Month: September 2013

Child Man (Houston, TX)
https://youtu.be/xiN_P4xz1b4

Childman Reunion Show featuring members of Morgue City, Golden Axe, The Drunks, Anguish in Exile & All is Blac

Keo - Vocals

Larry - Guitar & Vocals

Tony - Bass

Kelsey - Guitars

Spike the Percussionist - Drums

Bowel (Houston, TX)
https://www.reverbnation.com/bowel

“Vore epitomizes the very sense of sludge-death itself, delivering a powerful crushing endless stream of misery that seems to never end as it smites every living cell in your body. Vore shows how much Bowel has developed since Ploughers of Land & Sea, incorporating some newer elements into their songs and even some more technical work.

“Dump Truck” starts out blatantly slow enough to make you want to vomit, but just as your brain begins to unwind it speeds up and begins to drive downward, Lyrics being at this point spit out at you as if you have always been in the wrong, I imagine myself stuck in traffic now having cement poured on me till I drown. Shortly after this stint of speed it returns to a pounding pace, akin to what a steamroller does to a road.

If “Dump Truck” didn’t do it for you in slowness, then “Knowing Not Knowing” will finish you here, starting out with a set pace of sludge nonsense and a blazing solo set to it. My least favorite song on the album due to its repetitiveness it changes up in the middle to a chunkier spewing riff and remains an inconsistent mash till the end.

“Relentless Deviance” starts out strong with a driving riff and back and forth lyrical exchange of high to low growls, and sets itself solidly and then begins to harmonize with the guitars. Continuing in this fashion till about a quarter of the way through it begins some yowling that sounds of druids moaning at the moon, invoking the rite of spirits to procure evil. But this isn’t a bad thing because it fits perfect for what’s going on in the song. Finally finishes with another solo of epic size and proportion closing out with a loud bang.

“Slither Killer” is the song on the album that if Bowel were able to make a “quiet” song this would be the one. With good technical work in a few quartered out parts of the song it changes tempo and riffage throughout the song and then goes into a little prelude of creepy guitar sweeping foreshadowing the violence to come. It holds true to its word by then coming out swinging with a muddy and grinding riff backed by the former mentioned sweeping and obstinately saying fuck you, refusing to back down from its perch, calling madness upon the unfortunate listener of this album.” – Encyclopaedia Metallum (Album Review of Vore - 2011)

Burn The Boats (Houston, TX)
https://www.reverbnation.com/burntheboats

Rising from under the waves…..

The end of February 2008 was the first time that Stevie (vocals), Floyd (bass/backing vox), and Charles (guitar) first got together in a small, dirty room at Francisco Studios that once served as a storage closet. That first meeting would produce a song, and would set the tone for the band as these three would comprise the core of the band that was to become Burn the Boats.

Both Stevie and Floyd were veterans of the local Houston scene, having played in several bands most notably, and respectively, The Scourge, and Morgue City. Stevie and Floyd had met up a couple of times prior to Charles joining, but admittedly, not much progress had been made in those early meetings. Once the three were together, the song ideas came rather easily, with Stevie sitting in on drums until a permanent drummer could be added.

Word of mouth led a friend of a friend named Derek to try out for the open slot in June of 2008, and he nailed all 4 tunes that had been written up to that point. Derek was a multi-instrumentalist that played in several bands, including an AC/DC tribute band named Brian’s Johnson. During Derek’s time in the band, BtB shared the stage with such national acts as DevilDriver, In this Moment, Opeth, High on Fire, and Baroness. However, as a result of Derek’s obligations to the other bands, his time in the Boats was limited and he left in early April 2010.

The drum throne wasn’t empty for long as Brandon came in at the end of April 2010, and put his stamp on all the songs in that first practice. With Brandon in tow, the Boats set about to play shows that helped to showcase their blend of new and old school influences infused with a dose of melody. As BtB played more shows, the consensus was that their sound was unlike the majority of bands playing out regularly. With the emphasis being more on songwriting than just a bunch of complex riffs thrown together, the songs have more of a natural flow that will keep the listener engaged.

The New Year found the Boats opening for The Sword, and winning over a slew of new fans. However that momentum was short lived as the curse of Spinal Tap reared it’s ugly head, and yet another drummer change was to come. Brandon returned to school full time and no longer had the time to devote to playing in a band. A temporary drummer was found to fulfill a previously scheduled obligation in early April of 2011, however, the search continued for a fourth permanent oarsman. That search has now ended at the end of October, as Brandon has rejoined the fold.

BtB is garnering internet radio airplay with the songs Release the Kraken, and Lost at Sea. Both songs are getting rave reviews from listeners, stateside and across Europe. Hoping to ride the waves of momentum that the airplay is stirring, BtB will release a Kraken 7″ single by year’s end, and will hopefully follow that up by releasing a full length album.

