Rock Fist Reviews

Review of Connor Christian & Southern Gothic’s 2.19.10 Performance
~Kris Melton

 

Location of Show: Smith’s Olde Bar, Atlanta, GA
Band’s Location: Atlanta, GA
Sound: Americana / Southern Rock / Country
Sample if you like: Fleetwood Mac, Counting Crows, G Love & Special Sauce

 

Long before Rock Fist discovered Connor Christian and Southern Gothic, the band was already making moves in both the local and national music scene. With their music video for “Sunday Suit” ranking in the top ten on CMT’s Pure Country 12-Pack Countdown and their latest album “90 Proof Lullabies” produced by Jeff Tomei (Matchbox 20, Jerry Cantrell) and mixed by Shawn Grove (Collective Soul, Sevendust), success seems only eminent for this talented group of musicians. Their sound is soulful and rustic, pulling from influences in both the rock and country genres for an Americana sound that’s catchy and spirited. It’s apparent that each member takes their position seriously, and the tight sound they create is one only achieved by hours of practicing and natural born ability. This night was a special show for the group, as they were also filming footage to be used in their next music video for “3 Times”. Rhett Thompson headed up the film crew, and with cameras scattered throughout the venue, which was brimming with fans from wall to wall, an evening of unforgettable artists began.

 

Back Row Baptists warmed up the crowd with a vigorous performance. Their new album “Broken Hearts and Bad Decisions” comes out next month on Vintage Earth and was co-produced by Connor Christian and James Barber (Ryan Adams, Hole). Connor Christian and Southern Gothic went back and forth sharing the stage with Sundown for several songs. With both bands on stage they opened the sets with “Road Goes on Forever”, in the process inducing foot tapping and a full body sound. “When My Lover Comes” had a southern gospel sound, and despite it’s 8 band members filling the stage, no weak link could be found.

 

Connor Christian and Southern Gothic opened their own set with “Midnight Moon”, which was embraced by the crowd. This song of southern soul had a twang of heartache and really flaunted Connor’s vocals. “South Texas Sun” is a slow, solemn song showing off the skilled violin and the invitingly deep bass. ”16 Bars” is a catchy song with more of a generic feel and a slight reggae style bridge mixed with their own country/ southern rock flare. “My Salvation” is another new song that was both smooth and rustic. “Waiting for Princess” featured an amazing violin solo by Elena Martin. The crowd couldn’t help but dance and sing along to “Sunday Suit”, their song which has been featured on CMT. This was followed by a cover of Guns N Roses’ “November Rain”. It is no simple feat to take on an Axl Rose song, but Connor truly delivered and wowed his crowd. With cameras rolling they went into “Three Times” with a fierce violin, pounding drums, and intense energy. Their performance was beyond a local level, and paired with the crowd’s involvement should make for excellent footage for the song’s future music video.

 

The band closed with two covers that inspired dancing, squealing, and resounding appreciation. “Devil Went Down To Georgia” was performed with fervor and an attention grabbing force. Elena’s incredible talent is undeniable throughout their entire set, but this song truly shows off her skills giving her a taste of the spotlight. “Folsom Prison” brought the evening to an end with the crowd chanting along lyrics and smiling ear to ear. This may have been a big night for Connor Christian and Southern Gothic, but rest assured this talented group can deliver every time. An added bonus to going to a Connor Christian & Southern Gothic show: free drink coozies.

 

RFR Rating:
Both Rock Fists Up
lml  lml

 

Connor Christian & Southern Gothic is:
Vocals/ Piano/ Guitar- Connor Christian
Bass/ Vocals- Joe Abramson
Fiddle/ Mandolin/ Piano/ Vocals- Elena Martin
Drums- Shawn Thacker

 

Below are pictures from the show taken by Ange Alex. Click on the picture to view it larger:

 

Connor Christian & Southern Gothic’s video “Sunday Suit” was in the top ten videos for CMT’s Pure Country 12-pack Countdown. View the video here:

http://www.cmt.com/videos/connor-christian/470119/sunday-suit.jhtml

 

See Connor Christian & Southern Gothic at their next show! Check below for a show near you:
 

Mar 19 2010 10:00P
Chills
Thomaston, Georgia
Mar 20 2010 10:00P
Dixie Tavern
Marietta, Georgia
Mar 26 2010 9:00P
Montreux
Summerville
Mar 27 2010 9:30P
Wet Willie’s
Charleston, South Carolina
Mar 31 2010 8:00P
Rusty Buzzard
Thomaston, Georgia
Apr 2 2010 10:00P
SoHo
Columbus, Georgia
Apr 3 2010 10:00P
Hummingbird
Macon, Georgia
Apr 10 2010 7:00P
Living Room Show!!
Ft Myers, Florida
Apr 11 2010 3:00P
Living Room Show!!
Punta Gorda, Florida
May 14 2010 8:00P
Summit City Lounge
Whitesburg, Kentucky
Jun 12 2010 9:30P
The Loft
Columbus, Georgia

 

Website: www.ConnorChristian.com
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/waitingforprincess
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Connor-Christian/22792502258?ref=sgm
Twitter: www.twitter.com/connorchristian

Interview with Pour Habit 2.4.10
~Kris Melton
Photography by Susie Ceruto of Shock & Awe

