Band Reviews

Zero Tolerance

2008-08-25

For all who missed the Zero Tolerance performance at the Carriage House on saturday, February 3rd, you missed a hell of a show. With many variations from Buck cherry, to Pink Floyd, along with some of their very own originals, this local band has class. We haven't seen so much energy on such a cold night in awhile! Along with an awesome performance, the highlight of the evening, was an original song written, sung and played by their very own drummer Mr. Dave Horvath. Performed outside of their studio for the first time. Fantastic! If you missed this show, they are a must see, so your second chance to see them will be on St. Patrick's Day, at Vaughn's in Bolivar, at 9:30pm. If you need directions, please message Zero Tolerance, or myself and we will respond promptly.You will NOT be dissappointed with..Jeff Rutter-- guitar/vocals--Tim Hall--bass/vocals---Curt Rohrbaugh ---guitar/vocals--and of course, Dave Horvath--drums/vocals, The members of Zero Tolerance. Also, they will be recording their 1st CD, LIVE March 31st, at the Carriage House--promptly at 10pm...this is something you will not want to miss out on! So Kudos to Zero Tolerance, our Number 1 band pick of the week!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



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New Wave Nation

2008-08-25

We are sure beyond a doubt that most of our viewers recognize the familiar New Wave Nation. But however, We were able to formally critique them this past friday--Feb, 9th--their 9th anniversary at the Carriage House in Louisville. This band has been rockin Canton, Cleveland, N.Y., PA--and many other towns for nine complete years. Starting with the ribs burnoff--moving on to the summer fest's of meyer's lake--(in canton)--to NY, this local band has definately made their mark with our 80's lovers. From Prince, to Joan Jett--and even breakin it down to Drowning Pool, these local musicians are on their way to a new era. Bringing back the 80's with style they have a serious thumbs up--and recognizing old band members the evening of their anniversary-Tim Morgan and wife Jenny---they have made themselves comfortably at home in the canton area--along with surrounding states and counties....to see this band play with much enthusiasm--come to the 356th fighter Group--Friday, February 16, and Saturday February 17th--at 10 pm...although you missed the anniversary show--there is much to be gained and enjoyed from each and every performance that Jay vocals and bass-Ken guitar,vocals, and programming, Randy vocals and bass, and the ever so wonderful Bob, drums and percussion have to offer. Bring your 80's style back ladies and gentlemen--you know you miss them!!!!---Canton is Hot's number 2 pic of the week!!!!!!!!

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Fisticuff ...Need I Say More!

2008-08-25

With Fisticuff becoming our first 'real' heavy metal review, I must say we were quite impressed with the energy that we experienced on Saturday night at the Carriage House. Based out of Akron, Paul-vocals, Pat-drummer, Rob-Bass player and Dan guitarist, really have their shit together when it comes to dedication. The band has been together since 2004, and their success has brought them some die hard fans along with a management crew (Black and Blue management) that has been there with them since day one, supporting and promoting. In the past, Fisticuff has opened for bands such as Mushroomhead, 36 Crazyfest, Misery Index, and Yakuza, just to name a few. They are also performing with the 29 other bands during the June 15th Carnival of Chaos Festival, a 3 day kick ass music fest. All original lyrics and music make up the wonderful minds and thoughts of all four members as they continue to make their well known mark through the local scene. The release of their new CD, Punishment in January is getting ready to be revealed Nationally....and can be purchased via CD exchange in Akron, Square Records (also in Akron) or by contacting Fisticuff through their webpage. I must say, it was quite a privilage to beable to get to know this band, their management, and their fans, a very unique experience, that made a lasting impression in my mind as i was introduced to the heavier, but pleasant side of music. If you missed this show, you can rock out with them on March 3rd--at Robin Hood music bar in Kent,at 10:00pm---definately a show you don't want to miss twice!!! Thank you Fisticuff, for being our number ONE pick of the week!! you guys ROCK!!!!!

