Dellacoma Behind The Scenes: Notes From the Road

Dellacoma at House of Guitars, Rochester, NY Photo by Robin Ervolina[/caption]

Dellacoma Behind The Scenes: Notes From the Road

by Robin Ervolina
The last time I holed up with the dudes of Dellacoma, I spent the better part of two days watching them sweat out three fresh tunes at Dark Horse Studios in Nashville, TN. This time I’m holed up in a van full of suitcases, gear, and merch. As the one NOT expected to be rested and in top form, I relegate myself to the small shit seat next to the door. Jason has the grand suite aka the back bench and Tommy has managed to create a junior suite by stacking things in the gap between seats.
Jarrod turns around from the shotgun position and asks me to find his guitar. Guitars are easy. They’re always on top. If he’d asked for a pen, or deodorant, we would have to pull over and dig. I pass it along and he says “Might as well write a song.” It’s here I realize while I was busy in my makeshift office (the amp is my desk and a suitcase serves as a filing cabinet), Dellacoma has been creating behind the wheel. I close my laptop to take it all in, but within a few minutes the sounds of strumming and singing have fused with the rubber on the road, and I’m lulled to sleep.

Somewhere between somewhere and somewhere else ...

Somewhere on the way from somewhere else, I wake up somewhere new. If I’m being honest, I don’t remember where, and it doesn’t matter. It’s the same process almost without exception. After hours and hours of driving, taking minimal breaks for gas and rest stop food, we arrive smelling awful and looking like hell. We jump out of the van and unload because there is no room for a sixth person to tech for the band. Sometimes the venue has a person there to help, sometimes they don’t. Sometimes a certain merch girl/photojournalist falls out of the van trying to unload, and barely escapes a face plant because her frontman has cat-like reflexes. Regardless, in the cold and sometimes in the rain, we haul until it’s all inside. I set up the merch during sound check. Jarrod has the worst task as setting up his kit takes the most time. If I hurry though, I get all situated before sound check. It's the only time I can watch them sans distraction. Those are my favorite times.  
And that's just the way it goes. Sometimes we get food. Sometimes we get to check in to our rooms (or houses of friends) and take showers, maybe even naps. Usually it’s more like, sit in the van, drive the van, bust some ass, and rest a bit before doing it again. But there are distinct highlights from this tour.

Snippets and Gems

Pineapple Jacks in Rochester, NY treat the band (and me by proxy) with absolute VIPness. The staff is completely attentive, and there’s an actual green room with a buffet. In between load in and show time, we’re chauffeured to a Rochester treasure, The House of Guitars, where Dellacoma plays a three-song acoustic set. I watch Jasin move through the guitar-lined corridors in a trance-like state; it’s like watching God humbly meet His maker. We move back to the record-portion of this massive store past photos of names I won’t drop, but they’ve all come through this legendary location for gear. Beyond that, Dellacoma is asked to sign the Wall of Rockstar Autographs, and pose with owner Armand Schaubroeck for a photo to hang alongside the others. As if that weren’t enough, he brings us all back to a corner where decades of shirts and hoodies in every style sit piled up on shelves and in boxes. He begs we all choose one; he says it’s his honor.

Dellacoma at House of Guitars

Dellacoma at Pineapple Jacks

Wisconsin used to be, for me, just the land of beer and cheese, but two venues changed that. I’ll forever recall being witness to Dellcoma’s first sold-out headlining show at Lucky Chance in West Allis, after performing to a rabidly loyal fan base the night before at Phat Headz in Green Bay. Both crowds danced and sang along enthusiastically, even catching on to the chorus of Dellacoma’s new songs not even pressed yet. From standout opening acts at Evening Star in Niagara Falls, NY, to great barbecue and co-acts at The Looney Bin, each stop of the tour brought new surprises and treats.

Lucky Chance

Phat Heads

The Looney Bin

Evening Star

Then there’s Topeka, KS. Thanks to the amazing John Hennis, we are completely coddled so much needed rest comes easy. We arrive so late, but he meets us in the driveway and escorts us to his basement which is the coolest home bar imaginable. The walls are lined with guitars, photos, and assorted memorabilia from decades of great rock. He fixes drinks, we chat, and finally we sleep … so so well. The next day they perform at The Legendary Boobie Trap, and John has let us all take part in a special event. During “My Kind of Woman,” Dell calls John on stage and presents him with the guitar Jasin has been playing. I grin to myself as I’ve watch Jasin hold the guitar tightly to his core, careful not to go into any signature move that might accidentally reveal the words “Marry me?” that John has written on the back. Spoiler alert: She said yes.
When the bar closes, we go back to John’s, but the bar crowd comes with us. We drink and sing until morning. A few hours rest and it’s back in the van for a 12 hour drive to Nashville. I’ll fly home the next morning, and the dudes will head back to Australia.

The Booby Trap, Topeka, KS

Personal Memories aside ...

