Q&A with Withered

Last week I interviewed Mike Thompson of black metal band, Withered. Describing their sound as "tortured black and doom metal," the band has been making a name for themselves and are hailed by critics as the future of heavy metal.

By far the most intriguing (and slightly disturbing) interview I've ever had, I learned much about the genre, Withered's songwriting process and the craziest tour story you will ever read. Let's just say it involves decapitating pigeons for a performance later that night.

Did I peak your curiosity? For my complete interview, visit Spinner.com. I'd love to read your reaction to my writeup so please leave your thoughts in the comments!

Rogue Wave Bring New Tunes, Dance Party, and Nada Surf to Sold-Out NYC Show

Photo Credit: Jon Klemm courtesy of Bumpershine.com

The night after their record release, Rogue Wave have much to celebrate. Their first album in over two years, Permalight, brings a new sound and optimism. And, considering what frontman Zach Rogue and drummer Pat Spurgeon have been through the past few years, this comes as no surprise.

For my complete review and photos of Wednesday's sold-out show at Bowery Ballroom, visit Bumpershine.com.

Song of the Week: "Heads/Tails"

Earlier this week, Hotspur debuted the music video for their newest single, "Heads/Tails." An emotional ballad on deciding the outcome of a relationship, the video strikes a chord between the soaring piano accompaniment and moving vocals.

"So let's let fate decide for you and me tonight/If there's half a chance we'll make it/Then it's not too late to try/Call it in the air heads or tails/Heads we go to London and try to save the queen/Tails we go to Paris and try our hand at romance/Either way we're flying and at least I've got a chance."

The video leaves the viewer wondering what the outcome will be. Watch it below and for more on the band, visit them on MySpace.

Album Review: The Canon Logic's "FM Arcade"

I've been to my fair share of shows over the years. Every now and then there's a band that really sparks your attention. Not just the, "Wow. They were pretty good," remarks after a concert, but thinking that this band truly has something special. Something different than all those other up-and-coming bands out there. This is exactly how I felt the first time I covered The Canon Logic.

It was October 2008 at Arlene's Grocery and the first night of the CMJ festival. I had never seen a New York crowd go that crazy. The girls were dancing like maniacs in front of the stage and everyone was wearing Canon Logic sunglasses that the band made specifically for their showcase. Performing at 7pm on a Tuesday night the first day of a festival was definitely not the best time slot, but the band worked it to their advantage.

I interviewed the guys after their set and never imagined I'd wind up working with them as tour manager and publicist for a few months. Funny the way things work out. During my interview, I asked TCL what makes them different from every other band invading NYC during CMJ week. Guitarist Josh Greenfield informed me of their diverse and devote fanbase where everyone from parents to grandparents to even his high school-aged sister enjoy their performances and frequent shows.

"I think we have a wide range of fans. We like to try and bring everybody together. We're trying to pull from so many different influences. We really like the classic rock stuff and we also like what's going on now. I think we have a good balance of the two, which allows everyone to really get into the music."

It's been a long journey since that October. Many concerts later, The Canon Logic are releasing their debut full length, FM Arcade. The 12-track album is an accurate portrayal of their talent and energetic live show. Think The Killers meet The Beach Boys. Or, as Time Out New York once wrote, "The Canon Logic plays 1960s-style shameless pop fused with latter-day production sensibilities."

Kicking it off with solid instrumental buildup on first track, "Villain In America" the listener is jolted awake and quickly realizes this isn't your typical debut. Frontman Tim Kiely's vocals have an old school vibe that intrigue and are never overpowered by the musical accompaniment.

Second track, "Avenue of Criminals" has always been a concert favorite. Longtime fans will be impressed with the arrangement. Slow piano draws the listener in at first before Kiely enters while guitar and percussion further layer the track. Complete with Beach Boys-esque harmonies, their first single off FM Arcade is bound to stay stuck in your head.

"It All Went Away..." switches gears from the high intensity of the first few tracks. Just over a minute long, the piano based song showcases the band's willingness to try something new with a stripped down approach, breaking up the album well. "Nights At Armour Mansion" follows suit and is a darker number with a slow beat at first listen. Midway through, however, an instrumental interlude quickens the pace with fitting percussion before the rest of the band joins in on vocals.