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Groove Pipe Is Smokin' Hot

2008-08-25

Groove Pipe is an original band from northeast ohio that became complete in October of 2004. Their sound is very diverse and ranges from rock to metal becoming very melodic at times...

Band Members Are:

Chad Speros - Guitar/Vox
Brian Lewers - Drums
Chris Cox - Guitar
Matt Herzog - Bass


Music from their new release "The Fall":


Rain Cloud
Periah
I Think You Should Know
An Afterthought
Smokey Room
The Fall

Other Various Songs Include:


Still Waiting
Find Your Way Home
Seconds Passing
Dana Another Day
Sit In Flames Normal
Ticket For 2
Air Stay Junk
Tears Graves
Make Or Break
Just A Cure Bring Peace To You

The moment that I walked in to the Carriage House the energy was thru the roof..The music was loud & The people were ready to hear some great music...And they defenitly got what they came for! As soon as Groove Pipe took the stage,they were ready to deliver. Chad Speros (Lead Singer) has a voice that pierces and a set of lungs to boot...his range & sound are great!! Brian Lewers (Drums) has a unique style & can bring the energy when it's needed...he's very good at matching the tempo as most of their style goes up & down,great job!! Chris Cox (Guitar) has a great sound, his ability to change from power chords straight into melodic style is one to envy...not to mention he can rip it up on solo's when it is needed also..keep rockin' it out Chris!! Matt Herzog (Bass) has a style all his own & he can definitly walk a bass up & down the neck, great job with keepin the beat goin' & keep the bass solo's comin' their great!! The thing that I liked most about Groove Pipe is that they were all original and it was a great change of pace to finally hear some great music!!!

Groove Pipe is also involved with Unsigned which is an online music community & Our Stage which is a place for fans to go and vote for their favorite band,which Groove Pipe has claimed 7th for their song "Smokey Room" in the "Hard Rock" category & 40th for their song "I Think You Should Know" in the "Hard Rock" category...Congrats on both!!

So to conclude this review,here is how to contact Groove Pipe - You can find them on our top friends list or www.groovepipe.com & you can also email them @ csperos@neo.rr.com

I hope you enjoyed this review & I know that for a great time and to hear some great original musicians...Groove Pipe is the band to see!!!

Keep Rokin' Out!!!



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A Tribute To TOOL!

2008-08-25

As I experienced this band for the first time at the Carriage House on Friday, February 22, I must say that I was in for a great time without even knowing it. I was blown away by the amount of energy portrayed by Truage's lead singer, Todd Muth. The rest of the band definately followed the energy, and the lighting used, left the crowd in awe with the REAL TOOL experience they were craving for. Truage was formed in 2002, by Dave McAvinew (Lead guitar), and Todd Muth(vocals of course). Adding to the experience you will find Dennis Denovchek on Bass, and Scott Dall on the skins. Overall, this band definately compliments each others abilities to give their fans a TRUE TOOL TRIBUTE. Over the years, Truage has become nationally known for their ability to keep it real, and keep it TOOL.They have performed at Clay's Park Rock n' Resort Festival 2 years in a row, as well as some of the best venues across the mid west. In addition,they have traveled to PA, Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland, West Virginia, plus MANY more. I have been told that trying to create the TOOL experience is a difficult task to say the least, and by all means, these guys tackled that task, hands down!! On their way to Buffalo NY this weekend, TRUAGE is sure to show TOOL fans a hell of a show. For those of you who will be unable to see the band in action in New York, or missed the Carriage House show,you CANNOT miss their performance at The House of Blues in Cleveland on March 8th at 7:00 pm. Passion, Perspiration, and Perserverance makes this nationally known tribute band, an original one of a kind, overall PHENOMENAL TOOL EXPERIENCE!!! A definate must see----Truage IS HOT!!!

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What About These Guys?