Run Boy Run (Tucson & Phoenix, AZ)
https://www.runboyrunband.com/

The unique sound of Run Boy Run is rooted in the traditional music of the Appalachian South. In recent years, bands like Nickel Creek, Crooked Still, and others have revived a sense of innovation in traditional American music. Run Boy Run continues this journey into music that is dynamic, orchestral, and overflowing with beauty. Run Boy Run exists in the tension between tradition and frontier. Three strong female voices weave a spectacular tapestry of sound. Award-winning fiddle cuts a path for a tightly formed rhythmic front. Every arrangement is – at it’s core – beautiful.

From winning the band contest at Pickin’ in the Pines in the first weeks of forming in 2009 to playing on stage at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival as band contest winners in 2012 to making a second appearance on A Prairie Home Companion in St. Paul in 2013, Run Boy Run is spreading this special brand of music to all who would hear. With the release of the full length album So Sang the Whippoorwill in March of 2013, Run Boy Run is making more people dance, cry, and sing than ever.

Brother and sister, Matt (fiddle, guitar) and Grace Rolland (cello, vocals), have fiddle music running through their blood. Raised with bow and rosin on every bedside table, Run Boy Run was a natural fit. Sisters, Bekah (fiddle, vocals, guitar) and Jen Sandoval (mandolin, vocals), grew up deeply rooted in the Bluegrass festivals of Arizona, so they too found a home in Run Boy Run. Jesse Allen (bass) was brought up on opera and western swing, and grew to love the natural fusion inherent in American music. The whole truly exceeds the sum of the parts as touches of classical, jazz, and folk express themselves through the old-time core of Run Boy Run’s unique sound.

Ragged Hearts (Houston, TX)
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ragged-Hearts/107562209301309

Ragged Hearts is a Houston-based band, featuring former members of Sylvain Sylvain’s Band (New York Dolls), The Applicators, and Trashcan Punch. Formed in 2002, they have always focused on the traditional elements of roots, rock and roll, folk, and (to a lesser extent) glam.

Founding members Corey Power, Davey Jonez, and Don Paul West envisioned a band with a do-it-yourself attitude that focuses on honest songwriting, heartfelt live performance, mutual creative contribution, and a band that would draw on the entire 50+ year tradition of Rock and Roll for inspiration.

Their debut cd, “Her Bright White Light” was released on the Basement Boy Records imprint in October of 2006, and features 3 songs produced and recorded by The Glammer Twins (Bam and Share Ross of Dogs D’Amour, Bubble, Vixen, Wildhearts) and 8 self- produced and recorded songs.

Morgue City (Houston, TX)
https://morguecity.net

Morgue City is a band that has gone through many many changes in sound and personnel. Like any successful project in the entertainment world it must be made up of resilient and determined people. This is the case with Morgue City. The band that has a rock attack intensity as well as a more sinister edge as it delves into the darker realms of noiz and it’s concurrent drones. Some of the Morgue City sound is very pop rock oriented but there is always a deviant grind of sound laced in the song work. The band consists of two musicians with a very long history in the music business. Founder, SPIKE the Percussionist, is known from a long list of projects that include Astrogenic Hallucinauting, Childman, Doggebi, Delicate Terror and as the music director for the world renowned flesh suspension group Constructs of Ritual Evolution – CoRE. The lead guitar and vocals are handled by Raul who is a multi instrumentalist and has a long history of studio work and touring. Raul hails from such bands as M-87 and was the former bass player for Bozo Porno Circus. The result is a musical conglomeration both hauntingly familiar and refreshingly new as well as powerful and beautifully dark. Combine the likes of everything from classical to jazz and gloom to power noiz with catchy lyrics, sophisticated beats, and musically diverse melodies and the result is Morgue City.

Vanilla Sugar (Houston, TX)
https://www.facebook.com/vanillasugarmusic

Jessica Perry and Cortnii have been creating music together for years. Vanilla Sugar came about when the two decided to go for a more experimental sound. Needing the right members, the duo went on a search to complete an all female band. KB was brought into the mix through a fan who happened to come to a previous performance. Finally, the group was almost complete. There was just one piece missing. The trio decided they need a guitarist. After searching through ads everywhere, they came across Vanessa V. Vanessa completed the sound. The line up was complete. Vanilla Sugar’s current mission is to spread their music across the world by doing multiple tours, expanding their fan base, and eventually getting signed to a label.

The Abyss (Houston, TX)
https://www.theabyssband.com/

The Abyss is a Dark Alternative Rock band based in Houston, Texas. The Abyss was founded in 2007 by Sean Ozz and Ronnie Kopal who’d been friends since high school. The members of The Abyss are all veteran musicians, who each bring years of experience and a huge amount of talent to the team.

Being influenced by the darker side of rock music, The Abyss diverts from the path of normalcy in the creation of their music, while forming a sound and style that is unique; and to the left of the mainstream. Heavily influenced by visual art, the sound of The Abyss captures the dark emotion from life; into something that can be felt through sound. The Abyss strives to capture the emotion and feeling that today’s mainstream music has seemingly forgotten.

