Image of the Day-"Can Can"

Donora

Brillobox

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Larryville

 

It's hard to argue with the fact that the band is quickly becoming one of the city's 'breakout' bands. They are in Chicago right now, working hard doing the publicity thang and if they follow label mates Wiz Khalifa and Mac Miller into the national spotlight, they won't be playing Brillobox too much longer. I can't wait because they are such nice and talented people, they totally deserve it.

Image of the Day-"Know It Ain't Right"

Host Skull

Brillobox

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Larryville

My first time seeing the band. As always Dave brings something different to the party, this night it was three interpretive dancers. Watching the set with Donora's Casey, I mentioned that this is a weird bill. The two bands are very different. Her sarcastic response, "Yeah, I don't think our fans are that sophisticated". She may have a point...;)

Image of the Day-"Sink or Swim"

Big Hurry

Brillobox

Friday, October 21, 2011

Larryville

It seems that this show was an EP release gig is secondary to the fact that it was also the last time the band would be playing with Andy on guitar. The future is uncertain for the remaining trio and plans vary depending on which one of them you talk to. I have hope that the band carries on in some form and nothing can take away the memories they as a group (and more importantly, as friends) have given me personally. More photos from the night here.

Image of the Day-"The Wall"

Yuck

Brillobox

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Larryville

I really like this record. I can't stress that enough. That being said, they were good live but not 'mind blowing'. Maybe my expectations were way too high? The band seemed really reserved and shy. What does that have to do with anything? Absolutely nothing. And for the record, this might have been my last shoot at Brillobox unless they replace the only two stage lights they had and for whatever reason took them away? Bummer.

Image of the Day-"Get Gone"

The Harlan Twins
Brillobox
Friday, July 29, 2011
Larryville

First time seeing the band with the new line-up. Have to gush and say they sounded so great. It was also Carrie's 'Dirty Thirty' at midnight. Hard to believe that when she was born, I already knew my wife for two years!

Image of the Day-"Sludgie"

Big Hurry
Brillobox
Friday, July 29, 2011
Larryville

What more can I say? I really dig these guys. Getting a shout out from the stage? Bonus! Thanks Kelly.

Image of the Day-"Be Your Bro"

Those Darlins
Brillobox
Friday, June 17, 2011
Larryville

So as the clock struck midnight and it was officially my birthday, Those Darlins ambled on stage and gave me the best present I could ask for. I, along with the near sell-out crowd, were treated to an amazingly fun set from this band. They even seemed a bit surprised and pleased by the love they were getting back from the crowd. As my fellow blogger Brendan gushed, this is definitely a contender for show of the year. This night is exactly why I keep going to concerts.

Image of the Day-"Dogbite"

Natural Child
Brillobox
Friday, June 17, 2011
Larryville

Opening for fellow Nashvillians Those Darlins, these guys brought the heavy stoner rock to Pittsburgh. People seemed way into them even forgiving them for their fixation on Jeff Goldblum...really, that's what you think of when you hear Pittsburgh? They, along with us, were having a good time so I'll forgive them.

Image of the Day-"Underground"

Ursa Major
Brillobox
Friday, June 17, 2011
Larryville

Ursa Major are a band from Pittsburgh that are doing their own thing their way, which I admire greatly. They are readying their new album and host house shows at their crib, lovingly called the 'Doo Wop' mansion. I was bummed that I only caught the tail end of their set (literally the last half of the last song) due to an early show shoot and will hopefully see them play again soon.

Image of the Day-"You Know What I Mean"

Cults
Brillobox
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Larryville

Another buzz band that's blowing up right in front of our eyes. This show was (surprising for a late Wednesday night) sold out. Now there is a strange phenomena that occurs at shows that I will never be able to wrap my head around. I arrived just as openers Guards where wrapping up and there was a good two foot space between the stage and the audience. As Guards begin to tear down their gear for Cults, the entire audience walk two steps to the lip of the stage. It's the weirdest thing to see and I see it a lot. As for the band, they were good. I think they need some road experience to become a bona fide live band but that will come in time for sure.

