WWRSD?: The Dead Exs and The Del Fuegos at Bowery Ballroom TONIGHT

Tonight, Bowery Ballroom is going to be en fuego as NYC’s blues-rock duo, The Dead Exs hit the big time, supporting the  legendary and Boston-formed Del Fuegos, who are currently on tour for the first time in almost 25 years.  Tickets are are $25 at the door, and doors are at 8pm. Come feel the heat!

WWRSD?: Scott Mellis at Rockwood Music Hall: Stage 1 TONIGHT

From the Sunshine Coast to the West Coast, and now to the East Coast, Aussie-turned-Angeleno, Scott Mellis, has traveled far and wide to play his sweet and soothing songs to audiences across the world. He landed in New York City specifically to serenade those at Rockwood Music Hall Stage 1, so get yourselves to the venue at 8pm tonight to catch his set. Recently released video for his tune, “Lioness,” tugs on heartstrings with poignant vocals and exquisite guitar lines, elements that define Mellis’ lovely lilt. And, of course, the video was debuted on Valentine’s Day…Awwwww.

WWRSD?: The Courtesy Tier and more! Southpaw Tonight!

It can’t be true! This is the last Thursday show at Park Slope’s beloved venue, Southpaw! To bid farewell to this this establishment, it’s only proper to feature some of NYC’s favorite Alt-rock/Americana bands, including The Courtesy Tier, Barnyard Brothers, Daniel Wayne, and Danya Kurtz.  It’ also a show that is part of the Americana Pie Fest. Such a  clever name! Music starts at 8pm!

Last Night, Rocker Stalker Said…: Your 33 Black Angels, That Handsome Devil, Black Wing Halo, Black Taxi at Mercury Lounge 2/11/12

Saturday night. Mercury Lounge. It got crazy. A sold out show featuring Your 33 Black Angels, That Handsome Devil, Black Wing Halo and  Black Taxi hit every desired characteristic of a great rock show.

A touch of psychedelia and feel-good jams by the eight members of Your 33 Black Angels kicked off the evening. Although my requests for a cover of the Allman Brothers went unfulfilled (They have two drummers. I thought they would take advantage! Maybe next time? Wink.), Y33BA were a fun warm-up.

Crowd-pleasing and quirky, That Handsome Devil  growled, squatted, and bounced across the stage, and kept listeners constantly moving and participating with frequent audience-check ins via cheer volume.

The perspiration began to peak as Black Wing Halo stole the stage. Primal screams, impassioned vocals, eerie electro-effects, and grungy riffs filled the venue. I’m a fan of black and white,and Black Wing Halo…enjoy “Above My Head!”

Headliners, Black Taxi, delievered yet again, another stellar set, opening with a mini-tribute to the late Whitney Houston. Changing gears, the quartet delved into their uplifting list of contagiously danceable  selections from Things of That Nature and We Don’t Know Any Better. There was not one still foot or dry brow in the room…have a looksie:

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WWRSD?: Your 33 Black Angels,That Handsome Devil, Black Wing Halo, Black Taxi at Mercury Lounge TONIGHT

It’s another case of phenomenal matches tonight, as Your 33 Black Angels, That Handsome Devil, Black Wing Halo, and  Black Taxi (Such ominous names!) , all of whom I’ve had the privilege   of reviewing/interviewing, come together at Mercury Lounge.  If you’re a first-time listener/spectator of  any of these bands, hold on to your hat!  The bands bring completely different styles to the table… psychedelic, quirky, experimental, and danceable…yet they are all similar in that they are  some of New York’s “best of.”  Music starts at 8:30pm, and there may still be a few tickets left at the door.  21+. Rock.

Last Night Rocker Stalker Said…: Outernational Weekend 2/2/12-2/5/12

Last Thursday began a tre of Outernational shows that kept my weekend jam-packed…

Kicking off the revolutionary rock extravaganza,  as part of the John Varvatos Thursday Nite Live series, Outernational arrived in New York City, from a long stretch national tour dates, with a special guest along for the ride, the one and only Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Although these Thursday nights are mostly popular for the free booze and entry, this time around there was genuine excitement to see the performance.

Next stop on the  ”Todos Somos Ilegales” Tour took me to Montclair, NJ’s The Meat Locker. It certainly felt refrigerated and preserved the punk attitude in the air, as NJ’s Suburban Grass reinvigorate rebellious youth and enthusiastically introduced Outernational, who blew through a set of newer tracks and blew out some eardrums, too.

Treating their local fans and friends to favorites from their first EP Eyes on Fire as well as yet to be released songs from Welcome to the Revolution,  Outernational finished off their two and a half month tour in the  band’s home turf  at Brooklyn’s The Achernon. Sadly, when I get excited, I forget things, and I forgot my camera.  But, the band will be out and about again come March, so keep your eyes peeled for show dates in your city and album release announcements.