Musical Influences include The Cure, Jane’s Addiction, Radiohead, Joy Division, Muse, P.I.L, and The Smashing Pumpkins just to name a select few.

The Abyss have quickly established themselves as a crediblele live act, having shared the stage with P.I.L (Public Image Limited), ORGY, Boys Don’t Cry, The Razorblade Dolls, The Scars Heal in Time, and have made multiple performances for the Houston Zombie Walk, and The Houston Press Music Awards.

The Abyss has been Nominated three years running (2011, 2012 & 2013) for Best Modern Rock and Best Rock in the Houston Press Music Awards. The Abyss stands on their own, upon a sea of imitators; in a new world of dark alternative music.

Opulent (Houston, TX)
https://www.opulentmusic.com

Opulent began in the summer of 2000, currently now with 12 years of writing and countless performances, Opulent has sculpted its sound to be every essence of the word. Combining numerous styles into the OPULENT sound, the group prides itself for having no two songs sound the same, a constituent in design. Truly, “A Diversity of Form”. A sad song or a Song that fuels the soul, OPULENT’s music comes from the heart, whether it be; love, hate, lust or anger, emotion is a definite element. Scary rhythms and haunting Vocals have a home in the entwined synthesized soundscape, Beautiful and Horrific. Additional “Voices” have been conjoined to create a mixture of absinthe-induced Metal, Industrial, with sounds that are Rock solid. Allison Scott coins the phrase Kauffin-Rock. However, To classify, you would have to hear it for yourself. Friends,Freaks, and Fiends alike, Prepare yourself for Opulent !!!

Fondue Monks (Houston, TX)
https://www.fonduemonks.com

The Fondue Monks play “Texas Funk” with a groove that remains true to their Texas roots. Driven by a dedication that borders on obsession, the Fondue Monks are totally committed to the crowd and married to the beat. Their live performance is a combination of raw energy, emotion and a vibe that is captivating and infectious.

The original lineup has remained unchanged since the band was formed in April of 1991.

Denver Courtney – Lead Vocal
Denver combines a commanding stage presence with a powerful vocal style. His extensive background in theater and passion for poetry enable him to mesmerize an audience with insightful lyrics and a powerful delivery. “Denver is the soulfire of the band. Brought down from the wind and
exhaled like some ass shaking love child of Elvis and Jim Morrison, Scientificly impossible and yet as real as air itself.”

Steve Olson – Guitar
Steve is a graduate of the renowned Berklee College of Music. In addition to his formal training Steve has 20 years of live performance experience. Steve is a veritable cornucopia of guitar styles. His history includes live performance and studio session work with funk, R&B, rock and countless jazz artists.

Ronnie Zamorano – Drums
Ronnie has a unique style that elevates him high above your average keeper of time. His ability to maintain a rock solid beat is the central element in the funk formula. Ronnie has recently returned from Iraq, where he worked for a private contractor, and has returned to his music with an energy and enthusiasm that enhances his live performance. Ronnie and his brother Rozz lock into a groove that drives the Fondue Monks like a well-oiled machine.

Rozzano Zamorano – Bass Guitar
Rozz received his first bass guitar from his father at the age of twelve and still plays it to this day. Rozz has received countless nominations for best bassist in the Houston Press and won the honor in 2002. An ardent fan was once overheard saying, “Referring to Rozz as just another bass player is like calling the Golden Gate just another bridge”. Rozz plays both acoustic and electric bass with an in your face jaw dropping style that brings the art of bass playing to a new level, moving the bass beyond simply being a rhythm instrument and introducing it as a lead soloist vehicle.

Yoko Mono (Houston, TX)
https://www.facebook.com/yokomonoband

The Yoko Mono project began in the summer of 2007, shortly after the break-up of the highly acclaimed Rock en Español band “Chango Jackson”. Singer/songwriter Moises Alanis began writing and recording new songs and the idea of starting another band started falling into place. With the help of Vlady Castellano (of Super Naco fame), the material for what will be Yoko Mono’s first independent release was completed. Moises called on past band members and friends to help complete the line-up, and began rehearsing. Within one month the band made its debut and quickly made its way into high-profile venues and opening shows for national touring acts.

Yoko Mono plans to release and E.P. in the spring 2013, and is currently planning a number of tours of the U.S. and Mexico. The filming of a music video for their first single “Nausea” is also in the works.

Moises Alanis has been featured in Rolling Stone magazine as a Budweiser True Music Artist and has shared the stage with many international touring acts such as:
Mana, Molotov, Control Machete, El Tri, Maldita Vecindad, Alek Syntek,Aterciopelados, Kinky, Los Fabulosos Cadillacs

Rozzano Zamorrano has been featured on many albums nationally and is sponsored by Dean Markley Strings. He has won the Houston Press award for “Best Bass Player” twice and also won a national battle of the bands contest sponsored by Shiner Bock Beer. He has shared the stage with international touring acts such as:
Yes, Lenny Kravitz, Cheap Trick, Van Halen, B.B. King, Eric Johson, Smashmouth