Image of the Day-"Sail It Slow"

Guards
Brillobox
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Larryville

Due to a photo shoot earlier in the night, I survived the hell that is Route 28 traffic to arrive at Brillobox to be able to hear exactly 1.5 songs from the band. Not nearly enough to form an honest opinion. I do know one thing, this Brillobox lighting scheme has to go. Now, not only am I complaining as a photographer but as an audience member I couldn't see anything. Seriously, the best photo of the set is of a stuffed bird! What I do know is that my peeps over at Pgh Music Report are fans of this band and their bloggy crush can be found here.

Image of the Day-"Death Is A Warm Bath"

Dan Lefkowitz
Brillobox
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Larryville

Did I say in my last post that The Low Anthem was one of the darkest shows I attempted to shoot? Well, Dan opened the night and I was barely able to get one good photo out of his set due to the fact that it was even darker! He actually used to be in the band and joined them onstage for a tune which...I couldn't get a photo of because I was sitting on the floor. No worries.

Image of the Day-"Hey, All You Hippies!"

The Low Anthem
Brillobox
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Larryville

This was probably the most difficult concert I have ever shot for several reasons. First off, Brillobox is dark as hell to begin with and even though I implored my man Justin for some light, any light, I think the band was going for a vibe that left it a virtual dark room. Add to the fact that by the second song, half the audience was sitting on the floor which left me sort of immobile for the rest of the set. Finally, there were some songs that were so hushed, you could hear my shutter! I honestly try not to break the atmosphere so some choice image opportunities were gone forever. Kudos to the crowd who were amazingly respectful and attentive, even during the quiet tunes (exception being one local singer-songwriter's awesome accidental throat gurgle that could have derailed the encore...nice!). My third time seeing them play but my first full set proper from the band and they couldn't have been any better. Great performance from some incredible musicians. NPR has their show from two nights earlier here. More photos here.

Image of the Day-"So Sue Me, Lucinda"

Mount Peru
Brillobox
Friday, January 28, 2011
Larryville

Cool band from Boston in town to give 'sisterly' support to the Big in Big Hurry. Flatleys were all over the place that night and I am surprised the Brillo is still standing. Oh yeah, they sounded really good.

Image of the Day-"Contagious"

Triggers
Brillobox
Friday, January 28, 2011
Larryville

When the awesome Key Party comp was released a few years ago, one of the highlights for me was Triggers contribution. I never had the chance to see them play until this show. They were so great! The guys had no merch due to leaving their bin at a previous show...bummer. I will definitely remedy that soon, as the guys are playing some upcoming shows that I, and you, HAVE to check out. I will have more from this band in a future post or two. More pics here.

Image of the Day-"Gets Me Low"

Big Hurry
CD Release Show
Brillobox
Friday, January 28, 2011
Larryville

I have never seen this band more "ON" than I did this night. They were tight as can be, the mix was perfect (Justin's the man!) and the sold out crowd was definitely throwing some major love vibes toward that stage. The band had several family members in attendance and it was a pleasure to be able to meet most of them. We even got one of my friends in low places to guest on banjo. It will be hard pressed to see a more fun show this year...and it was only still January! If you missed it, don't fret, you can catch the band tomorrow night at Lava Lounge.

First/Last-Cor Allen & Derek White

New Shouts
Mariage Blanc CD Release Show
Brillobox
Friday October 8, 2010
Larryville

So my buddies in Mariage Blanc are having a CD release bash next week (BTW-I have heard the album and it's so good!). Playing their first ever gig as support is a brand spankin' new band called, appropriately enough, New Shouts. They have a retro sound that should be blasting out of an AM radio circa 1974 and believe me that's a great thing. This will be one sweet show. Vocalists Cor and Derek were cool enough to participate in this, another duo edition of First/Last Friday.

The first album you ever bought?

Cor: The first album I ever bought with my own decision making was ‘Endless Summer’ by the Beach Boys. I still remember my Dad taking me to National Record Mart (RIP) to get it. I was probably 6 or 7 years old. I loved ‘Help Me Rhonda’, we had a neighbor called Rhonda so we’d always sing that song as a joke. Early Beach Boys stuff is great for kids, it’s so fun!

