Category: Bands/Comps/Splits
Brook, Bear and the Elephant ‘Montreal’ review in The Source
Merging the distinct styles and personalities of songwriters on record can be a difficult endeavor. The musical camaraderie of Eric Ott, Nate Laban, and Sean Yadisernia is a testament to this process and its potential. Their collective experience in music spans decades and includes well-known Seacoast acts Mercuryhat, Eric and the Anxiety, and Laban’s solo incarnations. They’ve earned several nominations for various Spotlight Awards, including one this year for best rock act as Thrift Store Ransom, and Ott has taken home two awards for his songwriting.
“Montreal,” their first full-length album under the name Brook, Bear and the Elephant, is an ideal balance of two seemingly competing styles. Ott’s contributions are rooted in folk, pop-Americana, and alt-country, while Laban’s have evolved out of an eclectic, but decidedly heavier, punky sound that, even when unplugged, always produce considerable power.
“Tired Moon Eyes” exemplifies the lyrical and musical intersection of their respective styles. Here, Ott’s Bob Dylan-influenced folk has been energized, now channeling Jeff Tweedy over Laban’s driving, palm-muted riffs that recall Tom Petty rather than Fugazi. The upbeat song culminates in a chorus that’s cheerfully laden with poppy “ba ba ba bahs,” but masks a darker meditation on mortality.
From the Wilco-inspired “Crushing Cloud” and Ott’s signature folk sound on “Strung Photographs,” to the humorous and choppy punk n’ roll of Laban’s “5 Inch Knife,” the record remains cohesive despite its diversity. On the standout track “Death of a Salesman,” Laban’s infectious melodies bounce on a powerfully simple two-chord structure. “I could never kill myself, trying to be like someone else,” he repeats. Having benefitted from each other’s influence, Ott and Laban aren’t trying to be like anyone else — they’re reaping the rewards of evolution.
diePods, The – II
75OL-214 The diePods – II
$8.00 S&H Included
Digital download available here
Track Listing
1. Wizard With a Wheel
2. Die A Little
3. Cabbage Night
4. Pass The Sack
5. Lifer
6. The Sneeker
7. Turnaround
8. Pissin’ On A Post
The diePods, from Newport R.I, have released their second album aptly titled “l l.”
“Influenced mainly by rock and hardcore, the diePods have once again successfully infused these styles into diverse and original songs. Fueled by bold guitars, angst driven vocals and full throttle drums.” – Sir Edward Quoteworthy M.D.
Allysen Callery at Portsmouth Book & Bar
with Ryan Lee Crosby
Portsmouth Book & Bar
Portsmouth, NH
9pm
Jets Can’t Land at Hope Underground
Hope Underground
10 Broadway
Newport, RI
9pm
Baylies Band at Psychic Readings
with Chris Corsano, Shambling Mound, Matt Underwood
Psychic Readings
Empire St
2nd Floor
Providence, RI
9pm
Mark Cutler and Men of Great Courage at Nick-a-nee’s
Nick-a-nee’s
Providence, RI
9pm
Baylies Band at Funky Jungle
with Mis(s)invader and Pavlov’s Dogs
Funky Jungle
Providenc,e RI
9pm
Bob Kendall at The Contemporary Theater Company
Acoustic performances to benefit the Jonnycake Center of Peace Dale and the North Kingstown Food Pantry. Performers scheduled to appear are Paula Clare Ciminero (Biscuit City), Rudy Cheeks, Ed McGuirl, Mark Greenwood, Mike Gendron (Young Rust), Bob Kendall, Tyler-James Kelly (The Silks, Cowboy and Lady) and Jess Powers (Cowboy and Lady), Tammy Laforest (The Dust Ruffles), and Mother Of Dylan with Don Martone. Special appearance by Wakefield Idol winner Olivia Rich.
The concert is hosted and produced by Mark Oltedale as his annual contribution to his membership in the 1 of 52 Hunger Network. MC’s this year will be ever-popular Paula Clare | Charlestown, RI and Rudy Cheeks (Bruce McCrae).
Raffle prizes include premium framed prints by SVEN Perspectives – Photography by M. Sven Oltedale, a one hour photo shoot, a 30 minute scenic bi-plane ride by Bi-plane Rides of RI with pilot and owner Tom Miozzi, various restaurant gift certificates and more to come.
The Contemporary Theater Company
327 Main St
South Kingstown RI
6:00pm – 11:30pm
$20.00
Buy your tickets www.ContemporaryTheaterCompany.com/box-office
75orLess presents Deadlands, The Lincoln Tunnel, Sick Pills, The Matt Fraza Band
Firehouse 13
Central St
Providence, RI
9pm
$6
Mike Mountain at The Traphaus
with PicnicLunch and Charlie
The Traphaus
New Bedford, MA
9pm