Personal memories aside, here’s what I need to say about touring with Dellacoma. This is a great group of guys, but what I lived backstage pales in comparison to what you can experience at their show. If you want to know who Jasin really is, you don’t need to know that his play list is eclectic or that he has a supernatural ability to hear things in songs no one would notice. If you want to know Jasin, watch him play. Watch him melt his guitar into his being and lose himself in the creating of sound. If you want to know Tommy, you don’t need to know that he can sleep anywhere, and that he only picks on people he loves. If you want to know Tommy, wait for him to smile (it won’t take long) and watch his soul beam out through his eyes. Better yet, listen for him to laugh. He is so warm it melts his cool façade. To know Jarrod, you don’t need to know that after a long day when everyone is drinking, Jarrod slides to the floor with a guitar and offers his drumming hands to a gentle melody. You may not know his Linus-like focus when he plays piano, but you can see the genius inside when he’s on stage punishing the skins.
And Dellacoma himself? There’s no behind the scenes Dell. The person I’ve come to know off stage is the one I’ve known as a frontman for years. The passion he brings to his performance exists in everything he does. When he’s driving his own van, he’s also writing songs, or planning travel itineraries, or designing new merch. His mind is as unleashed at rest as his body is on stage. The smile you see in every meet and greet photo is the same one he cracks when someone tells a joke or he’s entertaining friends with stories from his life. While he is a performer, he’s not putting on a performance. There is no separation between Dell’s public persona; when he lets his hair down, he’s still the same guy … just maybe minus the eyeliner.

And So I've said all that to say this ...

I spent ten days in a van with four guys so I could sling merch and take photos. I gave up ten days of my life to find out what it would be like to go on tour, and to take some of the burden off an old, dear friend. I made three more friends in the process because these are good men. These are hardworking, stupidly talented musicians who are out on the road, away from their families and friends, just to bring you music. I want you to go listen. I want you to buy a t-shirt or two, because I’ve literally seen your ten dollars go into their mouths the next day, and sometimes that’s all they’ll have time to eat. I want you to go see them and tell them thank you. You’ve know idea how much the words “thank you” can feed a person the most. Mostly, I want to make sure you don’t miss out on the second leg of this tour, and miss seeing them in general. Come out to hear the new songs, come out to sing along to the ones you know. Whatever the reason, come out. You don’t need to know them personally in order to appreciate the show. You’ll have an entire set to get to know them, and in the end, rest assured, you will know them. And to know them, I can personally attest, is to love them. Sure, I may be biased, but you’ll never know until you see for yourself. Check out the new tour dates below. 

Dellacoma: Niagara Falls, NY at Evening Star Concert Hall April 17, 2018

Dellacoma Niagara Falls, NY[/caption]

Dellacoma Takes Niagara Falls: World Tour 2018

Dellacoma rolled up to Evening Star Concert Hall in Niagara Falls, NY on a very cold Tuesday afternoon to play the sixth show on the U.S. leg of their World Tour 2018. The unassuming venue hosted five supporting acts drawing in local music lovers who discovered what Dellacoma fans have known for years; the guys from Down Under know how to put on an extraordinary show.
The guys had already had a full day. They drove straight through the night from CT to NY for their first U.S. television appearance on Good Day Rochester. After a quick nap, they headed to Niagara Falls to load in. Then they stayed on site and checked out all five opening acts. One might assume their energy level would be a bit on the low side when it was their turn to entertain. Well, in doing so "one" admits they’ve never seen Dellacoma live. There is no low energy Dellacoma. They're fully committed to bringing high energy and maximum fun. Tonight is no different. They take the stage with zero fanfare, and then blow it up on the very first note. Dellacóma Rio (vocals) whips his body forward and back before seizing the mic and belting out the first line of “My Kind of Woman.” Jasin Todd (guitar) breaks out some classic back-bending gymnastics. The noisy bar goes briefly silent, then roars enthusiastically. Just like that, Niagara Falls is won over.
Dellacoma moves on to “Movin On to Something New” and follows with “Toys.” The interaction between these guys is always tight, but tonight “Toys” provides more camaraderie than my camera could handle. Dellacoma and Jasin stand face to face. Dell sings, Jasin watches intently, then Jasin riffs and Dell leans into him with a huge grin. Dell runs to the kit and cheers at Jarrod Medwin (drums/keyboard) before flying over to Tommy Sunset (bass) for a hug and hair tousle. The obvious tightness of this new lineup is not lost on the crowd. Grins galore pass from the stage to the attendees.
Next up is a rousing cover of “Let Me Out,” by Australian band (and Dellacoma friends) Electric Mary. Fans of both bands across the world got to witness it via Facebook Live. If you missed out, press play to see this and new song “Vampires (A Cautionary Tale).” It’s a rare treat. Devour it.

Dellacoma Live from Niagara Falls

We’re not even midway through the set and I’m exhausted from watching them give themselves entirely to the performance. The other bands and their fans are all against the stage. They cheer and move through the next five songs. When Dellacoma closes with “Til We All Belong,” (their new song recorded just last week at Dark Horse Recording Studio in Nashville, TN), the crowd can’t accept it. It’s after 11pm on a Tuesday night, well passed the venue’s bedtime, but they’re screaming for an encore.
The house lights come up, and all the fellas mingle and meet as many people as possible. They chat with everyone, sign anything, and stay until the room clears. Then they load out and make the two-hour drive to Rochester, NY for a brief sleep before the next day's gig at Pineapple Jacks. Stay tuned for photos and a recap of that show. In the meantime, click the slideshow below for Shockwave’s exclusive photos from Evening Star Concert Hall.

