dropStatic News

Parotia

2010-03-22T19:48:00.000-07:00

This week we feature Parotia, a local band that has it really going on. Parotia features reggae-flavored jams, a staple in the local scene. Parotia really brings something unique to the table, however. We get to hear an array of slightly more diverse instrumentation- everything from synth, to didgeridoo, to djembe, to something called the "mini moog". The impressive thing to check out when listening to their music is how they perfectly weave together electronic and organic sounds. I don't know how best to describe this, except that for some reason it strongly reminds me of the Lion King soundtrack. Of course reggae flavorings are a bit different than Lion King's African sounds, but there is definitely a quality in Parotia's music that subtly suggests something primal and very beautiful.

If that sounds a little too artsy for some of you out there, I will also say that Parotia is straight up a great band. Check them out on March 26^th at the Rush United Methodist Church Benefit Concert.

Check Parotia out here.

Where does Parotia fall on the Sound Plane?

-Alex Hillis

*WILL NO LONGER BE PLAYING THE RUSH 4 NY BENEFIT CONCERT*

The Radium Girls

2010-03-22T19:44:00.000-07:00

In the run-up to DropStatic's March 26^th Rush for NY Benefit Concert (@ the Rush United Methodist Church, 7pm) we are reviewing and writing a piece for each of the artists participating. This week, U of R's The Radium Girls are in the spotlight. The trio's name derives from a term coined for ill-fated female factory workers that were exposed to dangerous amounts of the aforementioned substance and it was their plight that later helped to establish legal precident for employees to sue negligent employers, such as theirs.

The harrowing name belies the band's loose and acessable sound; the kind of thing you'd want playing when you finally get the courage to dance. We recently corresponded with Ben Brown, their bass player, who has been busily involved in another great cause, ArtAwake here in Rochester. We appreciate his support and involvement in that effort, and we at DropStatic know the same kind of energy will be unleased on Friday, March 26^th at the Rush United Methodist Church at 7pm to help send fellow students on a mission trip. Come support great people and a great cause with us!

Check The Radium Girls out here.

Where do The Radium Girls fall on the Sound Plane?

-John Brandon Zubler

The Sandwich Crackers

2010-03-22T19:41:00.000-07:00

This reggae ska group offers listeners more than just the familiar reggae beat. Tracks like "Devil's Dub" certainly have that reggae sound but they merge ska, jazz, and rock into that base texture. The result is a refreshing blend. Their acoustic version of "Devil's Dub" is a bit different, but still contains many key elements seen in the original.

For those looking for that steady reggae beat look no further than "Bliss." Don't discount "Our Flight," which despite the rough recording quality is one of the group's stronger works. "Our Flight" has a mellow driving sound before it transitions to their classic reggae sonance. The track smoothly transitions back and forth from one style to another before crescendoing to a finish.

Check The Sandwich Crackers out here.

Where do The Sandwich Crackers fall on the Sound Plane?

-Drew Prok

Sans Ego

2010-03-22T19:32:00.000-07:00

Sans Ego has a smooth sound. Easy listening you might call it. It is a sound that is perfect to listen to when winding down at the end of the day. The landscape of their music keeps you interested without commanding your attention as a looming mountain range would. It just seems to seduce you. Don't be fooled, sections of their songs allow the listeners just a flash of their ability to really rock out, but that does not seem to be what they are going for. It is clear they have worked to create the sound they wanted even if they hadn't said so in their interview on 98.9 The Buzz.

Their music holds up when they switch to acoustic which is a testament to the quality of their writing. Listen to their brand of music here.

Where does Sans Ego fall on the Sound Plane?

-Drew Prok

Filthy Funk

2010-03-22T19:27:00.000-07:00

Filthy Funk describes themselves as "a future soul movement based in Rochester NY." To which I reply, just soul? Filthy Funk certainly has a soul flavor. But it doesn't always taste like soul. There is a hint of rock, some hip hop, an aftertaste of techno, and a touch of other ingredients too numerous to mention. I am sure they have a surprising influence or two. Often you know the soul flavor is behind the sound but you can only hear the residue much like food cooked with wine doesn't TASTE like wine, but it wouldn't be the same without it.

Filthy Funk can weave a tapestry that seamlessly transitions from a smooth soft melody to a driving catchy chorus. Or should I say the smooth sides compliment the entree quite nicely. It doesn't matter how much I explain their sound through vague analogies though, you just have to hear it to understand it. Have a listen. Check out "Get It."

