Interview with Ollocs

Ollocs are a young prog/rock instrumental trio from New York who have really blown me away with their musicianship and versatility. I had the chance to interview the band on their influences, their upcoming release and what the future holds. The band consists of Zach Vanderberg (guitar), Russell Frohberg (bass) and Andrew Bieler (drums). They also round out their live performances with guitarist Josh Travis. Please check these guys out. You'll be pleasantly surprised by what you hear.

Critical Mass: Thanks for taking the time to talk with Critical Mass guys. For those who may be new to Ollocs can you give us a little history on how the band got started? 

 

Russell: The three of us all went to high school together and were in the school’s jazz band.  It was a really nice background for us because once we started actually getting together outside of school right before our senior year in summer 2009, we had already developed somewhat of a chemistry in playing together. We started just writing some simple progressions and soloing over them and whatnot, it was really just for fun. We eventually started writing structured songs and it took off. We recently added a live rhythm guitarist, and he's been a real big help in improving our live sound.

CM: Your latest EP is really a solid effort ranging in sound from metal to prog. What are some of the bands musical influences?

 

 

Zach: I’m heavily influenced by progressive rock and metal and players like Frank Zappa and John Petrucci.

 

Andrew: Drummers like Tony Royster Jr. and Mike Mangini have really opened up my eyes to new methods and techniques I incorporate in my playing.

 

Russell: I’m influenced by bands such as Tool, Dredg, Dave Matthews Band and Between the Buried and Me.

CM: Has the band always been an instrumental outfit? Or did you have a vocalist at one point?

 

Russell: We’ve always been instrumental. We’re undecided about getting a vocalist. We’re having a lot of fun with what we’re doing now, but if a suitable vocalist comes along, we won’t turn him or her away. We don’t want to conform and just tack on a shitty vocalist just for the sake of being a “complete” band.

CM : Your music is really well played and arranged. Have you guys been approached by any labels to release your material? Or will you continue to be more of an independent band as far as releasing your own material?

 

Zach: We haven’t been approached by any labels as of yet, so we’re going to continue to independently produce our music.

CM : Have you guys played outside of your hometown?

 

Andrew: We’ve played outside of our hometown, but not yet outside of Long Island. We have a show booked in New Jersey this July though.

CM : Any chance of a tour in the near future?

 

Zach: No. As of right now, we’re focusing on writing for our full-length release while still playing some shows in our area.

CM: Will the new album be released in the coming months?

 

Russell: YES. We’re working on a full-length release. The writing process is always exciting for us. During every semester we only practice once a week, so it’s coming slowly but surely. What we have written so far sounds great. We’re definitely expanding our influences to more than just bands in our genre, incorporating ideas from figures in music such as Hector Berlioz and Branford Marsalis while still preserving our original sound and style. It’s going to be great and it’s more than likely going to include re-recorded versions of our EP songs.

CM : Is there a website you guys wanna plug where we can get up to date news on releases, gigs and merch?

 

Russell: After I finish the graphic design for the full length CD release and for merch I’m going to begin working on our website. It should be up and running at some point over the summer, I have a couple of design ideas and I think it will turn out great. Until then our Facebook profile will be our primary page for those updates.

CM: Thanks again for talking with Critical Mass guys. I love what you're doing and I hope we can get you guys to come to Chicago in the near future. Thanks again. 

No problem. Keep your eyes open for our full-length release and website this summer.

Music Reviews: Revilers - "Revilers"

It's that time of year again folks. The weather is starting to break. The nights are getting a little longer. The weather a little nicer. And the new music is blaring out loud and clear. And leading the pack for the spring/summer 2012 invasion is a great band from Boston called Revilers! This is a band who are bringing back Boston hardcore and are holding no punches along the way. The band just released their newest self titled album (out not on  PATAC Records), packed with 13 fist pumping, boot stomping, hardcore anthems that are just as in your face as anything that you may have heard back in '84! Maybe even better!