The last time Pour Habit visited Atlanta they came with some amazing bands, The Flatliners and Strung Out (both are must sees with must buy albums). During their set that night I was interviewing Jake Kiley, guitarist of Strung Out, and unfortunately missed their entire performance. The guys gave me their album “Suiticide” and upon reviewing it, I became totally hooked on their energetic and catchy punk meets metal sound. Thankfully, these talented musicians returned to The Masquerade and I was able to catch their amazing live performance prior to our interview. They opened for Iration, Passafire, and The Expendables- more noteworthy, must check out bands. Pour Habit’s front man, Chuck, is unforgettable with his repetitive crowd interaction, enthusiastic stage dives, and crazy T-Rex dance moves. These guys know how to fire up a crowd and entertain. We met after their set backstage and I had the opportunity to interview the two brothers in the band, Eric and Colin, joined later by Chuck and Steve. Sweat still dripping from their brows, the brothers crammed into a single chair next to me to discuss their upcoming album, touring plans, and the taste of sweet success.

Pour Habit is signed to Fat Wreck Chords, the label owned and operated by Mike of NOFX. How did this come to be?

Eric: We got signed to Fat (Wreck Chords) from Jordan of Strung Out hooked up shows with NOFX in San Diego and Anaheim. And he made Fat Mike watch us, like he physically held him down.

Colin: No he didn’t! That’s not what happened at all.

Eric: And then Chuck beat him at thumb wrestling so we got signed.

Now see that I believe.

Colin: No, what happened is that we had bands like Strung Out, The Expendables, Authority Zero always helping us out, and they would play with NOFX and mention us. So Jordan from Strung Out got us a show with them in San Diego and Mike watched the show. And then he was like, eh.

I think he was a little more than, eh.

Colin: Mike is always like, ehhhh. (laughter) So that’s how it happened. And now he has regretted it everyday since.

I seriously doubt that after just seeing you perform. Shawn recently left the band. Can you give us some insight on what happened to make that decision?

Colin: Touring’s hard. Our very first tour, I mean we had done some small like 2 week tours, but our first tour was with NOFX in Europe. And we had some tough tours, ya know, van and trailer. The four of us that are in the band now have all been so close for so long and he was just kind of new to the band and I think he just never really grasped the dynamic. And we’re hard people to work with. We only function by being dysfunctional. If we have to do normal sh** then we’ll explode. We like lose things, break stuff, and don’t write play lists, we never care.

Typical musician stuff, right?

Colin: No, I don’t have herpes. Just find out. Got a letter.

Eric: Did you?!

Colin: Yeah, so kinda not typical.

So ladies he’s clean.

Eric: How do you know ladies? (laughter) Shawn was kind of irreplaceable. We were bummed cause he’s such a good friend. It sucks that he decided to do normal person life.

Colin: We heard Dave Mustane was interested.

Really? Like Dave Mustane from Megadeth?

Colin: Uhhmmm, but we’d have to change our name to Mega Habit, so we were like nah I don’t think it’s going to work. (laughter) No we haven’t really looked for a new person. We feel like… it’s like when you’re looking for love. You can’t look for it you just have to find it.

So you’re not actually looking for a replacement guitarist, but if you come across one that might fit then you would consider it?

Colin: I want like a… panda bear. That would be awesome. A shredding panda that drinks. Has a temper, but is clean.

You release “Suiticide” in 2007 and I heard that you’ve been working on some new material. Do you have plans to go back to the studio this year?

Eric: That’s the first thing we’re going to do when we get home. Probably have one band practice with all the new songs and then get in the studio with our boy TJ Rivera, and he’s going to make us sound way better than we should.

Colin: It’s been hard cause we’ve been playing the same… we released the CD and then we were about to do our own CD on our own and then we got signed so everything kind of got pushed back. So it’s hard for us cause no one’s ever heard of it, but we’ve heard it for so long and we’re so excited for the new album. It will be delicious.

Does everyone play a part in writing new material?

Colin: Have you ever watched old school Jerry Springer? That’s how we write music. Chair throwing. There’s always like one calm guy, like kind of instigating, and then a song comes out of it somehow.

Eric: As Charles (Chuck) says we’re a bunch of monkeys sorting out bananas. (laughter)

Pour Habit has been touring heavily for the past year. Do you plan to continue doing so or will you be taking a break?

Eric: F*** no. You are a different breed of person to be doing this. Like seriously, you live in a van… like this isn’t even weird cause I’m always this close to him (points to Colin who is squished in the same chair next to him). No we want to be on the road as much as possible, hopefully with The Expendables. Those guys rule.

You’ve performed with bands such as Strung Out, Authority Zero, and Bad Religion. So, how cool is that?

Colin: That was amazing.

Eric: We wouldn’t be anywhere without these bands. We don’t ever get jaded or take anything. We just try and take it in. The thing is, is that they’re all nice people. That’s what’s cool. Like all these people you grew up watching are great people.

Your dad is friend’s with Strung Out right?

Colin: Yeah, he started Strung Out, but he was too crazy so they kicked him out. (laughter) Nah, but Jordan grew up close to us, and my dad is a drummer and would like go and help him tune his drums, so Jordan’s always been cool with us.

What other bands are on your “Must perform with…” list?

Eric: Slayer. That’d be cool.

Colin: That would be way cool. We get to play with a lot of those bands. We got to play with Bad Religion, NOFX, that’s always been cool, Strung Out, it’d be cool to play with some bands out of the genre. I’ve always been big into Avenged Sevenfold. We’re like into metal, me and my brother are. What other bands?