Dellacoma Slideshow

Dellacoma is playing The Looney Bin in Bradley, Illinois tonight (4/20) so if you’re anywhere near, come out and say hello. If you’re nowhere near, check out the tour dates below and do not miss the opportunity to reunite with your old friends Dellacoma. If you're not friends it's because you just haven't met them yet. This is one of the easiest bands to love in rock n roll. All you have to do is show up. They'll do the rest. Promise. 

Dellacoma Behind The Scenes: Dark Horse Recording Studio Sessions

[caption id="attachment_39198" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Dellacoma[/caption]

Dellacoma Behind The Scenes: Live From Dark Horse Recording Studio 

Written and photographed by Robin Ervolina
I'm sitting in Dark Horse Recording Studio in Franklin, TN where Dellacoma is recording their new CD. Dellacoma Rio is upstairs resting his voice. Jasin Todd is laying down guitar solos and riffs. Jarrod Medwin (drums) and Tommy Sunset (bass) sit nearby, nodding their heads, occasionally exclaiming "Oh my god," or "Fuck man, that sounds great." This is our second day in the studio and I've listened to this song grow from scratch vocals and clicks to a slick wall of sound. Engineer Sawyer Hudson has been brilliant in bringing the best of the band forward. We're all listening to Todd, swaying like cobras under the snake charmer's trance, when Todd lets out a yell. Something fell from his fingers he didn't like. "I'm trying to stay with the melody," he says. He leans back with eyes closed and says, "Let me just play with it." New ideas spill out of him until he bursts forth with an "Ah Fack." He starts again and it's just a storm of notes building epic Todd solos.

Magic Happened

After tracking a song for the better part of two days, the boys decide to play around with a CCR cover. Jarrod sits down at the grand piano, and Dell lays down scratch vocals, or so we think. The first run was so near perfection we cannot imagine it can be replicated. Sawyer sets up the mics and promises it will be worth it. With chills running down my spine, I can testify. Something special happened in that "second" run, akin to lightening in a bottle. With so much vulnerability in his delivery, Dell sings me to tears. One take and it's a wrap. Magic happened.
The creative energy in this room is a testament to Dellacoma's ability to collaborate with absolute respect. Ideas fly as freely as "facks" and no suggestion is disregarded. Each member of the band takes their turn at the wheel. No one is shy. No one is a diva. It's an awesome priviledge to be here. There's never been a front row seat like this. There is no VIP, no rail, no backstage pass that can compare to this experience. My job is to tell the story, and all I've got is a soul full of sound. Words fail, but Dellacoma delivers.

Dellacoma World Tour 2018

Dellacoma heads out on tour tomorrow, kicking it off at Suck Bang Blow in Murrell Inlet, SC. Run your fingers down this tour date list and make sure you come out to hear the new music. We'll be bringing you lots of exclusives from the road, so stay tuned!

Click for Slideshow

Hungover: Wilt CD Release Party at Soundbar - Orlando, FL 3/31/18

Hungover Wilt CD Release Party

Written by Robin Ervolina
Hungover, the Orlando quintet that recently stole my heart, held a CD release party at Soundbar last Saturday night and I made the four hour drive (one way) to celebrate with them. After listening to Wilt for hours on end, nothing was going to stop me from seeing it performed in a live setting. In a word, it and they, were brilliant. If you haven't spun the collection that lit up my world, please check it out. For a short time it's streaming free here. Instalove galore.
The doors at Soundbar opened at 7pm, but Orlando traffic prevented me from making it on time, so I missed first act, Bad Year. I arrived just in time to hear the last bars of their closing song, and tons of fan screaming. I looked into them later and was all the more sorry for missing their set. This "DIY pop punk" outfit from Orlando is now on my list to check out as soon as possible. I suggest you do the same.

Father Mountain

Taking the baton from Bad Year, Father Mountain continued to raise the energy at Soundbar. They have an interesting fusion of pop and alt rock, with some space/atmospheric tones peeping through. Lead singer Zane Martin's voice is likewise a blend of rock and alt, and very reminiscent of some of my favorite singer/songwriters like Chase Huglin or Jason Mraz. The result is captivating, and I'm looking forward to hearing more from them in the future!
Father Mountain slide show

Felicity

You know how you listen to a band and think you have a sense for who they are? You know how it feels to be WAY off? So that's me when Felicity took their turn. I've rarely seen a band so confined by a stage they appear to be on the verge of tearing it up. Lead singer Damien Fasiolino was difficult to photograph as he leaned into the crowd and out of the light for the majority of their set. Bassist Mike Alosa succumbed to the temptation and joined the circle pit mid-song, never missing a note. When Felicity noticed a fan sign in the audience requesting to sing with them, of course the band obliged. I say "of course," because this band has an obvious bond with their fans, and it drives their show. The amount of enthusiasm and energy Felicity brought to Soundbar converted me to fan status.
Felicity slide show

