Escape from MySpace #27: Jay Banerjee

Escape from MySpace
Want to get out of the hell called MySpace? You can't. The posts are still up though. The section as such is closed.

Jay Banerjee has a way with words. The NYC songwriter takes his cues from vintage Sixties garage and melodies that hint at the Beatles and the Beach Boys. He has a demo EP aptly titled Three Songs. There are all about the fairer sex and how to deal with them. Banerjee hasn't got a much of a voice, but his wandering up and down and scales goes well with the mixed emotions that he sings about.

Kate is his stand-out track, with quite a bit of wordplay - "communicate", "reciprocate" and, of course, "complicate". All jokes aside he get it just right, when he deadpans : "Kate I think the problem is you've got too many feelings / You can take my heart just don't get caught and then it ain't stealing / If you don't want me to waste my time on such an endeavor / Love me hate me just say that you're mine then go feel whatever".

Three Songs is available though his website.

Tracks:

1. Long Way Home
2. No Way Girl
3. Kate

Banerjee does it all by him self, with engineer Michel Lynch riding shotgun in the producer's seat. He performs live as a foursome as Jay Banerjee & The Hearttrobs:

Jay Banerjee & The Heartthrobs:
Jay Banerjee: vocals, rhythm guitar
Matt Marando: lead guitar
John McNamara: bass
Vinny Giangola: drums

Live date:

• 04/29 Jay Banerjee presents The International Pop Overthrow @ The National Underground, New York, NY

» myspace.com/jaybanerjee
» facebook.com/greatmusic

Escape from MySpace #26: Munich

Escape from MySpace
Want to get out of the hell called MySpace? You can't. The posts are still up though. The section as such is closed.

Munich are a Brighton quintet who go for densely layered songs. Lead singer Stuart Slade has the range to rise above the twin guitar attack provided by James McKeown and Stuart Weller. Their not so secret weapon is the rhythm section: the large bass strokes painted by Tom Howland and the locked in groove of drummer Josh Holmes.

The band members are childhood friends and gained some notoriety when they operated as Maura Kincaid landing a slot at the Queens Head stage at Glastonbury in 2009.

Renamed Munich they are performing anthems that can reach the back of a really big audience during a late night set at a Summer festival.

MP3: Munich - Into The Rain...

Live date:

• 04/09 229 Venue, London

» myspace.com/thisismunich

Escape from MySpace #25: Oh! Gunquit

photo: Justin McDermott

Escape from MySpace
Want to get out of the hell called MySpace? You can't. The posts are still up though. The section as such is closed.

Neo-surf rockers Oh! Gunquit are a quartet from London who bring back the sex of the B=52s and The Cramps. They have a four track demo that sounds almost finished, although they could bring the trumpet and saxophone bit more to the front.

They have the fast-paced 4/4 rhythm down, added just enough echo to the vocals and the reverb on the guitar is definitely old-school.

Oh! Gunquit:
Wanda Smacksome: vocals, trumpet
Manchine: guitar, vocals
Sam Bam Leadfoot: drums
Dr Zoom: saxophone

MP3: Oh! Gunquit - Cherry Jam
MP3: Oh! Gunquit - Cindy's Got a Tiger

UK live dates:

• 02/26 Whoreditch (w/ The Good The Bad), London
• 02/27 Biddle Brothers, Clapton, London
• 02/28 Butterfly Stitches, Camden Head, London
• 03/20 The Bleep Test Club (w/ Six Nation State), Oakford Social, Reading
• 03/31 Wang Dang Doodle, Lock Tavern, London

» myspace.com/ohgunquit

Escape from MySpace #24: Elspeth

Belfast band Elspeth formed in March 2009 and it took them a mere two months to be spinned by BBC Radio 6 DJ Gideon Coe after which they made rode airwaves again on BBC Radio One 'Introducing' with Rory McConnell, Across the Line on BBC Radio Ulster, 2FM, and Phantom FM.

Escape from MySpace
Want to get out of the hell called MySpace? You can't. The posts are still up though. The section as such is closed.

The band have been playing well received shows In Ireland and England, while they are working on their debut ep Felix Squirrel due for release in early 2010.

Song for Goodbyes is carefully arranged track, with a repetitive acoustic guitar motive serving as the undertow for the dreamy lead vocals. 24 Hour Paramedics is driven by a toe-tapping back beat belying the serious subject matter.

Elspeth:
Gerard: vocals, guitar
Leo: guitar
Jonny: guitar
Davy: bass
Phil: drums

» myspace.com/elspethmusic

Escape from MySpace #23: Galapaghost

Escape from MySpace
Want to get out of the hell called MySpace? You can't. The posts are still up though. The section as such is closed.