Eric: I want to tour with Wesley Willis if he was here.

Colin: Dude, I wanna tour with Lil Wayne. I do, I really want to tour with Lil Wayne. I think that’d be awesome.

Eric: We’re training.

Colin: We’re putting out to get on the next Lil Wayne tour.

Do you want him featured in one of you songs?

Colin: If Lil Wayne was in one of our albums, I don’t think we could put out another album.

Eric: I think we could afford another chair.

You guys have been together for over 5 years now. What are the best and worst parts about being a touring band?

Colin: Sitting in one chair being interviewed. We get to meet awesome people and see family that you would never get to see. We have family in Atlanta that’s good to see, that I would have never seen.

Eric: We got to stay with some family in Buffalo. Cool stuff like that.

If you had any advice for other aspiring artists what would it be?

Eric: Just keep playing no matter what. The mission is to just keep playing, seriously. No matter how shitty you are.

Colin: I’m still shitty and I get to play.

I’d hardly classify you as “shitty” after just seeing you perform. Well I loved the album you put out. When can we expect the new one?

Colin: It better be out this summer, or I’m just gonna seriously cry.

Eric: I don’t know, probably June. Let’s shoot for June. The songs are done we just have to record them.

After Eric and Colin’s chair almost broke I thanked the guys for their time, and who should walk through the door but the band’s radical front man Chuck and bassist Steve. To my delight they insisted he answer a few questions himself.

What’s your favorite part about performing?

Chuck: I get to be myself. And my nipples are getting hard!

(Laughs) How are you enjoying Atlanta so far?

Chuck: Sick. Awesome.

Steve: You guys need to check the thermostat.

Chuck: Ask some random stuff.

Okay, so have you ever ended up in a Motel 6, hammered, with some fat chick next to you?

Chuck: I have ended up in Motel 6 with Steve’s big head next me, yes.

Are you seriously going to The Clermont later tonight?

Steve: Yeah.

Chuck: If our bus call allows.

It’s a landmark in Atlanta. You have to go.

Chuck: There are some 60 year old big ass titties there.

Have you heard of Blondie? She can crush beer cans with her boobs.

Steve: Yeah I’ve seen her!

Chuck: Was that her? I have seen her!

Is that why you want to go back?

Steve & Chuck: Yes!

Big thanks to all the guys in Pour Habit for a fun interview and an unforgettable show.

Pour Habit is:
Vocals- Chuck
Drums- Colin
Guitar/ Vocals- Eric
Bass/ Vocals- Steve

Below are pictures from the Pour Habit’s performance the night of Rock Fist’s interview. Click a picture to view a larger image. All photos taken by Susie Ceruto of Shock and Awe.

Review of FERVoR’s NEW Single “Habitual”
~ Kris Melton

Sample if you like: Breaking Benjamin, Red, Trapt, Crossfade
Sound: Alternative / Pop / Rock
Location: Atlanta, GA

 

Atlanta power trio, FERVoR, recently released their new single, “Habitual”. The band had a release party in the song’s honor on January 29th at The Hard Rock in Atlanta, just before the band left for a three month tour across the country. A new EP will be released later this year, and fans can enjoy “Habitual” to hold them over in the meantime. The song has been embraced by their fans and circulating in conversations across the local music scene. Existing fans can expect FERVoR to stay true to the sound they’ve always loved, with the music not sounding like something they’ve already heard. Those new to FERVoR will get a taste of the band at its best, as it has already proven to win over fresh followers. The song opens with a taunting, yet inviting sound foreshadowing the theme to come. The song’s lyrics are sexual, with a steamy chorus of foreplay and teasing from his unrequited love. The smooth, hypnotic vocals are paired with a deep bass and hard hitting drums, making the song sound intense and far from crybaby pop. The bridge features drums that build with anticipation and a provoking guitar, sealing the song as explosive and impressive. Similar to the theme of Offspring’s “Self Esteem” this song could be a radio hit, as well as the new anthem for girls working the poles. As always, FERVoR delivers a song that’s easy to connect with on many levels. Everyone can relate to the tormented lyrics and the music appeals to a wide fan base. The single is available for purchase now both on iTunes and CDBaby.

RFR Rating:
Both Rock Fists Up
lml lml

FERVoR is:
Vocals/ Guitar- Low Kung
Bass- Nathan Sturge
Drums- Justin Little

www.myspace.com/fervor  

 

You can purchase FERVoR’s single “Habitual” from iTunes or cdbaby.
iTunes click on this link: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/habitual/id351967966
cdbaby click on this link: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/fervorrock4

 

Upcoming Shows:

Feb 12 2010 8:00P
Mike’s Corner Pocket
Jefferson City, Missouri

Feb 13 2010 8:00P
Andrews
Denver, Colorado

Feb 15 2010 9:00P
The Bouquet
Boise, Idaho

Feb 16 2010 6:00P
The Blvd
Spokane, Washington

Feb 17 2010 8:00P
Cedarwood Dome
Milton, Washington

Feb 18 2010 9:00P
Fuel
Seattle, Washington

Feb 19 2010 9:00P
Tiger Bar
Portland, Oregon

Feb 21 2010 9:00P
Fantasy Hall
Lancaster, California

Feb 22 2010 8:30P
TRiP
Santa Monica, California

Feb 23 2010 8:00P
diPiazza’s
Long Beach, California

Feb 24 2010 9:00P
Copper State Tavern
Phoenix, Arizona

Feb 26 2010 10:00P
Sundance’s Place
Prescott, Arizona

Feb 28 2010 7:00P
The Orchid Chamber
Albuquerque, New Mexico

Mar 3 2010 10:00P
Headhunters
Austin, Texas

Mar 5 2010 9:30P
The Forum
New Orleans, Louisiana

Mar 6 2010 9:00P
The Nick
Birmingham, Alabama

Mar 7 2010 8:00P
Liquid Scrips
Orlando, Florida

Mar 10 2010 9:00P
The Village Tavern
Charleston, South Carolina

Mar 11 2010 9:00P
House of Tunes Music Hall
Beaufort, South Carolina

Mar 12 2010 8:00P
The Rock-It Club
Bluefield, West Virginia

Mar 13 2010 9:00P
Zakk’s Coffeehouse
Murfreesboro, North Carolina

Mar 17 2010 2:00P
SXSW (3/17-3/21)
Austin, Texas

Mar 20 2010 7:00P
The Chuggin Monkey (Red Gorilla Music Fest @ SXSW)
Austin, Texas

Apr 16 2010 9:00P
Vinyl
Atlanta, Georgia

Interview with SidAerial 1.16.10
~Kris Melton

I had the opportunity to interview the guys in SidAerial backstage at Rock Fest held at Planet X in Marietta, GA courtesy of Local Productions. In 2009 SidAerial released their album “Look What I Found” which was well received in the Atlanta music scene. While last year brought many changes to the group, losing a guitarist and gaining a new drummer, SidAerial feels that the music is better than ever. The guys had just finished loading in to the chaotic venue when they met me backstage to talk about their new format and sound, their upcoming album, and what they hope to accomplish in 2010.

 

On your band’s Myspace page you have a message for fans saying “New music coming soon”. Are you working on another album?

Jonas: Yeah, we’re doing the pre-production right now. Probably set up to record sometime in April. We’re going over our options right now on who we want to record with and how we want to get it done. It should be ready before the summertime.

So you’ve already started writing songs, how many do you have written at this point?

Jonas: We have about six and we’ve changed our line-up; minus one guitar player and we have a new drummer. The whole dynamic of the band has changed. The whole sound of the band is really going to change. So we have six new songs and they’re in the works right now.

You say the bands sound is going to change. You’ve been quoted as saying that SidAerial pulls inspiration from metal, country, hip hop, and punk. Will the new sound stay true to your old colors, or do you want to branch off into a new sound?

Wud: I’m the new guy in the band, and what we mean by that is that we all come from different backgrounds as far as our musical upbringing; myself being the jazz, gospel, R&B, hip-hop guy. And all of that is going into the new sound of SidAerial. Which quite frankly I think is a better sound because of all of the different breeds coming together.

Do you think the new sound will reach a new audience?

Duncan: Yes, this is something that’s going to touch more people. We’ve had a pretty good run with touching (band mates begin laughing) yeah, touching each other. We have a pretty good run with touching folks with the lyrical content and the type of music we play. The new sound we’re pumping out is a lot more soul-felt. We think a broader base will be impressed by what we got.

So does everyone in the band play a part of writing new music?

Jonas: I write everything. (Band mates react with sounds of disagreement and laughter) It’s a collaborative effort for sure. We all kind of throw in our own ideas, and really everybody brings good ideas to the table. A lot of them don’t get denied and they end up becoming songs. We could have songs with riffs that Duncan wrote and I or Aaron wrote. Even Wud comes up with riffs on the drums. I think that’s one of the reasons that the music is so dynamic. We have so many different influences that go into each and every riff.

Duncan: The idea is that we are all equals, and that we all have the ability to write songs. It takes a long time to craft songs because we all have our hands in the cookie jar, there’s never one person saying, “We’re going to do this”, it never works that way. Everyone gets their hands on something and tears it apart, and builds it back up, and throws it back in the pot, and it gets mashed up again until we finally come up with something where we’re all like “That’s awesome”. It takes time, but the effort really shows.

You’ve shared the stage with bands like Sevendust and Taproot. Is there a band you feel has influenced SidAerial that you would like to share a stage with someday?

Jonas: I’m really digging on Red at the moment. And we’re working on some stuff to maybe get on tour with those guys this year sometime, which would be lovely. I’ve had both of their CDs in my CD player for the past two months. I’ve been listening to Mastodon a lot too. And to know that we used to practice down the hall from those guys and to see what they’ve become is inspiring.

What are the band’s plans for 2010?

Duncan: Besides just going out and gigging the death out of this year, the album is pretty much what we really want to get done. And we’re constantly trying to move out into a bigger circle around our local area, but eventually to tour by the end of the year. Book a solid tour and make that our schedule. 2010 will hopefully be the year that we get out and make this a reality.