Capstan

[caption id="attachment_38963" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Capstan[/caption]
If there's one word for Orlando's Capstan, it's unbridled, and I seriously was not ready for the chaos they brought. From note one, the crowd pressed against the stage. Fans were singing along, fists in the air, while a mosh pit broke loose toward the center of the room. Forced to take cover, my camera and I stepped off to the side to just enjoy this progressive post hardcore wonder. I'm struck at this point in the night with the realization that Orlando is breeding some amazing bands. The mouse may have swallowed Old Florida, but the rock scene in Central Florida is thriving. There's a reason for the insanity. Check out Capstan now, and make sure you see a show as soon as possible. Their music is infectious.
Capstan slide show

Hungover

It was finally time for Hangover to step under the lights and pick up their instruments. Well, I mean Marc Cortes carries his instrument with him at all times. If you read my review of their CD Wilt, you'll know I locked into Cortes' vocals immediately. He's been compared on many occasion to Patrick Stump, and while those comparisons are valid, it undersells him tremendously. His voice is strong, his range is wide, but his tone and inflection separate him from the likes of Stump or Brandon Urie. He has all the power but he is not an imitator. Or, in the words of my good friend and vocalist for Blessing a Curse, Joshy Singer, who was in attendance for the release, "I really think he's the next Patrick Stump." The key word here is "next." You see, Stump defined a genre with his innovation and creativity. It's within the realm of possibility that Cortes will as well. So of course I wanted to be there for the birth of a new genre.
Hungover walked on stage and the crowd greeted them as old friends. Release parties are often that way, and the demographic of the crowd bore witness to the effect the band has had on family, friends, and music lovers. Aged hands went in the air next to those with black Xs denoting their under age status. Cortes thanked the crowd for coming out, then broke into "Three's Company," the first song on Wilt. Yes, most of us in the front of the house knew every word, even though the CD just came out the day before. Before the second song ended, I was once again compelled to leave the floor and let the fans have their time with their band.

It Only Takes One

It wasn't long into their set that the first body flew up on stage. A young woman in a yellow dress scrambled her way to the front of the three foot platform, and with hands in the air, dove into the crowd. You know that expression "It only takes one?" The rest of the set was marked by stage divers and crowd surfers. Burley men and tiny women, all diving into a crowd of welcoming arms, to be carried over the surface of an audience singing at the top of their lungs. Finally, as Cortes launched the last note of Wilt closing song, "Sleep Alone" he leaned back and fell, letting the crowd take him for a ride.
I heard Cortes say later, "I've never crowd surfed," and I thought that was the perfect way to end the Wilt CD release party. He trusts us with his words, his story, and his back. This is the front man we crave.
Hungover slide show

Meka Nism: The War Inside

[caption id="attachment_38712" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Meka Nism: The War Inside[/caption]

Meka Nism: The War Inside

Review - by Robin Ervolina
Orlando, Florida's metal pioneers Meka Nism self-release their newest LP The War Inside on May 10, 2018. I say "pioneers" because Orlando Weekly's Best Metal Band of 2017 is much more than a genre; they're trail blazers. They experiment with melodies, dipping their toes in and out of a pool of sounds and influences. Then, they combine these creative expressions with the most important element of their music: the message. Meka Nism doesn't just deliver thrashing tunes; it seeks to deliver listeners from their own wars inside.
Perhaps my point of view is skewed, but if so, it's skewed toward truth. When I interviewed front woman Meka last year, I was overcome with admiration. She is well-traveled, cultured, compassionate, and intuitive. She exudes a strong desire to guide people. I attended her performance at WJRR's Earthday Birthday a few weeks later and watched as the audience pressed against the rail, and appeared to connect with the band on a personal level. The colorful shaman Meka released her words and spirit from the stage, with a smile not even a growling vocal could contain. The experience may have produced a small bias in this writer, but more than that, it helped me understand that healing is the heart and soul of Meka Nism's The War Inside.
Rather than blinding me to any imperfections on The War Inside, my personal experience made it easy to truly appreciate this collection of five messages. Yes I said "messages" and not "songs" because I believe Meka Nism's guiding musical mission is in the message. Each word, whether sung or growled, is clear and heartfelt. The delivery is intense. You can hear the determination and passion behind each phrase as Meka earnestly seeks to reach out to the listener with the testament entrusted to her. Each composition, whether it's the soothing ballad "Arrows of Alchemy" or the in-your-face metal anthem "Trailblazer," bears witness to Meka's burden: encouraging people to see the power inside themselves. Listen for the music, stay for the healing.

Pre-Order and Join The Tribe

You can pre-order "The War Inside" in the Meka Nism Merch Store, or via Google Play and iTunes. Make sure to follow their socials and subscribe to their mailing list for the latest Meka news. Join the tribe and experience Meka Nism for yourself.