Where does Filthy Funk fall on the (not entirely arbitrary) Sound Plane?

-Drew Prok

Argus Eye

2010-03-22T19:21:00.000-07:00

This week I interview Tom Montagliano, lead singer, guitarist, and songwriter for local stellar rock band Argus Eye. Check out the Argus Eye link on the calendar for an example of why they are one of the most dynamic bands on the Rochester scene today. See them play Saturday, 6:30 pm at the Montage Music Hall.

Tom, how was Argus Eye born?

Nick and I met a couple of years ago at RIT and starting jamming with each other in my dorm room. It was mostly just me and him writing songs for awhile, until I met Ryan through another band I had joined called "Pia Mater". We played great together, so I invited him to play with Nick and myself. We've been making music together ever since.

Where do your badass vocal lines and hyper guitar licks come from?

I used to be in a ska band in high school called "The Motive"- that was the beginning of my interest in performing and songwriting. I actually played saxophone in that band, but it was around that time that I picked up the guitar. At the time I wanted to be like Dave Matthews (sigh...I was so young and impressionable), so I bought a songbook and just learned all of his songs.

What makes the music of Argus Eye special?

To be special...hmmm what does that mean? I guess we just write whatever we think sounds good regardless of genre- I'd like to think that translates to a "special" sound. What say you reader?

How does being a rock-star affect your sex appeal?

I was not aware that I was a rock-star and/or had any amount of sex appeal but it's safe to say that my "sex appeal" has not been changed much since I joined a band. It should also be pointed out that Ryan in fact has been delegated the responsibility of being the "sex appeal" representative for the band. I just write the songs.

What are your favorite three bands or artists right now?

Probably the Rx Bandits, Elliott Smith and John Lennon...to name three.

If you were on your death-bed and had one last thing to say to the world, what would it be?

"Last words are for people who haven't said enough while they were alive"...not really. I don't know that it really matters, but probably something simple and optimistic, yet cryptic, like "See you in the morning."

Do you think the music scene in Rochester (and Western NY) can be revolutionized?

The scene is actually pretty good in my opinion and I don't know that it needs much revolution. I can name a dozen bands around here that are making great music and are doing well. I think that if you put on a good show, people will come.

Is there anything else you'd like to mention?

Yeah...we have a new CD coming out in the spring called "Oneironaut". An Oneironaut is a dream traveler. A lot of the themes and motifs on the album revolve around that type of imagery. We are almost done with it and pretty excited to get it out there for people to hear.

-Alex Hillis

To Each Their Own

2009-12-15T18:13:00.001-08:00

At 8p.m. this Tuesday (12/15) at the venerable Bug Jar on Monroe Ave, two entirely different schools of musical thought will be performing on the same bill- with one directly following the other.

The opener Alfred Brown embraces the idea of creating music electronically; through the use of synthesizers, loops, and modified electric instruments, their music is shaped by creativity with electronic mediums. It is ambient music, for lack of a better term- but hearing their work is most definitely not a passive experience.

The headliner, Cuddle Magic, is a massive 12 piece ensemble hailing from all over the tri-state area- don't be fooled by the name- they are serious musicians. No, really. They represent an opposing school of thought- the vast majority of the sounds they create originate from instruments with absolutely zero electronic components. Each member is a master of their own device (with most holding degrees in music) and together they craft a unique sound that is not to be missed.

These are experts in their respective fields- but which school of thought is correct? Whose kung-fu is mightier? Come down to the Bug Jar this Tuesday at 8, say hi to Herman, and receive the answer.

Special Double-Feature

I also need to briefly mention Black Water Rising, playing Monty's Krown this Saturday (12/19) at 10p.m. This Brooklyn based metal set is highly praised and it is well deserved. They represent the opposite end of the spectrum from the bands I've featured above- they are not looking to expand the sonic possibilities of music- instead, they have chosen a sound and worked to perfect it. And that sound is down-and-dirty stoner-metal. High Times Magazine just nominated Black Water Rising as their band of the month. Need we say more? No.

Corey Prok

2009-12-08T18:49:00.000-08:00

Position: Non Sequitur

I am single and currently working for Harris RF Communications. Specifically I am a Test Engineer, but I went to school for electrical engineering, and played trumpet in high-school. It is this strong musical pedigree that I am drawing on for this newsletter. Trust me, it shines through. Plus, this whole thing was my idea...

Alex Hillis

2009-12-08T18:48:00.000-08:00

Position: Firestarter

Alex is 22, 6 foot 2 inches, 185 pounds, and sports a “rugged-but-not-hippie” beard. Look out ladies!

