April 2011 – Photogeek Blog

Reflections on the Seaweed Reunion.

(The Jersey Beat article with additional images.)

This past Friday night my eyes and ears were treated to what can only be described as Epic. On Friday, May 22nd Tacoma Washington’s own Seaweed blessed Brooklyn’s Bell House with a reunion show for the ages. I got to the Bell House a few minutes early and had a chance to stake the place out. I’d heard mixed reviews about the large bar and performance area from varied sources. Most of which described their love/hate relationship with the spot. Anyone visiting can’t help but notice how though very large in size they manage to keep a cozy, friendly vibe throughout. Everyone I met on the staff from the ticket collector to the bartenders were very friendly and had absolutely no hipster vibe to them. As I made the rounds and ran into a number of friends and familiar faces I couldn’t help but feel I was in for a memorable night.

(Damn) This Desert Air opened the night and though I don’t like to use the word twice in one week, Their sound was ‘EPIC’. Though the members come from such well known acts as Instruction, Nora and Fire Still Burns to name a few. DTDA’s sound is somewhat larger and deeper. My ears were hearing influences such as Quicksand and early Thursday. I couldn’t help but think the room was the perfect size for what they were performing. Needless to say it was good on the ears.

Next up was Chicago’s All Eyes West. A band I’ve been hearing more and more buzz about lately. There are many ways to describe a bands performance and style but the if I were asked to describe them I’d say “Think of a twister that rolls into town and levels every mother fucking thing in site” Then add musical instruments. I’ll say this for the record: Jeff Dean is a god damned assassin. I brought a wide angle lens to shoot the show and Christ, I couldn’t keep up with the guy. If you see him, ask him what the deal is with that crazy leg kick. My one and only regret on the night was that I missed these guys when they played the Court Tavern in New Brunswick about a week before. Insanely good. They’ve got a record due out in June. If it’s anything like their set I might have to buy two copies.

Soon enough the floors of the Bell House became packed as Seaweed took the stage. We were about to be treated to a reunion for the ages. In all honesty there was not a sad face in the entire crowd. Complete strangers became best friends while packed in front of the stage like sardines. There were people like Tracy Keats Wilson who drove all the way up from Richmond. People I talked to who remember when and where they bought their first Seaweed 7 inch or recalled that amazing set the played at CBGB’s in 1993. (Yes, I was there too)

The band quickly launched into Antilyrical and from that point never let up. I don’t think there was a soul in the area code that didn’t feel something. Aarons energy and exuberance were unstoppable. That coupled with a song list that captured the bands finest moments and a crowd that sang along to every song, chorus and lyric and you had a night that people will be talking about for years. Even the encore was killer. Though they didn’t bring out everyone’s favorite Seaweed cover (Fleetwood Mac’s) “Go Your Own Way.” They didn’t miss delivering any of their own classics. Their foot print will remain a lasting one but this show will only serve to have casted a longer shadow. JD

Jersey Beat article

Don’t Forget the Drummer!!! Ode to Pete.

Stuyvesant

Stuvesant on FB
Dromedary Records on FB

Here’s a thought for all the shooters out there. When photographing a band, if at all possible, get some shots of the drummer. The drummer is the back beat of the band. He’s the first one to arrive and the last to leave yet everyone else follows. They’re always the last to be interviewed. If at all. The last to get paid. The last to get laid. They sweat through clothes faster than an Eskimo in the amazon. And their about as visible as a goalie in the NHL. Yet there is no band without them. (That is unless you want to use a drum machine. We all know how awesome that sounds.)

The conversations I’ve had with drummers have been the best. Tales of aliens, going crazy from banging shit all day and other tales of descent into madness. So give it up for the drummer. Say hello when he’s done packing up his ton of shit and buy him a drink. He’s the drummer. He’s worked hard for it. This one’s for you Pete. (This blog post does not exclude female or transvestite drummers. They work just as hard, if not harder.)

If your up for some great Power Pop tuneage be sure to check out Stuyvesants new record coming soon.

Stuyvesant – St. Cloud on Dromedary Records

Seaweed Reunion Proves….. The Sequal is in Fact, Not Lame.