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Bandcamp | iTunes | Amazon 

Hungover: Wilt

[caption id="attachment_38659" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Hungover: Wilt[/caption]

Hungover: Wilt Review

Written by Robin Ervolina
Orlando quintet Hungover release their new CD Wilt on March 30, 2018 via Smartpunk Records. It's a breath of fresh air in a genre suffering from same-sound-different-name. If I can beg you to listen to anything today, I'm on my knees for Hungover.
The initial tune on Wilt, "Three's Company" introduces you to outrageously unique Marc Cortes. Once in a great while a singer comes around who will undoubtedly inspire future vocalists to emulate in earnest. In my perfect world it's going to be Cortes. His range, tone, and vibrato produce love at first listen. He's part crooner, part rocker, and deeply authentic. And though it's going to be difficult to pry you away from this revelation, look beyond this siren and focus on "Three's Company." You'll find a peppy tune (about a not-so-cheerful subject) sharing some stylistic choices with pop punk/emo pop. For fans of this genre looking for their next obsession, Hungover is a clear front runner. It's pop punk(ish) refurbished and repurposed for a new generation.
If you want your old school pop/alt rock, don't despair. "Girlfriend" has all the twisted lyrics you crave, a chaotic rhythm, and a choir of "oooohs" singing through the bridge and into the outro. "Fever," possibly my favorite song on Wilt, brings the angsts and holds all the feels. "I love you so much that it makes me sick," sung in that yearning Cortes way, makes me throw my arms out and spin wildly into the part of the universe where joy lives. After your dizzy spell subsides, make sure you stick around for "Around," the goosebump-inducing unplugged ballad that keeps Cortes in the forefront.

Second half, same as the first aka brilliant

The second half of the Wilt is just as good as the first. "Exit Stage Left" is classic Fall Out Boy. "Irish Goodbye" is an honest middle finger at an absent parent. The quirky "Falling Out," is followed by the soaring "Sleep Alone." Pro tip: if you're doing this right, that tune is followed by "Three's Company" because you are playing Wilt again. Please play Wilt again. It's hard not to get lost in Cortes' vocals, but you must keep spinning this disc until you lock into the gorgeous melodies and tight musicianship that defines Hungover.
As proof that the universe loves good music, Wilt started streaming today for free here. Give it a listen now. Buy it when it drops on Friday. Maybe pick up a copy at the release party in Orlando on Saturday. The band will be celebrating the release of Wilt with a hometown album release show at Soundbar in Orlando on Saturday, March 31st. Each person who purchases a ticket will receive a free copy of the EP - for more information, please visit: https://goo.gl/YwkN6g.

Hungover is Marc Cortes (vocals), Evan Colson (guitars, vocals), Sean Connors (guitar), Austin Barney (bass, vocals), and Gabriel Santiago (drums).

 

Here are some socials. Click, add, obsess, adore. rinse. repeat. 

         

[caption id="attachment_38675" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Hungover[/caption]

Breaking Benjamin: Ember

Breaking Benjamin: Ember Review written by Robin Ervolina
Pennsylvania rockers Breaking Benjamin will release their sixth full length album, Ember, on April 13, 2018, and fans should brace themselves. Those familiar with Benjamin Burnley's firm grip on the creative process are about to discover what it sounds like when Ben loosens those reigns. Spoiler alert: Ember is on fire.
For those unfamiliar with Breaking Benjamin (really?) a little explanation goes a long way to explaining why Ember deserves glowing praise. Frontman Benjamin Burnley has been the driving force behind his moniker-anointed band since it formed in 1999, and has written and composed every song in the band's catalogue. This control and formula have earned Breaking Benjamin two platinum albums and multiple chart-topping hits.
But Ember ... Ember is a special child. For this sixth CD, fellow band members Jason Rauch (guitar), Keith Wallen (guitar), Aaron Bruch (bass), and Shaun Foist (drums) played a heavy hand in the melodic development. Bruch even penned the music and lyrics to the chorus of first release "Red Cold River." Says Burnley,

"I wrote the majority of our last five albums, and so I'm good with that -- you know, that's enough for me. Five albums pretty much by myself -- I'm ready to pass it along. It's more fun when you're not doing everything by yourself."

So what's the same? The undeniable Breaking Benjamin sound is intact. Melodies are anthemic, carefully constructed masterpieces of sound and mood. The lyrics are enigmatic, allowing the listener to pull words to weave into their own experience. What's different? That's clear 30 seconds into Ember. The CD opens with a short instrumental, much like 2015's Dark Before Dawn and 2006's Phobia, before second track "Feed The Wolf" blazes in. Burnley's vocals, instantly recognizable, are more raw, almost merciless in delivery. It's powerful, deeper and grittier than we've heard from him in over a decade. Growling, nay howling, vocals stacked over and under him are eerie, demanding all hairs stand at attention. Instrumentally, the band is in overdrive. The crunching guitar work and frenzied rhythm section push this CD into new territory.

"People have always really liked the heavier side of the band. I think that's what they sort of gravitate towards. But we also make sure to explore our melodic and softer side too. On Ember, we just tried to make it more extreme -- the softer side on this album is really soft, and the heavy side is really heavy. We decided to give everybody what they want to the furthest degree." 

