Dear Boy Review...

With an infectious on-stage presence, Dear Boy is making some serious moves in the California alt-rock scene.

The project that would eventually become Dear Boy came about in London when Scarlet Grey members Ben Grey and Keith Cooper started a new writing venture. It was intended to be the next step in Scarlet Grey’s musical progression, but engendered something completely different. Knowing that this new batch of songs couldn’t go on with the same band, Ben and Keith brought on Austin Hayman and Nils Bue, and Dear Boy was born. They released the five songs from London on their debut EP and the rest is history in the making. While their latest songs are a collaborative product from all four members, it still follows the path that Keith and Ben had started in London.

To be honest, when I first heard the name “Dear Boy”, I pictured a crop of cute indie chicks smoothly serenading their ex-lovers – what I discovered instead was a paradoxical stream of melodic yet energetic beats with hints of pop-punk and indie rock with some new flavor sprinkled on top. So where did the name come from? The names credit actually goes to a British gal who waited on a homesick half-band in creative limbo. During their London trip, Keith and Ben were out to eat on Thanksgiving. As you (hopefully) know, Thanksgiving isn’t really a “thing” in London, unless you come across some Yankee ex-pats. The waitress referred to them as “dear boys” and something about the name got into their blood and it was clear that this was the name for their next chapter.

2015 is shaping up to be a great year for these dear boys. They have already played a slew of shows, having kicked off March with a few dates in Orange County. Mid-March will see them venturing to the first of what is sure to be a spree of festivals for them this year with SXSW in Austin. This will be their second year playing the SX circuit, but with a few more gigs on their schedule. I caught up with Austin Hayman at Dear Boy’s Bardot gig a few weeks back. “We have a really crazy week at SX - we’re playing a whole bunch of shows, that’s going to be really fun!”

When asked if a record deal is on the horizon for 2015, Austin let me know that while they’ve had some good talks, they haven’t made a decision yet. “You have to be really selective about who you want to work with, especially with your first album because it can really make or break you.”

One of Dear Boy’s undeniable strengths is their ability to connect with their fans – both on stage and off. Sure, Ben Grey has mastered control of his brooding musician hair flip, to a point where it seems almost choreographed with the rest of the show. But they also definitely engage the audience in the show while on stage, making sure to wave at those fans that are in the crowd night after night. After the show it’s hard to pin any of them down, not because they’re busy with the after party or rushing to sneak out the back, but because they actually stop and talk to their fans. “One of the things we’re the most proud of is the community we’ve helped create amidst the congestion of LA,” shared Ben. “We’re all in this together and it’d be impossible to forget the people who have helped take us this far. We've been incredibly lucky.”

Find the latest updates on Dear Boy at http://www.dearboyofficial.com/

Spray Anything...

"Well, now this has just become a drunk dude playing guitar." My friend says with a sigh and points to the stage. 

Say Anything has had a rocky road. I loved 'Is a Real Boy' - the bands first album - when it first came out. The thought provoking lyrics and different approach to songwriting caught me. It was refreshing but still catchy enough to keep my adolescent attention. At that time in my life if a band wasn't signed to Driv-Thru Records I wasn't giving them a chance. I never really followed the band after that album. From what I read about them in interviews Max - the bands singer and songwriter - always seemed to come across pretty arrogant, condescending and pretentious. Who knows? I am sure he is probably a nice guy. He never did anything to me personally. I just wasn't into listening about his problems throughout the years. When I heard that they would be on tour with another one of my favorite bands - Saves the Day - playing 'Is a Real Boy' I had to go.

After Say Anything took the stage it was pretty easy to see that something wasn't right with Max. I thought maybe his flamboyant stage presence and low vocal range was possibly an act. After seeing him puff something on stage during the show and hearing him slurring words between songs I think it was pretty safe to say that he was under the influence. Which sucks. Everyone paid to see you play and you are going to get so fucked up that nobody can hear the words the have memorized like prays.

Gripe aside - If your gonna get that trashed you better go big or go home. Luckily for us he did (Please see attached video) and proceeded to throw up during the only solo performance of the set. The spot light was on him, the band left the stage and it was time for him to serenade us with 'I Want to Know Your Plans'. He started playing the guitar - kind of - with his thumb - no pick needed - I guess - and mumbled through some words - off-timed. This is when he looked to his left and left her rip. Yellow projectile vomit cascaded on his guitar and a security guard standing at the crowd barricade. For me, this makes up for the entire performance. 

Yes. Max puked on the security. What a beautiful disaster and a fantastic story. As unexpected as it was I can't really say I was suprised. I have to hand it to him though, I really thought he was going to walk off in shame or yell at the crowd but he powered through.

...I just hope he apologized to security.

-YourFriendMatt

Ol' Trusty...Part Two...

“Oh man. No way. This can’t be happening.” we softly uttered as the engine seized… 

Our band had been invited to play an event for a rock radio station in Philadelphia. We hadn’t played together in almost a year, we had no new material to showcase, some of us moved to other states and we would only be able to get one rehearsal in…we went for it. We missed each other and needed a excuse to play music together again. Besides, we are professionals right? We would all remember the lyrics, harmonies and parts after a hour of rehearsing right? Sure - it's like riding a bike - 'we got this' repeats over and over again in my head.