Seaweed Reunion

I’ve spent much of my morning going through images from Friday nights Seaweed Reunion over at Brooklyn’s Bell House and trying to write this review for Jim over at Jersey Beat but the words just don’t come close to the emotions. Music has been such a integral part of my life. It’s the reason why I started writing and taking pictures. Seaweed is one of those bands that blew me away from the first note. When I heard they were playing a show in Brooklyn I felt like a little school girl. Seriously, I was so excited I could have shit myself. I got to see them a handful of times in the 90’s and till this day listen to their album ‘Four’ in it’s entirety on a regular basis. The record is flawless. Needless to say the show was one for the ages. Honestly there was not a sad face in the entire crowd. Complete strangers became best friends while packed in front of the stage like sardines. As I write this I have to remind myself that it’s not my intention to turn this into a show review. I’ll save that for the article. The point of this is that I am constantly being reminded how much music inspires us. Takes us out of the gloom and doom of the world around us an inspires us to move. During and after the show I ran into so many friends and familiar faces. Seeing Tom, Ticia, Amy Edge, Pete Tabott and TKW who traveled all the way from Richmond just for the show. I appreciated the records from Alf Bartone. His band (Damn) This Desert Air’s sound was epic. I’ve been hearing about All Eyes West for a while now and they were amazing. So much energy coming from those guys. Incredibly special thanks to Jordin and Brendan from Bad Trip for bringing me the “Elevator” and “Seeing With New Eyes” 7 inches. It’s times like these that make me realize I live a charmed life. I’ll be sure to post something more show related later. For now, it’s off to the Taco truck for a late lunch.

Exemption (This Ain’t No Post About Tax Season.)

Exemption, Metal

When I got to the Lit Lounge Exemption was already a few songs into their set. As their sounds filled my head I noticed the lack of balance I was feeling earlier coming back strong. I slowly dipped in to my camera bag as if not to upset some sacred ritual that had been practiced for years by the locals. Though it turned out this was not the case. Something spiritual was definitely being cooked up. The great thing about going out to shows is that no matter what band you’re there to see. (On this night it was Thinning the Herd) Someone or something is going to surprise you and maybe take you out of your element. Exemption did that for me. The band hails from Long Island and Brooklyn and has some serioius kick. I found myself not only wanting to capture that sound in my pictures but take advantage of their invite to “Come say hello. Talk to us after the set.” I always feel a little apprehensive approaching bands after their set. There’s a sense of me wanting to talk to someone in the band while the spirit of their music is still boiling in my blood but it’s best to hang back. Let the guys get their shit packed away, cool off and have a chance to chill with their buddies. I got to talking to their guitarist Nick a bit later. Found out he was my step fathers hometown of Massapequa. (Home of All American Burger) He gave me a copy of their disc ‘Public Cemetery Party’ which I’ve been nodding to all week. Be sure to check them out.

Exemption on FB

Thinning the Herd Meet and Greet.

Uncategorized

Thinning the Herd is a band I’ve been following for some time now. They were and are one the many bands I’m interested in talking to for Unite. When my bestie Rich Trash told me he was friends with the band I asked him to do the interview in order to possibly gain a more personal insight as to what makes them so fucking awesome.
When I heard they were playing the Lit Lounge I figured I’d swoop into Manhattan, gets some pictures and introduce myself. Seeing them live for the first time in over a year was great. Getting to hear the newer songs and get up close. Hopefully Rich will get back to nYc soon to sit down with the guys.
Thanks to Gavin for the Cd’s. I appreciate it. The bands new release Oceans Rise is amazing.

Thinning The Herd on FB

Skate Rats

Canon lenses and equipment, Skate Boarding

This afternoon I decided to take my lunch down to the Hudson River (about three blocks from me) to check out some of the extensions that have recently been made there. It was such a beautiful day I thought I’d to wander down to the nearby skate ramps to see if there was any action to be had. Luckily I had my camera with me and after introducing myself around took a few shots. Since picking up the Canon 15mm Fisheye I’ve found so many uses for it. Capturing some sick in flight was high on the list.

Never Judge a Book by it’s Cover.

Fall of the Albatross, Fisheye Lenses

Fall of the Albatross proved to me once again to never judge a book by it’s cover. I was about to head out when the band began to set up their equiptment on stage. Their singer immediately caught my attention. Not exactly the type of guy your used to seeing at a Metal show. Something about his look and personality reminded me of Keenan Thompson from SNL. There was definitely a charm about him. As the band started to play I was immediately reminded of Living Color (That is in a good way) Tight musianship and damn did this kid have some major singing chops. His range matched with the bands precision and ability to put their unique stamp on any style or genre were amazing.The band hails from Jamaica Queens which is a short distance from where I grew up so it immediately felt like I was supporting the home team. Basically, I was blown away. This was a great example of why you should always get to the show early and leave late. Make sure you give every band a chance and don’t be afraid to say hello after. Tell them you enjoyed their set.

Fall of the Albatross on FB

Four Fingers Play a show without breaking anything. News at 11.

