Music Reviews: The Rag N Bone Man - "4 Song Demo"

Growing up in Chicago it's hard not to have been fed, either by others or by your own hand, large amounts of blues music. It's part of what makes our city so great. The Chicago blues history is layered with so many talented artists who changed the game for so many bands to come. Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, Willie Dixon, Jimmy Reed, Do Diddley, Koko Taylor, Freddie King, Otis Rush, Little Walter, Elmore James...the list goes on for days! It was the Chicago blues that crept into the U.K. in the late 50's/early 60's that started what we now know as the British Invasion! Bands like the Rolling Stones, Yardbirds, John Mayall, Humble Pie and early Peter Green/Jeremy Spencer era Fleetwood Mac were knee deep in the blues. So it comes as no surprise that the U.K. is STILL churning out amazing blues artists. And their newest prodigy is a one man band named The Rag N Bone Man!

The Rag N Bone Man plays a wide variety of modern day blues music on his new 4 track demo that you can hear on his Bandcamp site. The demo kicks off with a tune called "Savage". It's an in your face blast of dirty blues that's one part Little Walter kick ass harp, one part Jack White with a distortion laced vocal treatment pieced together with a killer finger picking and slide guitar riff that just brings it all together. It gives you a slight taste of what the rest of the EP will be like.

"Junkie In The Phone Box" has more of a clean sound, but still has enough dirt to make it worthy of the Mississippi Delta meets Chicago sound of the early 60's. The songs main character is strung out and doesn't have a chance in the world and neither does the kids she brings into her drug infested world. Great tune about the life of a junkie on a one way ride with a hellhound on her trail. Brilliant!

The last track is by far the biggest surprise on the EP. "Sunnycidal" kicks off with a palm muted riff and lyrics about sleeping pills and desperation before kicking in, for a short time, with a great beat and sharp sound. It's basically a topic and lyrical content that's not a far stretch from your typical blues tune. But what really stands out on this track is that The Rag N Bone Man has a really beautiful voice! It's sounds a little like Freddie Mercury on "Hammer Will Fall" without all the dramatic vocal layering that Queen was identified with. This EP has a little something for every blues fan. It's dirty, meat and potatoes music that the blue collar hard working man can identify with. I can't wait to hear MORE from The Rag N Bone Man.

4 ½ / 5 stars

 

Music News: Mooster Records Takes Off

Just when you thought the whole music industry had gone bust, there's a new independent record label coming out of Chicago! And they are looking to change the face of indie music! 

 Mooster Records is run and operated by Brandon Harrod who plays drums in the Chicago based garage rock band The Larroquettes. Brandon's vision is to release quality music to music lovers. Not specifically one style or genre of music either.

So far the label has released 2 of Harrod's solo releases, "Kuna For Dayzzzzz" and "Wide Open Sun", both of which are more along the lines of singer/songwriter meets Violent Femmes style than Harrod's hard rocking and garage based music with The Larroquettes. Up next on the labels roster is the new album by Nick Minnow "Plant Music (an untested hypothesis)" as well as Harrod's new "Karaoke Party". You can get both releases in digital format with hard copies coming shortly.

I spoke with Mr. Harrod yesterday and he describes Minnow's album as "an experimental rock free jazz concept album!" And I've heard the album, and it's quite mind blowing to say the least. It's very original in it's style and complexity. Any music lover with an open mind will definitely dig this album. My review of the record will be coming shortly to Critical Mass. But in the meantime I suggest you check it out at Minnow's bandcamp page.

2012 is looking to be a big year for Mooster Records, and the entire Critical Mass family couldn't be more happy. We'll be here reporting on all things Mooster Records as they become available. And we want to wish Brandon all the best, and thank him for taking the indie label to the next step here in Chicago.

