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Band-November 1998 - Driven Mad
- Great show! Different from other shows I've seen.
- Exit Hero
- Go see them. Now. Run, don't walk.
- Read more about them in our exclusive interview.
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- Maybe I'll like them better next time.
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- Channeling Jim
- Ha!Ha! Very funny.
- Hair of the Dog
- See them at least once.
Beastie Boys
Review: Monday night, myself and some of my friends went to see one of the most popular Brooklyn bands in the country, The Beastie Boys. Being a regular visitor of your site I immediately thought of submitting a review. The B-boys came out with the intensity of 6th graders at the 3 o'clock bell. The light show was cool but the beats absolutely shook the entire coliseum. Mike D, Adrock and MCA kicked it hard despite playing three shows in the three previous nights. Obviously they would showcase the music on the newest album "Hello Nasty" but that didn't stop them from breaking out with the oldschool. When the boys broke out "Paul Revere" the crowd went nuts. Adrock merely said the first line of every verse and the crowd did the rest. They ended the show with a killer version of "Intergalactic" and then they brought the house down with the punk cover of Billy Joel's "Big Shot" and the encore "Sabotage". The thousands of people went into an absolute frenzy when that s! ong was started and stayed frenzied until about 20 minutes after the Beasties left the stage. An excellent performance from three true Brooklynites.
The Band on the Web: Grand Royal Records
Reply to Reviewer: elpres1@hotmail.com
Bombjack
Review: I checked out the realaudio clip for "UNITE". The band is super tight and I dig the vocalist's style. The guitar tones are heavy and smooth and the production and mix is real solid and beefy. I would definetly have Bombjack down to play with my band. I think they would be well recieved by our fans. Keep up the good work!
Reply to Reviewer: Bradford
The Band on the Web: bombjack's site
Channeling Jim
Review: Hi, my name is kyfus. I live in las vegas now, originally from n.y. I really dig the site and the reveiws. My friend Stone plays in Channeling Jim, see if they'll come out here. Anyway keep the scene alive. Later.
Channeling Jim
Review: Wow...what a freakin show! I've been all over the LI bar scene, and the one day I hit this Brooklyn bar, all hell breaks loose. How the heck can a band this good be playing a sewer hole like this (bar name excluded). Wonderama, Belly Button, all small apples compared to the great show these guys put on. Who the heck needs a stage when a small pit can entertain the whole bar? Solid music, as well as an entertaining show had me rolling. The lead singer holds the crowd (no matter what size it is). I added myself to their mailing list after the show. This is one band I intend on following around this summer!
Reply to Reviewer: alialou@aol.com
The Band on the Web: Channeling Jim's site
Channeling Jim
Neighborhood: Sheepshead Bay
Review: Go see Channeling
Jim at the Nite Lite Cafe in Sheepshead Bay in Brooklyn. What an experience! They are not
only talented, but also hysterically funny. Steve, the lead singer, will crack you up with
his jokes and one-liners.The rest of the
band include, Jerry (drums), Jay Stone (guitar), Vinny (bass) and Jay (keyboard). Two
weeks ago, they were at the Nite Lite Cafe. This gig sent me home with split sides. Get
this--they wore orange prisoner jumpsuits and handcuffs--with their keyboard player as
" the lawyer." Just put together how funny they are and add those costumes--now
you've got great entertainment and a great band. I definitely reccomend checking this band
out. Don't miss their version of "Sweet Caroline", or "Are You Gonna Go My
Way." There's a lot more too, but you gotta see for yourself. I'll mention one more
thing, you gotta see their mascot!
The bar is ordinary bar, but you won't give a shit because these guys always make it worthwhile. I'd rather go to the Nite Lite than to the Salty Dog on a Saturday. Sounds strange, but its true, and its all because of Channeling Jim.
Enough said, Channeling Jim rocks, go see them. This Saturday they're at the Nite Lite--DON'T MISS IT!
Reviewer: Lisa Giannetti
The Band on the Web: Channeling Jim's site
Driven
Review: THE band has got to be driven. I was getting ready to leave when they started, so I said let me check these guys out. Let me tell you, they are the greatest band I have evr seen. I stayed for the whole set. I couldnt believ my ears or my eyes. it was crazy. they gave me the chills. I read your review of them. it seems like there wasnt enough space to write enough about them.
The Band on the Web: Driven Mad's site
Driven
Review: I've got to give credit where... The band would be an incredible blast if they were just coming out 10 years ago. There sound screams of "Slave to the Grind" by Skid Row. They have an incredible light show and a good stage presence. The music, however unfortunate, is a bit stale. It's been done. The singer, while having an incredible voice, doesn't fit the music. Not to mention he uses too much vibrato in his vocal stylings. The guitars scream late 1980's riffs. In and of itself that's not terrible but not exactly a breathe of fresh air nor is it nostalgic enough to perk my interest. I will admit to one thing. I would go see them again. Only at a different venue and without the light show.