Fisheye Lenses

On Sunday the 17th I l headed South on the NJ Turnpike to New Brunswick for brunch and an Punk show at the legendary Court Tavern, We swept into town super early and did a little (actually, very little) exploring before grabbing a bite around the corner. All ages matinees are a rarity at the Court Tavern but Shannon Perez more than made it work. Instead of having the show downstairs or even in the back where numerous minors would be passing the temptation of the bar she had it in a small room just off to the side of the front door. (No one would even get as far as the bar.) The show opened with a five piece from Maplewood called Polyphony (more on them in my next post) and followed with Shannon’s band Hope You Die before making way for Four Fingers.

Four Fingers is a band I interviewed a little over a year ago and have kept in contact with since. I can’t think of a better group of guys to throw your support to. Their style reminds me a lot of Adrenalin O.D. with some Blag Flag and Stooges thrown in for good measure. Tohm puts 125% of himself into every performance. Always making the crowd feel involved and injected into the music. I think a lot of that leads to his many performance injuries which again makes me think of the Stooges. This performance was the tightest I’ve seen them and to give Tohm proper credit, he didn’t injure himself or any one else for that matter. Chris reminds me a lot of Animal on the Muppet Show. Pounding away on the drums with wild abandon. I’ve never seen any one get so close the the skins while he was pounding them. Be sure to keep your fingers away from his mouth. Ryan, the newest member has fit in well and seems to be the glue they’ve needed all along. Then there’s Jeff. He seems like the calm within the storm but his guitar playing is a sickness there seems to be no vaccine for. Check them out if you get the chance.

http://www.facebook.com/fourfingersnj

Always be sure to check out the opening band.

Uncategorized

I can’t stress how important it is to support local bands and get involved enough to ensure that your town, clique or crew or zip code can build and maintain a music scene. It’s something that might take hard work but will reward you over and over again. Every band started somewhere. Bands we worship and write books about started by playing in basements and holes to a handful of people. Ask Ian McKaye. Ask Henry Rollins. Ask the fucking Beatles. Every band had to start somewhere. Every band was an opening band at some point. These bands need your support the most. I’ve always known people who only show for the headliners or their friends band. Growing up the NYHC scene was full of them. Sunday afternoon I got to the all ages matinee at The Court Tavern early and was rewarded by getting to see a band from Maplewood, NJ called Polyphony. This five piece are probably young enough to be my kids. (I’m guessing their still in High School) but they perked my ears up… and high. Just standing there taking it in I was reminded of all the great bands I saw in some kids basement back in the 90’s. Merel, Born Against, Greyhouse, Garden Variety, Dahlia Seed, Lifetime. All these great bands played to a bunch of friends somewhere in someone’s basement at one point. Their sound had me thinking of the sounds that were coming out of Ebullition and Council Records in the 90’s. They were so good that during their set I couldn’t help but think “That’s just the kind of band I’d want to promote on my site.” I made a point of saying hello afterward and managed to pick up a demo. I’ll definitely be looking out for more shows in the future. You should too.

Polyphony on FB

This One Time at The Court Tavern.

Editorial, Fisheye Lenses

Costco 087 — Jeff keeps me company as the weirdness unfolds.

As I was walking in to The Court Taverns side room where Sundays all ages matinee was being held I was asked “Are you straightedge?” by a complete stranger. The question so caught me off guard. It felt as if I was just ambushed by the prize patrol and only the correct answer would give me a chance to hold the ridiculously over sized check. My first thought was “Maybe he recognized me from a show or affiliation with some older straight edge bands.” But somehow the question and the fact that it came from this complete stranger set me off or at least put me on, for lack of a better word, edge. I dryly asked “That’s the way you address a complete stranger?” “What the hell kind of question is that?” The exchange quickly ended and I moved to the bar to have a screwdriver. Later, after the show he told me he was doing a paper and if I had any knowledge or experience on the subject he’s like to ask me some questions. When I found out he was also interviewing Tohm from Four Fingers I said “Why Not” As we waited outside after the show I kept thinking this dude was off. Not a bad guy at all but at the very least, squirrely. We stood outside and spoke for a few before heading to the local Dunkin’ Donuts for what turned out to be one of the weirdest interviews I’ve ever sat in on. Everything about it from the pre-prepared questions to the robotic delivery and request that we each answer the questions individually without any one speaking at the same time. I found Tohms answers to be very intriguing and honest and I learned more about someone who is becoming more and more of a friend. His friend Dana who tagged along also answered the questions thoughtfully and honestly all while listening to everyone’s answers intently and making some of the most direct and intuitive eye contact I’ve ever seen. Excellent, considering she herself is a Journalism student. All in all the interviewer was very nervous and anxious. Never giving an ounce of his own experience to the process. It seemed as if he just spun a roulette wheel and picked whatever topic the dice landed on. It made me think of how awkward I must have seemed doing interviews for my first zine when I was fifteen. Regardless of the weirdness of those exchanges I got to meet some new people including Dana and had a story to tell when I got home.