thePULSEBands, clubs, artists, and businesses that you may not have heard of yet…but that we think are going to make a name for themselves really soon ~ and you get to hear about them here, right before they make it big!
CD ~ Promised Eden delivers metal paradise with “Guilt”
By Bobby Hankinson
When listening to any album, there’s usually going to be a few stand-out tracks ~ three, four, or ~ if you’re really lucky ~ five or six. But on Promised Eden’s debut album “Guilt,” the Worcester-based boys produce 11 killer tunes.
From album-opener “Don’t Belong” the band comes out with all guns blazing. Singer Keith Brindle’s voice has a distinctive snarl to it, adding a level grit to the group’s hard-rocking material. Don’t let the edge fool you, they’ve also got a great sense of melody. On “Fall From Grace,” the chorus shows the band’s softer side with a silvery vocal. Even the guitar riff on the chorus, courtesy of Patrick Keating, shines through the distortion.
“Free At Last” comes in with an almost jazz-feel; Brindle’s snarl is full of raspy soul. It doesn’t take long for the intensity to be turned up and soon the band is back at what it does best ~ fist-pumping, head-banging rock. The album’s title-track is another raucous number, but the disc eases up with “Breathe.” The appropriately titled tune provides a well-positioned respite among the chaos. After it eases in ~ and lets the listener catch his own breath ~ it’s back to business.
One of the album’s real treats comes about 45 seconds after the final track “From Me” comes to its frenetic end. What follows is about three minutes of an achingly beautiful acoustic guitar. Sure, on the surface it may seem out of place, but given Promised Eden’s ability to perfect their craft even in the midst of such rowdy pieces, it makes perfect sense.
While the album is great, Brindle said their live show tops it. “When people don’t know who we are, at first they’re stand-offish and don’t know what to expect. After the first song we’ve got their attention.” Drummer Mike Paquin emphasized the band’s high-energy performances and little bits of rock ‘n’ roll choreography they throw in (like twirling his drumsticks). “We actually work really hard on our show and on our stage presence,” he said.
The band’s work has been featured on Matchbox Records’ compilation disc “The Big Indie Comeback Vol. 3” as well as in conjunction with the No Fear product line. The exposure has won them many fans the world over, including the U.K., Japan, and Mexico. Bassist Wayne Williams said they receive e-mails from bands overseas who dig their music.
But before they take their place on the world’s stage, the next order of business for the band is to get signed and work on their next album. After “Guilt,” the bar’s been set pretty high.
Promised Eden performs at the Trumbull in Spencer on June 15. Visit promisededen.com for more info.
CLUB ~ Bender’s
433 Park Ave., Worcester, MA
By Lauren Koblara
Free wings, 12 beers on tap, and a brand new plasma screen television… it may just make you look forward to Mondays.
The popular Park Avenue haunt previously known as the Foo Bar now has a new name, a new owner, and a new attitude. Since buying the bar about six months ago, John “JT” Tarashuck has been busy transforming the original dark and “cave-like” structure into a brighter and more inviting space. Two very large brand new windows, one fresh coat of paint, and the possibility of outdoor seating in the future breathe new life into this Worcester favorite.
JT chose to rename the bar Bender’s in tribute to a friend’s grandfather. And the name is just the beginning for JT. He says that Bender’s is “…a work in progress, we have a few things we want to try out.” The vision is to create a place unlike the other bars in the Park Avenue area, a place with something for everyone.
Whether you are an active participant or a sidelines spectator, the calendar of weekly events makes Bender’s a dynamic and interactive hotspot. With live DJs on Thursdays and Saturdays, karaoke on Sundays, and an open mic/comedy night in the works for Wednesdays, Bender’s has a lot to offer. Oh, and did I mention free wings on Mondays and Tuesdays?
Another new feature at Bender’s is the full menu. While perusing the choices you will notice the awesome prices. The Bender, an aptly named double-decker burger with all the fixings, is only $7 and is the priciest meal on the menu. The kitchen’s hours are from 11 am to 11 pm and appetizers are served ‘til 1 am for any late night munchers.
Like his other Worcester bar, McGuire’s, JT describes the atmosphere at Bender’s as “…diverse, we see all walks of life in here.” JT’s four years in the Worcester bar scene have given him an insight into the minds of bar patrons of all ages. That is precisely what you will find, an inviting gathering spot where you will surely feel welcome… even on a Monday.
BAND ~ The Vecctones: Plurality is overrated
By Bobby Hankinson
Maybe it’s just me, but when I hear “one-man-band,” I usually am reminded of the cartoon image portraying a man with a washboard on his stomach, a bass drum strapped to his back, and a harmonica sitting in his mouth.
Surely no single man could produce the lush, fully-fleshed-out tunes of a four- or five-piece heavy metal act. After hearing the Vecctones, the musical brainchild of Worcester’s own Joe Vecchio, my mind has seriously been blown.
Vecchio is responsible for the writing, producing, vocals, guitar-stylings, and bass lines for all the tunes. But listening to his debut, available in .mp3 format at thevecctones.com, you’d never be the wiser. While the tracks are stylistically sparse, they by no means feel empty. Vecchio’s passion and precision could easily measure up to any group with five times the members.
Ironically, the only part Vecchio, a drummer for upwards of 20 years, leaves up to his computer is the percussion. “It’s such a treat, it’s a pleasure to just tap out the drum beats,” he said. “It lets me take a load off and focus on the other things.”
Like many musicians, Vecchio started young with a Muppet Babies drumset. He quickly ripped through the drumheads within a week’s time. In college, he left the rock world for jazz and then returned to rock once more. One of his earlier bands, Woodgrain Theory, opened for Godsmack at the Lucky Dog and performed in Boston and Providence. When that group disbanded, Vecchio took a gig playing drums for a Las Vegas-esque revue aboard a Carnival Cruise ship for six months.
As his musical tastes delved deeper into the rock world after college, he picked up synth, guitar, and bass. Accustomed to his position behind the kit, it wasn’t until two or three years ago that he got the nerve to try out vocals. “I said, ‘Screw it! I’m going to try the vocal thing. I’ll challenge myself and I’ll do it just for the adventure of it.’”
With his debut up for download online, Vecchio’s already looking toward the follow-up. He’s got nine tracks and about 35 minutes worth of material down and says it’s more guitar-driven. He also says he thinks it tops his debut. “What I have now seemed like a milestone, but now it’s turning into more of a stepping down.”
When the second disc wraps up, Vecchio’s going to start to look for musicians to help him take the tracks live (interested guitarists, bassists, and drummers can check his site or catch him at myspace.com/thevecctones). But, then again, he’s not in any rush.
“I’ll just keep producing until the right musicians come around.”
NICE article about Promised Eden. I love the band and I go to see them every chance I get which is quite often. They put on an incredible show every time! Anyone going to see them will not be disappointed and they’re also a great bunch of guys.
I work there thursday nights. the dj gets the place shithouse. The food is good and cheap, the drinks are stiff, and the girls are loose. Come see me. – Chad