New Old Introductions
It does feel a long time since I last embarked on what can only be described as an analytic quest to discover the best possible unsigned bands I can possibly find. Alas, since we last met, I have learnt new trades, such as building walls and small tunneled extensions. It is rather good fun, but I cannot imagine being involved in the ‘art’ on a permanent basis!
Inclusive Ideas: Your Band’s Gateway To Success
I am taking a liberal approach to my column in the New Year, and, for starters, I shall be including an additional band in each article I write. Before you snipe down my unbelievably innovative idea as generic or boring, you shall have to read more about what type of band I wish to include.
You’re jumping the gun again! I am not going to ‘sell out’ by including bands on Indie labels, nor shall my column be accompanied by an aesthetically pleasing troupe of miming cheerleaders. In fact, the additional band shall be a tribute band. I’m not sure as to just how adequately I can cover such bands: this is primarily because they are best reviewed live. However, I shall do my best to keep the quality to a maximum, basing my monthly inclusion on live videos and/or recordings.
Unsigned Bands Of The Month
The Venkman Heist qualify as a modern type of classic rock band that has made either a very conscious or subconscious decision as a band to avoid becoming the type of classic rock band that plays anachronistic classic rock songs that sound tired. A classic three-piece, The Venkman Heist is fronted by bassist/vocalist Yeomans, who is backed by McGinely (Guitar) and Shillito (Drums), who keep a steady rhythmic force that refuses to stop pounding the listener in the nape.
Griping is one of my strong points, and one of my goals this year is to be a little more critical of the artists under the microscope. The Venkman Heist’s live videos do not have the same energy as the studio recordings, and this is slightly damaging to some of the more energetic songs. Another point is that, despite hailing from Sheffield in the UK, The Venkman Heist sounds overwhelmingly American.
Despite my slight dissatisfaction with some of the band’s elements and characteristics, I cannot help but like the V.H. and implore you to add to the band’s deservedly impressive play count. Just listen to Borrowed Bedroom.
Having never visited Cleveland, Ohio, I cannot confirm that
Motter Flynn is as unflappable and assured as the band’s recordings suggest; the fact of the matter is that this is irrelevant to the impression that the band has set upon me. The band’s superlative-deserving outstanding song is, without a doubt, the masterfully delivered Rigate Pity Graphs; the chorus is particularly impressive, Mike Pappas’ vocals delivered with powerfully convincing gravel, supported by what is almost a Presidents of the USA melody and tone.
An insightful area of the band’s myspace page is the embedded youtube video performance, featuring the band as a minimalist three-piece; the equipment used is limited to an acoustic guitar, a bass guitar and a pair of African drums. Mike Pappas’ guitar-skills are examined at their core, for he has nowhere to hide; not unless he opts to hide behind the acoustic body of his guitar that is…but there’s no need. His solo -- a catharsis of technical skill -- refuses to demarcate the band’s limits, and with a rhythm section holding cadence behind him, I would rather be in the audience than backstage: a solid band. Drummer Nick Buehner and Bass Guitarist Joe La Gardia are a more than competent duo; and this band can only get better as they develop what is, largely, still a latent talent.
Starlings may be known to most readers as a bird with a dark but speckled plumage. They are known to lay blue eggs, and are also gregarious. Now that I’ve introduced to you some interesting facts about some species of Starling, I’d like to launch a special platform on UG for readers to get to know the free jazz fusion efforts of
Matt Starling and his band. A Summa Cum Laude-Graduate of Berklee College of Music, Starling’s album—Kairos—is a wonderful blend of coffee, prodigious talent and classic Jazz grooves. Berklee College of Music may be renowned for producing talents such as Steve Vai (duh) and Alf Clausen (Composer of The Simpsons’ theme tune). The essential question is whether or not Starling’s musical cadenza that is less than mainstream can match the School’s traditions. Talent is on his side. Starling is a starlet that should not be missed.
Another band suggested to me by Pete Carnbro (Author of This Month in Metal) has managed to grasp my attention. This time I present to you, perhaps on Pete’s behalf,
Inferior, an immensely talented quarter, Inferior unleashes a vastly professional cascade of fiery waterfall on an unsuspecting listener—after all, ‘inferior’ is hardly a band name that hints at a death metal/thrash band.
Citing all the usual archetypal thrash legends to be influences, CF and Krolle embark on an intertwining guitar duo extraordinaire. Live videos embedded into the band’s myspace page confirm Inferior to be superior to just about every unsigned contemporary metal group, the band’s deleteriously aggressive set wreaking havoc across Sweden. To discuss Inferior without mentioning On the Brink of Doomsday would be a discussion without direction, the opus proving to be a rhythmically challenging masterpiece laden with speed solos, furiously growled vocals and a taste for chunky punk riffs. Just listen to the solo commencing at approximately 2:25. Inferior deserves your attention, so join the army, so to speak!
Unsigned Tribute Band Of The Month
Cash from Chaos is an unsigned punk rock tribute band conceived during April 2007. With HQ based in West Lothian, Scotland, world domination might be considered somewhat far off. But, with a touring schedule stretching all the way to September 2009 and beyond, much can be expected from a band whose recorded covers underlie the Cash from Chaos’s credentials as The Punk Rock Tribute band to witness live.
Essentially, the band’s manifesto is simple: it’s in the band’s name, and the homage to The Sex Pistols is tangible, if not tongue in cheek. The comic factor is fundamental to the band’s image with even the briefest of scans throughout a Cash from Chaos audience bringing to sight at least one ‘The Swindle Continues’ Cash from Chaos-logo adorned shirt. Songs featured on the main page include The Rezillos’ Destination Venus and an admirably recorded cover of Holiday in Cambodia, obviously first recorded by the Dead Kennedys.
So where is all this going? Was Cash from Chaos’s name intentioned to share the same acronym as chlorofluorocarbon? Does the canard that the band’s amplifiers have been banned in the United States by President Obama’s Green-wary ethics hold any credence? Will such bans have any significant bearing on the band’s gig in Las Vegas, Nevada on September 12th 2009? Regardless of such rumours, 2009 promises to be a big year for the band from West Lothian.
Recommended listening: Destination Venus cannot be missed, if not for its punk dynamism, then for the vocal talents of drummer Lizzie, an invaluable asset to the band in its delivery of a punk classic.
Tour: Las Vegas
“The much anticipated gig in Las Vegas has now been confirmed.
The Double Down Saloon
4640 PARADISE RD. LAS VEGAS, NV 89169 702-791-5775.
Saturday 12th September 2009.
doubledownsaloon.com/index.html”
http://www.cash-from-chaos.com/aboutus.cfm?mpf=frame
Your time, comments, feedback, critique and suggestions are very welcome. From this point onwards, I’m also hoping for suggestions regarding tribute bands.
I can be contacted at
sam.agini@ultimate-guitar.com and you can add me as a friend on
myspace.
/ my profile 