Ember plays best as a collective experience, to be listened to as a whole, from beginning to end. And while maybe not meant to contain any standout tunes, a few tracks burn a little brighter. Ballad "The Dark of You" is an ethereal feast of harmony and melody. It's yearning and tender without being formulaic and expected. "Red Cold River" comes in like a ballad, then drops the aggression hard. Ben's vocals in the verses are hypnotic, setting you up for the venomous strike of the chorus. "Red Cold River" is the cobra and the charmer all wrapped up in one. "Psycho" almost gets lost as this wildfire of a CD burns out of control, but it is perhaps their most ambitious tune to date. Pay particular attention to Rauche's explosive riffs. It's a masters class in technical precision meets divine inspiration.
When asked the significance of the title, the ever-esoteric Burnley states, "An ember can either be the end of something or the beginning of it." This feels like the beginning of something new, and yet Breaking Benjamin has successfully navigated nearly two decades of ever evolving rock, simply by adapting to their surroundings. Maybe the significance of the title is that an ember can be contained and carried to another location, where a new fire can burn and flourish. If that's the case, Ember is the perfect description of Breaking Benjamin too.

blessthefall: Hard Feelings

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blessthefall: Hard Feelings

Written by Robin Ervolina

LISTENING NOTES ONLY: DO NOT PUBLISH UNLESS I DIE, IN WHICH CASE, THESE ARE MY LAST WORDS 

I typed that in case someone thought these were my final thoughts on the new blessthefall CD "Hard Feelings." They're not, of course. What women ever has a final thought? Last words, yes. Final thought? Never. These notes were my first thoughts, meant to capture my impressions as I prepared my review. What they ended up capturing was the moment I fell in love with the metalcore outfit from AZ. Do I want these to be my last words, no Sir. However, if "Hard Feelings" was the last thing I heard before I died, that would bless my fall into the unknown.
blessthefall has been in the metalcore scene for nine years and have released five full-length albums in that time. Where have I been? No clue, but they've been around and back again. "Hard Feelings" will be their first release after signing with Rise Records. Sorry you can't hear it until tomorrow, but here's what you have to look forward to.

Everything about the intro says "This is going to be epic," and it is. 

The first song "Wishful Sinking" comes in hot. Everything about the intro says "This is going to be epic," and it is. Beau Bokan's vocals are the perfect combination of sweet and painful. There is a desperate yearning to everything he releases from those gods-blessed pipes. Second track "Find Yourself" finds me falling harder for his tone and delivery. As cringe-worthy as this next statement will be, I'm going to let it ride. If Jonny Craig and Ronnie Radke had a threesome with the late Chester Bennington, Beau Bokan would be their baby. Yes, I know that's not how procreation works. No, I won't take it back. His voice is killer. I cannot stress this enough.
The second song "Find Yourself" is equally gorgeous, and just when I think I've nailed down their sound, "Melodramatic" shakes it up a little. It's got a rapid fire rhythm any punk fan can love, and the lyrics preach.

I need the anger / need the rage / I need the worst things you can say / If you wanted a war, I guess you got what you came for

I guess you could say that's pretty melodramatic, and the screaming vocals in the bridge just drive that home. It's not formulaic, but it's right on time. It's slam dance / mosh pit perfection.

Close your eyes and tell me it doesn't take you somewhere

"Feeling Low" takes me high. The irony in this is delicious. Close your eyes and tell me it doesn't take you somewhere. Bokan swoops into the melancholic melody with emotion and desperation, then ascends with power and desperation. The lyrics swallow you whole.

Is this all that we are / a stitch that pulled apart / You told me I was your best mistake, that you would take it to the grave / I don't know where to start (so tell me) / are we taking this way too far / (please tell me) I'm not a shot in the dark / Before you go tell me I'm worth dying for / all the things you were promising / give it up put it all on me / lose your grip and now it's out of reach / don't believe in what you cannot see / all the things you will never know / it keeps me, keeps me feeling low

"Cutthroat" lets loose of the tightly woven tunes. Ladies and Gentlemen, please clear your floor of fears and make room for a shit storm of emotional upheaval. Pit in your stomach? No, circle pit in your psyche. In  "I'm Over Being Under(rated)" the siren Bokan sings "Please tell me somebody's up there, and why I'm even singing at all." Hold up, hold up, Bokan. I'm a let you finish, but I'm answering that question first: you're singing because your voice is a gift. We graciously accept it, and we humbly thank you. All the range, all the emotion ... thank you for taking your scars and making them beautiful.

All the feels

Another highlight for me is "Sleepless in Phoenix" which has all the feels. The intro is the saddest lullaby melody and the lyrics (don't you love it when tunes and words move you equally?) beg quoting. Please note that I'm not sure if Bokan is saying "You've got me right where you want me" or "right where you haunt me" but for the love of god, isn't that deliciously beautiful?

Just remember to forget me / I hate this honestly / please take this the wrong way / don't need you to need me / I need you to disappear / cuz I carry ghosts of the things you said / but you won't come home even if you're dead / night after night Sleepless in Phoenix / tell me a lie / make me believe it / you've got me right where you want [haunt?] me / you've got me right where you haunt [want?] me

Wait for it ...

