A lot of beer fests tend to blend together; same thing with different scenery, but what sets Smoke in the Valley apart from most other fests is their focus on home brewers. Dollar for dollar I think your ticket money is best spent sampling the hidden treasures fermenting in random garages and basements speckled throughout… Continue reading Smoke in the Valley 2016 – Return of the Home Brew
The Lowercase S: The smallest Creature’s “Reboot”
An alternative rock band originating in Cyprus is currently working on their first independently released album. In July of this year, The smallest Creature debuted their single “Reboot” as a taste of what’s to come. Three musicians make up the talents in the group, including guitarist Stefanos Marnerides (who initiated the project), bassist Stephanos Nicolaou, and… Continue reading The Lowercase S: The smallest Creature’s “Reboot”
Dinosuar Jr. Slays with Give A Glimpse Of What Yer Not
This was not supposed to happen. Most people who know the history of Dinosaur Jr. would have never thought that the band’s original line-up of J. Mascis (guitar/vocals), Lou Barlow (bass/vocals) and Murph (drums) would get back together to record new albums and tour — especially after being apart for nearly 20 years after an… Continue reading Dinosuar Jr. Slays with Give A Glimpse Of What Yer Not
OFNR Forever: An Interview with Official FN Radio Founder Bob “Knob” Marino
The local metal scene is full of characters, and Bob Marino of Official FN Radio is definitely one of the protagonists. He has promoted Connecticut metal bands (and many others) through his online radio station for the past ten years, seeking no tangible benefits beyond the fun he has doing it. As OFNR’s tenth anniversary… Continue reading OFNR Forever: An Interview with Official FN Radio Founder Bob “Knob” Marino
Single Review: “Let It Drip” by He Is Me
He Is Me, an electronica collaboration between Steve Moore and Casey Braunger, just released their first single “Let It Drip.” The three-minute track is free-flowing, meditative, and creepy all at the same time. Local fans of Agrippa93 and Justin Symbol will find this music intriguing: Steve Moore is no stranger to Alternative Control, as he… Continue reading Single Review: “Let It Drip” by He Is Me
Heavy Montreal 2016: A Spastic Venue Review
Right off the bat, I have to admit the main factor of my ignorance when it comes to festivals: I have not been to many and the last music fest attended at a “major” venue was the Hartford Xfinity Theater about 5 years ago. That being said, my experience going to Heavy Montreal was a… Continue reading Heavy Montreal 2016: A Spastic Venue Review
EP Review: The Departure’s Gateways
In 2016, it’s hard to do something new in rock music — but Salt Lake City’s The Departure is trying their damndest. Blending a heavy helping of pop-punk influence with elements of power metal, their seven-track EP Gateways has been opening doors for them since its November 2015 release. First song “For the Best” fools listeners into… Continue reading EP Review: The Departure’s Gateways