Wednesday, June 18, 2014

The Rundown: Beach Bonanza 6/19

The temperature is rising, the sun is shining bright and the ocean is calling your name. The problem is, you're stuck in North Central West Virginia. Have no fear, The Main Street Cafe is throwing a Beach Bonanza to wipe all of your wistful tears away.

This Thursday, June 19th, Instead of Sleeping, Culture Thief, Timelines and Ryan Glaspell will be performing at the cafe's first ever beach-themed concert.

It's going to be a hot evening, so cool off with some soothing tunes. If you come decked out in beach attire, then you will receive a free pair of sunglasses and a Hawaiian lei (while supplies last).

The doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the music starts at 6:30 p.m. Admission is $5.




Instead of Sleeping 

From left to right: Woody Wright, Corey McClaine, Shaun Sweeney and Jeff Binardo
From left to right: Woody Wright, Corey McClaine, Shaun Sweeney and Jeff Binardo
Who are they: Hailing from Pittsburgh, Instead of Sleeping is a four-piece indie rock band. Since 2008, the band has been refining their pop-inflected brand of earnest indie rock. Their latest release, Young Lungs, is full of catchy melodies and playful synths. Their music is polished and colorful without succumbing to the phoniness of overproduction.

Why you should care: These guys have shared the stage with the likes of Fun. and The Dear Hunter, and it makes sense why. Their songs are fun to listen to, but they aren't inauthentic. Every song has a mesmerizing groove about it. It's like chewing a candy that won't rot your teeth. You get all of the advantages of hearing an upbeat indie rock band while simultaneously listening to a vulnerable and talented group of musicians.

Listen: 

Culture Thief
From left to right: Joshua Lucas, Jordan Wean, Seth Cochran, Craig Debastiani, Neil Wallace and Terry Rogers are the beautiful gentlemen that make up Culture Thief.
From left to right: Joshua Lucas, Jordan Wean, Seth Cochran, Craig Debastiani, Neil Wallace and Terry Rogers
Who are they: Based out of Fairmont, West Virginia, Culture Thief is a band that is not easily described. Their sound is a blend of jazz-inflected, bluesy rock music with hints of soul and folk strung throughout. This collective of musicians is bursting with talent. Their songs will persuade you to dance around and then weep.

Why should you care: While listening to Culture Thief, it is likely that you will have a transcendental experience. From Terry Rogers’ entrancing sax melodies to Craig Debastiani’s ethereal vocals, you won’t walk away from a Culture Thief set unchanged. Each member of this six-piece collective exudes passion and technical ability. Even if you don’t know bass clef from treble clef, the chemistry and talent in Culture Thief is impossible to miss.

Listen:


Timelines

Evan Ferrell (left) and Tyler St. Clair (right) are half of Timelines.
Evan Ferrell (left) and Tyler St. Clair (right) are half of Timelines
Who are they: Timelines started off as a serenely melodic duo of Evan Ferrell and Tyler St. Clair, but has since evolved into a full band with Tyler Wells on drums and Eric Kirkland on bass. Their latest EP, Home, is riddled with buttery vocals, atmospheric guitar leads and heartfelt melodies.

Why you should care: Back when they had nothing more than an acoustic guitar, electric guitar and vocals their music had a heartfelt sincerity that wove its way through every listeners’ ears and into their soul. Now that they are supported by basslines and drum rhythms, their music has evolved into something even more sublime. After hearing a Culture Thief and a Timelines set you won’t even know who you are anymore.

Listen:

 
Ryan Glaspell



Who is he: Ryan has been performing music in one way or another for most of his life. After cycling through a couple of full bands, he began writing acoustic music in a duo entitled The Light of Day. He now writes music as a solo singer-songwriter.

Why you should care: Ryan's songs don't commit to one specific style of acoustic music. In the same set you'll hear an upbeat, reggae-styled jam and a slow, heart-aching ballad. He wears his emotions on his sleeves, and his songs reflect that. His voice caters to each style, whether it's a gritty yell, or a delicate falsetto.

Listen:      
All photos courtesy of the bands’ respective Facebook pages.

Monday, June 16, 2014

Q&A with Shaun Sweeney (Instead of Sleeping)

In case you missed the announcement, this Thursday is The Main Street Cafe's first ever Beach Bonanza. Pittsburgh indie rockers Instead of Sleeping are being joined by Culture Thief, Timelines and Ryan Glaspell to put on a beach-tastic show.

The show starts at 5:30 and admission is $5. If you come in beach apparel, then you will get a free pair of sunglasses and a Hawaiian lei (while supplies last).

Shaun Sweeney, vocalist and guitarist for Instead of Sleeping, answered some questions via email about his band, the show and the summer thus far. Check out the interview below!