There isn't a weak tune in the entirety of "Hard Feelings." Without recapping the full CD (which I would, oh trust me I've plenty to say) I will leave you with this. Closing track "Welcome Home" is so Falling In Reverse meets Green Day I can't stand it. I can't. And the end? Just wait for it.
I'm in love with this blessthefall, in case you didn't pick up on that yet. I firmly believe my playlist and theirs are the same. All my favorite singers and tunes are channeled and repurposed in this soaring, lovely CD. This is a powerhouse quintet with perfectly constructed tunes, deeply relatable lyrics, and an angelic vocalist. "Hard Feelings" drops March 23rd, 2018. You're on standby. Get ready to be blessed. 

Foreigner Concert: Fort Lauderdale, Fl with The Dave Eggar Orchestra Broward Center for Performing Arts 3/20/18

[caption id="attachment_38122" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Foreigner Concert: Fort Lauderdale, Fl[/caption]

Foreigner Concert, Fort Lauderdale Florida 3/20/18

Written and Photographed by Robin Ervolina
Fort Lauderdale, Florida won the rock lottery when Foreigner announced The Broward Center for the Performing Arts as one of eight U.S. dates for the Foreigner With The 21st Century Symphony Orchestra Tour. Whew. That's a mouthful, right? Yet, there is no better name for a tour celebrating 40 years of Foreigner hits, performed with a full orchestra! Now your head is spinning, right? Can you imagine being there? We can help. Shockwave Magazine is delighted to share our review of the Foreigner concert, Fort Lauderdale, Fl style. Check out our slide show of images at the end of the review.
Foreigner With The 21st Century Symphony Orchestra Tour is not just a treat, but a build up to upcoming CD/DVD package Foreigner With The 21st Century Symphony Orchestra & Chorus, set for release April 27th, 2018 via earMusic. The project began in May of 2017 when the band performed two sold-out shows in Lucerne, Switzerland with the 21st Century Symphony Orchestra and Chorus. For the next year, Mick Jones (founder/lead guitarist) and the Grammy nominated duo of Dave Eggar and Chuck Palmer, focused on orchestral arrangements of some of the most iconic Foreigner tunes. Says Jones:

I could never have imagined when I set out to create Foreigner 40 years ago, that we’d still be touring around the world and performing the music we love all these years later.  Dave Eggar and Chuck Palmer’s orchestral arrangements have shown us a new symphonic dimension of our music, which I hope our fans will enjoy.

40 Years of Foreigner in 90 Minutes

Foreigner lead singer Kelly Hansen took the stage at 7:45 p.m. to introduce the concept for the show. The crowed greeted him with thunderous applause, then the house lights dimmed, and stage lights illuminated the 20-person orchestra. The string section began the first bars of "Blue Morning, Blue Day." Shortly after, Foreigner took to the stage, and the crowd to their feet. No one bothered to sit down for follow-up tune "Cold As Ice," including Hansen, who ran fully into the crowd and high-fived fans. "Waiting for a Girl Like You," gave the band the opportunity to connect with the audience, who sang along word for word. Hansen and bassist Jeff Pilson (formerly of Dokken) grinned broadly as they accepted hand shakes and smiles from the ladies in the front row. It was pure 80's all over again. 

 

But lest we forget, Foreigner was more than an 80's band. They formed in the late 70s and their debut CD spawned multiple Top 20 hits including "Feels Like The First Time," and "Cold As Ice." The continued to release album after album, hit after hit, well into the new the new millennium and show no signs of stopping. 

 

For their fourth and fifth songs of the night, the band sat on stools to perform an acoustic set comprised of "Say You Will," and "The Flame Still Burns." And while the fans were fully engaged, when Foreigner followed up with "Double Vision," all feet were planted on the ground, all hands in the air, all hips shaking and grinding. 

 

Some Things Change

Throughout the night my eyes were often drawn to the orchestra and the conductor. On the main stage, the lead violinist and cello player bounced up and down, off their feet, playing so heartily they could not contain the energy. At points in the show even the conductor had to take a break to dance alongside the band. There was nothing less than pure enthusiasm pouring from every person on stage. If I didn't know better, I would swear they were unaware they were performing a show. It was refreshing to see that a band with so many member changes can gel to the point where they look more like best friends than band mates. 

 

Foreigner played for a solid 90 minutes, wrapping up with a nearly ten minute rendition of their biggest U.S. hit, "I Want To Know What Love Is." Part way through the song, members of the Coral Springs School of Rock took stage to form the choir for the chorus. While it wasn't needed (the audience made up a choir of thousands), it was refreshing and a little heart-tugging. With a roar of applause and cheer, the band left the stage just as they'd entered; humbled to be so relevant and talented after 41 years in the industry. However, as the audience, we were humbled to be a stop on such a limited engagement tour. 

 

A Prelude of Things to Come

If a 20-person orchestra and 15-person choir can create such a rich backdrop to the soundtrack of our life, imagine the wall of sound a 60-person choir and 59-person orchestra will bring to the timeless music of Foreigner. So pick up that CD/DVD digipak on April 27th, 2018, only available at Walmart in the US and Canada.

 

 Foreigner Concert: Fort Lauderdale, FL Slideshow

 

 

 

Though few dates remain, tickets may still be available. Click here to purchase, because you do not want to miss this epic, once in a lifetime performance. 