Sid Aerial is:
Jonas Lagana (Vocals)
Aaron Andrus (Guitar/Vocals)
Duncan Niederer (Bass/Vocals)
WuD (Drums/Vocals)

SidAerial’s album “Look What I Found” is available for purchase on iTunes or clicking the banner below:

 

 

 

 

To see when SidAerial is coming to a venue near you, check out their currently scheduled shows and visit their web pages listed below:

Feb 5 2010 8:00P
The Music Store Showcase @ Apache Cafe
Atlanta, Georgia

Feb 13 2010 8:00P
House Of Tunes Music Hall
Beaufort, South Carolina

Feb 26 2010 8:00P
The Rock Shop
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Mar 6 2010 4:00P
2010 Jubilee Festival
Selma, Alabama

Apr 17 2010 8:00P
TBA
Atlanta, Georgia

Apr 23 2010 8:00P
SoHo’s
Columbus, Georgia

Jul 31 2010 8:00P
SoHo’s
Columbus, Georgia

SidAerial’s Myspace: www.myspace.com/sidaerial
SidAerial’s Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/SidAerial/45737997093

Interview with AM Conspiracy 1.16.10
~Kris Melton
Photography by Susie Ceruto of Shock & Awe Productions

I had the pleasure of interviewing all the guys in AM Conspiracy at Rock Fest held at Planet X in Marietta, GA courtesy of Local Productions. With all the madness occurring inside the venue/ arcade and the yucky weather outside, which was both cold and wet, I was grateful the band invited me on their RV for some good conversation and a staple of all musicians, pizza. Lead singer, Jason Jones, is probably best known as the singer of Drowning Pool after Dave Williams’ death, but he has found a new love with AM Conspiracy and is excited for the unknown road ahead of them. This entertainingly funny band of Floridians shared never-to-be released personal videos, their collection of tattoos (Jason brings his equipment on the road!), and their upcoming plans as seasoned musicians in a band that’s just getting started. Most of the interview is below. The rest was either off limits, too crude, or indecipherable due to immense laughter.

So you guys literally just released your self-titled debut album in the past week is that right?

Jason: It was actually this past Tuesday (1/12). It was a wonderful day for us.

Dean: It’s very exciting to have a record out.

Jason: After 5 years of beating that shit to death, it’s finally done. It’s out.

So you’ve been a band for 5 years?

Kenny: Yes, that is correct. Kenny says with a smile.

So now that the album is released, what plans do you have for 2010?

Jason: Our overall plan is world domination. That’s what we’re here for. I’ll be doing that tomorrow, you can come back around here and I’ll be sitting here doing that same shit. Nah, we’re actually going to tour as much as is humanly possible until everybody’s ole ladies tell them to f* off because they’re never home. That’s what we’re trying to do here.

Dean: Except for keep our ole ladies.

So you have definite tour plans for the year, or are they still in the works?

Jason: We’re on tour right now, so it’s kind of definite, but this tour is only about 2 weeks and then we go back home. Hopefully we’ll only be home for a couple weeks and then we’ll be back out. That’d be damn skippy.

Do you have plans to make a music video?

Jason: I think we’re supposed to make a video for “Pictures”. We’re basically just waiting on the label to give us the go ahead and hopefully it’ll be a good time.

Speaking of labels, you decided to sign with a brand new independent label, Burnhill Union Records. How did that come to be?

Jason: Well for one thing Shaun Glass formerly of Soil who is now in Dirge Within is one of my really, really good friends. And knowing that he’s behind it, that he’s going to push everything he can into the band and the label’s the same way- we are their “flagship” band.

Dean: Second that motion.

Jason: So it just seemed like a better idea for us cause we don’t want to get lost in the shuffle and have a record that’s somewhere that nobody’s hearing. So we knew they’d get it out pretty quick.

Rob: It does suck when it sits in a vault somewhere. No one ever hears it or sees it.

Jason: Rob was in a band called Still Naïve and that happened to them.

Rob: We were on Maverick.

Going back to “Pictures”, the song was mixed by Randy Staub who has done work with bands such as Metallica. How did he get introduced to your album?

Dean: He really wanted to do it.

Jason: In my previous band he did our whole record, and the placement of the instruments and everything was just really good, especially considering what he had to work with.

Kenny: We’re supposed to be positive. We will no longer be sarcastic.

Jason: Strike through that, he just did a really good job. So when it came time to mix this record I wanted him to do at least one song cause that’s pretty much all we could afford. He’s extremely expensive, but it sounds f*n great. We actually got pushed back from when he was supposed to start mixing it, it was pretty funny cause they call us up and go, “Yeah, he’s running a little behind, he’s doing the new Alice N Chains record”. So I’m like, I can’t bitch about that.

So I’m sure most people know you (Jason) used to be the singer for Drowning Pool. Do you feel people are expecting something from you that’s similar to Drowning Pool or that this new band will let you run in whatever direction you want?

Jason: That is why I am in this band because it is completely opposite from anything having to do with that period in my life. I’m much happier now and it’s a good time. They’re happier, I’m happier, everybody’s one big happy f*n family. Hooray!

I always like to ask this question, especially since Rock Fist namely focuses on local artists. Do you have any advice for other up and coming musicians?

Jason: Get a really good lawyer. Or definitely get a lawyer, and make sure they’re pretty decent. Get a lawyer.

Drew: Make sure you can play your instrument.

Dean: Just do your work. You gotta put your nose to the grind everyday. You can’t slack. You gotta be out there and play to 5 people or play to 500 people. We did it just the other day and now we’re here playing in front of…

Jason: 3 or 4 people

Dean: 10 people hopefully tonight as opposed to the 5 that we did 2 nights ago.

