Archives: June 2019
Drilling For Blasting
On June 8th, Drilling For Blasting played a record release show at Chop Shop for their debut full-length, Fingers are the Best Eyes. We met up with singer/guitarist Douglas Ward and drummer/singer Kammy Lee before the show to talk about the album, including how it was written and recorded, what some of the songs are about and more. The record finds the band refining their sound, which combines elements of punk and blues with an undercurrent of reckless energy and unconventional songwriting. In short, it’s an eclectic album that’s happy to color outside the lines of any typical genre boundaries.
Additionally, we discussed the concept for the record release show, which featured four bands set up in different corners of the venue. Each band would play one song and when they were finished, the next band would start. The bands alternated in a clockwise pattern, with the crowd in the center of the room. It was a decidedly unique experience for those in attendance and an absolutely fitting way to celebrate the release of Fingers are the Best Eyes.
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T1 Fest 2019
The inaugural T1 Fest will take place on Friday, November 8th and Saturday, November 9th at The Forge in Joliet, IL. All proceeds from the shows will go to the JDRF, (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) to assist in their fight against type 1 diabetes. Organizer Jim Costanzo felt compelled to establish the event after his family was affected by the disease. He explained, “My nephew Joey was diagnosed at the age of three and like so many others, we had no understanding of it, but we quickly learned that this is a very serious illness.” He continued, “Working with the JDRF to learn what lied ahead for him, we saw so many families that were not able to handle the financial burden of providing care for their child. We have since made it a goal to raise as much money as possible to assist the JDRF in their mission to raise awareness and find a cure for type 1 diabetes.”
Costanzo cited his experiences growing up in Chicago’s punk scene as motivation for coordinating this fest. When reflecting on those times, he said “What we found was a community, a scene where even as teenagers we could make a difference. Whether it was playing shows against racism or gathering coats for the homeless, we saw that through music change was possible. One day we were discussing ideas on how we could do our part and we thought it would be great to put on a benefit show like back in the day.”
After setting his idea in motion, Costanzo was able to assemble a lineup that features numerous noteworthy acts. Friday night is headlined by Flatfoot 56 with support from Brendan Kelly, (The Lawrence Arms/Wandering Birds) The Brokedowns, and Andrew Thomas. Saturday’s festivities begin at 3:30 PM, with the following bands playing: The Smoking Popes, The Lillingtons, 88 Fingers Louie, Dan Vapid & The Cheats, Vandoliers, Kali Masi, The Reaganomics, and Cap Gun Heroes. Tickets for each individual night are available, as well as weekend passes, and can be purchased here.
Follow T1 Fest on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and RSVP on Facebook
Song Premiere: The Scissors – “Jet Black”
It’s been nearly seven years since The Scissors released new music and today, we’re premiering the first single off their upcoming EP. The song is called “Jet Black” and the EP is titled Eulogize. We spoke with singer/guitarist Darren Vorel and talked about why he chose to revive the band and where the inspiration for this EP came from. He explained, “When we parted ways in 2012, I was definitely finished creating songs and performing as The Scissors. We spent so much time recrafting the sound and direction with another vocalist in the lead role. To go forward with another change like that would mean going backwards to me. I think we confused enough of our audience changing it up the first time, so it was better to leave it where we did.”
Continue Reading…Canyon Sounds – Self-Titled
Self-released – Release Date: 4/24/19
Too punk for folk and far too folky for punk; Canyon Sounds’ self-titled debut album thrusts itself between genres, offering the impression that the band members have been at it for some time. Individually, they have. Singer/guitarist James Reineking and drummer Jason Plane have also been playing together for more than a decade and recorded the album themselves.
This Boulder-based quartet is both sonically and thematically diverse on its new record. Multiple lead and slide guitar tracks weave a sonic tapestry throughout the album. Furthermore, Reineking doesn’t say anything he doesn’t need to. He lets the mood talk. The album’s opener, “Cuts,” sets a precedent for their debut album. The melody starts modest and simple; swinging back and forth between G and C chords: “Well I’m spitting up the same old shit / I’m making points you know I’ve made before / I’m regurgitated guts on refinished hardwood floors.” The next track, “The Painter,” is a song about hindsight and the unknown. The man in the picture is searching for something, staring down a road. Reineking speculates the man in the painting is at ease being all alone and thinks perhaps he already has all he’ll ever have. One certainty is reached at the end of the song: he should’ve been a painter.
There’s a sense of distraught and reckoning on “Put It to Bed,” a song about moving forward and moving on. The protagonist is tired and at the end of his rope, yet he retains patience. The track is a standout; it marks the end of a relationship and a new beginning. The album’s closer, “Waning Moon,” takes a reflective stance and carries the forward-marching theme woven into this album. “I was told that I could do anything / and anything’s what I intend to find / You say I’m a waning moon, but what does that makes you?” Recommended for fans of Sundowner, Chuck Ragan, Paul Westerberg.
– Jason Duarte
The Mizzerables – “Gravity”
We’re premiering a new song, called “Gravity,” off the upcoming full-length from The Mizzerables. According to singer/guitarist Joe Mizzi, this song in particular helped to spark the creation of the album. He explained, “It was the song that really inspired this whole record. It’s about stepping out from any sort of struggle, whether self-inflicted or not, and trying to see the good side. I went through a lot of that in the past few years, but I don’t like thinking of my problems as anything special. I think we all have stuff we’re dealing with and hopefully that makes the song relatable for others who might be going through some shit.”
The record, titled Whatever… This Sucks, was recorded by Dan Precision, (88 Fingers Louie) at his Bomb Shelter Studios. The recording spotlights the band’s songwriting, without sacrificing any of the urgency or rawness. When asked about their time in the studio, Mizzi said “Working with Dan was great. He’s just really talented all around. There are quite a few moments on this record that were really made by Dan, whether it was backing vocal touches or some adjustments here or there to a riff. All those little moments really made this thing what it is and we’re better off for it.”
While the band had initially planned on working with a record label, they ultimately chose to release the album themselves. After a series of delays, it became clear that self-releasing was the best option. “At the end of the day, we felt we were more passionate about getting this out into the world than the label was and that maybe we could do better on our own,” Mizzi said. They plan on releasing the record later this year, once they have a firm date as to when the vinyl will be ready.
In the meantime, their next show is this Thursday, June 6th at Liar’s Club, with JERK, Krayola and Milhouse. Check out the song “Gravity” below and stay tuned for future updates on The Mizzerables’ new album.
Follow The Mizzerables on Facebook and Instagram.
Artwork by Ech
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