Reply to Reviewer: The President
The Band on the Web: Driven Mad's site
Exit Hero
Review: I can't get enough of this band. I listen to their demo tape all the time and I could never get sick of it. I always want more. The drummer is great. He knows his shit. Tommy T. has an incredable voice. Frank is always energetic. Tommy L. is always focused on what he is doing. This band always gives me energy. Exit Hero is my gasoline. They fill my tank up with fuel everytime I see them or hear them.
Neighborhood: Bay Ridge
Reply to Reviewer: tohearn@hotmail.com
The Band on the Web: Exit Hero's site
Exit Hero
Neighborhood: Bay Ridge
- Review: They are fuckin nice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
these guys play loud and play all night....
I usually don't listen to their kind of music but these guys are off the hook!
exit hero rocks baby!!!!!!
oh yeah, mad props to bar one bouncer "dillan" aka...big dee
- Reviewer: domi aka tbone
- The Band on the Web: Exit Hero's site
Exit Hero
Review: Saturday June 20th, The Record Release Party at the Elbow Room was the Freakiest Show yet. I always say that each show is better then the last, but this one was the mother of all mothers. First of all, the sound system in this joint has to be better than any other anywhere Exit Hero has played thus far. Second, the huge stage helps create a true Rock & Roll concert type feeling, quite similar to Roseland or The Ritz. Last but not least, It's location in the heart of Greenwich Village is perfect for having a Kick-Ass good time! Without a doubt, I had a funky good time. Seeing all my peoples from all over turn out for the show is what made this evening most enjoyable and one that I will remember for many weeks to come. Although there were more people there than usual, there were still some faces I would had like to have seen but didn't, so next time tell all your cats and dogs to get their buts in gear. Finally, I would like to give a quick shout out to the crew from PA who made it down, The crew from Bay 50 with the car trouble (Even though you missed the show it was great partying with Ya!), and everyone from Bay Ridge who took a little piece of Brooklyn with them and tore the place apart! Keep shaken' that ass Jiva! To those who couldn't make it, Ya'll missed one hell of a good time.
Reviewer: Winky
Exit Hero
- Review: THE GREATEST FUCKIN' BAND IN THE WORLD...
- I HAVE TO SAY THAT THIS BAND IS ONE OF THE FEW BANDS...NO, LET ME TAKE THAT BACK, THE ONLY BAND THAT IS PLAYING IN THE NEW YORK AREA THAT IS WORTH GIVING A FUCK ABOUT. EVERY TIME THAT I SEE THEM MY FEELING IS REINFORCED. THEY ARE A VERY RELEVENT STEP IN THE EVOLUTION OF ROCK N ROLL MUSIC AND THEY ARE CONSTANTLY DEVELOPING. NOT ONLY ARE THEY THE BEST LIVE BAND I HAVE EVER SEEN, BUT WRITE SOME OF THE BEST MUSIC I HAVE HEARD IN QUITE A WHILE.( THE CD THAT I PURCHASED AT THEIR WEBSTER HALL SHOW IS MY PICK FOR ALBUM OF THE YEAR. IF YOU HAVE TO GO OUT AND KILL SOMEONETO GET IT, I RECOMMEND A FOOLPROOF ALIBI BEFORE YOU DO SO.) THE WAY THEY COMBINE MELODY, EMOTION, KICK ASS BEATS, AND INTERESTING SONG STRUCTURES, TO ME, MAKE THEM THE LEADERS IN THE RACE OF THE BEST UNSIGNED BANDS. I REALLY CAN'T BELIEVE THAT THEY HAVE NOT BEEN PICKED UP YET BY A LABEL. WHO EVER GRABS THESE GUYS IS GOING TO BE ONE RICH INDIVIDUAL.THEY GROOVE, THEY RIP, AND THE BEST OF ALL THEYRE REAL.SO WHEN YOU KNOW THESE GUYS ARE PLAYING SOMEWHERE YOU MAKE IT A POINT TO GO, THEY REALLY WILL AFFECT YOUR SOUL AND MAKE YOU REALIZE THAT IF YOU LOOK HARD ENOUGH, THERE IS HOPE. THE SPIRIT OF ROCK N ROLL WILL NEVER DIE AND THESE GUYS WILL MAKE SURE OF IT.OH, AND TO THE COMPETION: YOU CAN'T TOUCH EM.
- P.S. TOMMY T (THE SINGER) HAS INVADED MY DREAMS AND TAKEN UP RESIDENCE IN MY SOUL. YOU ARE THE MAN, BABY.