Shaun Sweeney (second from right); photo credit: Noah Sahady
Shaun Sweeney (second from right); photo credit: Noah Sahady
The Main Street Cafe: How’s the summer been going for Instead of Sleeping?

Shaun Sweeney: This summer has been one of the busiest in our careers. The crazy thing is, it has been this hectic since before Thanksgiving. A lot of planning and strategy has gone into this summer's release of our new album "Young Lungs". But all the hard work and biding our time has been more than worth it

TMSC: Have you played in the Clarksburg area before? If so, what was that like?

SS: We have only once. We played Main Street Cafe a year or so ago, but we didn't even get to play full band! This time we won't just be coming with the full band, but an entirely new set!

TMSC: What are you looking forward to about the show?

SS: We can't wait to play as a full band for people who only got to see half of what we like to do at shows. We can't wait to play the new songs that we put our heart and soul into. And we can't wait to see everyone in their bathing suits and stuff for this themed show!

TMSC: How would describe your band’s sound in a sentence?

SS: The sound is everywhere from angry and vengeful to smooth and sexy, and could be most understood by people who know how fine the line can be in between.

TMSC: What can people expect from an Instead of Sleeping live show?

SS: We have done everything from bring out extra drum kits, blow up confetti cannons, and at the end of every show, if we don't pack our shit up dripping wet in sweat, then we did something wrong.

TMSC: It’s a beach-themed bonanza; do you have any beach gear you’re looking forward to rocking out in?

SS: We have been in the market for inflatables and goggles... Don't wanna give too much away!!

TMSC: What’s your favorite thing about the summer?

SS: Falling asleep under the stars on warm summer nights. Waking up on the beach. (Another band member tacked grilling onto that list too.)

TMSC: What’s something people might not know about your band?

SS: We've always said that every single song is all from personal experiences. Every songs a story. We live through that at every show. But one thing that people might not know is, if you want to hear that story, all you have to do is talk to us. We love getting to know new people and we love when people come and get to know us!

TMSC: Finally, what would you like the Clarksburg area to know about you and your band and this show?

SS: About us: We are an honest band, so we want everyone to know we are really looking forward to this show! The bands who we are playing with, the venue we are playing, the songs we are playing, and the people we are going to get to meet. June 19 is going to be an excellent night that nobody is going to want to miss
 Photo courtesy of Instead of Sleeping's Facebook page.

Friday, June 13, 2014

The Main Street Cafe to host all-ages beach-themed concert.

BEACH

Bust out your bikinis and board shorts, there's going to be a Main Street Beach Bonanza!

The Main Street Cafe is truly kicking off their summer on June 19th when Pittsburgh indie rockers Instead of Sleeping will join forces with three local favorites to put on a beach-themed bash for the ages.

Instead of Sleeping performed at The Main Street Cafe once before, before its management changed hands. At that show they weren't full band, but now they're coming back with a full band and set full of new songs. For anyone who saw their last set, this is an opportunity to catch them again, this time with no holds barred.

"We can't wait to play as a full band for people who only got to see half of what we like to do at shows. We can't wait to play the new songs that we put our heart and soul into," said vocalist and guitarist Shaun Sweeney.

Their latest release, Young Lungs, dropped on May 24th, and is a shiny, shimmering example of how indie rock can be polished without losing its underground, DIY edge. This came as a result of heading to Chicago and working with Mark McClusky (Weezer, Bad Religion, Ludo, LetLive. and more).

Young Lungs is the band's fourth studio release, and is their most dynamic effort to date. It is playful and bright, yet isn't restricted by the pop-inflected sound. Rather, it makes it more accessible to anyone willing to listen.

Sweeney said, "The sound is everywhere from angry and vengeful to smooth and sexy, and could be most understood by people who know how fine the line can be in between."

Joining Instead of Sleeping will be Timelines, Culture Thief and Ryan Glaspell. If you've never caught Timelines or Culture Thief live, then now is the perfect time to do it. Both bands have their own unique knack for writing lively, impassioned rock.

Timelines creates entrancing pop rock that is guaranteed to have you swaying and moving your feet. By the end of their set you'll feel like you are walking on air.

Culture Thief is a true spectacle to behold. They are a collection of musicians collaborating in a magical way onstage to produce blues-inflected jam rock. They bleed talent and sweat passion with ever note.

Ryan Glaspell spans the spectrum of acoustic music. Whether its a catchy, cheery tune, or a personal ballad, his serenading will make you happy, sad and then happy again.

This isn't your average show of talented musicians, though. It's a beach bonanza.

