contributing, whether it be... Concert Reviews, Album Reviews, Photos, Flyers, Videos, Writing, YOU NAME IT!

I'D LOVE TO FEATURE IT!

PLEASE contact me @ colinstevenbriggs@gmail.com

review.

The Ergs - Hindsight is 20/20 My Friend

2010 will be forever known as the year that my nerdrock dreams came true, as I experienced one of my all time favorite bands The Ergs! LIVE IN CONCERT!!! This album was released as a compilation of all their 7inches when they broke up two years ago. Unfortunately, though I’d been listening to that band for a while before they broke up I never got to experience them live. I was first exposed to the beauty of this compilation by my friend Lindsay Sanderson. When we were dating, this album was played constantly as she drove me back and forth from school. She was the first person to really get me into this band, and I am very thankful that she joined me on my pilgrimage to New Jersey to see them almost a month ago now. In the time leading up this concert, I had played their split with Lemuria which Adam kindly gave me as a gift a few months ago along with Lemuria’s “Ozzy” a number of times. It is the two songs from that split, “Introducing Morrisey” and a cover of the Gin Blossom’s “Hey Jealousy” that open this album. At this point, I honestly cant tell you how many times I’ve listened to these two songs in the past few months. It was during this time that I would be constantly reminded of the fact that I would never see one of my favorite bands, and I finally became comfortable with this fact after seeing Mikey Erg perform a solo acoustic set at the fest. In addition to this this appearance, Mikey also performed a Weezer cover with Bomb the Music Industry!, the “woahs” on Paint It Black’s “Shell Game Redux” and most importantly “Only Babies Cry” with Paul Baribeau, which The Ergs! cover of this is featured on 20/20. This song had a huge part in me picking up the acoustic guitar again and performing as a solo artist, as I performed it a few times over the past two years. Seeing these two perform this song together was such a significant thing for me to witness. After I returned from The Fest and was informed that The Ergs! were reuniting for a one time only cancer benefit, I was quite ecstatic to say the least. Unfortunately, my friend Holly Morrison told me soon after this that the tickets already went on sale and that they sold out in seconds. Again I was put back at square one, acknowledging that I may never see this band. Luckily, they added a matinee show and my cycle of utter confusion continued. The tickets were released in three installments this time and Holly and I attempted for the first time to no avail. The next day, my heart dropped as the clock struck 6pm and I was sitting in the basement computer lab of the UMass Boston library. As I listened to hindsight, a confirmation screen appeared in front of my eyes and I couldn’t believe what was happening. I had four tickets to see The Ergs! on their home turf at Asbury Lanes in Asbury Park, New Jersey! I took the time to breathe as I called my brother, Holly and Adam who was initially supposed to go before he found that he couldn’t attend due to schoolwork. In the weeks leading up to the event, I had a hard time realizing what was happening. It wasn’t until I walked down the boardwalk of Asbury Park, that I realized what was actually happening. Walking into the “Lanes” which is a bowling alley, utilized for concerts, I saw Mikey and things were put into perspective, I WAS SEEING THE ERGS! The band took the stage and began their set with “Books About Miles Davis” which was the first Ergs song I really fell in love with, also a part of this compilation. I performed this song alongside “Only Babies Cry” a number of times in 2009 and had an equal role in getting myself to explore my voice as a solo artist. The set continued with adequate selections from just about all of their albums which came to roughly forty songs total. I left the club drenched in sweat, in the same state of confusion that encompassed me when I had entered. In what seemed like a flash, I had finally witnessed one of my biggest influences in music and life. I can only hope that at some point I will be able to experience this band again, because I must say that it was life-changing.

getting physical

In the process of cleaning my apartment, I broke out my scanner / printer in hopes giving me some inspiration to start working on the physical manifestation of this here blog. After realizing I had no scissors I decided to just mess around a bit. Here is a little mock up of something I did. It is really awesome to know that people are actually reading this thing and more and more people are coming to me with contributions which makes me very excited. My goal is to work on this over my spring break and have it released at the Shire and Brave Little Abacus show on the 19th. I'm really enjoying my input in this and I really hope you like the outcome