Full-time he works for St. Pauly Textile, a Rochester-based operation that annually supplies millions of pounds of used clothing to nations world-wide. In his down time he sings lead vocals and plays guitar in an up-and-coming rock band, watches TV, and co-produces dropStatic News. He is currently trying to improve the way he treats himself and the way he treats others on a day-to-day basis.

Also Alex is the brains behind the entire dropStatic operation.

John Brandon Zubler

2009-12-08T18:46:00.000-08:00

Position: Wildcard

One of my clearest, earliest memories is unbuckling my seatbelt and breaking a three hour silence. It was a silence that had been filled with easy-listening programming from the mid-80’s. I forced my way into the front seat of our car and asked my parents why it was that EVERY SONG WE HEARD was about love.

I don’t remember what their exact answer was, but I do remember that it wasn’t substantial; to them, what they had heard over the past three hours was fine, desirable even, and they had no reservations about going another three hours on the same exact station.

Something inside me felt absolutely compelled to say that this homogenous situation felt fundamentally confusing. Wasn’t music supposed to address more than one topic? Didn’t it have the capacity to be something much more diverse?
Of course it did.

I knew it then as strongly as I know it now.

Also, I am the brains behind this entire operation.

Drew Prok

2009-12-08T18:43:00.000-08:00

Position: Soundscape Surveyor

Drew Prok enjoys music. But a love of music is only the trait of a man, it is not his essence. A man’s experiences, desires and talents are what make him unique. Let us dive into the rich history of a man about to embark on a great journey.

Drew attended the University at Buffalo where he majored in Industrial Engineering and minored in Business Management. It was in this environment of learning and creativity that Drew realized his love of music. It had become more than just something to fill the silent void. He desired more than the nine to five day job that was destined to be his. He desired to fly.

He desired music.

Also, Drew is the brains behind the entire operation.

The Radium Girls

2009-12-08T18:14:00.000-08:00

This week I interview Benjamin Brown, bass player for local three-piece reggae/rock group, The Radium Girls. Ben offers his thoughts on himself, his band, and the world at large...

Ben, how did you get involved with The Radium Girls?

"When Kevin and Jeff (drummer & guitarist) met, they were both wearing State Radio t-shirts and instantly fell in man-love. I, on the other hand, was conveniently dating Kevin's girlfriend's roommate, and they needed a bass player to join up. Jeff started ripping out awesome original songs, and soon enough we were a band!"

Where does the name come from?
"We fought over a band name for somewhere around a year and a half - during which we were conveniently named the KJB (Kevin, Jeff, and Ben). At some point, Jeff wrote a song in which the word "Radium" seemed to fit remarkably well. A trip to Wikipedia later, and he had stumbled across the story of the Radium Girls - a number of women employed by the US Radium Corporation to paint glow-in-the-dark watch dials with Radium paint. They weren't aware of the radioactivity, and would do crazy things like paint their nails and teeth to surprise their boyfriends back home. Later in life, many of them got very ill and the resulting lawsuit became the basis for many modern labor laws. In Jeff's hands, it then became a song ("Radium") and ended up as our band name (which continually confuses the majority of our website visitors looking for attractive girls)."

What makes the music of The Radium Girls special?
"First, all of Jeff's lyrics are meaningful - if you sit down with the lyrics and analyze them there's some really amazing stories behind them. Additionally, we bring together a wide variety of musical genres from riff-rock to reggae and punk in order to create a raw, high-energy, and danceable set."

Why are your bass riffs so fat?
"To make up for how skinny I am? Or maybe just because I don't know when to say no to awesome amplifiers and overdrive pedals? Either way, I can never get enough of a deep overdriven bass groove..."

If you were on your death-bed and had one last thing to say to the world, what would it be?
"Don't let me die!"

Do you think the music scene in Rochester (and Western NY) can be revolutionized?
"Absolutely I do, and I hope to be a part of the revolution!"

The Radium Girls are a fantastic live band. See them play at the Lovin' Cup on Friday at 9 pm w/ Argus Eye, and Big Eyed Phish. Listen to Robin Hood Hills for a great sample of their music.

Hunger Anthem

2009-12-08T18:00:00.000-08:00

The Hunger Anthem is the band that beat out 3 other acts at one of Buffalo's most competitive live competitions, Artvoice's Best of Original Music, held just this past Friday.

