In the several times I’ve seen them live. The Massachusetts band Shakusky have managed to become one of my current favorites. Impassioned vocals sung over intricate rythms and leads. A potent mix that reads like emotional hardcore meets the eccentricities of math rock. I often catch myself saying “If I started a record label. Shakusky would be one of the two first bands I’d reach out to. Thursday nights set was by far, the best one yet. JD
My third time seeing New Jersey’s Basement Beers. Two of those times headlining a Meatlocker show. While I might have a hard time pigeonholing their sound. Their live sets are hard to match. Fun, engaging and all inclusive. Sometimes you can judge a band by the people standing around you in the pit. If that’s the case. I guess the middle picture below tells a pretty good story. JD
Last night I had the pleasure of experiencing New Jersey’s Mr. Pink. A band named after what is arguably one of the best characters in one of the most iconic films (Reservoir Dogs) in movie history. Any band or person with an apprecition for actor Steve Buscemi has to be pretty awesome. Opinion? Maybe. Fact? Most definitely. JD
The fact that I only managed a few photos of the Massachusetts melodic punk/hardcore band Agree to Disagree does not, by any means diminish my reaction to their set. This was my first time seeing or hearing the band. A lot of the bands I’m listening to these days seem to be coming south from Massachusetts (Snowhaus, Shakusky) and since their set, Agree to Disagree. I picked up a CD on the way out and have all but finished my review. So, keep a look out. JD
Essex County’s Archie Alone have posted two stellar tracks from their upcoming split 7 inch with a mystery west coast act. While there is no telling when the split will be released. Or on which label. The two songs “Broken” and “Mend” do an amazing job in displaying the bands power and ability to blend post core power with emotive lyrics and heartfelt vocals. Having seen the direction the band has been taking it’s sound. This just might be their best material yet. Don’t sleep on this. JD
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