I landed back in Philadelphia to rehearse, caught up over some beers, packed up and we were on our way. Chris and I drove our ramshackle van full of equipment while the other guys went separately due to prior obligations. When we get together we think we are invincible and even at our age, which is closer to 30 that 20, we find ourselves reverting to our adolescent mindsets. Even the worst ideas seem probable after we all convince one another it's possible. Case in point - driving our band van, which is literally falling apart, 20+ miles to Philadelphia. 

Our final destination...if we make it there...

We got this...

Right before we departed there was a (very) quick conversation about the  possibility of the van not making it. Back up plan? Nope. “She is going to make it! There is no other option!” We decided as we all raised a toast to the van that has gotten us around the world and back. “Here goes nothing.” Chris whispered in a moment of clarity “Okay Ol’ Trusty…all you have to do is get us there. We will take it from there.” caressing the steering wheel. I turn and place my hand on the dusty dashboard. "We got this."

There was traffic so we decided to make our into New Jersey and then cut back over into Philadelphia from there. This made sense if you were driving a vehicle that was well maintained and knew it was going to get your to your final destination. In our case though this was a tricky maneuver. If the van died in New Jersey we were screwed. We crossed the bridge from Delaware in to New Jersey and all was going well. As we had reached the crest of the bridge there was a loud, unnerving bang. Where did it come from? Chris and I side-glanced at each other. “Did you feel that?” I asked. “It’s nothing! Ol’ Trusty will get us there!” Chris responded and then it happened - the van shut off. Died. We were motionless at the crest of the bridge like a roller coaster at the top of its track. “No way!” We both barked “Start rocking forward and hopefully we can coast down the rest of the bridge!” We rocked and pushed and then she went. The centrifugal force and gravity started to pull us into New Jersey as we coasted with a dead van full of equipment. “Oh man! Do the brakes still work?” as I turn to Chris who is throwing an open container out the window. He responds “Man! This is probably an awful time to tell you that the van is uninsured!” We both scream held each other and pray for the best as we careened towards the garden state.

Frantically, Chris pumps the brakes as we whiz by a colorful "New Jersey Welcomes You" sign. We were running out of road fast as we see our lane was coming to an end. "Woo! The shit hit the fan quick on this one, baby!" Chris yells and he jerks the wheel steering us into another lane. I could see there was a fork in the road at the end of the bridge. "Aim for that shoulder man! If we can land there we'll be fine!" I point as I pull out my phone to document with a quick social media post...and to send to the rest of our band to keep them up to date with our current whereabouts. What? If we are going down like this I want social media to know we went out in glory. "Already ahead of you!" Chris responds as our ship starts to course correct towards the fork 's shoulder. 

With a screech of the tires, a cloud of black road dust and a touch of luck we land on the shoulder of the road. We wipe the sweat from our brows and slowly turn to look at each other in awe. After a wide-eyed, jaw dropped pause of amazement we slowly crack smiles. "Holy shit! We did it!" Double checking my phone for the video playback. "Damn straight we did. Now, lets fix this beast." Chris motions to me exiting the drivers seat to pop the hood. In a few moments, along with a a lot of cursing, hitting the engine with hammers and readjusting battery connections we were back on the road.

"I don't know? Should we hit it with a hammer?" - Matt & Chris

The rest of the ride was steady besides a few pops and sputters. We made it to the venue in time to load in, sound check and grab a brew together. The show went on and we had a blast seeing all our family, friends and creating memories. See…like I said…we got this.

-YourFriendMatt

The Return of Owls...

Some would say it is about time and way over due. We can all relax now, it’s finally here and fans could not be more excited. Owls have released their sophomore album ‘TWO’after a 13-year hiatus, through independently owned Polyvinyl Records. Back in action and touring the globe Owls is a super group of progressive, emo and pop rock royalty. Featuring Tim Kinsella, Mike Kinsella, Victor Villarreal and Sam Zurick from groups Cap’n Jazz, Joan of Arc, Owen, American Football and The Promise Ring, Owls second album marks a more defined, mature and confident sound.

An hour before the doors a line has already formed for the die hard fans who wish to claim their spot on the standing room only floor, and as they take the stage, the crowd goes ballistic. With a simple, soft spoken “It’s good to be back”from smiling singer Tim Kinsella the band breaks into their title track from TWO “Four Works of Art”—a slow-paced, riff driven rocker that allows the band to groove and fans time to watch Owls musicianship. They flawlessly transition to their single from TWO “I’m Surprised”with Kinsella’s trademark eccentric vocal stylings. The club participates with Owls call and response choruses and metaphorical lyrics.

For the rest of the set Owls transition from one progressive emo track to another showing that their was no rust to shake off from their hiatus. They are as energetic and captivating as they were a decade ago…if not more. Check out Owls in a city near you this summer and pick up TWO as soon as humanly possible if you know what is good for you.

An Evening with Into It. Over It...