They are a raw 3 piece ensemble with original material and a sound reminiscent of Guided By Voices; bright guitars loaded with distortion, intelligent lyrics, and an energy that translates into a great time at the bar.

I had the unexpected pleasure of drinking with their bass player, Jeremy Hewett, at his apartment at an impromptu after party following their victory. Settled in around the open door of a cast iron wood-burning stove they'd smuggled into their living room, we smoked cigarettes and rifled through his ipod. After settling on a song he shared his surprise on the night's achievement (the winner is decided by votes from the audience). He acknowledged that they were up against serious competition, and that speaks to their talent, as well as their off-stage presence. Come out and see why they got the votes.

Hunger Anthem plays at the Bugjar Tuesday 12/1, doors open at 8:00pm.

Special Feature

This Thursday, The Beale Street Café (693 South Ave.) will be host to the very last show centered around the music of Rochester legend, Son House. I have it on authority from one of their regular performers, Mr. Tim Brinduse, that it will be a tightly coordinated event with many local blues masters coming out to pay tribute and share their craft for this special event. And it is FREE. 7-10 p.m.

Tumul

2009-11-24T08:21:00.000-08:00

We recently had the strange pleasure of seeing Tumul, one of Rochester's more interesting bands, play a show at the Bug Jar. Tumul is a band that defies definition, except to say that their style of music is "Noise". Tumul's front-man blasted static and raw noise from his DJ equipment while screaming into an abused microphone. Meanwhile his partner-in-crime blasted away at a four piece drum set. Both men wore costumes reminiscent of the Rabbit from Donny Darko crossed with the chick that gets eaten by the Rancor in Jabba's palace.

After the show I asked the front-man, "What does it feel like when you're up there, head-banging and screaming and putting a beating on the ground?"

He said, "I'm in a time warp."

The funny thing was, Tumul only played one song. I asked the guys, "Only one song? Do you ever play more than one song?"

The answer: "Never! Well, except, one time halfway through our song the power went out, so that time we played two songs."

Tumul is either a band you will love or hate. Personally, I love them. Their music is clearly calculated to punish your ears, but they've thrown all the rules out the window. I am wholeheartedly behind any band that can both shock me and make me laugh. Next time you are at a show which Tumul plays, open your mind, close your eyes...and picture machine guns and people on fire. Prepare yourself for a violent, cathartic release, if you can handle the challenge. Then have a chat with the band. They are friendly, funny, and probably just as crazy off-stage as on.

See Tumul play this week on Tuesday at the Bugjar...

Reader Comments!

2009-11-24T08:16:00.000-08:00

(In response to Saturday's band-posting last week):

"How ironic that one of the bands listed here are named Blacktusk. That's what I name my oh so magnificent private fellow down under."

-Dave Febles

Great to hear from our readers! That was invaluable input...

Tell us your thoughts by sending an email to thecrew@dropstatic.com!

So Many Bands, So Little Time!

2009-11-17T09:25:00.000-08:00

This week there is so much great talent coming in from out of town that we have to take a break from our normal local artist feature. Instead, drop your plans and drop your panties, because we're going out all week!

1. Hope you all have tickets to Umphrey's McGee on Wednesday because they put on an unbelievable show. For those of you who don't know, Umphrey's is one of the premier jam/rock bands in existence right now (and in my opinion, for what its worth, the best).

2. Break from the jumping up and down, and go to a more relaxed joint on Thursday (Layah Jane-Toronto) or Friday (Stephane Wrembel- Brooklyn).

3. Get your gauged earrings and grizzly beard growing, cuz on Sunday you can witness some southern death metal at Monty's Krown, with Black Tusk (Savannah Georgia). Should be loud...

Reader Comments!

2009-11-17T09:19:00.000-08:00

This is going to be a new section of the newsletter, in which we feature the thoughts and opinions of...you! Tell us about a show you saw, or what you think of our newsletter, or anything to do with music and Rochester. Simply send an email to thecrew@dropstatic.com!

Pietzche Neitzches

2009-11-13T17:57:00.000-08:00

This week we would like to feature Pietzche Neitzches, a local band that pushes the limits of normal music. Pietzche Neitzches has clearly set out on an exploration through the realms of the weird. From bits of polka, to metal-infused bluegrass, to pink-floydesque trip sequences, this band has it all. No song is the same, and few are even similar. What amazes me is that while most bands of similar inclination blindly rampage weirdness (often without regard to what the average listener might be able to wrap their heads around) Pietzche Neitzches keeps a strong grip on melody, and beauty. The contrast of opposites creates the most startling art- and the melody-infused noise that this band makes is a great example.