One man band Galapaghost is the project of Casey Chandler, ukulele wielding singer-songwriter from Astoria, Queens, NY. He writes gentle songs that can be filed as folk-pop musings.

His vocal range is quite large, but it wouldn't hurt if he signed up for a class teaching him breathing techniques.

He is currently putting together a full band that will help him to expand his sound.

MP3: Galapaghost - Lost Generation
MP3: Galapaghost - Goodnight Moon

» myspace.com/galapaghostcasey

Escape from MySpace #22: Tolivar

Escape from MySpace
Want to get out of the hell called MySpace? You can't. The posts are still up though. The section as such is closed.

UK band Tolivar have tapped into the psychedelic pop of the late sixties. With a classic line-up (two guitars, bass and drums) they play fast rock songs with the middle-eigtht as a breather. Their tunes don't make it behind the four minute mark - no need for playing longer if you can say it all within a short time frame. Recommended if you like bands like The Fratellis and The Lovin' Spoonful.

They just have finished a three track EP that is a fitting soundtrack for the first days of Spring.

Tolivar:
Nathan Clarke: vocals, guitar
Bill Sterling: vocals, guitar
Mark Brown bass
Rob Timm: drums

MP3: Tolivar - Never trust a girl with a curly smile

» myspace.com/tolivar

Escape from MySpace #21: Zemmy

Escape from MySpace
Want to get out of the hell called MySpace? You can't. The posts are still up though. The section as such is closed.

Pop is an deceptively easy genre. Creating something that stands out is rather difficult. Zemmy, a 22 year old singer/songwriter based in London, sounds a lot older than her age.

She can channel Sparks' singer Russell Mael (Secretly Happy)) and her latest tune (Bleed Me Dry) should be Candie Payne's and Lucky Soul's shortlists for a B-side.

» myspace.com/zemmym

Escape from MySpace #20: Déjà Funk

Escape from MySpace
Want to get out of the hell called MySpace? You can't. The posts are still up though. The section as such is closed.

Déjà Funk is a Dutch funky jazz quartet (or a jazzy funk quartet). Updating standards laid down by Charles Mingus, Dave Weckl and the like, they go go for the groove.

This music is all instrumental, which is just as well. Vocals would only distract from the intricate interplay these four guys have developed during long hours of practiising.

Déjà Funk:
Carlo Broere: guitar
Anan Den Boer: keyboards
Wouter Landzaat: bass
Efraim de Nijs: drums

MP3: Déjà Funk - Mud Sauce
MP3: Déjà Funk - Goodbye Pork Pie Hat
MP3: Déjà Funk - Tune 88

» myspace.com/dejafunk

Escape from MySpace #19: Waldo Wittenmyer & The Wall of Sound

Escape from MySpace
Want to get out of the hell called MySpace? You can't. The posts are still up though. The section as such is closed.

Waldo Wittenmyer & The Wall of Sound is punkie folk band form Austin, TX. Fronted by hoarse voiced John Wittenmyer they sound like the illegitimate children of The Clash.

With tons of attitude and bravado they are a typical American band. They may overreach themselves in their songwriting, but are back on their feet without missing a beat if they fuck up in mid-song. All they need is chalk up more rehearsal time. After that they can blow off the roof a your favorite beer serving hangout (the kind that hosts live music).

Waldo Wittenmyer & The Wall of Sound:
John Wittenmyer: lead vocals, guitar
Marcus Lewton: drums
Rob Rashilla: bass
Galen Kralik: guitar
Kallie Foltz: herself
Hayden Lawson: herself

Live dates:

• 01/10 Reach Music Festival Houston, TX
• 01/24 Carousel Lounge (w/ Ethan Kennedy and Know More Robots) Austin, TX

» myspace.com/waldowittenmyer

Escape from MySpace #18: The State Workers

The State Workers: Guillermo Saar, Peter Cutul, Matt Shook, James Brophy

Escape from MySpace
Want to get out of the hell called MySpace? You can't. The posts are still up though. The section as such is closed.

The State Workers are a quartet from Fort Montgomery, NY, who create left field Americana tunes with spoken word bits, brass and general weirdness. They are green, into ecology and all that, selling their music for each amount of cash you are willing to part with.

Recommended for those who like Captain Beefheart and Pere Ubu. Call it dark grunge NOLA folk, the kind of music the Icelandic huldufolk would play if they really existed.

The State Workers have a sense of humour too. Just check out their ditty Rednecks For Obama.