Derek: The first cassette I ever bought was Nirvana's "Nevermind", and before that I started on music when I was about 4, I was always intrigued by my parents records & 8-track tapes. I was instantly drawn to The Beatles. I was blown away by the Red/Blue collections how one side of the album they we're young and the other side John Lennon had a crazy beard goin’ on.

Your last album bought?

Cor: I just got The La’s ‘The La’s’ on vinyl to hang on my wall.

Derek: Grapefruit 'Around Grapefruit'.

Favorite album of all time?

Cor: The Beach Boys ‘Pet Sounds’ and I don’t need to explain why, it’s the best ever and it’s obvious.

Derek: The Beatles "White Album", a lot of entertaining stuff going on in that oversized album.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?

Cor: This is a tough one because you tend to forget about these…There’s a few albums that are always listed in the greatest albums lists that I just can’t justify their greatness…one is Love’s ‘Forever Changes’, it’s got nice arrangements but the songs don’t do anything for me. I’ve always read great things about it but there’s nothing memorable to me on that album.

Derek: I agree with above, I love the album art. For me the "most disappointing" would be the 2004 remake of Brian Wilson's 'SMiLE'. It ruined the myth. I guess I'm happy he did it because we got a nice documentary out of it as well as a tour. I could never get over the idea of what SMiLE could of/would of been if it were completed in 1966. I like how it was known for being the greatest unreleased album of all time.

First concert attended?

Cor: I went to see Three Dog Night with my parents when I was a kid, their singer is called Cory, you know, so that gave me some incentive as a kid to like them, which I still do.

Derek: I think it was Aerosmith at Civic Arena, I remember them being great, this was sometime in the early 90's.

Last concert?

Cor: I don’t go to a lot of big concerts, just don’t like them in arenas or pavilions, there’s no magic. I think the last one I went to was a Beatles tribute on 4th of July. It was hot as hell and outside, I have no idea how they survived in their black suits and wigs but they were spot on! Last local show I saw was The Slow Reel, who I really like.

Derek: Paul McCartney which is still crazy to say.

Favorite concert ever?

Cor: I saw Blur in 1997 at Metropol. I was 15 and in my own little world. I thought I was the only person in America who even knew who this band was so it felt amazing po-going with so many people singing ‘Parklife’ at the top of our voices. After the show I found their tourbus and stood by the door. Damon came to the door and stood there only a few feet away from me, he opened the door and ran out and I chased him down Smallman St. I have no idea what I was even planning to do had I caught up with him but he jumped in a car and took off.

Derek: I don't know, I'm waiting to be blown away, Steve Wonder has come close, & Paul McCartney.

Least favorite concert?

Cor: Ugh, so many! I went to see this band from England called The Music open for the Vines and I remember when the Vines came on, my girlfriend at the time and I were getting totally squashed by the crowd, we had the bouncers at the front help us over the barrier and we just left after probably their second song.

Derek: I saw Todd Rundgren at the Rex once. That was a huge let down. He was on some arena rock trip, he had his guitar ran through some lousy chorus pedal. He's one of my favorite artists/producers...but the show was a drag.

Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?

Cor: Right now in Pittsburgh I think there’s the nicest group of bands that there has been since I’ve been involved. Everyone is so supportive of each other. The other great thing about this city is that everyone is just doing what they love. No one is trying to fit into any kind of scene or copy the current hyped trend. I read some national reviews of Pittsburgh bands where they are criticized for that, as if the bands here are “out of the loop” or something. That’s just not the case. Everyone here is well aware of the current fads, we just don’t care because we’re doing what we love, and I love that about Pittsburgh.

Derek: I love Pittsburgh. When I compare it to other cities bigger & smaller I realize that we've got more to offer. Pittsburgh has amazing ethnic foods, real people, and several cool towns/bars. Pittsburgh has crazy hills and bridges, a lot of character and history. We have all seasons which the city wears well through each change. I love eating a maple pecan ice cream cone from Rose's while strolling through Frick Park. Yeah man, Pittsburgh rules.

