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June
2004
WHO'S WHO IN THE HUB CITY
By Mike Doktorski
From
indie rock to jam bands, hip-hop to blues, New Brunswick's music
scene has a little something for everybody. Here's a rundown of
some of the best acts currently making the scene.
Val
Emmich
Singer-songwriter Val Emmich is one of NJ's most promising young
artists. Emmich is hoping to introduce his smartly crafted, accessible
emo-pop to a national audience later this summer with the release
of his major label debut Slow Down Kid on Epic Records.
He will be supporting the album with a heavy touring schedule,
including 8 shows this month opening the Civic Tour with Dashboard
Confessional, Thrice and The Get Up Kids. ValEmmich.com
The
Anderson Council
Brit-pop revivalists The Anderson Council formed in the late 90s
and wowed area music fans with their fantastic 2001 indie debut
Coloursound. Among their fans is E Street Band guitarist
Steve Van Zandt, who gave TAC a nice boost with regular airplay
on his nationally syndicated radio program Underground Garage.
The Anderson Council is currently breaking in a new drummer while
finishing up work on their as-yet-untitled sophomore CD. TheAndersonCouncil.com
New
Blood Revival
In just a few short years, the groove-oriented, 7-piece rock act
New Blood Revival have graduated from packed shows at New Brunswick's
Harvest Moon to steady touring around the country. Led by charismatic
singer-songwriter Matt Witte, the NBR recently recorded their
major label debut for Atlantic Records and are looking forward
to its release later this yearr. In the meantime, go out and catch
them at one of their numerous area appearances (and bring your
dancin' shoes!). NewBloodRevival.com
The
Stuntcocks
Together since 1995, the Stuntcocks are a New Brunswick institution.
Their hi-energy, hi-volume punk shows are the stuff of local legend.
If you've never seen the 'cocks, go check 'em out at one of their
regular (if somewhat infrequent) area gigs. And while you're there,
be sure to pick up a copy of their 2002 self-titled CD which will
have you bouncing and moshing in no time flat. Stuntcocks.com
Sparks
Fly From A Kiss
A local "supergroup" of sorts, comprised of ex-members
of longtime scene stalwarts Aviso' Hara and the Stuntcocks, Sparks
Fly From a Kiss released an indie EP last October and has been
supporting it with a semi-regular series of shows in and around
central Jersey (and beyond). If sophisticated, well-played indie
rock is your thing (think The Fire Theft, Grandaddy, Modest Mouse,
etc.), check out Sparks Fly and prepare to be blown away. SparksFlyFromAKiss.com
Dibs
This power trio (average age 23) is part of the newest generation
of bands to rock the Hub City. Musically, these guys employ an
arsenel of insightful lyrics, capable musicianship, and LOUD guitars
to craft a heavy yet accessible modern rock vibe somewhere between
Jimmy Eat World and the Foo Fighters. Putting Dibs in a further
New Brunswick context, bassist/vocalist Beau Burtnik is none other
than the son of local musician Glen Burtnik (who in recent years
has toured and recorded with Styx). DibsMusic.com
Jones
Following in the footsteps of local legends New Blood Revival
and Barbuda, the 7-piece Jones has been making a name for themselves
with a regular (and increasingly well-attended) residency at Harvest
Moon on George Street. Together since 1999, Jones gets the Moon
crowd on their feet week after week by drawing on a diverse array
of influences including hip-hop, rock, reggae, and salsa. 4JonesMusic.com
Spiraling
Led by singer/keyboardist/songwriter/producer Tom Brislin (whose
resume includes stints as touring keyboardist with both Meat Loaf
and Yes), Spiraling's smart, synth-laden pop rock has been making
waves on the New Brunswick scene since the release of their debut
CD Transmitter in 2002. A band of superbly talented musicians,
Spiraling will leave you humming their tunes for days (and their
genius cover of A-Ha's "Take On Me" will blow you away!).
Spiraling.net
Skyline
Rodeo
Formed from the ashes of now-defunct New Bruns indie acts such
as Dewey Defeated, the Makeout Party, and Liquid Carousel, Skyline
Rodeo got together in 2003 and promptly set about blazing a trail
on the local scene with their looping, experimental brand of sometimes
subdued, sometimes explosive rock music that keeps the listener
guessing what will come next. SkylineRodeo.com
Shade
The five guys of Shade perform an engaging set of ambitious rock
songs about loss and longing, with a particular emphasis on multi-part
vocal harmonies that sets them apart from some of the other bands
in town. Shade has been a regular performer at Sunday night showcases
at Gaebel's on Church Street…not a usual venue for New Brunswick
but a great place to catch a show if you feel like stepping out
on a Sunday. Be sure to pick up a copy of Shade's debut Panel
Sessions EP at any of their shows. ShadeRock.com
Primitive
Soul
The funky grooves of the Primitive Soul grace the stage regularly
at the Old Bay Restaurant in New Brunswick (a great place to catch
a show by the way!). These five guys are accomplished players
and veterans of the NJ music scene, and their live performances
add to the dizzying eclecticism of the central NJ music community.
Be sure to pick up a copy of their debut CD Devotion. PrimitiveSoul.com
Spook
Handy
A legend of the local music scene, singer/songwriter Spook Handy
can often be found performing his uplifting folk songs in non-traditional
venues such as the Mine Street coffee house. Spook has also been
the man behind New Brunswick's longest running open mike night
- at the Corner Tavern - for over a decade. Spook's CDs (both
solo and with backing musicians) are available at his shows. SpookHandy.com
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