FEATURED BAND: AUTUMN FIRE

Formed in August 2006, with founding members Josh Brondou, Nate Keida (both formally of Intrinzik) Ryan Parr, and Josh Crossman all set and writing songs they started to throw around some names. With fall season being their favorite season, and “fall fire” not having that certain ring, they agreed on Autumn Fire. The boys chalk it up to being “country boys”, but in my opinion we all live in the country (unless you live in NYC). So with the name tackled, and songs being born, they went on their search for a vocalist. So while ads out on Myspace and Craiglist, and Bandmix, they were hoping to snag a fish. Little did they know the fish they would snag would be Tool tribute band, Third Eye’s vocalist, Max Scialdone would answer the call. According to Max at that time he was desperately trying to reach them. When it was all said and done the line-up would be complete. Even with a fifteen thousand dollar loss of equipment a few months earlier due to their practice spot in Sauquoit burning to the ground. They began to get things rolling. Then Crossman broke his arm. With the first record all written, “Endless” this was a little bit of a setback for the boys . When asked how they composed the first album, the boys in the band explained to me that they all contributed to the writing process. With all the material based off of simple jamming out, a basis was created.  April of 2009 would be their first show at Rides in Herkimer, NY (which I happened to attend). Playing for a year before being able to afford to have a CD release partying 2010. While all this was happening they were inadvertently writing their second album. Both albums were recorded at Gecko Recording Studios in Clinton, NY, by Lyman Christenson and offered the same level of musicianship with just enough expansion to show growth. The boys were looking for a way to break big into the scene, they saw a outlet in the “Monster Energy Big Break” in December 2010. With a staggering 55 bands from all over the state of NY on the roster it seemed like a big bad “Monster” to overcome. There were 3 rounds of battling for the finals. Each round, to their surprise, they were called back eventually making it to the finals. The boys in Autumn Fire went on to win the battle, winning one thousand dollars in prize money and some recording time. Now that they had a fatter bank roll to deal with for the second album, they really started focusing on what kind of sound they wanted to achieve for album two. in July of 2011 they reentered the studio with Lyman, to start yet another album to be titled “Amends”. These guys spared nothing, they beat Lyman up, for a painstakingly true sound they were looking to acquire. While making their sophomore album, they played at the  Oneonta Theatre, and won a opening slot for The Blue Oyster Cult, also within that time opening for Filter there as well. In December of 2011 the “Amends” album was released. They contracted some help from locals friends to help with the album’s artwork and photos Matt Ossowski and Janelle Rodriguez. “Amends” CD release was held at the great Electric Company in Utica. Almost being a house band at that venue, playing the “Animal for Animal “ benefit there starting in 2009, and catching the ear of Anthony “Zee” Donaldson, it was a no brainier for them to have the showcase there. They give credit to Zee himself for making them a household name in the Utica area. As a group they decided it was time to branch out on a tour with local favorites, Shattered Envy and Just A Memory, to start in Virginia Beach and work their way back up the northeast, back home. The tour had some bumps in the road, as some of the shows fell through last minute, and Autumn Fire decided to try and make a name for themselves in Virginia. They decided to turn it into a vacation, and plays some venues beachside. With one show booked, they literally walked around and booked two more shows during the week, which in their eyes turned out to be awesome shows. One of the best shows they played that week was at Calypso’s, with a 4 hour set playing literally on the boardwalk. After the vacation they decided to do a battle at Monirae’s for a opening slot for the Boy Hits Car show being held there. Unbenounced they won the opening slot once again, for another national show under their belts. All of this has been done by a little local band from Utica, NY on their own, with no management, opening for almost a dozen national acts. Sometimes childhood friends and chance encounters can be a once in a lifetime thing, but for these guys it was that and a lot of hard work. For Autumn Fire, there next step is to introduce the world, to there intense power driven hard rock sound. If any of you haven’t seen this band play I would recommend giving them a listen. Look for Autumn Fire at a venue near you.

For more information about Autumn Fire-
Facebook- http://www.facebook.com/pages/Autumn-Fire/143531240177?ref=ts&fref=ts-Fred Marriott

Floodwood at Kirkland Arts Center, Clinton, December 14th

For the second year in a row, Floodwood played a holiday show at the Kirkland Arts Center (KAC), in Clinton. I regrettably missed the show last year and was determined not to miss it again. The KAC is an intimate venue and ticketing was capped at 150 people, providing a truly unique experience to those lucky to be in attendance.
Floodwood has been picking up steam since their founding in September of last year, with appearances both locally and throughout the northeast. Describing themselves as a “progressive string band”, they are a combination of talented musicians specifically from and dedicated to the CNY area.

