Tumul

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!

(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!

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!

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

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

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?