Thank guys. I can't get that image out of my head of Damon Albarn running for his life in the Strip District from some crazed 15 year old. Awesome! Good luck on the gig.

First/Last-Corey Layman-Ticket Giveaway

Developer

Brillobox
Sunday September 5, 2010
Larryville

Here we go again. Three days, three giveaways! Pretty sweet. Thanks to Corey, I have a pair of tickets to give away to the band's show on Sunday. This is no ordinary event. For the past year, Corey has been writing and recording a song every week and blogging the results. The concert is a celebration of the completion of the project. He's invited some friends to partake and should be a surprising and amazing time. To enter, email me at hughshows@comcast.net with 'Project 52' in the subject line. Supply the name you want for the folks at will call the night of the show good for two passes.
Corey was cool enough to take some time out from his endeavors and participate in this edition of the ongoing love fest I call First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?

Man that hurts. I'd love to tell you it was something really cool, but it's not. Now the first album I ever owned, that was Thriller, but that was given to me by my Mom's co-worker who knew I was into music. It was a dubbed cassette. Early music piracy! No, my first album purchase was by 70's and 80's rock giants of the Christian Rock genre, Petra. The album was called "Beat the System" and looking back on it now was equal parts embarrassing and surprisingly good. The songwriting was great for what it was and the singer-dude could really wail. I was really young and most of my access to music at that time was the small-town pop radio station, so a lot of Duran Duran and Phil Collins, but a kid like me wasn't 'supposed' to be buying secular music. That didn't last long, and my family gradually distanced ourselves from that scene, but it was an influence none the less.

Your last album bought?

Last Saturday the Karl Hendricks Trio played a show with a great band from Denton, Tx called Tre Orsi. I bought their record Devices + Emblems. It's really awesome, and I think they dropped a few off at Paul's CD's. They're like a more rocked-out version of bands like Seam, The New Year, and Bedhead.

Favorite album of all time?

That's probably a moving target and something I haven't really had to think about. I don't know. A couple that come to mind right off hand are Sebadoh's Bakesale, Guided by Voices' Under the Bushes Under the Stars, and Silkworm's Libertine... and I could go on and on.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?

Again, from the top of my head, Pavement's Terror Twilight, was a pretty big downer at the time.

First concert attended?

Pass.

Last concert?

Last one that I wasn't playing was Yo La Tengo at Hartwood Acres. We took my 3 year old and he LOVED it. He was really into the concept of encores and now he and I will play Yo La Tengo concert where he's Georgia and he plays his drum set and I'm Ira and I play guitar. We get through a minute and a half of "Tom Courtenay" and then he announces that we're finished, waits for my wife to clap, and then we run to the kitchen to plot our encore... and so on. It's awesome.

Favorite concert ever?

That's another tough one. Back in the 90’s Hovland got to play a lot of really good shows, and I have great memories of playing with various local rock greats and some of my favorite touring bands of the time. One that comes right to mind, though I don't know if I really appreciated how great of a show it was at the time, was getting to see the Karl Hendricks Trio, Hurl, and Silkworm all in one show at a place that used to be called Luciano's in Uptown.

Least favorite concert?

Eh, I don't know. I got hit with a pretty heavy dose of electricity at an old sketchy gallery on the Southside to the point where it wasn't fun at all.

Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?

Oh man, I don't know. I love Pittsburgh. I've been here nearly 15 years, which is crazy to think about in itself. It's the people and the neighborhoods, and so on... it's all been said before. I've had both really great and not-so-great experiences with the music scene here. I've certainly made my share of mistakes. But I've gotten to meet and play with some amazing musicians who are also great people. The drummers in this town, man! I'm just glad to have been a part of it all and I look forward to getting back out and playing shows again. I hope more local folks get a chance to check out the blog and the song-a-week project. It's pretty unique and it's a lot of music, but I think the songs really stand on their own.