The album kicks into high gear with "No Bullshit Reactor". You want riffs? A sing along chorus? Fast and furious beat? Well, look no further. This track has that and more. And it's just a taste of what you'll get with the rest of the album. It's just a solid opener and one of the best lead tracks I've ever heard. "Fifth Column" "Control" and "Sick Of Being Sick And Tired" are just as good with more major riffing and hard charged lyrics that are powerful and honest. You can really feel the anger and frustration in the songs. True music for the blue collar, working-your-ass-off-to-make-ends-meat men and women of the world.

The band, JH (vocals/guitar), S (vocals/guitar), DH (bass) and HD (drums), are here to let you know that hardcore is still active and relevant in Boston. They have a passion for their craft and an honesty that's always been the true backbone of the hardcore movement. Play what you feel. Play from the heart. Tell it like it is, whether people like it or not. And don't hold back. "End Of The Road", "Negativity" and my favorite track "All Ages" are anthems for a new generation of punk fans. If this album doesn't make you believe in the power of staying true to what you believe in, then I don't know what else will.

The Revilers are a band for these times. In a world that's falling apart at the seams, where unemployment is still at an all time high it's good to see that us working class are not the only ones who are pissed off and demand change. If you're feeling hopelessly stuck in a rut, pissed off at your boss, or just feel like kicking back with a 12 pack and some good music, put this album on and let the music make you forget about life for a little while. After all, isn't that what music is supposed to do?

4 ½ / 5 stars

Interview with Christopher "Dizzy" Lee from Tattoo The Devil

 Critical Mass: Thanks for taking the time to talk with Critical Mass. For anyone new to Tattoo The Devil, can you give us a little history on the band and how you guys got together?

Christopher "Dizzy" Lee: A bunch of demon bats with rabbit ears swirled around Chicago and the clouds gathered like the voodoo scenes from "Child's Play" making Dominick Camillo and myself send each other musical mind bullets. haha... basically. 

No, but seriously, the two guitarists Dominick Camillo and myself started writing music together in October 2010. Everything was recorded right from the start in 'demo' mode with shitty fake metal drum samples. We contacted a buddy, Lance Ferrel, who at the time was playing in a couple different bands in Chicago, to do the vocals. He took over writing the lyrics, has a great ear for melody and obviously a fantastic voice. After that the band sort-of slowly built up around what we were writing. The rest is history!

CM: The bands newest release "The Decent EP" is out now. Is this the bands first release?

CDL: Yes it is. First ever.

CM: I love the bands sound and what you guys are doing. Who are some of the bands personal musical influences?

CDL: Musically, the songs are a reflection of our backgrounds as musicians. We pulled elements out of many genres to experiment with; from Arabic music, to jazz, and all they way to black metal. A perfect example would be the track, "Diego's Tango". However, if we had to pick some bands we think are awesome, I would say check out all of these bands, Dredge, Coheed & Cambria, Dream Theater, Metallica, Avenged Sevenfold, Muse, Refused, The Mars Volta, Tesseract, Evergrey & Radiohead.

CM: When it comes to songwriting is it a group effort is is there one primary songwriter in the group?

CDL: Thus far, the music has been written by Dominick and myself. Lance contributes all the lyrics and vocals. In terms of the concept of the first record, it is a mix of the three of our ideas.

CM: Are there any plans to release anything else this year? Either another EP, a 7" single or possibly a full length?

CDL: Yes. The three songs from "The Descent EP" are part of a full length concept album. We haven't solidified the title for it and I'm not going to give away the concept yet, but just know it will be epic when you hear and read how these songs 'fit' together into the full album.

CM: Being from Chicago do you guys play outside of the state at all?

CDL: Yes. Actually, our first two live performances were in Indiana including one of them being on www.mwunderground.com.

CM: Are there any plans for a tour of the Midwest or even a full blown country wide tour at some point in the near future?

CDL: Our goal is to get the first full length done as soon as possible. Then start getting it in front of as many audiences as possible!

CM: Is there a website you wanna plug where fans can get up to date news, tour dates and merch?

CDL: Our official website is: www.tattoothedevil.com

CM: Thanks again for talking with Critical Mass. I can't wait to hear some new tunes and see what's in store for Tattoo The Devil in the coming months. Thanks again.

CDL: Thank you for talking with us and definitely thanks for helping to get our music out there. Stay tuned for more!!