2008-08-25

Where do I begin? Shall I start by telling you that Marc Graig and Dann mesh perfect together? Or that their debut CD recorded in 2004 they gave me to review was beyond any sound i would have ever expected? ---Oh wait! Maybe you would like to know who the hell these guys are....lol--rest assured you have heard of them...Our very own local band Nemesis3. Thats right, 3 guys, in love with what they do, recreating a musical ability like no other. The different styles these three conjure up, are phenomenal. It's very difficult sometimes for me to watch an entire set without moving around the room. Especially when originals are thrown into the mix. However, these guys had me at a standstill at the Carriage House this past Saturday, March 1st. Not only did Marc Wasmund express his guitar abilities in the most creative way, his voice was absolutely captivating! And what about that guy they call Dann Singer? The moves he pulled off with those sticks during that drum solo made MY hands move...I felt the energy of those symbols from 30 feet away. What the heck did this guy do to make THAT happen?!?! The world may never know...... A bit Hinder like, their big hit "SHE SAID" has been all over WRQK, as well as WZIP, not to mention the commercial they have on My43.net. You will definately hear these guys outside of the local scene soon. On their way to big things this year, their very energetic bassist Graig Lindgren just joining in June, they have completed their circle of talent. Graig brings a little funk to the group, and a shit load of talent. They have a definate array of musical influences in their lives, and each member has a style all his own, with the ability to compliment each other to the hilt. Oh, did I forget to mention that they won the Rock 106.9 Battle of the Bands in January of this year?!?!? Come on.....are you kidding me?!?! You have won my fanship.......lol.

Let's talk about some of the originals these guys have come up with now. For instance, Their 2004 CD, "SCREAM AS NEEDED" which was recorded at Kopperhead Studios Canton, has a mild edge of metal, rock, and an utmost unique alternative kick. As I drove around town listening to "She Said", I noticed that my radio got louder....well gee, how did that happen? Oh yea that was me...lol. The lyrics to the song "I'm Still Ordinary" are very heartfelt, and it's obvious that this song has a significant meaning behind it. To listen to either one for yourself, go to Nemesis3's page, and have at all the tracks they have to offer. Better yet.....get your asses down to Bordner's or CD Warehouse and buy them. This is one CD that will hold your interest for the full duration. And besides that, don't you want to see these guys make it to the top? They can't do it without you!

I had the privilage of meeting and talking with these guys after the show on Saturday, these upcoming stars are very down to earth. I felt extremely comfortable with them, as if we had been friends all along. I got a chance to learn a little more about them and what their mission is as a group. But I can't tell you that right now.....if I did, then we would not see you at Panini's this Thursday, March 6th, for a FREE show starting at 8p.m. where they will be 'special' guests to Dangerous New Addiction. And I'm not talking short bus special either folks....this shit is real....Nemesis3 IS FRIGGIN HOT!!!!!!!!!