 

FOREIGNER ORCHESTRAL TOUR DATES

 

03.29.2018                  USA                             Cedar Rapids, IA                               US CELLULAR CENTER

03.30.2018                  USA                             Sioux City, IA                                      ORPHEUM THEATRE 

04.02.2018                  USA                             Grand Forks, ND                               CHESTER FRITZ AUDITORIUM

04.03.2018                  USA                              Minot, ND                                          ALL SEASONS ARENA 

04.04.2018                  USA                              Duluth, MN                                        DECC AUDITORIUM 

05.26.2018                  SWITZERLAND              Lucerne                                               KKL LUCERNE

05.27.2018                  SWITZERLAND             Lucerne                                               KKL LUCERNE

 

FOREIGNER is: Mick Jones (guitar), Kelly Hansen (lead vocals), Jeff Pilson (bass, vocals), Tom Gimbel (rhythm guitar, sax, vocals), Michael Bluestein (keyboards), Bruce Watson (guitar) and Chris Frazier (drums)

Myles Kennedy Covers Elton John's LEVON for SiriusXM Octane

Written by Robin Ervolina

Myles Kennedy Covers Elton John's "Levon" and it's everything beautiful. 

In fact, this morning it's everything.
If you've had a moment to listen to Kennedy's new CD "Year of the Tiger," you may think you've had your fill of the man and his guitar. I'm telling you, you haven't. Click the video to watch this exclusive SiriusXM Octane gift.

I don't know what's most beautiful about this version; Myles' vocals, his guitar work, or the sheer love pouring out of him as he covers Sir Elton's ballad. It's a gorgeous blend of Kennedy's passion and range, and John's lyrical brilliance. You'll most likely listen to this more than once, as well you should, but I hope you'll view the video too. It's a magnificent thing to watch an artist fall in love with a song.

Fronz and Ronnie Radke Twitter War

[caption id="attachment_37619" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Fronz and Ronnie Radke Twitter War[/caption]
Written by Robin Ervolina

The bad boys of hardcore are at it again. Attila's frontman Fronz and Falling in Reverse's lead Ronnie Radke embarked on a little Twitter war, and as much as we hate to watch mommy and daddy fight, we'll recap it for you here. 

It seems to have started two days ago (5/12) with this tweet from Fronz:

Ronnie dug up an old beef in reply, and Fronz was quick on the come back. 

Let's back up in case you're unaware of the history and "Callout" reference. I brought in Baltimore photojournalist Tiffany A. Mitchell for the Fronz v. Radke 101.

So, Attila made this song called "Callout" and it’s a dis song. He called out Jonny Craig for scamming people out of money by offering to sell them MacBooks which they never got. Then Fronz calls out Ronnie Radke saying “Even Ronnie Radke talks shit in my Instagram, give me your address so i can hit u with a mic stand." Attila just released a new Callout song where he disses Jeffrey Star, Danny Worsnop, Logan Paul and Harvey Weinstein and the singer of Emmure. But not Ronnie.

Okay, now that we're caught up, let's not let this little gem of a tweet get lost. Buried in the comments of the above post regarding "Callout" is this:

Okay, so where were we? Oh yeah, that was two days ago. But then a tweet from Fronz today lit a spark:

I am living proof that you can DO WHATEVER you want, SAY WHATEVER you want, and still become successful. Moral of the story- Be yourself & keep it real. The fakes never make it.

To which Ronnie Radke replied:

Didn't you sue a sushi restaurant?

Fronz sets the record straight with a twist of lime:

No, I sued the company that produced the bad tuna, the settlement was minimal though. In today's terms that settlement would be about 0.5% of my net worth. Nice Google search, though. 

Ronnie replies with eloquence as is his wont to do.

Suck my fuck.

And Fronz waxes poetic as well, complete with eggplant and other suggestive emojis. 

I already did. 

Ronnie ends this (we hope?) with a batch of LMAO emojis. 

So far the boys have moved to separate corners. I love 'em bad, but not at each others' beautiful tattooed throats.

Slaves Concert Cancelled After Alleged Jonny Craig Arrest

[caption id="attachment_33417" align="aligncenter" width="681"] Slaves vocalist Jonny Craig was arrested last night in Scottsdale, Arizona. Slaves was set to play the Pub Rock Live when fans witness Craig being taken from the premise in handcuffs.[/caption]

Jonny Craig Arrested 

Updates: Case Dismissed!

Written by Robin Ervolina

Jonny Craig Arrest video courtesy of MikkoPongo
Check out another video showing band members and security arguing. 
According to the City of Scottsdale's site, charges were filed against Jonathan Craig, who appeared in court today at 10:30 am. His attorney filed a Motion to Dismiss charges of Criminal Damage to Property and Disorderly Conduct.

Slaves vocalist Jonny Craig was arrested last night in Scottsdale, Arizona, abruptly ending the last stop on their Beautiful Death tour. Slaves was set to play the Pub Rock Live when fans witness him being taken from the premise in handcuffs. MikkoPongo posted video and comments on Twitter. Click the link and we'll keep you posted.
Video of Jonny Craig Arrest