3MF

By Katey Khaos

I have four words for you: Modern. Rock. Jam. Band. Now, take that concept and toss in a hint of 60s and 70s rock n’ roll. Are ya listening yet? Now, add in a smooth saxophone and you have an awesome sound that’s known as 3MF, or 3rd Man Factor.

3rd Man Factor is Luke Tobin (guitar and vocals), Jake Shea (guitar and vocals), Riley Feeney (bass), James Massucco (drums), and Kyle Champeon (saxophone).The name originated from the book by John Geiger bearing the same title, which explores stories relating to the idea that in desperate situations where people are alone, often near death, there is an incorporeal being that guides them to safety.

3MF’s three song EP displays only a taste of the talent these guys have. Live, 3MF’s energy is contagious. It’s rare not to see the crowd tappin’ their feet or singing along to every last word. Trust me when I say that in order to understand what 3MF is all about, you need to experience them live.

3MF have rocked the stage at Northborough’s 2011 Applefest, The Palladium’s Next Big Thing Tour 2011, and won second place at NEGB1’s Battle of the Bands 2011. 3MF admits, “Before every gig, we find a set of five related objects, which we keep on our person throughout the show. These objects range from SpongeBob dominoes to nickels to small plastic toy farm animals. We also bring a toddler’s toy called “Baby Driver” to each gig. Unfortunately, it’s now broken due to Kyle’s over-enthusiastic honking of the toy horn.”

I believe the guys in 3MF said it best: “I have this belief that our music, and all music, has the power to change people lives.” (Tobin) “And we’re just crazy enough to try it.” (Feeney)

Keep an eye out for their first full length album, set to be released early this year.

In the meantime, check out www.3mfband.com!

Patient Ø

By Katey Khaos

Patient Ø isn’t your run-of-the-mill metal band. In fact, it’s difficult to classify these guys under one distinct genre because each member has the band has such diverse influences. As Dave Gannon explains, “Zombiecore would be my comical answer, but in more familiar terms, we’re alternative metal, if anything.” Mash up nu-metal, metalcore, and groove with the occasional rap/hip-hop influence and you’ve got Patient Ø. The masterminds behind the band are Dave Gannon (guitar and vocals), Matt Braga (vocals), Jeremy Litton (guitar), Steve Webb (guitar), Justin “Weeble” Winsor (bass) and Mike Yarletts (drums).

Patient Ø has been fortunate enough to share the stage with big name bands such as All That Remains and Hollywood Undead at The Expo Center in Fitchburg. These guys put on one hell of a show, and that’s partly due to their following of fans. As Patient Ø explains, “We love the fans for getting in our faces and singing the lyrics. We love the fans that bring the mosh too!”

Currently, Patient Ø has an EP that’s fresh off the press, entitled We Don’t F*ck Around. The album art was created by Gannon himself, and the mixing was done by Yarletts with tracking done by a close friend, Chris “Chachi” McCumber.. The EP features three tracks including “(In)Dependence,” which houses the perfect combination of screams and clean vocals. Although only a starting point for Patient Ø, the WDFA EP is a landmark, demonstrating these guys are ready to rock the metal world!

What do Patient Ø fans have to look forward to in the future? A full-length album, more shows, and more fun. “Ultimately, our goal is to make this our day job,” the band says.

Check out www.reverbnation.com/patient0
and www.facebook.com/patient0metal fore more info!

 

 

“Graduate” CD – Cougar Bait

By Jason Savio

The self-titled debut by Worcester’s Cougar Bait is like any true cougar: she has two faces, one covered with loads of make-up and one that is natural, her real self. Despite giving themselves a comical name, Cougar Bait seem to take themselves seriously on their debut. However, it can be hard to tell at times whether or not they are genuine or just openly mocking the formula of past rock bands with their macho one liners and distorted guitars. Regardless, they make sure anyone listening to them has a good time.

The opening “Soul To Tame” starts out with a dark funky shuffle, but soon gives way to cliche guitar solos complete with a line that would make Bret Michaels proud: “You got me searching for your buried treasure/ Let me be your guilty pleasure.” Outdated? Perhaps…but for those who still keep the 80s and early 90s hair metal close to their hearts and ears, pure gold. Lead singer Chest Rockwell drops an F-Bomb in “Far Out Jam” that will probably lead his cougar interest to take away his video game privileges.

Don’t get me wrong, not all the songs here are generic, testosterone driven “fluff” tracks that have been done before. There is talent here, but it is unevenly displayed. It is when Cougar Bait take off their “Cougar Bait” costumes and are honest with themselves and their songwriting that they are at their best. “Darkness” is a strong piece with inspired guitar work by Rod Hamilton while the combo of “Wanted” and “Runnin’ For My Life” hint at a fragile interior of self-consciousness.

One can’t help but feel that the music here might be trying to be something that it is not. When an album contains elements of both genuine emotion and commercial appeal, each can become too obvious if they aren’t blended and used judiciously throughout an album. Whether or not Cougar Bait is a band intentionally positioning itself as just a fun joke band (who, I must add, certainly know how to put on a live show and get their many fans of all ages ~ not just cougars! ~ whipped into a good-natured frenzy) and purposely writing songs to bolster that image remains to be seen. Their debut record doesn’t give any definite answers, but they will soon have to make up their minds before trying to seduce any more older women.

Check out Cougar Bait for yourself at their next live show, visit them at www.cougarbaitmusic.com, or look them up on Facebook.