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An Upward Spiral

2008-08-25

Now normally my reviews contain our local bands. But every now and again an "out of towner' deserves an Ohio stamp of approval. I was recently contacted by a band in Wisconsin, who would be making their way to Ohio, as they kicked off their first tour of 2008. Spiral Trance, started their tour at Peabody's in Cleveland, earlier this month, and spiraled their way down to the Carriage House in Louisville, before making their way all the way to Florida to complete their mission. What exactly would their mission be??? After watching their performance at the Carriage House, it was clear to me, what they were trying to accomplish. To literally embed the minds of the east coast with a new solid sound of modern rock, . I asked myself, what makes this band different from any other band that I've reviewed thus far….? Without a second thought my conclusion was simple. Passion. Dedication. A dream. Those three words put together, make the sounds of Spiral Trance. Paul Karcz,(vocals, keys, and guitar) Andy Z (Bass), Bill Lyles(drums) and Matt Stevens (guitar) shook the Carriage House with their ability to be unique, modern, and tight. The dedication these guys portray, is hard work within itself.
Keeping in touch with these four as they prepared for their tour, I realized that even though funds for the tour were limited, missing their families back home, having a birthday on the road as well as Easter, and spending 3 weeks traveling the east coast in their Winnebego together with their manager Barry, would pose to be a difficult task for anyone to endure, their only thoughts were to expose us to a Milwaukee style sound. The stage performance I witnessed was nonetheless unique, strong, and downright phenomenal. Their song 'Dead Set' even left me humming the tune in the shower the next morning…hmmm---they are Dead Set on making you insane! (at least for the duration of their performance!—lol) The keyboard Paul brings to the sound, is hands down a very distinct almost 'Classical meets modern Rock' approach to the sound they are creating. What exactly does 'modern' mean in the world of music? While I wait for you all to answer that question, let me fill you in on the Spiral Trance version of modern. First off, there are NO RULES. Secondly, as mentioned before, a dream. A dream to be different, a mission to be unique. Bringing in an array of influences such as Kiss, Tool, Black Sabbath, and Ozzy,just to name a few, these guys do what it takes to show the world they are serious about their love of music.
An interview after the show, clued me in a little more on what they have accomplished throughout their band career. As to not miss anything of the utmost importance, I have included an exerpt from their page to give you a better idea of their history of awards and accomplishments.
After a few early demos in 1997, SPIRAL TRANCE was featured on MTV's DENNIS RODMAN WORLD TOUR VIDEO with their song, "BITTER." A full length CD followed. The CD, "On Our Terms," garnered national publicity for the group with two nominations and performances at the LA MUSIC AWARDS in 2001, and again in 2002 as "National Artist Of The Year." In 2002, SPIRAL TRANCE placed in the Top Ten at the ASCAP GRAMMY SHOWCASE AWARDS for their song "Hellacious," and again in 2003 for "Breathe Again." Building on that success, Spiral Trance recently won the 2006 WISCONSIN AREA MUSIC INDUSTRY (WAMI) AWARD for Song of the Year for "Hellacious." In 2007, "Breathe Again" was licensed by Mississippi-based Lightning Lab Productions for use in the upcoming film documentary, "Solid Bodies, The 50 Year Guitar War." In addition, the songs "We Are," and "When After Comes" were featured on two E-Books penned by Master of Horror writer Alan Dane.
Spiral Trance has enjoyed consistent TOP 3 Rankings on BroadJam. com in 10 plus categories, including NUMBER TWO in the World, and NUMBER ONE in Rock and Hard Rock. Spiral Trance has done numerous hard rock showcases, including the world-famous Whiskey A Go Go in Hollywood, CA, Chicago's Meca Music Conference and Milwaukee's internationally known music festival, Summerfest, where they've played to enthusiastic crowds for the last several years. Spiral Trance has charted on 50+ CMJ radio stations throughout the country, as well as several national stations such as WLZR and WLUM Milwaukee, WJJO Madison, WLUP 97.9 Chicago and KCLA Radio Los Angeles.
So, tell me folks…if you thought the only thing Wisconsin was famous for, was cheese and beer, I hope you now stand corrected. I encourage you to get your asses to their page, and experience their sound. How can we get these guys back to Ohio? YOU. That's right. A no brainer here guys. On their way back to good ole' Wisconsin, they will be performing one more time in Ohio at Shaker's Nite Club, in CAMBRIDGE, on March 29th, at 8pm. I honestly can't wait to see these guys again, and after YOU get a chance to experience them, I am certain you will feel the same. COME BACK TO CANTON GUYS!!!! Spiral Trance IS HOT!!!!!!-----





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Between The Lights

2008-08-25

"Bands come and bands go. When you've heard one, you've heard them all, right? But every once and a while, something special comes along. It's like when you are reading a book and you get wrapped up in the words, the story seems to actually be happening. Or after a great film, when you are walking out and you have to remind yourself that it was just a movie, and you are not the hero who just got the girl.


