http://www.thegeekcouch.com Music. Movies. Random Geekdom. Wed, 28 May 2014 13:27:59 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.8.10 Fiercely Independent Music. Artist interviews. Hosted by Sean C. Duregger. Sean C. Duregger no Sean C. Duregger [email protected] [email protected] (Sean C. Duregger) Sean C. Duregger Fiercely Independent Music. music, independent, rock, alternative, post rock, interviews, art, culture http://www.thegeekcouch.com/wp-content/uploads/powerpress/geekcouchbp.png http://www.thegeekcouch.com http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2013/07/14/bands-you-should-know-banquets/ http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2013/07/14/bands-you-should-know-banquets/#comments Sun, 14 Jul 2013 20:30:37 +0000 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/?p=9819 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2013/07/14/bands-you-should-know-banquets/feed/ 0 Anthem,Bottom Shelf,Brian Maguire,Chris Larsen,Dave Frenson,Hot Rod Circuit,Hot Water Music,Jersey City,New Brunswick,New Jersey,Polar Bear,Polar Bear Club I fell in love with Banquets' self-titled album immediately after hearing it. Originally they were advertised to me as "pop-punk" but even hearing the first measure of music, I knew that wasn't the case. If I had to classify Banquets' sound I'd say New... I fell in love with Banquets' self-titled album immediately after hearing it. Originally they were advertised to me as "pop-punk" but even hearing the first measure of music, I knew that wasn't the case. If I had to classify Banquets' sound I'd say New Found Glory meets The Ataris meets Hot Water Music with a dash of Samiam and a sprinkle of The Gaslight Anthem. Their album is a fantastic balance of hooks, melody and straight up honesty. It's infectious, well written and catchy as hell. Every song. So, do yourself a favor and check this band out. Sample them on Spotify and please support the band by going out to a show, buying their music or their merch. I hope this band is around for a long time. BANQUETS (Jersey City, NJ) SELF TITLED (DIGITAL | CASSETTE | LP) RIYL: The Gaslight Anthem, The Loved Ones, Polar Bear Club, Samiam, Hot Rod Circuit In 2010 a band named after a beer (Banquets) put out a 7" titled with a Lebowski reference (This Is Our Concern, Dude). Yes, Jersey City's Banquets may have started in a humorous manner between friends who just wanted to have fun and play music. But, what the band has blossomed into in a few short years is nothing short of remarkable. Of course, the talent was there all along, you could see it in the strains of those first four songs. Move on to 2011's triumphant LP debut, Top Button, Bottom Shelf, and it was clear to see, Banquets was in fact, the real deal. Now here we stand in 2013, Banquets are set to release their sophomore LP, the aptly Self-Titled album showcases a band firing on all cylinders. Following up their brilliant debut LP, 2011's Top Button, Bottom Shelf, Banquets return with a Self-Titled sophomore effort that continues the band's no filler approach. Much like its predecessor, Self-Titled clocks in at 10 songs under 30 minutes but there is a bit more breathing room here as the band expands and hones their sound. Along with guitarist/vocalist, Dave Frenson and bassist Chris Larsen, the addition of Brian Maguire on drums has been key to the band's growth. Lead singer, Travis Omilian, is the secret weapon though, hiding behind the band's ultra tight melodic pop/punk. There is a worn romanticism and a nostalgic charm to Omilian's lyrics. Combined with the band's dynamic sense of urgency and uplifting spirit, Omilian's lyrics give Banquets a depth that is rare to find in the genre these days. Self-Titled truly encompasses the band's growth into a songwriting tour de force. [source: beartrappr] Sean C. Duregger no http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2012/11/23/this-week-in-geekcouch-podcasts/ http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2012/11/23/this-week-in-geekcouch-podcasts/#comments Fri, 23 Nov 2012 07:07:49 +0000 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/?p=9721 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2012/11/23/this-week-in-geekcouch-podcasts/feed/ 0 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2012/11/21/music-review-big-awesome-birdfeeder-ep-2/ http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2012/11/21/music-review-big-awesome-birdfeeder-ep-2/#comments Wed, 21 Nov 2012 17:15:29 +0000 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/podcast/?p=131 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2012/11/21/music-review-big-awesome-birdfeeder-ep-2/feed/ 0 Algernon Cadwallader,Big Awesome,Birdfeeder,Minus The Bear,Samiam Artist: Big Awesome Album: Birdfeeder EP Label: Self Released RIYL: Algernon Cadwallader, Minus The Bear, Samiam With a name like Big Awesome it’s easy to assume they could be an Andrew WK party band. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Artist: Big Awesome Album: Birdfeeder EP Label: Self Released RIYL: Algernon Cadwallader, Minus The Bear, Samiam With a name like Big Awesome it’s easy to assume they could be an Andrew WK party band. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Mixing melody with the grit of punk rock, Big Awesome’s EP takes hold and after four songs you wanting more. Birdfeeder opens with the song “Grey’s Birthday” with John Blanken’s strong vocals accented by Colin Czeriwnski's clean guitars and Tyler Giarratano's driving drums, going to a birthday party never felt so important. It’s the perfect song to kick off a Friday night of debauchery. The sense of urgency stays strong throughout the EP. Each song is a compliment to one another while maintaining their own personality and strengths. The EP’s second track “Birdfeeder” is driving, short and sweet accented by a steady bass line and complex clean guitars. While there seems to be a simplicity to the overall melody there is a meticulous finesse to the song that most punk bands sacrifice for sheer power and drive. Big Awesome juggles raw emotion and power with intricate song writing, creating a sense of humanity with each track. Big Awesome’s Birdfeeder EP is a snapshot into great things to come. The band is getting ready to record a full length album and I have high expectations. Never judge a band by it’s name because you may be missing out one something groundbreaking and new. Big Awesome is shaping up to be one of my favorite bands of 2012, making me love their name even more. Sean C. Duregger no 5:03