Live date:

• 11/14 Arlene's Grocery, New York, NY

» thestateworkers.com
» myspace.com/thestateworkers

Escape from MySpace #17: The Yelling

photo: Scott Soens

Escape from MySpace
Want to get out of the hell called MySpace? You can't. The posts are still up though. The section as such is closed.

Now that Wolfmother has been reduced to a one-man band with an uncertain future there's room for a new pet blues riff based hard rocking outfit. And it might as well be The Yelling from North Hollywood, CA. This quarter that taps into the Seventies (Led Zeppelin) and a bit further back (Humble Pie, Moby Grape, The Nice).

They are flogging a five track demo around garnering them some nice reviews. Catch The Yelling in a small venue before they make it big. Wear earplugs when you plan to go near the PA.

The Yelling:
Nathaniel Cox: vocals, guitar
Robert Davis: guitar
Michael Judd: drums
Chris McKee: bass

Live dates:

• 11/05 Club Moscow @ Boardner’s Los Angeles, CA
• 11/06 Future Sounds presents THE RUMBLE @ 3 of Clubs, Los Angeles, CA
• 11/12 Club Moscow @ Boardner’s, Los Angeles, CA
• 11/19 The Echo (w/ Night Horse), Los Angeles, CA
• 11/25 Wildcat Lounge, Santa Barbara, CA

MP3: The Yelling - Blood On The Steps

» myspace.com/theyelling

Escape from MySpace #16: Detox Retox

photo: Stas Casa

Escape from MySpace
Want to get out of the hell called MySpace? You can't. The posts are still up though. The section as such is closed.

If you live in the suburbs of Washington, DC it's only natural to you need to unwind a bit every now and then. So why not start a rock band, name it Detox Retox, get some gigs, make a five song EP called Hard To Swallow to send out to venues and sell to your fanbase.

Detox Retox was formed in late 2007 and they support the classic two guitars, bass and drums configuration. They got a nice vibe going and lots of energy is put into their material. Play loud when you are knocking down a wall or taking apart superfluous cupboards.

Detox Retox:
Michael Parker: vocals, guitar
Nate Frey: lead guitar
Kevin Glass: bass, vocals
Kabir Khanna: drums

Live dates:

• 10/31 Asylum (Free Halloween Party!) Washington DC
• 11/16 Trash Bar, Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY

Buy a hard copy of Hard To Swallow from Kunaki.com.

MP3: Detox Retox - Too Late

» myspace.com/detoxretox

Escape from MySpace #15: Liquor Boxx

Escape from MySpace
Want to get out of the hell called MySpace? You can't. The posts are still up though. The section as such is closed.

Straightforward rock, that's Liquor Boxx, a Chicago foursome who have on the road for more than a year, plugging their self-released album To The Face. Nothing fancy, just the kind of band that will go down as easy as an ice cold beer at a no-frills festival.

All the usual suspects (Hendrix, Phish, Cream, Led Zep, RHCP) are named by the band as their influences, but not much jamming is involved. They play a lot of bikers' gatherings, and those crowds are not known for showing much tolerance for free-flowing advanced music.

Liquor Boxx:
Kevin Mace: vocals
Patrick Creedon: lead guitar
Martin Farrelly: bass
Johnny "Drama" Stoneking: drums

Live dates:

• 09/20 Smith's Olde Bar, Atlanta Ga Atlantis Music Conference
• 10/02 The Red Barn Tavern, Myrtle Beach Sc Bike Week
• 10/04 The Red Barn Tavern, Myrtle Beach Sc Bike Week
• 10/17 Dive Bar Raleigh NC
• 10/18 The Rock Shop, Fayetteville NC
• 10/24 Riders Lounge, Hilton Head Island, SC
• 10/25 Riders Lounge, Hilton Head Island, SC
• 10/24 Riders Lounge, Hilton Head Island, SC

» myspace.com/liquornbooze

Escape from MySpace #14: Mister Vague

Escape from MySpace
Want to get out of the hell called MySpace? You can't. The posts are still up though. The section as such is closed.

Mister Vague is actually Mark Earnest, a guitar player and singer from Reno, NV. He has two albums under his belt, inviting his friends to play on his indie rock songs about unusual subjects like Miss Atom Bomb 1951.

He likes Led Zeppelin III and unplugged Nirvana, in other words: loud in a quiet way.

Live dates:

• 07/31 Muddy Waters Coffeehouse, Portland, OR
• 08/01 Trabant Coffee, Seattle, WA
• 08/02 Ashland Beanery, Ashland, OR
• 08/16 Scruples Unplugged, Reno, NV
• 08/22 Red Vic Sessions, San Francisco, CA

» mistervaguemusic.com
» myspace.com/mistervague

Escape from MySpace #13: High on Stress

Escape from MySpace
Want to get out of the hell called MySpace? You can't. The posts are still up though. The section as such is closed.