"It was really Evan's (Ferrell, Timelines) idea," Manager Daniel Bonner said, "We were all for it though, because we felt like the cafe needed a theme like this to really kick us off for summer."

What better way to celebrate summer than with beach balls and ocean-gear? If you come decked out in beach attire, then you'll get rewarded with some accessories courtesy of the show.

Evan Ferrell, the beautiful voice behind Timelines, has been busy preparing for the theme.

"We bought a big bulk pack of sunglasses and leis to pass out to everyone who wears beach stuff," Ferrell said.

The Main Street Cafe staff and the musicians will also be putting on their finest swimsuits for the show.

"We have been in the market for inflatables and goggles," Sweeney said, "Don't wanna give too much away!"

Timelines will be adorned with beach gear too.

"I just bought a neon green Hawaiian shirt with trees on it. It is so ugly and so very perfect," Ferrell said.

You might even get lucky and see Daniel Bonner wearing a speedo. Who knows?

Admission is only $5, a small price to pay for energetic music and free beach gear (if you dress accordingly).

Show starts at 6:30, but come early to grab your sunglasses and lei before they run out. You may even see some limbo going down.

Check back next Monday for a full Q&A with Shaun Sweeney of Instead of Sleeping.

 

 

 

Thursday, June 12, 2014

The Rundown: Friday the 13th feat. Culture Thief & friends 5/13

This Friday you've go to beware of black cats, broken mirrors and pennies on tails. But one thing you don't have to be cautious about is hearing brilliantly crafted rock music, or paying for it!

Tomorrow on Friday the 13th, local jam-masters Culture Thief are going to be headlining a free show at The Main Street Cafe. In addition to Culture Thief, Timelines and Ghost House will be administering their own blends of emotion-laden rock tunes. This will truly be the trifecta of passionate, melodic rock.

The doors open at 5:30 p.m. and there is no admission fee, so you have no reason to skip out! Come fight bad luck at The Main Street Cafe.



Culture Thief
From left to right: Joshua Lucas, Jordan Wean, Seth Cochran, Craig Debastiani, Neil Wallace and Terry Rogers are the beautiful gentlemen that make up Culture Thief.
From left to right: Joshua Lucas, Jordan Wean, Seth Cochran, Craig Debastiani, Neil Wallace and Terry Rogers
Who are they: Based out of Fairmont, West Virginia, Culture Thief is a band that is not easily described. Their sound is a blend of jazz-inflected, bluesy rock music with hints of soul and folk strung throughout. This collective of musicians is bursting with talent. Their songs will persuade you to dance around and then weep.

Why should you care: While listening to Culture Thief, it is likely that you will have a transcendental experience. From Terry Rogers’ entrancing sax melodies to Craig Debastiani’s ethereal vocals, you won’t walk away from a Culture Thief set unchanged. Each member of this six-piece collective exudes passion and technical ability. Even if you don’t know bass clef from treble clef, the chemistry and talent in Culture Thief is impossible to miss.

Listen:

Evan Ferrell (left) and Tyler St. Clair (right) are half of Timelines.
Evan Ferrell (left) and Tyler St. Clair (right) are half of Timelines
Who are they: Timelines started off as a serenely melodic duo of Evan Ferrell and Tyler St. Clair, but has since evolved into a full band with Tyler Wells on drums and Eric Kirkland on bass. Their latest EP, Home, is riddled with buttery vocals, atmospheric guitar leads and heartfelt melodies.

Why you should care: Back when they had nothing more than an acoustic guitar, electric guitar and vocals their music had a heartfelt sincerity that wove its way through every listeners’ ears and into their soul. Now that they are supported by basslines and drum rhythms, their music has evolved into something even more sublime. After hearing a Culture Thief and a Timelines set you won’t even know who you are anymore.

Listen:

 
Ryan Glaspell

Ghost House
From left to right: Mason, Ethan, George and Geoff
From left to right: Mason, Ethan, George and Geoff
Who are they: Ghost House's music is woeful and moving. Soft, but piercing. These four guys from Morgantown forge post-emo indie rock, the likes of Brand New and Sunny Day Real Estate. Their self-titled EP (available for free on Bandcamp) features fluid instrumentation and vocals that jump between a soft murmur and throaty yell.

Why you should care: If you're into introspective, melancholic indie rock, then Ghost House will more than satisfy you. Their expressive songwriting is addictive. You'll feel transported back to the late 90s when emo was fading and indie rock was beginning to crawl. This music will infest itself in your innermost feelings and bring them out.

Listen: 
All photos courtesy of the bands’ respective Facebook pages.

Thursday, June 5, 2014

The Rundown: Monster Reborn Tour 6/6

The great thing about rock music is that there are so many different forms of it.

