Sure, Lara Hope has a crackerjack band that knows how to flood a dancefloor with its cool, custom bop and swing. And The Ark-Tones know where the traditions stand as they forge fresh tracks to avoid the mildew and clutter. But what’ll grab you and won’t let go is Hope’s creamy contralto. Whereas a lot […]
Frank De Blase
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Album review: ‘Volume 1’
The English Project “Volume 1” Self-released theenglishprojectband.com Drummer and bandleader Chris “Hollywood” English is a shepherd with his flock playing on ice. It’s a casual, nonchalant affair all over “Volume 1,” by English’s new band, The English Project. “Volume 1” is funky on the mellow side and mellow on the funky side. It’s seven slices […]
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ROCK | The Plague
Sure, The Plague is a reminder of frontman David Adam Monroe’s former band, the Warped Tour road dogs Third Estate, but it’s still got some muscle of its own under the hood. Monroe has moved into production a bit, citing a list of big names he’s twiddled knobs for and with, like Pink, Lady Gaga, […]
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BURLESQUE | Sirens & Stilettos Cabaret: ‘A Little Christmas’
Come see the gorgeous gals, the bodacious broads, the squealers and peelers in Sirens & Stilettos Cabaret as they celebrate Santa’s birthday in their new strip tease-o-rama “A Little Christmas,” when they won’t be donning their gay apparel but rather taking it off. And they’re classing it up a bit by putting this show on […]
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DOOMGAZE | Planning for Burial
I love it when a band is picturesque in its meaning or agenda. That is until some guy starts screaming bloody murder in the mic. The chordal intro to some of this Wilkes Barre one-man-outfit, Planning for Burial, are ugly and mean, and they seek to be tamed not played. With the vocal abuse serving […]
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Me and Bobby T
The Bug Jar’s Bob “Bobby T” Teresa was casually shaving his mug one day back in April when he discovered a lump on the side of his throat. “I said to myself, ‘That doesn’t look too good,”‘ Teresa says. His doctor said the same thing. They ran some tests and did a biopsy. It came […]
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Interpreters kick out the signs
At many local concerts, sign language interpreters put music into motion as they communicate rhythm, tone, and even innuendo to deaf and hard of hearing audience members
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Mikaela Davis takes on her next psychedelic lullaby
Mikaela Davis carves out her sound, awash in color, on a big sky canvas and in the heads of her fans. Her gentle voice delivers the particulars while her harp paints the theme. It’s an indie rock twilight scene — or a psychedelic lullaby that puts you awake and allows you to dream. Addressing the […]
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Album review: ‘No, Really’
The Results “No, Really” Self-released facebook.com/theresults One of the jobs of a music critic, as I see it, is to rein in some of the hyperbole while letting fly with some of their own. However, in the case of Rochester’s The Results’ new album, “No, Really,” the band is way better than the hype. A […]
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BLUES | Albert Cummings
New England guitar slinger Albert Cummings let’s fly with a fiery fleet-fingered display. He ably wrings the neck on his guitar at any tempo, but it all truly shines on the slow blues, where he riffs blindingly brilliant and smooth. Clearly influenced by Stevie Ray Vaughan and the Kings (Albert and Freddie), Cummings brings plenty […]
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ART ROCK | Jack and The Jukebox
Utica’s Jack and The Jukebox defy the genre that defines them by taking a lighter, less dense, less-convoluted approach to art rock. The style commands an intricate approach that borders on orchestral and cosmic themes. When you say “art rock,’ bands like Genesis, King Crimson, and Procol Harum come to mind — and so does […]
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Album review: ‘Wallop Dollop’
Luke Cornwell “Wallop Dollop” Self-released lukecornwell.bandcamp.com Sometimes you’ve got to listen to an artist and allow them to ferment in your ears lest you pass judgement too quickly. It’s kind of like when I first heard Ween; I wanted to kill that guy. “What’s with all this shrieking?” Well, I’m older now (and I do […]