Interview with Sean from The Wrong Boyfriends

Critical Mass: Thanks for taking the time to talk with Critical Mass, Sean. For anyone new to The Wrong Boyfriends, can you give us a little history on the band and how you guys got together?

Sean: It began with a spot of monster hunting back in 2008. Myself (Sean Murphy) and founding member Peter Knox, a keen amateur cryptozoologist, loaded up the kayaks and made north for Loch Ness.
Through ferocious winds and life threatening swells we battled across to the side of Loch which is popular with serious hunters of the sea serpent, known colloquially as Nessie.

Like thirsty, salty men we made for the nearest bothy (Scottish word for a basic shelter, usually left unlocked and available for anyone to use free of charge).

With a throbbing head and bitter heart I called out into the darkness to enquire about tap water.
A voice answered me in broken English. At first I couldn’t be sure if it was man or beast. Even as the hairy, shuffling form lurched into the light it took me a moment or two to recognise Dominic Troup. His long grey hair and flowing beard were matted with grease and dry haggis.

Slowly we coaxed the truth out of him by offering whisky which he guzzled greedily down his gullet.

It transpired that Helensburgh’s finest drummer had headed for the hills out of deep disappointment with the modern world, which he said was spinning ‘rapidly out of control’. 

All thoughts of the monster seemed ridiculous now. We broke out our special chieftain tobacco, smoked the pipe of brotherhood and swore from that day forth we would be tighter than a totem pole.

We had other members from time to time (shout out to Guillaume and Kieran who also played on WFCD) but none of them could cope with being left alone in a room with Dom, or Demonic Troup as we call him, for any length of time.

Today The Wrong Boyfriends is a perfect synergy of Pete’s suave metropolitan charm, my immaculate punctuality and Dom’s backwoodsman vigour.  

 

CM: The bands newest album "Wrong Fucking Century Darling" is out now. Is this the bands first release? 

Sean: Yes it’s the debut release. I guess we all felt like we are in the wrong fucking century - except for Dom. 

I wanted to be in the 19^th century so I could hang out in France with Gustave Dore the famous artist, engraver, illustrator and sculptor.

Pete wanted to be in back in the 20^th century. Specifically, 1963 so he could spend time with his all time idol William Hartnell, who played the first Doctor Who.

Dom felt that he was in the right century but was upset that it’s populated by the wrong people.

CM: I hear so many different influences in your music. Who are some of the bands personal musical influences?

Sean: I listen to black metal pretty much all the time. Whether it be a child’s birthday party, a scoundrel’s wedding or the anniversary of the day I discovered the thrill of bare-headed-cycling, I’ll be zoning out to Burzum, Darkthrone and Forgotten Woods, usually in that order.
 

Peter is extremely retro but avant-guard with it. He listens exclusively to the works of the BBC Radiophonic Workshop, who of course crafted the majestic Dr Who theme tune.

Dom only has ears, and eyes, for Björk, Joanna Newsom and the little known outfit Monkey Boy, a trio from London, whose t-shirt is constantly attached to his manly frame.

 

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

Sean: Usually I turn up with the best idea in the world and then they insist on making changes to it, ruining what I’m trying to achieve in the process.

I don’t mind telling you it’s extremely frustrating and I have often considered bribing a friend of mine (Hi Ewen from VOM) who has recently qualified as a hypnotist to make them submissive to my every whim and command.

If they were allowed to speak they’d tell you that they come in with great ideas all the time and I ruin them by singing but to be honest they’ll say anything for attention.

CM: Are there any plans to release anything else this year? Either another full length, an EP or even a 7" single?

Sean: Yes, yes, and yes. Well only one yes really. This year we will release anther full length album and it’s going to be even better, or at least as good as the first one. This time we’ve taken onboard a lot of the things people said about the first album and completely ignored them in order to do exactly what we want.

This is a mind trick we’ve employed for some years now and our complete disregard for what an audience might want to hear is paying off some big dividends now.

I don’t like to namedrop but we were recently asked to support U2 and Dom told Bono to go fuck himself.

I was devastated as I wanted to talk about delay pedals with The Edge.