Exit Hero
- Review: I have been to a couple of exit hero shows. They are good. But I must state to the public and non-groupies that the review this band got was ridicoulus. And I say this with the most respect the band exit hero are good preformers they get the place moving but one review said and I quote "they give rock and roll hope they get into your soul and move you" Thats bullshit. I have a big news flash to all of you there are lots of great Brooklyn bands and unsigned bands and exit hero is definatley one of them but thats it..One of them. I have a question ladies, does the music move you that much or do you go because "the lead singers hot" I myself am a big fan of 80's music which is why I enjoy an occasional show. And to the boys of the band please don’t take this personal I wish you tons of suscess. But my public must say that every exit hero show I go to its the same girls, the same conversations in the bathroom, (which I must say has nothing to do with the music but with the lead singer). I guess what my review is trying to say is the reviews of this band are not really reviews, at all they are love letters to the singer tommy. So here is a real review the drummer is really good he knows his shit you should enjoy his, sound.one of the gutarist need a little more energy but on skill he gets a ten. The other gutarist brings an ill hyper sound and jumps around like a crack monkey. The singer is good he also plays the gutair he gets the place hype.over all they are a good band.in conclusion madd propps to the musicians. This is from a female fan who appreciates you style and music.
Pthefuck.Sto all you white trash groupie girls if you ever find the exit sign in bar one you will find other bands and hot lead singers to leach on to! Get a life and make room for the music fans not the tommy fans-------peace out!
Reply to Reviewer: EricaTF@aol.com
The Band on the Web: Exit Hero's site
Flying Blind
Neighborhood: Snook Inn, Bay Ridge
Review: Saw them about two ago...awesome need to go see them...Playing again at the Snook Inn on 4/24. Definately a show to catch.
Flying Blind
Neighborhood: Snook Inn, Bay Ridge
Review: Seeing that most of the people seem to go to the Snook Inn. This past weekend saw a band named Flying Bling at the Snook Inn. They were one of the better bands that I had ever seen there. They had a wide range of music, Zepp to Janis to Alanis to Lenny Kravitz.. The singer had awesome stage presence,with one of powerful, goes right through your being type voice and she came out into the audience to hang out and sing to you. Also to mention she nailed Janis with best version of Peice of My Heart that I've ever heard, definately stick around for that one..everyone gets up and moves. The band had a great mix, guitarist up front, well you might as well call him "Jimmy Page"... >Definately go and see this one. They leave a great impression.
Reply to Reviewer: drumnutz70@sprintmail.com
Flying Blind
Neighborhood: Snook Inn, Bay Ridge
Review: I heard alot of people been going to the Snook Inn lately, so I headed over there this weekend and saw one of the best band that gone through there in along time. They call themselves Flying Blind.. They put on a good show, with good music. This female fronted band did everthing from Zepp to Janis to Alanis to Lenny Kravitz. The singer, which I couldn't even get near during breaks, nailed Janis with best version of "peice of My Heart" that I ever heard. Stick around for that one....The guitarist upfront, well you might as well call him "Jimmy Page" >The band had a great mix, kept the crowd going with up beat music and look like they were having fun doing it. Also by the end of the night (3:00 am ) there was still about 50 to 65 people still in the bar... And when they finished everyone wantd them to keep going... Definately go and see this one
Reply to Reviewer: drumnutz70@sprintmail.com
Hair of the Dog
Neighborhood: Snook Inn, Bay Ridge
Review: I agree that Hair of the Dog is great. They are a must see in Bay Ridge. They play at the Snook Inn every other week on alternate days (Fri, Sat). They keep the bar going and brings the only real life into the place. So for a good time, great bartenders and great music played by the Hair of the Dog come on down to the Snook Inn and hear some fantastic music. They are friendly and very outgoing and are in touch with all of their fans.
M-Squad
Review: Deep in the bowels of a Brooklyn basement, four young Mushes in variously altered states of dementia toil deep into the night arranging brick-weighted riffs into deafening designs. Their eyes may be red, their bodies weary, their taste questionable, yet they continue, driven by an implacable compulsion to make loud, heavy sounds. As the power chords ring out night after night, enraged neighbors call the law. Drafting a local petition to stop this aural menace has come to nothing. Despite the irate pleas of the citizens of Brooklyn, the local constabulary has decided they won't even try to stop rock n roll. They probably know by now it's useless…
M-SQUAD:
- Vocalist Eli Brown has been released on his own recognizance, unable to be rehabilitated after two years of treatment for his acute rock obsession. Drummer Mike Jett is master of beating the system as well as his kit. His powers of percussive punishment grow stronger year after year. After two years of being bombarded with radiation, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, Bassist Matt Holt has emerged to make the world safe for fuzz bass once again. In between benders, Mike Nichols spews metallic chunks of sonic sludge from his guitar upon unsuspecting by-standers.
- The M-Squad album is the product of urban madness. Produced entirely by the band, entirely under the guidance of the great bud, when it rocks it rocks and when it trips it trips hard.