Jason: But those 5 people loved it. Those 5 people bought us more Jager than last night in front of triple the crowd.

Dean: And that’s 15 so…

Kenny: There was one drunk guy there that just fed us a bunch a jager and he probably woke up the next day and went, “Shit, how much did I spend? Why did I buy those guys that?”

So is Jager the liquor of choice for AM Conspiracy?

All: Yes.

Jason: Unfortunately, yes.

Like straight Jager or…

Jason: F* that shit; I don’t put Red Bull in my Jager.

Kenny: I prefer it with Red Bull, but ya know I’ll do it straight.

(Guys debating over to add Red Bull, or not add Red Bull…)

Kenny: I got a box of tampons for whenever you want to borrow one.

I’m a red-headed slut kind of girl myself.

Jason: You know what, we’ve talked about fisting, red headed slut girl… ya know what, I’m gonna marry you. It’s gonna happen.

And then you can give me tattoos and we’ll just live happily ever after.

Jason: I’m down; let’s go right now to Vegas. How do we get there?

Dean: We’ll swing by tomorrow.

Since you’ve made it know that you like to partake of the beverage, I’m assuming there’s got to be a funny story where someone lost clothing or ended up in a weird location, there’s got to be a good one.

Jason: You have no idea, there’s so many of them.

Drew: You do not have enough tape in that machine.

Jason: We’ll actually show you a quick video snippet of when there’s too much Jager going on. So sometimes we drink a lot of Jager, like a lot too much. If that even makes any sense.

Drew: Nope.

Dean: My Deanism’s are rubbing off on them.

Jason: Yeah he’s been trying to rub off on everybody in the band, but none of us are really into it. He even offered cross arming but everybody’s like… nah…

Rob: Don’t rub me off. No, don’t rub me off.

You’re a very close-knit band. I’ve heard about spooning (this was prior to recording unfortunately), rubbing it out…

Jason: Oh yeah, we’re like this

You take care of each other, whatever the need is.

Drew: Just to be clear, I’m not gay.

Jason: We call him “In the Rye”, cause he’s kind of like the Catcher, ya know, in the Rye. But yes, we tend to get drunk and stupid sometimes and I know that’s hard to believe since we’re coming across so intelligent right now.

I’m really finding hard to believe looking at all of you.

Kenny: I bet she’s actually finding it hard to believe we can drive the tour bus anywhere. so how do you drive this thing again? (Whispers) Very carefully.

Drew: We don’t drive this thing carefully, what are you talking about?

Whoever is the least drunk drives, right?

Dean: It’s like drawing straws. Can you grab the straw? No. Can you grab it? Maybe. Then you’re driving. Whoever can grab and actually focus on the straw gets the keys and everyone else braces. We all pray for a safe drive.

Jason: See this is what kills me when we headline, cause I can’t drink until after we get at least 3 or 4 songs in, because I will literally will end up naked on the stage, and it’s not really pretty.

That might be a good promotional tool for the band though; videos would pop up on You Tube everywhere.

Dean: That’s not the kind of promo we’re looking for with this mother f*er.

(The guys shared some hilarious videos from on the road with me at this point, but asked if I could leave the footage and what was shown out of the interview. Sorry Rock Fisters! Take your chances searching the web. Since Planet X is both a venue and a Whirlyball/ Lasertag spot we jumped back into the interview discussing the games.)

Dean: Do they have dodgeball in there?

No, but they have Lasertag.

Jason: I’m not a Lasertag kind of guy. I’ll play dodgeball. Hell yeah.

Dean: You know what they gotta get next door is croquet.

Croquet?

Dean: Kenny and I are avid, avid croquet players.

Jason: When was the last time you played croquet mother f*?!

Dean: Doesn’t matter, its croquet.

Jason: “We’re avid croquet players”, like he does everyday!

Dean: Used to do it all over the place, it’s a good time. You gotta play with the crazy rules, that’s when it gets to be a good time.

How do crazy rules apply to croquet?

Jason: It’s just like prison when he plays it guys just come over and f* him in the ass. I’m sorry, in about 3 hours you’ll probably have about 4 ½ minutes of footage you can actually use. We did this thing for NBC and the only footage we have is of us retarded, like hammered drunk.

Dean: NBC loves us, I just want to say.

So you guys are going to be on NBC sometime soon?

Dean: Did you really just see those videos? No, no we’re not. I doubt they’ll use any of it.

Kenny: I don’t think she wants to hang with us anymore.

Well I’m going to try and wrap up the interview, but this was fun, you guys are great.

Drew: But we have so much more to talk about.

Kenny: I don’t let my kids hang out with us, but we are a wholesome family band.

AM Conspiracy is:
Vocals – Jason “Gong” Jones
Drums – Dean Andrews
Bass – Kenny Harrelson
Guitar – Drew Burke
Guitar – Rob DeHaven

Below are pictures from the AM Conspiracy’s performance the night of Rock Fist’s interview. Click a picture to view a larger image. All photos taken by Susie Ceruto of Shock and Awe.