Perhaps you've been at concert when the music was so good, the mood was just right, and it was like your feet were lifted. Jimi Hendrix called it "the experience." It's a non-chemical high--like the way you felt just after saying "I do," your lips still wet with the greatest kiss of your life. Its hard to explain…but I think you know what I mean."


Between The Lights began like many bands: a couple former members of another band call up a guy they know who plays to ask if he might be interested in putting something together. The guy agrees and they struggle in a basement somewhere: jamming, creating, resurrecting old tunes, licks, maybe even complete songs--attempting to create a sound. Refusing to believe that there is nothing new under the sun, they push their musical limitations, they learn the nuances of each other's musical tastes.

Between The Lights is out there, winning the hearts of fans every time a live audience witnesses their spontaneous creations of melody, rhythms and lyrical jamming. Scotty McGregor, Jon Mathewson and Ted Karam comprise Between The Lights and each member is as integral as they are indispensable to what the Between The Lights sound is all about.

If you need history, Between The Lights has plenty of that. Ted, Scott and Jon all wear their influences on their sleeve.

Ted cut his musical teeth on the likes of Phil Keaggy, Eric Clapton, Joe Walsh, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eric Johnson, Albert King and Carlos Santana just to name a few.

A great fan of 70's progressive rock, Scotty has a keen respect for drummers like jazz great Gene Krupa, studio master Steve Gadd and live innovators like Mitch Mitchell or John Sferra…and the list goes on. Scott has played in a great variety of musical situations... But he never truly felt free until he met up with Jon and his brother to form Mr. Willy Cromelia's Flaming Snake Oil in '97. Bored with simply playing the beat, Scott constantly tries to reinvent himself.

A few years earlier, Ted and Scott had crossed paths at several Blues jam nights at local bars in the Canton, Ohio area...

Meanwhile. Jon was introduced to some bands like U2, Daniel Amos and The Talking Heads, then began a musical journey with his brother, searching for his own voice. Playing his way through high school, he found himself seeking more great talent while at college in Chicago. Returning home in'95, then meeting up with Scott two years later, he had expanded his talents on the bass and picked up guitar as well...He also "finds the tear in the smile" and calls the listener to contemplate the meaning of the words. Meanwhile, he keeps a fretless bass moving and a-grooving, forging together with Scott's serendipitous rhythms as Ted takes off on a lead from which he may or may not return.

All together, they weave together a tableau of musical comedy, lyrical tragedy, and creative abandon, pausing occasionally to lay down a "quicky" pop tune. What emerges is music which is at once completely original, yet may remind you of something reminiscent of the past that has remains alive. Your ears enjoy while your heart is lifted to another place…a place somewhere between daylight and the pale moonrise …somewhere "Between The Lights."

Fans have made comparisons of Between The Lights to any and sometimes all of their influences, from their energetic improvisations to their pop melodies tinged with harmonies and mirth, to outright blues based rock-n-roll white knuckle jamming - Between The Lights cannot be placed into one single musical category. Between The Lights is among your favorite bands, weather you know it yet or not.

I too found myself comparing them to most of their influences...especially when I seen them play @ P23 in Massillon,Ohio. What impressed me the most is how down to earth these guys are...You ask them how do you classify yourselves...and all they can tell you is that they really can't classify themselves because they play such an array of styles and musical melodies that they really do like to leave it up to their fans...because then the fans themselves can make their own assumption about Between The Lights...

So, if you are in the mood for a night of musical melodies that you can form your own views on instead of having the same old every day packaged music, then you have come to the right place. For any other info or if you just want to send a quick hello to the guys, please contact them by clicking on one of the many links above to go to their page and see when they are playing next...

Hope to see you at the next show...

Thanks again Between The Lights for a new sound with energy and fire and a not so normal kind of night!


You Guys Rock!!!





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