Music Reviews: Goin' Places - "Relationship Sneakers"

Remember when punk rock WASN'T about going to Hot Topic for nut hugger skinny jeans and fruity emo haircuts? When it was all about being who we are instead of trying to be something you're not? It pretty much started with the Ramones in the 70s and ended with them in '97. Sure, there have been the occasional exception to the rule. But mostly it's been all about fashion and bandwagon jumping since. Now there's a band who coming out of retirement to bring it all back t where it should have stayed all along....on the streets!

Goin' Places started out in 2000 and were one of those bands who didn't do what was expected in order to make a quick buck riding the punk rock bandwagon that was oh so popular at that time. They were students of old school pop punk. They liked the Ramones, but also followed bands like The Queers, Mr. T Experience and Screeching Weasel. They released one record ("Girl Songwriting 101") in 2002, toured shortly and dropped out of the scene to get real jobs. But they never gave up the dream of one day making music again on their own terms. And NOW is that time!

"Relationship Sneakers" (Bright & Borrow Records) is 15 catchy gems in the style of all things pop punk. This album could have come out in the early 90s and been neck and neck with "Love Songs For The Retarded" and "Wiggle". It's just a fun record. "Be With Me" is a cool tune about being just friends with a girl who you really dig, only to get drunk and spill the beans and find out she doesn't feel the same way. We've been there. And that's why I can identify with this track. So good! Throw in a wicked keyboard solo in the vein of "Let's Dance" by the Ramones, and you have instant classic stamped all over it!

"Tongue Tied", "Bedroom Window" and "Relationship Sneakers" all have some really kick ass harmonies and will have you hooked in seconds. There is just so much going on with this band, musically and lyrically, and it's all brought together in a sunny fun way. The band. Richie (guitar/vocals), Victor (drums/vocals) and Frank (bass) write and play songs that will make you remember why we love pop punk in the first place. They take you away from all your problems and bring you to a place filled with harmony, good times and fun!

"Just Another Girl Song" could have been on the Queers classic album "Don't Back Down" and "Goin' Places" is as close to a Ramones classic as we're gonna get. But they do it with dignity and respect for the bands who have inspired them. They don't rip off as much as pay tribute to the greats of the past and present.

"I Love You Girl" is damn close to being the best tune on the record. It's pretty much an instrumental, besides the "Oh oh oh" sing along and the title track said only once at the very end. "Gum Would Be Perfection" IS a full instrumental track but it's done so well that the music sings it's self without words. You have to hear it to really get what I'm saying.

The album closes with a tribute to our fallen hero's, Joey Johnny and Dee, as well as the Ramones as a band! There have been tribute tunes in the past. But none that can hold a candle to this track. We'll never forget what they gave us and what they continue to do even after 15 years away. There's also a hidden track that comes in at around the 14 minute mark that you need to hear. If your sensitive to foul language you may wanna skip the hidden track altogether. But all in all this is a great album. And I'm glad to have this band back after being away for so long.

4 ½ / 5 stars

Interview with The Creeping Ivies

Critical Mass: Thanks for taking the time to talk with Critical Mass. For those new to The Creeping Ivies, can you give us some history on the band and how you got started?

The Creeping Ivies: We are Becca Bomb (vox.guitar) and Duncan Destruction (drums) and we formed the band late 2010.  We are friends and met a couple of years before at a gig Becca was playing at with another band.  Duncan briefly joined this previous band just before we split up but shortly that after we formed the Creeping Ivies.

We spent a lot of time initially in the rehearsal studio just playing and practicing and started doing gigs later in 2011.  We released one of our tracks 'Shake It Up' on a couple of cool compilation records (GRG PNK Records and Dead By Mono) and then recorded our debut 3 track EP Rock N Roll Party which was released in November 2011.

CM: Your newest release, "Rock N Roll Party EP", came out this past November, as you stated, and is really well done. Anyone into garage rock will really dig this EP! Are there any plans on releasing new material this year?

TCI: Thanks! This was our first recording together so it was quite exciting for us to get something out there.  We've also been finding our feet and we're growing as a band all the time so there's a lot of new songs being written.  So, yeah, we're pretty keen to get new stuff recorded, we're already planning a second EP for later this year. Details of this are to be confirmed soon!