For a sample of the music of Pietzche Neitzches, listen to more than one song here- one just won't cut it. Then meet us at Monty's Krown on Friday, show starts at 10, for an evening with Pietzche Neitzches and Lobster Quadrille.

Where Does Pietzche Neitzches fall on the Sound Plane?

Fringe City

2009-11-13T17:32:00.000-08:00

Fringe City formed in 2008 to bless Rochester with some high energy, liquid rock. They remind me of one of those energy drinks that is laced with alcohol (Sparks is popular, but I prefer JOOSE, available at small convenience/deli combos in a city near you). Their fast-paced fretwork and percussion will get your blood pumping, but the epic and mysterious sex of the chording and vocal melodies may leave your head spinning. The best musical comparison is Kings of Leon on crack.

Writer's Note: Its funny, but after becoming fully immersed in local music, I am surprised to say that I even prefer the music of Rochester's Fringe City over that of international hit generator's The Kings of Leon. I like both bands, and strong comparisons can be drawn, but Fringe City turns me on more.

Check out Sycophant to hear an example of why you must meet us this Saturday night at the Lovin' Cup for a local lineup, with Fringe City headlining.

Where Does Fringe City fall on the Sound Plane?

The Sisters of Murphy...Aftermath

2009-10-27T19:17:00.000-07:00

No new featured artist this week. It's time to talk about last week. On Saturday night the dropStatic Crew went to check out the Sisters of Murphy at Monty's Crown. It was a wild ride. I think one of my favorite things about the band (other than stellar musicianship) is that they drank furiously throughout the night. Most local bands are afraid to taint their sound with alcohol...of course a Celtic rock band, as we expected, is totally suited for furious alcohol consumption. The songs were invigorating and had some serious folk-punch. A violin/guitar/percussion set in the middle added some extra flavor to the concoction. These guys are awesome! See them play at a local bar, if you get the chance.

"I'm really glad we went out to see them...so much fun" writes Thomas Peechatt, dropStatic enthusiast.

For another kickass show, join us all at the Bug Jar on Thursday for The Beaumonts w/ the Radium Girls. Reggae and ska tones this week for all you "upbeat" enthusiasts out there. Woo-hoo!

Where do The Sisters of Murphy fall on The Sound Plane? For those of you keeping score at home The Sound Plane remains unchanged from last week, because...well because we were right last week. It is gratifying to have your Sound Plane validated.

The Sisters of Murphy

2009-10-19T19:35:00.000-07:00

This band plays some pumped up Celtic music, meaning they like to use electric guitars to back up their fiddles. What does this mean for us? We get the good-smilin’ vibes of classic Irish folk music, as well as a strong undercurrent of rock and roll grit to sooth the American party gene. Let’s party and be happy about it! Check out Salty Dog for a sample.

Here is my suggestion. Meet us at Monty’s Crown on Saturday 10/24 for the Sister’s of Murphy show. We won’t be buying drinks, except that we will be buying ourselves a lot of drinks. Mostly shots of Jameson and pints of Guinness…and a few Irish Car Bombs. Actually, I will buy an Irish Car Bomb for the first person who can sing all the words to Whiskey in the Jar, and that’s a promise.

P.S. guys, we checked out over thirty venues, and this is the only promising live bar music on Saturday- so grab your lucky clovers and get your butts over to Monty’s!

Where do the Sisters of Murphy fall on the Sound Plane?

Josh Netsky and band

2009-10-19T18:31:00.000-07:00

I recently met Josh Netsky and his crew after a show at The Keg during Rochester’s second annual Independent Music Festival. Go see these guys play if you like thoughtful and passionate rock and roll. Tech word of the week: soundscape! These guys are soundscapers (new word for Websters), and Josh’s lyrics inspire the imagination to match the style. Plus, guitarist Sam Snyder has the best nickname I’ve heard for a rocker. They call him Overhand Sam because of the unique style in which he plays his lead, with his chord hand looping in over the top of the guitar rather than coming up from the bottom (a creative adaptation to a past injury). It’s entertaining, and the kind of quirk that gives a band a turbo shot of attitude. Also, I wonder if Sam does everything overhand. It must be interesting to see him play baseball, shoot a gun, or sweep the floor as well.

For a dose of Josh Netsky characteristic of the way they play in their live performances, listen to “Lady Luck”.

Where does Josh Netsky fit on The Sound Plane?