Standout track, "Dead Man" begins with 15 seconds of guitar distortion reminiscent to that of The Kinks. The energy never wavers, and instead continues to electrify throughout the entire track. This is indie rock at its finest. While it's hard for the rest of the album to follow such intensity, "Dead Man" is one track that is sure to have music critics raving.

Ending with the minute-long "Last Day of Man," The Canon Logic leave the listener wondering what they can expect next. A solid debut release, FM Arcade, is only a glimpse into what is sure to be a bright future for the Brooklyn-based band.

Gearing up for their debut full length release this coming Tuesday, FM Arcade, will be available on iTunes and Canon Logic's Web site. If you can't wait that long, you can download "Nights At Armour Mansion" and "Avenue Criminals" for free here.

The band will be performing at Mercury Lounge tomorrow night celebrating their release. For more information, visit their Web site.

Related Links:
• Q&A with The Canon Logic
• Song of the Week: "Delia"
• The Canon Logic Video Performance
• Canon Logic Lure Fans With Catchy Rock Songs, Sunglasses

Orianthi Interview Featured on MarieClaire.com!

Photo and video credit: Wendy Hu

Earlier this week, MarieClaire.com featured my interview with guitar goddess Orianthi. Feel free to check out the post here.

Watch my video interview with Orianthi below to learn more about her passion for guitar, what it was like to perform with Santana and her experience working with Michael Jackson. For the complete transcription, click here.

PT Walkley, Greg Holden and Ian Axel Perform at Joe's Pub Tonight

Photo Credit: Wendy Hu

Quite possibly my favorite thing about being a music journalist is discovering new bands before they make it big. Whether my coverage precedes a write-up in Rolling Stone or a song being placed in hit TV shows like Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice, in a way it helps confirm that my music taste is ahead of the curve. Or, so I'd like to think!

I'm excited tonight to be catching three sets at Joe's Pub, two of which are bands I've already covered and interviewed. Feel free to follow along on Twitter as I'll be reviewing the show live. And, if you haven't yet, check out my interview with Greg Holden here and PT Walkley here. For more on each artist, you can find their MySpace below.

PT Walkley on MySpace.
Greg Holden on MySpace.
Ian Axel on MySpace.

Band of the Week: The Young Things

Those that think rock & roll is dead obviously haven't heard of The Young Things. With music that transports the listener back to the 1960s, it's easy to envision the Brooklyn-based band opening for the likes of The Beatles and The Beach Boys.

Having just released EP, ...is the Killer, the 15 minute, six track album is not nearly enough to satisfy. After just one listen, The Young Things leave music lovers wanting more.

"Uptown" starts off the EP with gritty guitar and percussion instrumentals before the vocals enter. "Callin' my girl/We're gonna meet uptown/I gotta hurry/She doesn't wait around," The Young Things sing with spot-on precision. A solid and energetic start to ...is the Killer, "Uptown" and second track, the tongue in cheek "Case of the Mundanes," bear familiarity to that of The Beatles' and their 1965 hit single, "Ticket To Ride."

Guitar heavy "6 1/2 Stone" portrays a darker sound for the band with fitting percussion. The track slows down midway to the fadeout and is fueled by plenty of guitar fuzz and seductive singing. The EP is rounded out by quirky "All My Friends Are Junkies," fast paced "The Well" and "Boy You're Lookin' Pale." Complete with slapstick lyrics, "All My Friends Are Junkies," offers humor to the listener while "Boy You're Lookin' Pale" provides seemingly important life lessons (to some, perhaps): "The world may not look half as bad/Through an empty whiskey glass."

A glimpse of what is to come from the band, ...is the Killer takes it back to the 60s where The Beatles and The Beach Boys ruled the music scene. While The Beatles influence can be easily heard throughout much of the rhythm and musical accompaniment within the six-tracks, the vocal harmonies of The Beach Boys are also ever present. All in all, The Young Things satisfy those pining for classic rock & roll. While no group can ever replace The Beatles' influence, it is refreshing to hear a band that embraces such classics and bring their own flavor to the table.

Having just played the famed Viper Room in California, The Young Things will perform at New York's Rockwood next month. For more information, visit them on MySpace.

Recommended: For fans of The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Gaslight Anthem.

Related Links:
• Band of the Week: The Bloodsugars
• Artist of the Week: Griffin Anthony
• Band of the Week: Nikki & Rich
• Band of the Week: The N Result