CM: Do you guys play a lot of shows outside of Scotland? And are there any plans to tour Europe behind the new album?



Sean: To date we have not played outside of Scotland. I blame Dom for telling Bono to go fuck himself personally.

CM: Would there be any chance of touring in the United States at some point in the near future?

Sean: Sure, from now on Pete has replaced Dom as the band member who speaks to band members of other bands.

I know he’s recently been chatting up such luminaries as Ted Falconi, Helios Creed and Lady Gaga - so watch this space.

CM:  Is there a website you wanna plug where fans can get up to date news, tour dates and merch?

Sean: Sure thing we would like to shamelessly plug our dear (but not expensive) record label Kovorox Sound where you can buy our actual album for actual money:

http://www.kovoroxsound.com/THE%20WRONG%20BOYFRIENDS%20-%20WRONG%20FUCKING%20CENTURY%20DARLING.html

For gig news and to get in touch with us, yes please, try here:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Wrong-Boyfriends/155149691170970?sk=wall

CM:  Thanks again for talking with Critical Mass, Sean. It's been a pleasure to speak with you. And I hope we get to see you guys in the States soon. Thanks again man. 

 Sean: That’s me for now Chris. Hope to see you all in the States sooner rather than later - Sayonara!

Music Reviews: Ollocs - "Ollocs EP"

Instrumental music has been around for many ages. Some of it good, some not so much. For an instrumental band to really keep a listeners attention you must have talent and a skill to captivate. To really hold the audience in your grip and take them to a place that sparks the imagination. It's easier said than done. Being a fan of hard rock and some progressive music, I fell in love with Ollocs, a band from North Babylon, NY who's new EP is a mind bending explosion of sounds and musical exploration.

This trio of talented players really shine on tracks like "Countdown", "Cinque" and "Asteria". Not shying away from obvious influences like Rush, Dream Theater and Queensryche the band make songs that not only hold your attention, but blow your mind with melody and power. Zach Vanderberg (guitar), Russell Frohberg (bass) and Andrew Bieler (drums) have the talent and charisma to be the new leaders of the prog rock revolution of 2012. The playing is tight and the production is pretty good as well. It's just a solid effort from this up and coming band.

The music can really take you away to another place if you let it. It's majestic feel and intensity take hold and never let you go. And when you think it can't get any better, it does! "Til Dawn" is a prime example. It stars out with noodle heavy riffs, before going into a dreamy sequence mid way, then finishes heavy with killer soloing by Vanderberg. Even Frohberg gets in on the action with a scorching bass solo that would make Geddy Lee proud. To say Ollocs is a great band is putting it mildly. I see a bright future ahead for this band who has already shared the stage with bands like Sevendust and Taproot. Ollocs have the talent and the drive to be a driving force in the hard rock world. Now if record execs could only stop swinging from the nuts of no talent, auto tuned infected, music stealing top 40 schnooks, maybe this band can get the recognition they so greatly deserve.

4 ½ / 5 stars

Interview With Jim Shit from The Jachammers

Critical Mass: Thanks for taking the time to talk with Critical Mass Jim. For anyone new to The Jackhammers can you give us a little history on how the band got started?

Jim Shit: We started a few years back. I love punk rock but was sick of the half-arsed bands and dead-end sub genres that pass as punk these days - so decided to take the matter in hand. Initially our guitarist was Albert Scunge; then we added Horace; then Albert joined the breeding program and had to bail, leaving us with just Horace on guitar. Me and Andy have been in it from the start.

CM: The bands latest album "Give 'Em Enough Dope" is just amazing! I had the chance to review the album for CM and I fell in love with the bands style of playing and songwriting. Is this the bands first album or is there more material out there?

JS: "Give 'Em Enough Dope" is our debut LP which we've released on CD on our own S'Not Records. We've previously released a couple of demo CDs, but the best versions of the best songs off them are all on the LP.

CM:  Who are some of the bands musical influences?

JS: Ramones, Damned, the Kids, Wipers, Slaughter & the Dogs, Devo, Black Flag, Consumers, Poison Idea, Didjits, Livefastdie, CPC Gangbangs, and the Spits. But to be honest we are more inspired by the banality of life and the ridiculous things people do to combat it.