Review of Before The Solstice’s 1.09.10 Performance
~Kris Melton

Location of Show: Eyedrum, Atlanta, GA
Band’s Location: Atlanta, GA
Sample if you like: A Perfect Circle, Radiohead, Dispatch

This progressive meets alternative band is sure to “wow” you with their creative approach to songwriting. Amidst a world of music that relies on what sells, these guys stick with what they love and the result is something raw and poetic. While as performers Before The Solstice is not balls to the wall, explosive entertainment, their performance is captivating and raw. As lyrics unfold the best way to summarize their delivery is that of storytellers. The band opened up their set with “A New World”, an alternative song with ambient melodies and climatic heavy bridge. After just one song it is undeniable that Clint Bussey is a truly talented vocalist. The strong yet soothing vocals seize attention with “Judas Christ”, a push-the-envelope kind of song with quick and clever drums. “Let It Die” induced the crowd to dance and form a small pit in front of the stage; those who weren’t dancing involuntarily began nodding their heads. This technical and detailed song really allowed the drums to shine through the other instruments. The band invited a guest on stage for both “Viewpoint of The Ghost” and “The Golden Age”. In both situations members switched up instruments and keys were added in. “The Golden Age” delivered a mystifying, melancholy addition to the set with a bridge that grabs you by the shoulders and shakes you. “Clouds” is an artistic song with repetitive lyrics and an entrancing guitar. “The Gift” was well received by the ladies and seems to tell a story with the changes in its melodies. “Roly Troly” closed the evening on a pained yet melodic note. Before The Solstice is a band that embodies passion and poetry. They have an art for delivering their memoir and a knack for capturing the hearts of their listeners. Their next show is February 13th at Eddie’s Attic in Atlanta, GA.

RFR Rating:
Both Rock Fists Up
lml lml

Before The Solstice is:
Lead Vocals/ Guitar- Clint Bussey
Bass/ Keyboard- JW Popavits
Drums- Tony Runco

www.myspace.com/beforethesolstice
beforethesolstice@gmail.com

Review of Legend Has It’s “Driven” Album
~ Kris Melton

Sample if you like: Jimmy Eats World, Blink 182,
Sound: Rock / Pop Punk / Powerpop
Location: Atlanta, GA

Driven is an album with rock at its core, but embraced with catchy pop hooks and traces of punk influence, creating a popular sound of today’s music. The high-pitched melodic vocals harmonize with the more intense instrumentals, creating a balance for songs that get stuck on repeat in your head. The album starts off strong with “Anything You Want To Sing”, one of the band’s best songs and also the most marketable. The distorted guitar rips the song open and while all instruments exhibit raw dexterity, the strong vocals keep the sound full and contemporary. “Simple Change” has a happy-go-lucky pop-punk melody. “After The Fall” has a soft bridge that really highlights the vocals, and is another song with a contagious hook. “Live For The Now” uses a transition from slow instrumentals and somber vocals to a zealous change in tempo paired with positive lyrics. “Into Reality” and “Run Away” utilize more alternative influences in comparison to other tracks. “Work In Progress” closes the album with a slow melodious song born from personal reflection. A personal favorite off the album is “Given The Chance”, which has a fun and easy to sing along to chorus inspired by lady love. Driven is available for purchase now, and you can find information on the album and upcoming show dates on the Legend Has It’s website.

 

RFR Rating:
Rock Fist Up
lml

Legend Has It is:
Vocals- Derek Walton
Bass- Richard Allen
Lead Guitar- Brandon Pool
Guitar- Andy Kemmerer
Drums- Jon Bottoms

www.legendhasit.net
www.myspace.com/legendhasitrocks

Review of Teabaggin’s 12.19.09 Performance: The Boston Teabaggin’ Party
~Kris Melton

Location of Show: Vinyl, Atlanta, GA
Band’s Location: New Smyrna Beach, FL (Daytona)
Sample if you like: NOFX, Five Finger Death Punch, System of a Down, Bouncing Souls

Florida locals, Teabaggin’, are a raunchy, high-energy punk band that graced Vinyl’s stage for an event called The Boston Teabaggin’ Party. The event was put on by One City Productions, an organization that utilizes local bands to gain community awareness and involvement in issues that affect us all locally. While they are not necessarily politically driven, they encourage and challenge everyone to get educated on current issues, with the driving force of the evening focused on Fair Tax. The event occurred exactly 236 weeks after the real Boston Tea Party and included a guest speaker, Jim Duffie, in between bands to inform show-goers about Fair Tax, the current problems with our income tax code, and what people can do about it.

One City Productions went all out on the event hanging fishing net and tea bags above the stage and a projection screen with cartoons and visuals of The Boston Tea Party. Teabaggin’s front man, Chris Scott, participated enthusiastically by wearing a wig and costume reminiscent of what was worn in the late 1800’s. This amusing scene created an unusual and entertaining atmosphere to kick off the show. At some point Chris lost the wig and shirt to reveal face paint, a blond Mohawk, and an assortment of tattoos, never losing the look of wild elation.

Teabaggin’s energetic performance truly entices participation from their crowd, with an almost constant mosh pit, head banging, and chanting of lyrics. This quality truly sets them apart from their peers with a memorable performance that’s both rampant and amusing. Their music combines traditional punk with a metal edge for a heavy, raw sound. Vocals range from racing to squealing, always in synch with the raging drums, striking bass, and vigorous guitar. With lyrics fluctuating from humorous to political, they truly embrace their punk roots.