High on Stress is a quartet from Minneapolis. They are into Big Star, REM and Wilco, writing catchy pop rock songs. They released an album called Moonlight Girls and are currently putting the finishing touches to the follow-up entitled Cop Light Parade. Despite their name they are pretty laid back. File under: Golden Smog and Ryan Adams.

High on Stress:
Nick Leet: vocals, guitar
Mark Devaraj: drums
Jim Soule: bass guitar, backing vocals
Chad Wheeling: guitar, organ

» myspace.com/highonstress

Escape from MySpace #12: Moscow Rifle

Escape from MySpace
Want to get out of the hell called MySpace? You can't. The posts are still up though. The section as such is closed.

Do kids still pick up instruments and start banging away? Hell yeah. Moscow Rifle, a duo from Queens, NYC, proudly raise the DIY flag. They follow the path that was made by The New York Dolls and The Heartbreakers. They name The Strokes as a big influence. Such a shame that they no longer can play CBGB ...

Moscow Rifle:
Andres Gomes: guitar, vocals
Austin Peter: drums, percussion

» myspace.com/moscowrifle

Escape from MySpace #11: Anna Laube

Escape from MySpace
Want to get out of the hell called MySpace? You can't. The posts are still up though. The section as such is closed.

San Francisco singer Anna Laube can be described is just one word: tender. If you like mellow folk songs, this is a singer you want to check out. She released an album in 2006, Outta My Head, and has a busy touring schedule covering the coffee house circuit that has been embracing her kind of music for decades.

She sounds like the favorite aunt most people never actually had -- a husky voice embedded slide guitar, upright piano and easy going drums and bass.

» annalaube.com
» myspace.com/annalaube

Escape from MySpace #10: The Bastards of Fate

Escape from MySpace
Want to get out of the hell called MySpace? You can't. The posts are still up though. The section as such is closed.

The Bastards of Fate were conceived by Doug Cheatwood in 2006. He collected a handful of really out there musicians and started scaring the hell out of their audiences in their native Southwest Virginia. Underneath all the noise lurks a beat that will get you on your feet and on the wrong foot at once.

With guts that are impossible to contain, a live show that borders on fun and more than enough lushness in the music, they have earned comparisons to: Wall of Voodoo, Nick Cave, Modest Mouse, Frank Zappa, and the Flaming Lips.

Let just call it freak out mayhem avant garde dance music. Bastards indeed.

The Bastards of Fate:
Doug Cheatwood: vocal, guitar
Benji Pugh: guitar, trombone
Camellia Delk: synth, violin
Jason Wells: bass, saxophone
Doug Shelor: drums

» thebastardsoffate.com
» myspace.com/thebastardsoffate

Escape from MySpace #09: Great Bloomers

Escape from MySpace
Want to get out of the hell called MySpace? You can't. The posts are still up though. The section as such is closed.

The Great Bloomers are a garage rock band from Ontario, Canada. They have a self-released 5 track EP with rambling roots rock, sounding sloppy (but in good way) and soulful. Hints of Frank Black and Thurston Moore galore.

They are currently in the studio recording their first full length which will be released on Grifter Music.

Great Bloomers:
Lowell Sostomi: vocals, guitar, harmonica
Andrew Kekewich: keys, drums, vocals
Nate Hindle: guitar, vocals
Ty Rowles: bass, vocals
Shawn Dell: drums, keys, vocals

Live dates:

• 05/29 The Horseshoe (w/ Jon Rae), Toronto, Ontario
• 06/05 The Boat (w/ Spookey Ruben), Toronto, Ontario
• 06/12 NXNE Showcase @ Super Market, Toronto, Ontario

» myspace.com/greatbloomers

Escape from MySpace #08: fan-tan

Escape from MySpace
Want to get out of the hell called MySpace? You can't. The posts are still up though. The section as such is closed.

Brooklyn New Wave band fan-tan have a catchy EP called Bars in Window. They sell it at their live show s fo a meager 5 dollars, a minor investment for well produced self-released album.

Best track: venom and the venomous, in which guitar, bass and drums lock in as one riff-driven instrument.

Tracks:

1. damage
2. fall of rome
3. painted imagery
4. venom and the venomous
5. afterthoughts

Live dates:

• 05/22 Galapagos Crashin’ In party w/ The Red Romance, The library is on fire, DJ oil (kanine records), Brooklyn, NY
• 06/14 Galapagos w/ Dynasty Electric, Brooklyn, NY

» fantanmusic.com
» www.myspace.com/fantanrock