CM: I know "Give 'Em Enough Dope" just recently came out, but can we expect any new releases in 2012 whether it be another full length, an EP or a singe?

JS: Well, we've just recorded a buncha new songs - some of which we're planning to release on split 45s w/ cool bands later this year ....watch this space!

CM: Has the band ever gone out on tour? And have you been approached by any bands to go out on tour as an opener?

JS: We've done a coupla "long weekend" mini-tours down to England, and we plan to do plenty more of those. No-one's asked us to support them on tour - I guess because no-one wants the humiliation of being blown off the stage nightly!

CM: Who are some of your favorite bands to play live with?

JS: The Maximum Zeros (punk rock'n'roll from Newcastle, England) are always fun.

CM: Any chances of the band coming over to the U.S. for a tour at some point?

JS: We'd love to tour the States and sample all your vices, but we'd need a US label to release our stuff first there - so there'd be a chance of people showing up and us covering our costs.

CM: Is there a website you guys wanna plug where fans can get in touch with the band, get up to date news on tour dates and get merch?

JS: Facebook is best the place to check what we had for breakfast, etc.

CM: Thanks again for talking with Critical Mass guys. It's great to hear good old fashioned punk rock is still alive and kicking. I'm really looking forward to hearing more from The Jackhammers. Thanks again guys.

JS: No problem - keep takin' the medication!

Music Reviews: Dan Vapid & The Cheats - "Dan Vapid & The Cheats"

Dan Vapid has been a big part of the Chicago punk scene for over 20 years. He's been an integral part of the classic Screeching Weasel line-up as well as the frontman for such seminal bands like Sludgeworth, The Riverdales, The Mopes, The Methadones and more recently Noise By Numbers. Now he's back with a new band, Dan Vapid & The Cheats, a new album and a new attitude!

Dan Vapid & The Cheats new self titled album, CD set to hit the streets on May 1, is jam packed with some of the best material Mr. Vapid has ever recorded. And with his track list of legendary material, that's saying something. The album features 15 tracks that range in style from Ramones style pop punk ("What Do You Wanna Do Tonight") to doo wop ("Girl Group") and even some new wave ("Devo On Speed"). This records is an all around party! Vapid has a band that brings out not only the best in his playing, but also his songwriting as well. The group consists of players who have played along side Dan in the past. Mike Byrne (guitar) and Mike Soucy (drums) played with Dan in The Methadones and Simon Lamb (bass) played in a later day versions of both Weasel and the Riverdales, so you just know this is gonna be a great band playing some great punk rock!

Dan sounds more comfortable on this record than on anything else he's done up to this point. And by comfortable I mean he's not afraid to mix styles of songwriting and playing. In a recent interview I did with Dan he said in each band he was in he made an effort not to sound like the band before. But now he's okay being who he is and writing what he feels in his heart saying "If it sounds like a Screeching Weasel song, that's fine. If it sounds like a Riverdales song, that's fine. And if it sounds like a Methadones song, that's fine. I'm just gonna roll with it and realize that the goal is to have as much fun as I can making the best music I can." And he's doing just that.

The album is book ended with what very well could be 2 of the best songs Dan has ever written in the forms of "Torture Chamber" and "It Lives By Night". But to be honest, any of the other 13 tracks could be put up with the best of em. This is the feel GREAT record of 2012. Bravo to Mr. Vapid and his band of Cheats on making not only a great album, but a record that will stand the test of time as one of Vapid's greatest musical accomplishments. A man who has given so much of himself over the last 20+ years has found strength and comfort in being himself and doing what HE wants to do and not what is expected of him. Dan, you've earned it my friend. It's been an honor for me to be along for the ride year after year, album after album, show after show. This is a new chapter. And if the stars stay aligned it will be a long and exciting chapter.

Even though the hard copy of the album won't be available until May, you can hear the album in it's entirety and buy the digital download at the bands Bandcamp page. It's well worth the wait, and the money to have something this fun, exciting and just all around amazing coming from one of our own.


5 / 5 stars