Songs that truly stood out in the evening include “Flop the Nuts”, “Happy Feelings”, Propaganda”, “Cold Dead Hands”, and “Fuckin Dick”. Probably their most marketable song is “Rotten” which has a catchy alternative influence, with a noticeable guitar and winning vocals. “Bad Words” has a great intro, with a melody that shifts into a heavier sound, showing the band’s diversity and demonstrating a fluid sound. The crowd enveloped the floor during this song, truly engaged in the show. For hardcore punk fans that aren’t sure if Teabaggin is a fit for them, check out “Torture”. Teabaggin’s proclaimed drinking song, “Fire in the Sky” was said, “to be about women who cause men to start drinking, and all the men who love them for it”, incorporating an Irish influence into their ballistic yet brilliant chaos.

Each member really brings their own part to the band and they collectively know as a group how to rock out a crowd. Their album “Fire In The Sky” is available for purchase now and has received rave reviews from critics. They are currently working on new material for their second album which is scheduled to be released in mid 2010. The guys have played with groups such as Whole Wheat Bread, The Bastard Suns, Teenage Rehab, and Agent Orange. Once the second album is released the band plans to tour and promote, including areas in Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, and New England. Their next show is in Orlando for a Battle of the Bands on January 23rd. For more information on purchasing their album, upcoming shows, and tour dates check their Myspace page www.myspace.com/teabagginsacmasters.

RFR Rating:
Both Rock Fists Up
lml   lml

Teabaggin’ is:
Lead Vocals- Chris Scott
Drums- Dustin Walters
Bass- Jonny Bates
Guitar/ Backing Vocals- Robb Dean

www.myspace.com/teabagginsacmasters
For more information on Fair Tax go to www.fairtax.org.

For more information on One City Productions go to www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/One-City-Productions/177752733040?ref=ts.

Review of Elevation’s “Razoreyes” Music Video featuring Kimberly Stewart
~ Kris Melton

Director: Chuck Moore
DP: Pete Wages
Label: 50 Records
Location: Atlanta, GA

Elevation has recently released their video for “Razoreyes”, a song with today’s popular electronic rock sound paired with the edgy, modish look of its members. The beginning has a dramatic tone, opening the video with the band appearing on a TV to actress, Kimberly Stewart. This leads into dark lighting with brightly colored lights highlighting the background, awkward camera angles and close-ups of the guys, and shots that go in and out of focus. This approach gives it a very MTV, modern rock feel. The video quality is professional, allowing the band to put their best foot forward, no apologies required. The way the director chose to use the lights is really what makes the video pop and avoid the lack luster of an almost bare room. The song itself goes back and forth from a playful rift to a more intense chorus, and the director definitely accentuated these changes in melody. The tortured actress wanders during the video and eventually axes the TV, a use of symbolism that coincides with the lyrics. Elevation has certainly proven itself with their video as well as their album “Strangelove” that they are making moves in the local music scene. They not only demand attention, but deserve it.

ROCK FIST REVIEWS would also like to congratulate Elevation on winning MTVU’s “The Freshman” video competition. The guys beat out four other artists and the video is now in on-air rotation.

Elevation’s debut record “Strangelove” is available for purchase now at iTunes and Best Buy.

Links:
www.myspace.com/elevation
www.youtube.com/elevationband
www.facebook.com/home.php#/elevationband?ref=ts
http://50entertainment.com

Review of Pour Habit’s “Suiticide” Album
~ Kris Melton

Sample if you like: NOFX, Strung Out, Offspring
Location: Compton, CA
Record Label: Fat Wreck Chords

Some bands naturally have that “it” factor; that extra something special that sets them apart from their peers. Pour Habit has “it”, and their album “Suiticide” is sure to impress and catch on with those exposed to their aggressively catchy tracks. The band has signed on with Fat Wreck Chords and has been touring nationally with bands like Strung Out, so exposure and thus success are well within their grasp. This high-energy punk meets metal group has put together an album that’s gratifying from start to finish. Vocals are high pitched paired with comprehensible lyrics that are reminiscent of Dexter Holland of Offspring. “Institution” kicks off the album full force with drums and guitars that rip, combining punk and metal for an explosive opener to the album. “Against Me” is full of robust flavor packed into just under two minutes. Intense drums open and the melodically heavy guitars instantly grab the listener’s attention with catchy choruses and a mesmerizing bridge. “Misfigured” addresses the band’s diversity with a pronounced bass and chants leading into the chorus. “Bad Luck Drunk” is the band’s anthem to drinking which is sure to inspire mosh pits and debauchery. “Evolution” delivers another hard hitting song with a great hook. If having a bad day, one should turn the volume up and scream along to this track; the chorus’ lyrics seem like they were created for that very purpose. “Zion” adds reggae to the mix, which serves as a teaser into the rest of the song. You can really hear how strong the vocals are, as well as the talented guitar shredding. The title track, “Suiticide” evolves throughout the duration of the song. Instruments are solid and serve up a great delivery. Possibly the best song off the album is “Resignation”, which is sure to encourage head banging, rock fisting, and the like. Lyrics like “Liars, fakers, money makers” in its chorus make this memorable track an instant favorite. Pour habit continues touring again in January, and you can find all of their upcoming show information on their web pages listed below. Their album “Suiticide” is available for purchase now.

RFR Rating:
Both Rock Fists Up
lml lml

Pour Habit is:
Vocals- Chuck
Guitar/ Vocals- Eric
Guitar- Shaun
Drums- Colin
Bass/ Vocals- Steve

www.pourhabit.com
www.myspace.com/pourhabit
www.fatwreck.com