CM: Who are some of the bands musical influences?

TCI: Artists we love are Bo Diddley, The Cramps, Link Wray, The Ramones,  Velvet Underground, The Clash, Elvis, New York Dolls, The Sonics, Hasil Adkins, Iggy Pop, the list goes on and on, we have a lot of varied personal influences but as a band we're inspired by wild rock n roll and music you can bop to.

CM: The band is still somewhat new, since you formed recently. Have you guys played together in any other bands in the past?

TCI: Becca had a couple of bands before (Trash Superstar and The Leatherettes).  The latter was a duo and we used a drum machine but Duncan briefly joined us on drums near the end although we never played a gig as a three piece.  We also have a club night together called FEVER where we play our favourite Rock n Roll Vinyl records so we share a mutual love for the music.

CM: When it comes to the whole songwriting process is it a group effort or is there a primary songwriter?

TCI: Becca writes all the songs then brings them to rehearsals where we just take it from there.  Sometimes we just have a loose jam and improvise and Becca will maybe work on that later and sort out the lyrics.  Sometimes lyrics don't get written until the night before a gig!

CM: Being a duo and not having a bass player is somewhat unheard of. Originally, was it planned out to just be a guitar and drums only band? And will there be a bass player added later on?

TCI: No, we never seen this as an issue at all.  We always planned to be stripped back and raw.  We wouldn't rule out working with other musicians in the future but its not something we're thinking about at the moment. Its less people to have to worry about and less people to piss you off. We're primitive. We're basically the rock n roll Flintstones.

CM: Does the band play out a lot in your area?

TCI: We only started playing live last year so we're beginning to get a few gigs under our belt.  Our first show we put on as a party of our Rock N Roll night FEVER.  We played a show with Viv Albertine of The Slits last year and will be playing with Vic Godard & Subway Sect next Month.  We're getting involved with some other local bands and will be putting on a few gigs here and there.

CM: Are there any plans on hitting the road for some shows this year? Maybe a possible tour of the United States at some point?

TCI: We will travel further a field this year and hopefully we'll get some opportunities to play bigger audiences.  We want to spread the rock n roll germ and Tear it up everywhere.  We would love to do a tour of the US, that's the dream.

CM: How can fans and labels get in touch with the band? Is there a website you guys wanna plug?

TCI: Our official website is www.thecreepingivies.com but we're always updating our Facebook and twitter with news or random crap so follow us on those!  You can buy our CD from Bandcamp and download from Itunes/amazon etc.

CM: Thanks again for taking the time to talk with Critical Mass. I like what you're doing and I hope to get more music out and into our hands this year. All the best to you both. Thanks again guys.

 TCI: Cheers Chris, thanks for the support, hope to see you on our travels! 

Music Reviews: The Heat Tape - "The Heat Tape"

Over the years bands who have made a name for themselves have had members who wanna branch out and release an album of their own. Or form a side project that reflects who they are as individuals. Sometimes these solo albums and side projects work. Other times they fall flat and show little resemblance of the greatness of their day job. This is NOT the case with Brett Hunter, guitarist of Carbondale, IL favorite sons The Copyrights. Hunter, who has not one but TWO side projects, has just released the self titled 7" from his band The Heat Tape (Underground Communique Records). And it's a damn good release.

For close to 10 years Hunter has been a part of the greatness that is The Copyrights, releasing 5 full length albums along with a handful of singles and splits. The Heat Tape are a trio from Makanda, IL who play a little more grittier and lo-fi than The Copyrights or Hunters OTHER band Dear Landlord. But the 4 songs on this 7" are equally as effective and strong. The band Hunter, Brooks Davey and Ben Bleyer play more of a garage style of dirty punk rock. And it really works for them.