This Friday, June 6th, The Main Street Cafe will be hosting an eclectic evening of rock. We'll be showcasing everything from indie pop-rock and rockabilly punk to metal and alt rock.

Rhode Island hard rock quintet Absence of Despair is embarking on their Monster: Reborn Tour. They will be receiving local support from Jet Set Vapour Trails, Haggard Wülf, Barracuda and The Laser Beams.

The doors will open at 4 p.m. and the show starts at 5 p.m.

Admission is $5.

 

Absence of Despair


Photo by Petey Photography

Photo by Petey Photography

Who are they: Absence of Despair brings forth metal-infused alt-rock music from Providence, Rhode Island. Their songs include dueling guitar riffs, explosive solos, and vocals that range from edgy screams to cutting cleans. The five piece has everything you would want in a hard rock band, and then throw in some added grit.

Why you should care: This band is kicking off their cross-country, 30-date tour here in Clarksburg West Virginia. 10 days after this show they're performing in Hollywood. If that isn't impressive then give their music a listen. It's aggressive and heavy and melodic. Whether you're swayed by the expansive tour or dynamic sound, make sure that Clarksburg gives these guys a hell of a tour kickoff!

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iE8sAJ3W76M[/embed]

Jet Set Vapour Trails



From left to right: Orville Weale, Jeff Goodwin and Thomas Moore

 Who are they: Jet Set Vapour Trails is a three-piece rock band full of veteran musicians. From Morgantown, West Virginia, they came together with years of experience making music already under their belts. This is apparent in the brooding alt-rock they create. Sounding like powerful rock colliding with 90′s grunge-punk, Jet Set Vapour Trails produces menacingly beautiful music.

Why you should care: In this area you can find loud punk and aggressive metal, there’s melodious pop rock and singer-songwriters, but there isn’t anyone quite like Jet Set Vapour Trails. There are few local alt-rock acts, and even fewer with the chemistry and experience present in Jet Set Vapour Trails.

Listen:

[bandcamp width=100% height=120 album=676099455 size=large bgcol=333333 linkcol=ffffff tracklist=false artwork=small]

 

Haggard Wülf


From left to right: Leeroy Jenkins and Frank Gunner

From left to right: Leeroy Jenkins and Frank Gunner

Who are they: Haggard Wülf is a two-piece rock band from Morgantown, West Virginia composed of Leeroy Jenkins and Frank Gunner. Their sound is a wonderful conglomeration of blues, rockabilly and folk rock. Their songs are littered with sound clips and soulfully haggard vocals.

Why you should care: Haggard Wülf will have you feeling the blues in some way shape or form. Whether it is a slow, marching tune full of woe, or an upbeat rockabilly groove with punk-tinged vocals, Haggard Wülf spans the genre of bluesy rock, and then some. Seldom will a two-piece fill the air with as much resonance and grooving sound as Haggard Wülf.

Listen: [bandcamp width=100% height=120 album=2622954140 size=large bgcol=ffffff linkcol=0687f5 tracklist=false artwork=small track=381263686]

Barracuda



From left to right: Jack Friend, Tyler Washburn, Mike "Spider" Chan, Alex Baker and Tim Taylor

Who are they: Barracuda knows how to play punk music: loud and fast. Formed in Morgantown, WV., Barracuda contains members formerly of local punk act Dangerkat. Barracuda's music is impassioned punk with a 50's rock flair thrown in. Lively stage presence and racing guitar riffs are components of any and all of their performances.

Why you should care: With Barracuda, it all comes down to having a good time. It's not with every band that you can run around, mosh, jump or frantically scream. Between the driving punk vibe and rocking guitar licks, it's hard not to have fun while listening to Barracuda. You should care because you're doing yourself a disservice if you don't go crazy during their set.

Listen: 

Head to Barracuda's ReverbNation page and check out their tunes!

The Laser Beams


From left to right: Cat Schrodinger, Pepper Fandango and Leo Tuxedo

From left to right: Cat Schrodinger, Pepper Fandango and Leo Tuxedo

Who are they: What started out as a two-person backing band for the Wayward Girls School of Burlesque evolved into a trio of musicians generating playful pop rock tunes that the band has dubbed as "glam garage". Founders Pepper Fandango and Cat Schrodinger began the project in 2013, and with the addition of Leo Tuxedo they have been hitting the road playing shows.

Why you should care: The Laser Beams' songs are cleverly written and have an irresistible charm about them. Song themes range from going skinny dipping while camping ("The Camping Song") to being sexually attracted to a bully ("Everybody Knows"). Their lively style is sure to have you tapping your feet and maybe even doing a jig.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=KdZs6cFxa_g[/embed]

All photos courtesy of the bands’ respective Facebook pages.