Welcome to the one-man show. Catch him slinging his vinyl records, hoodies and t-shirts at his merch stand then transition to social butterfly before hitting the stage to put on a flawless performance of emotional rock songs to which everyone can relate. Is this person a superhero you ask? No. This person is Evan Weiss of Into It. Over It., and Weiss has a long history of performing that dates way back to his high school years in Cherry Hill, NJ. Into It. Over It. has played as a full band but these days primarily tours as solo act.

Tonight Into It. Over It. is solo and Weiss is preparing for the crowd at the iconic Roxy on the Sunset Strip. As the curtain rises Weiss cracks a joke about how he thought it was going to open sideways; before ripping into the intro riff from the title track “New North-Side Air”off the new album Intersections. It’s Weiss’emotion and honesty that make his live shows so damn compelling. There’s an electricity to Into It. Over It. and Weiss commands every lyric, drawing his audience in. When the chorus hits you can’t help but get involved chanting and belting every unforgettable melody. Weiss has a magic about him that allows Into It. Over It. to bring its audience into the inner circle of participation.

After the show, we were able to get a word with Weiss who gave us a loose update on a possible new EP or LP coming out with a member of fellow tour mates OWLS. “I can’t really say as of now because I don’t want any rumors to start but it will be cool,”Weiss said, smiling. Sounds like we should be on the look out…but we’re not here to start rumors either.

Ol' Trusty...Part One...

"Dude, this could be her last ride. It's only right we take her." I said to Chris convincing him to take the dilapitated band van to our most recent show.

Throughout the years music has taken me across the nation and back. I consider these some of the most formative years of my life. When you are 1,400 miles from home, have no money, everything you own is broken or smelly you learn a thing or two. Since my friends and I started playing music we have destroyed every one of my mom's cars, most of my friend's parents cars, every one of our own cars, vans bought strictly for the band (old or new) and now we have a hand-me-down 2005 Ford FreeStar.

The band van is a beautiful thing. It's your safe house. Office. Board Room. Mobile home. Sales force..makeshift acoustic performance stage...salvation and worst nightmare. I've learned more about  auto repair on the side of the highway...at night...in a state I've never been too...with 18-wheelers whizzing by...underage...in the snow...than I ever will in a driveway. All in all seeing new things from a bench seat in a busted van was one of my favorite parts of the journey.

Up until this point of my life preforming has been something I have always done. I have had a chance to play with some great musicians in Los Angeles since my move but haven't hit a stage in a few months. When my old band got a call from the biggest rock radio stations in Philadelphia to preform live we all went for it. I landed in Philadelphia the day before the show and we ran through our normal setlist, caught up and went home to get a good night sleep.

We gathered on the day of the show at Chris' house to get a plan together. We needed to figure out how we were going to get our equipment to the show. Take separate cars? No, that is lame. Then it dawned on us (well at least me) that the old band van was still sitting out front.

Side-note: A quick back story on this van: It was Chris' families van for years. It has carted him and his siblings to countless karate and basketball tournaments. As the years progressed the air conditioning eventually gave up resulting in too many summer adventures with both sliding doors open...including a trip all the way to Outer Banks, NC from Swedesboro, NJ with the doors open. I know the van has been in at least one accident on the highway and after that they gave it to Chris...who never fixed the headlight. Why bother? Something is also wrong with the battery connection so we had to carry around a little wrench to undo the positive connection to the battery everywhere we went. We would show up to work, pop the hood and unhook the battery...besides all that...this van is a gem and we wouldn't have it any other way. One more thing, it looks like this on the inside...

"Dude! Let's take the van!" I screech cracking an ice cold Pabst. "I don't know man, I haven't started her in months." Chris says turning to me. "Dude, this could be her last ride. It's only right we take her. Who knows when we will do this again!" Sipping and spitting beer everywhere. Chris shrugs with a half-assed sigh and we make our way outside to check out the van.

She sits on the street waiting for us to come check her out. She hasn’t been moved in months and there is a layer of yellow and brown dust pollen covering her exterior. One of the tires is just about flat but we know we can make it to the gas station to fill it back up. As we peer in the back tinted windows we see our previous filth from the last ride…and its disgusting…just the way we like it. “Let’s pop the hood and connect the battery!” Chris yells getting more energized remembering all the good times we have had in this beauty.

There was a zap of blue electric that shocked us as we reattached the positive connection to the battery. “Yes!” We belted with a second wind of excitement. This was a good sign and we both knew it. Chris ripped open the driver side door ready with his keys and turned the ignition. She turned over with a sputter, pop - and finally roared like a dying old bird…our dying old bird. “Well boys I guess we know how we're are getting to the show! Let’s start packing!”

We packed, drank the last of our beers and decided it was time to head to Philadelphia. Half of our band had to drive separate due to obligations after the show and work the next morning. This was no big deal - Chris and I found it poetic. We had started a lot of bands together and worked on more music than either of us could remember. We had no idea when we would get the chance to drive to preform together again so it made sense to us that the rock gods aligned the stars this way. It was like we were 17 again.

To be continued...

YourFriendMatt