"Love And Sweat" is a great tune about having fun while you still can. And try to remember the years are not slowing down for any of us. We gotta get while the gettings good! "Freebird" should have been called "Freedom" since it's all about not being locked up and being able to do as you please. I guess at the end of the day the 4 songs on this amazing EP are all about living for today and enjoying what you have because it may not be there tomorrow. A wonderful philosophy to live by in this day and age! No matter who you are, what your background is and how financially stable you may or may not be...we can STILL have fun and be carefree, even for a short time. And The Heat Tape remind us of that.



4 / 5 stars

Music Reviews: After The Fact - "Super Scary Scenarios" EP

After The Fact are a new band from Fort Myers, FL who play an infectious brand of ska punk and like having fun. The bands debut EP "Super Scary Scenarios" (Route 8 Records) is loaded with catchy riffs and hooks, a good beat, great vocals and or course horns! The band has a sound similar to that of Less Than Jake, but at the same time have their own style of songwriting.

This incredible EP kicks off with "Stuck" and fun track about being, well, STUCK! But it could be about being stuck anywhere...in a bad relationship, a dead end job, your hometown...anywhere! And the sound bites from "Office Space" just add to the good times. Who knew being stuck in a rut could be so much fun!

"This Time" has an all killer no filler opening guitar riff and harmonies that make this track an instant favorite for this listener. Singer Casey Gartland has a really good voice and he lets it shine all over this track (and all 6 tracks on this album, actually). His vocals never strain or overpower the other players on the album. They all just gel so well together.

"Frustrated" kicks off with an old school bass riff that goes into a great horn sound and we're off and running! Gang style vocals galore and a heavy groove make this another stand out track. I can't get enough of this album!

The band is tight as fuck. Guitarist Tim Tim is a great player who can play heavy riff solos and then play a beautiful acoustic song like "Maravilla" without a hitch. This kids got talent! The rhythm section of Big E (bass) and Dougie Fresh (drums) along with Paul Kalugdan (trumpet/guitar) just gel so well together. And along with Gartland bring the good times without tripping over each other musically. Bring these guys together and you have a great band who play energetic summer friendly music. Just when you thought this style of music has grown old and stale, After The Fact bring it all home with a fresh sound and show that you CAN teach an old dog new tricks.

4 ½ / 5 stars

Music Reviews: Dot Dash - "Spark>Flame>Ember>Ash"

Dot Dash, who hail from Washington D.C., can best be described as an alternative band who play jangly pop blasts in the vein of The Cure and The Smiths. Now, normally I wouldn't touch a band like this with a ten foot pole. But something just caught me off guard with this band. Maybe it's the infectious style of playing? Maybe it's the rolling backbeat? Maybe it's the smooth vocal styling's? The quality of the songwriting? ALL of the above? It's hard to pinpoint when they took hold of my attention span and refused to let go.

Dot Dash are a fierce 4 piece that consist of singer/guitarist/main songwriter Terry Banks, guitarist Bill Crandall, bassist Hunter Bennett and drummer Danny Ingram. These 4 gentlemen are seasoned professionals and it shows on tracks like "The Color And The Sound" and "That Was Now, This Is Then" from their latest album Spark>Flame>Ember>Ash (The Beautiful Music). The album has an almost English feel to it and is very much 1984 in it's approach. And that's not necessarily a bad thing. I mean hey, if you have a knack for something different and tasteful, go for it!

 "Alright, Alright" has hit record written all over it with it's soft vocal's going into falsetto towards the end, it just makes you feel good. It's a short tune, but great none the less. Being a music lover I find so much good in this album. If you grew up loving 180 Minutes on MTV this is a great album to pick up. Some music just don't go out of style. And, like I said before, this particular style isn't really my cup of tea...but this band just has SOMETHING that will make you take notice and listen. The records pop sensibility and fine execution make this a must have for any 80s alternative music lover who still love to be different and wanna stand out in a crowd of hipsters and phonies. Be yourself and let it ride. That's what I get from Dot Dash. Well, that AND some really great music.

4 / 5 stars