Thanks Corey. Cool story about your kid appreciating an encore! Train 'em while their young. Also, I am guessing your first show was New Kids On The Block??? Have fun on Sunday.

First/Last-Matt Ceraso & Josh Kretzmer-Ticket Giveaway

Mariage Blanc
Brillobox
Saturday September 4, 2010
Larryville

First off, courtesy of the band, I have two tickets to give away for their show this weekend with local heroes Meeting Of Important People and All Tiny Creatures from WI at Brillobox. To enter, email me at hughshows@comcast.net with the subject line 'Mariage Blanc' and the name for the folks at will call the night of the show good for two passes. The winner will be randomly chosen and contacted by Saturday afternoon. Good luck.
Songwriters Matt and Josh sing and play guitar in the band and were kind enough to participate in the continuing week-long celebration of a little number I like to call First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
Matt: If memory serves correct I believe it was 1,039 / Smoothed Out
Slappy Hours by Green Day
Josh: Full length album kind of slips my mind - I know the first CD I
ever purchased was the Nirvana "Smells Like Teen Spirit" single. I had
a taped copy of Nevermind, but wanted to hear the b-side "Even In His
Youth".

Your last album bought?
Matt: The Suburbs by Arcade Fire. Great record.
Josh: A bit fuzzy, but I'm guessing it was also The Suburbs by Arcade Fire.

Favorite album of all time?
Matt: This is an impossible question to answer, there are too many
albums I love.
Josh: I don't know how anyone can answer this. I've got "XO" tattooed
on my left wrist, so let's just go with that.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?

Matt: Not sure about least favorite, but I remember in 7th or 8th
grade I bought Sean Lennon's "Into the Sun" and was completely let
down because it didn't sound like The Beatles. "Friendly Fire" was
pretty decent though so he and I are square now.
Josh: Every Weezer album after Pinkerton.


First concert attended?

Matt: No Doubt, strangely enough. I was young, don't judge me.
Josh: David Bowie with Nine Inch Nails at (what was then called) Starlake Ampitheather in 1995(?) - with my mom.


Last concert?
Matt: Last local concert was Harlan Twins at Gooskis. Last big
concert was St. Vincent in February. I would also love to catch The
National this month at Carnegie Music Hall.
Josh: Harlan Twins at Gooskis - they did a great cover of Pavement's
"Range Life".

Favorite concert ever?

Matt: Probably either that St. Vincent show or Built to Spill in
2006. They were both really fun shows.
Josh: My Bloody Valentine at the Aragon Ballroom in Chicago - or -
St. Vincent at Diesel.


Least favorite concert?
Matt: Aerosmith in 2002. My sister got free tickets for some reason
and I had nothing better to do (although looking back on it, that

seems debatable now). The only perk of this show was that Run DMC
opened and I got to see Jam-Master Jay perform. He was murdered about
two months later, sadly.
Josh: No fault of the band, but the Old 97s at the park in Oakland
was a drag. That's the type of band I want to see at a bar, couple
whiskeys deep - not at a park with children.

Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?

Matt: Pittsburgh has been very good to us as a band. There's a nice
scene going on now where pretty much all the bands know each other,
and most of them are friends with each other as well. Bands make an
effort to go out to other people's shows and support the local scene,
which is really great to see. I don't really have anything negative
to say about Pittsburgh at all, I've been having a blast.
Josh: Pittsburgh is great. I grew up here, so every now and again I
get an urge to pack my bags, but I definitely could not afford to have
what I have here, elsewhere.

Thanks fellas. Bummed I missed that St. Vincent show at Diesel this year. She was fantastic at The Warhol in 2008. Also, it's funny you mention XO Josh. I am on a HARD Elliott Smith kick as of late.

Image Of The Day-"We Could Be Friends"

Freelance Whales
Saturday December 12, 2009
Brillobox
Larryville

This band was good. Unfortunately, no matter how good they were, their efforts were eclipsed and almost forgotten due to the fact that Fanfarlo who followed were that much greater. Unenviable position for sure but they are starting to gather some well earned buzz since they were here and I would definitely see them again.