Jordan Everett Associates album review in Motif
Jordan Everett Associates – Self-Titled Album
Jordan Everett Associates is a songwriting collaboration between two longtime forces in these parts in Kraig Jordan (The Masons, Stan Sobczak, Junior Varsity Arson, Lloyd’s Lamas) and Paul “Pip” Everett (Coat of Arms, Blizzard of ‘78, Hope Anchor, Everett Brothers Moving Company). The songs were written over a 2-year period at Jordan’s Plan of a Boy studio. The result is a sometimes dark exploration of 21st century life that works in a gamut of influences. “Stuck In The Driveway” is a meditative take on life over a backdrop of moody post-modern folk. The boys kick it up a notch on “Deep Blue Goodbye,” which has a new wave flavor. “Poison” reminds me of rowdy late-’70s power-pop in the vein of The Jam or Elvis Costello. “Never Letting Go” and the ridiculously infectious “The House Up On The Hill” remind me of late ‘80s alternative rock radio similar to bands like The Church and Love and Rockets. They throw in a couple of covers including a spacey ballad take reminiscent of late ‘90s Radiohead or The Family Band’s “Moonbeams.” They also do a stripped-down ethereal cover of Belly’s “Super Connected.” I don’t think it got nominated, but this record was on my nomination ballot for Album of the Year in the Motif Awards. It deserves to be up for consideration because it was one of the best albums to come across my desk from anywhere in the past year. I am stoked that Jordan and Everett are going to be playing the record out live. Well, at least once. For the show they’ve assembled a top-notch band that in addition to Everett on vocals and Jordan on guitar includes Dan Ulmschneider on drums, Kevin Zahm on bass and Bob Kendall on keyboards.
Gaskill at The Pour Farm
with Randy Mississippi Whiskey
The Pour Farm
Purchase St
New Bedford mass
9pm
Mark Cutler and the Men of Great Courage at the 133 Club
133 Club
Warren Ave
East Providence, RI
Bring a non-perishable food item!
The Lincoln Tunnel video for ‘Friend of the Roses’
Dead Rhetoric review Gaskill’s ‘The End of The World’
RATING: 8/10
New Bedford, MA band Gaskill has been delivering original music since 1995 – sticking to their guns through self-perseverance, a significant break during the late 2000’s and natural lineup changes- as well as caring less about fitting in to the latest trends or ‘hip’ styles in heavy music. “The End of the World” illustrates a raw, abrasive sound that is part punk, part hardcore – yet definitely sturdy enough to keep itself in the metal category.
The evil guitar sound is one that put bands like Pro-Pain, Life of Agony, and the much missed Only Living Witness in the hearts of a lot of fans during the 1990’s – the riff swirl striking mammoth, pit worthy proportions off the “Worms” get go. Highlights range from the psychedelic crossover groove throughout “Long Lost Friend”, the Sam Black Church-ish meets Slayer maniacal quick hitter “I’m Not Waiting” (102 seconds of blood bursting activity) and the thrash thrust and parry between guitars and rhythm section action for “War and Knives”.
The ace in the hole definitely is singer Kevin Grant. To put his take on what he does for Gaskill in a few words can be difficult – the man is a chameleon in a punk/ hardcore / metal montage. The melodic aspects of his voice fluctuate between Glenn Danzig and old Keith Caputo, while his screams and punk ways are 100% native to the New England scene – fairly equipped to add some SBC, OLW, and a host of others reference points from the rich history of the local movement. He’s very tuneful during Gaskill’s take on “Eleanor Rigby”, as well as psychotic in certain screams and warbles for “Dog Heaven” – certainly memorable when taking these tracks to the streets for live performances.
People who purchase The End of the World get a nine song bonus album – Gaskill tackling the classic Black Flag record My War. Wow that record is now 32 years old… but stylistically fits with its punk rooted A-side and Sabbath-heavy, longer B-side material to the band’s openness in crossing genres to make things work.
Kick out these jams…
Radio Carbon at The Parlour
with Teazer and The Vaporubs
The Parlour
North Main Street
Providence, RI
9pm
Matt Fraza Band at The Wheelhouse
with Silverteeth
The Wheelhouse
Narragansett, RI
9pm
Live Reviews of Sick Pills and Six Star General in The Noise
6 STAR GENERAL
SICK PILLS
The Parlour, Providence, RI
3/5/16
Winter is winding down but it is still bitter cold as I brave the frozen tundra to ride my sled dogs to Providence to see two great bands for a 75orless records night. Where are all the sunny tundras? The Parlour is a nice place to play a show or see one. I just don’t like the paintings of giant Marshall amps on the rear of the stage. I think it makes the real amps look small and is distracting, it makes it cheesy if you videotape your set or take pictures, but hey, what do I know about sliced bread? 6 Star General have small amps but big sounds. Singer and bassist Mark is ever entertaining as a frontman, with asides, introductions, observations, and conversations between songs. 6 Star General have been winning hearts and minds with their blend of 90’s college rock and punky alternative for over a decade and they have this down to a sweet science. Well placed covers of Daniel Johnston, Grandaddy, and Camper Van Beethoven give you a glimpse of their influences. The night might have been running late, because their set seemed a bit short to me, but that’s rock and roll sometimes.
After a short break Sick Pills storm the stage, like well mannered Vikings. Singer/ guitar player Chris Evil has been playing around New England in Blood Moons and Chris Evil & the Taints for many a year. This band mixes his punk and garage influences with a bit more straight up rock ’n’ or roll. They do a cool version of “Goodbye Horses” from Silence of the Lambs, but rely mainly on their well crafted catchy punk nuggets. This is their first show in a couple of years with their old drummer, but they sound pretty well rehearsed. These two veteran bands of the Providence punk and whatever scene make the frostbite worthwhile. (Eric Baylies)
Sick Pills at The Pour Farm
with MOTO and Tyler Ochs
The Pour Farm
Purchase St
New Bedford, Mass
Jets Can’t Land at News Cafe
with Medicine Ball and The Low Cards
News Cafe
43 Broad St
Pawtucket, RI
9pm