Here’ s little glimpse into the excitement, rock, and sweat from the first two nights.

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WWRSD?: Outernational at the John Varvatos Store with Special Guest…TONIGHT

So, the John Varvatos store on Bowery may not be big enough to contain the excitement and crowd size anticipated for tonight’s event. Free show+Free booze+Outernational+Chad Smith (Yes, he’s taking time off from the Chili Peppers to drum.)= Chaos. If you haven’t RSVP’d yet, it might be a tough one to talk yourself into. All those planning to attend, get ready for long lines and lots of sweat. And, as always, don’t forget your dancing shoes and rebellious attitude. The gig starts at 8pm, 21+.

Music to My Ears…:Vas Defrans’ Self-Titled EP OUT!

LA-based Vas Defrans are  a couple letters off of a male anatomy lesson, but are spot on when it comes to their self-titled EP released this month. Last I saw them in December at the Whiskey-a-Go- Go, I was left  on the edge of my seat waiting for the album release. These five precocious and progressive rockers present six solid tracks defined by soulful vocals backed by well-calculated, complex, and expertly executed rhythms, and gripping guitar and bass lines that will get your body moving. I’m officially addicted to the record, especially opening track, “The Individual,” which I can only describe as “sexy math rock.” I’m thrilled to have the EP to tide me over, but I’m hoping there’s a New York show in store!

You can grab the album here for just under six bucks, but if you’re in the LA area,  be sure to catch these guys before  you can’t get into their shows anymore.  Check out this fantastic “making of” video!

Last Night, Rocker Stalker Said…: The Attic Ends, Bright Light Social Hour, Lights Resolve, Black Taxi at Bowery Ballroom 1/14/12

Last night,Matt Reich of Lights Resolve asked me post-Bowery Ballroom show,  ”So, how was your dream show?” My answer was a simple, “Oh my gosh. Awesome!” I wish I could say more, but mostly I just sit and smile when I try.  A celebration of Black Taxi’s newest We Don’t Know Any Better, the band pulled out all the stops, and not surprisingly,  played to a sold out venue (It actually OVER sold out, almost 800 tickets sold to the 500 capacity venue. Apparently, even coat check was sold out!)

The Attic Ends started off the night with their atmospheric rock; their lead vocalist’s flowing, white night gown get-up floated over the stage and took on the spirit of their songs. Austin-based Bright Light Social Hour got the dance party going and the sweat pouring, with their contagious grooves and tight jam-outs.  NY-born rock trio, Lights Resolve shook the stage with heavy guitar riffs, pounding drums, and dark, melodic tracks from their recently debuted record, Feel You’re Different. (Enjoy the live rendition of “Another Five Days” below.).  Reich attached a plastic cup to his head with a rubberband in honor of Black Taxi’s penchant for horned animals (Check out recent Black Taxi posters or the new album’s cover. You’ll see what I mean.)  It was a good look.  At about midnight, the stage went dark, and the men of the hour snuck on stage.  The lights revealed Ezra Huleatt’s body paint of multi-colored hand prints, bold streaks, and glitter (which was later sprinkled over the audience), and feathery accessories, as the band launched into an “oldie but goodie,” “Don’t Count Me Out.”  Black Taxi touched on favorites from their first album, Things of That Nature, a highlight being “Up Here for Thinking, Down There for Dancing,” during which two generous Kickstarter contributors smashed guitars on stage (See below!).  Happy chaos comprised of frantic dancing, jumping, and shouting (I strained my vocal cords) broke out  and escalated when the band performed several already-favorite tracks off the new record, including “Friend,” “Do What you Gotta Do,” “Vultures,” and must-hear title track. All in all, it was an epic  evening of friends, fans, and good music, the most essential elements to any “dream show.”

Reminisce!

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WWRSD?: The Attic Ends, Bright Light Social Hour, Lights Resolve, and Black Taxi at BOWERY BALLROOM TONIGHT

I say this a lot, that “tonight’s show is going to be amazing”,”great,” “sure to be fun,” etc., but this time, I am  at a loss for words. How about, this evening’s show is a match made in Rocker Stalker heaven, literally? Match.com’s got nothing on this.  Celebrating the release of their sophomore album, We Don’t Know Any Better, Black Taxi shares the stage at Bowery Ballroom with Lights Resolve. The last time they all graced the same stage was back in 2010 at  the Rocker Stalker “Seven Deadly Bands” CMJ Showcase. It’s about time they reunite! Joining them are nothing short of other perfect fits, Black Taxi’s Texas brethren, Bright Light Social Hour, and NY friends, The Attic Ends.  We DO know better than to miss this gig, but  it’s just about sold out, naturally, so get your tickets while you still can! Doors at 7:30pm, 18+!