Tim Herron, a popular local musician famous for his energetic playing and original songs opened the show was the perfect choice to get the crowd ready for Floodwood. Having only ever heard of Tim by word of mouth, I was certainly impressed by the talent and level of musicianship that was brought to the table. As Tim closed his set, he brought up Jason Barady, a tremendous mandolin player, and together burst into an upbeat rendition of Pink Floyd’s “Hey You”. The KAC was full of a diverse mix of folks ready to see Floodwood. Family, friends, old and young, locals and those that made a special trip for the show; it felt much more like a party at someone’s awesome art filled home, than a concert.

Some of Floodwood’s songs were familiar and some new to me. “Long Way to Virginia” is one of my favorites and I was pleased to hear it. They even busted out a Christmas tune!! As a long time moe. fan, I couldn’t help but hear some similarities, specifically with “Magnolia Road”- is this not “Tambourine”? – Ironically Al explained the following night to his audience in Buffalo how the song came about. He noted that it was originally used as an instrumental intro to “Tambourine”, which then morphed into another song called “Green”, and then he collaborated with another musician, forming “Magnolia Road”. Al explains it better, but you get the point.

While the idea of a side project with Al Schnier and Vinnie Amico, both of the aforementioned jam band originally peaked my interest in Floodwood, Nick Piccininni, Zach Fleitz, and Jason Barady keep me coming back time and time again. This is not moe.; Floodwood stands on their own as a high energy and exploratory bluegrass band. Piccininni, with his superb skills on the fiddle, banjo, and on vocals, was my choice for MVP of the night, keeping the crowd young and old alike dancing.

Closing with an explosive “Cumberland Blues”, Fleitz, and Barady had a wonderfully energetic duel. I overheard one of the youngest attendees clearly amazed by the performance, ask his mom, “What are they doing up there?” looking for explanation of the frenetic pace and heated musicianship, definitely a poignant moment.

Coming back on for an encore, Floodwood was joined by Diane Schnier, Al’s wife, (who is also a talented musician in her own right) and Tim Herron, for a sweet and soulful rendition of the Neil Young classic, “Helpless”. This was a wonderful night full of great people and memorable music, and I hope that the KAC can continue the tradition for years to come.

Jimkata and Manhattan Project – Piers & Blake, November 30th

After a truly raging Halloween show a month ago at The Westcott in Syracuse, I knew that I couldn’t miss Jimkata, along with The Manhattan Project, when they came to Utica.

Both bands have been touring extensively for months, Jimkata specifically supporting their new album, Die Digital. Off to a late start, and with some time to kill before they went on, I chatted briefly with bassist Dave Rossi. After being on the road, he was glad to be back closer to home, although none too glad to be back in the chilly Upstate NY weather. We discussed the venue (really unique and the bathrooms are nice too!), the Upstate music scene (awesome!) as well as upcoming New Year’s plans. They’ll be at The Haunt in Ithaca for NYE, but I was excited to learn of their Phish aftershow on 12/28 @ Club 39!

Manhattan Project took the stage as the room started to fill. Many that I spoke with were excited to see what they’d bring to the table tonight. This Rochester duo has been touring extensively, with several festival appearances, including at Camp Bisco, and have been building their fan base at every stop.  Having seen them several times in the past, I knew I was guaranteed a good time. It consistently amazes me that this energetic and texturally complex sound comes from just two guys, Shawn Drogan and Charlie Linder.

Their infectious mix of dub, house and techno, combined with a visually stimulating light show made their show highly danceable from start to finish. Their remixes and steady progression of songs kept the crowd engaged. “Knight Rider” remix was a true standout and had many folks in the audience looking around in awe, “Is this really happening? This is awesome!” As they closed their set, the crowd was certainly primed and ready for Jimkata.

Their set started off strong cruising easily through much of the new album, Die Digital.  The new album, while still lyrically thoughtful, adds the right punches whether it be electronic beats, synth or a heavy bass line and intertwines everything so perfectly. Energy was high and the room turned quickly into a full on dance party, a crowd locked in and grooving to the sound. Their “5th member” if you will, a wall of lights in sync with the show provided an additional layer of intrigue to Jimkata’s already complex and captivating show.

Standouts of the night included “Electronic Stone”, a crowd pleaser with an extremely catchy chorus, as well as one of my personal favorites “American Cars”. Having followed Jimkata for several years, I love their growth as musicians, and their evolution of sound. Their lyrics, combined with a new found electronic edge makes for an unforgettable experience.

This was a thoroughly satisfying show,  and I cannot wait to see them again at the end of the month. GO SEE JIMKATA, and MANHATTAN PROJECT! You won’t regret it.