- M-SQUAD formed out of the now dissolved BLOODFARMERS (Hellhound Records/Modern Music-Berlin,Germany). What words can describe them? Hard, heavy, groovy. Their debut album is now available & doing really well. Following such positive reviews as "This is the best album of it's type you'll hear in '98" (KERRANG! Magazine, London 9/29/98), three of the bands songs have found their way to the airwaves of the Rock Radio Network and are currently getting heavy play. Check out their web site which has sound clips from the album as well as other info at http://members.tripod.com~Msquad/index.html
Short Happy Life
Review: I have been a fan of short happy life since the band originally formed. I don't think anyone can compare to their unique sound and stage presence. If you ever have the opportunity to see them live, before they hit it big (which could be anytime soon) cancel all other plans and go. As far as songs go, there stuff is always on point. Everything from the lyrics and instrumentation, it is all second to none. If I had to listen to one song repeatedly it would have to be "Rio de Janeiro". At the beginning Jumpin Jim (the master of the guitar) plays this funky riff that grabs your attention. Then it explodes into a 3 minute techno-pop extravaganza that can not be duplicated. It is just a tremendous song, but it doesn't end there. They have a demo that explores the different rhythmic styles the group has. If you can pick it up, do it, no matter what the cost. But the best way is to see them live. They have two shows coming up that I know of. One at the Outfield in Middle Village, and another at the Brigit's Well in Bayside. The first is July 11, the next is July 18. As far as I know, Brooklyn has never had the pleasure of hosting a Short Happy Life show. This is uncalled for, I want to petition the boro president to hoave a shappy (thats their nickname) show as soon as possible. He better, because like I have said, they are not a small time group, they are on the rise faster than you know. So get them while they are hot.
Reply to Reviewer: BOY JEFF
Solid State
Review: This band kicks ass!!! Originally from Queens, these guys are like old school pumpkins meets Afghan Wigs with a twist of Violent Femmes. I saw them at the spiral on May 9th and they blew my pants off. These guys NEED to get signed. Probably one of the freshest bands in the NYC area. I think they are playing the spiral again on August 8th and CLUB NCI in Long island on August 14th. If you get the chance and love to rock, this foursome seems to be the ticket!!!!
Reply to Reviewer: Elias Chios
Webmaster's Comment: Too bad they're not from Brooklyn!
Wilt
- Review: Wilt live at the perilous
Spirallounge is always the wildest of cards. The revolving-door bass position
continues, with Malaka DeSilva stepping in Saturday night. The club was unusually
hollow and quiet, and it seemed as if the band was a little tense.
They took the stage and put on a satisfactory performance, high and low spots. The false start of "Paralyzed" to open the show was embarrassing and unprofessional--heads will roll for that one. "Plagued By Strange Dreams" was it's usual bounce-bounce self, but some shaky keyboard work from Mike Hetteix made it more ragged than usual. "Crestfallen" was moderately successful as was "Stagger On," but both numbers lacked the urgency they carried at CBGB's 4/19. The new "Solarsplotch" was the obvious centerpiece of the show, majestic and minimalist at the same time. Mike Argano continues to show why he is Wilt's best drummer since the long-depoarted Wukash Wieslawski. He can play, and Nicholson can sing, and DeSilva can keep the groove nailed to the floor, so why wouldn't "Solarsplotch" kick? The band overcame tuning problems, and didn't miss a beat when Nicholson dived onto the concrete floor beneath the stage.
Wilt is sometimes riveting, sometimes painful to watch. But the raw talent is undeniable. Come down and check them out, chances are they'll be more good than bad.
- Reply to Reviewer: John Hunt
Wilt
Review: I'd seen Wilt once before, way back when, but their most recent show at the Spiral really kicked ass. These guys were just born to play. At a time when it seems like commericial rock is dead, Wilt boldly steps up and leads the way towards the rock renaissance that will inevitably occur. They take elements of hard rock, combine them with dreamy, ambient soundscapes, and throw a little bit of jungle and blast for good measure. The results are truly unique and innovative. Their songs really cool, I'm not sure of the names but the melodies are hard to forget. They have a new drummer who really knows how to groove, you should really check this guy out. The keyboard player looks like some kind of mad scientist, his riffs were very far out there, almost avant-garde. The bass was rock solid, as was the vocals and rhythm guitar. The lead guitarist is amazing, truly an innovator, I urge everyone who reads this to go see these guys immediately. > You may think you've seen energetic performances before, but it's safe to say that these guys leave everyone else in the dust. I'm looking forward to their next show at CB's on April 19th. I think it starts at 7:00, check the calendar on this site, I'm pretty sure it's up there. I thought the scene around here was dead but now that Wilt is here, it's good to know that someone's looking toward the future of rock, not trying to relive the past.
Reply to Reviewer: bloozle@aol.com