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!
BAND: A Better Fall
by Andrew Fersch
UMass has a rich history of churning out business suit wearing sales representatives by the busload, but now it can also boast that it joined together a newbie rock band A Better Fall, from Dudley and already making a name for themselves at places like Irish Times, The Lucky Dog, Bulfinch’s and more.
With a style ranging from mixed up punk rock to ska to good old rock-n-roll, A Better Fall clearly doesn’t want to be pigeon-holed as playing any one style ~ and given the variety of their four recently recorded songs, that shouldn’t even be a concern.
Each of the four songs ~ “Questions,” “Changes,” “Jet Black Poison,” and “London” ~ leans more toward one specific style than another, but somehow they all work together. A rock song melts into a ska song. A straight up punk rock song morphs into something that could very well throw Johnny Punkrocker into a rage, and have Johnny Footballhero pumping his meaty fists.
The various experiences and styles of each member are immediately evident in the unique sound the band produces. Guitarist Rex and bassist Dan began their musical journeys as stagehands in the Worcester area. Drummer Darek also started working as a stagehand a couple years after he picked up the drums, and worked nearly every major venue in the Boston area. Rex had nearly 20 years of guitar playing experience, with Darek having nearly as many on the drums. On the other hand, Dan picked up the bass cold in 2006 and started playing catch-up…and is doing a pretty good job at it.
Singer Tom was actually a bartender with a dream of singing in a band when he saw a MySpace ad the other three guys had posted after realizing they didn’t have what it takes to front a band on their own. From that point the band began doing just that, writing and performing their own brand of music that encompasses many styles but (in the best way possible) adheres to none. A Better Fall currently has three more songs in production and are considering releasing a six song EP this fall ~ they say “considering” because, as a band with an eye towards the future, they think it might be more logical to simply release the EP on-line given how people find and acquire music. Either way, make sure to check it out…
…and until then, check out the band at Myspace.com/abetterfall.
SOLO: MARTIN HUQ
By Matthew Erhartic
A few weeks ago, a buddy and I grabbed a couple of beers at a local music venue. The music was to say the least a bit lackluster (it didn’t hold a candle to Jon Papelbon’s clutch performance in the 9th). The night left us with one big, nagging question: “Where are all the rock stars?!”
Question asked, question answered…in the form of self proclaimed rock-n-roll revivalist Martin Huq. The Worcester born Huq (pronounced “Huck”), is determined to become a rock star or bust. Combining slithering stage antics with three chord rock wickedness, he’s got the complete rock n roll package ~ music, antics, and afterparty. Huq wants to knock your block off with the rock…not be your indie label darling.
“Road to Vegas,” the opening track of his new disc Driving All Night, has that classic, boozy, cheap motel room stench that sets up the disc perfectly. From the opening Keith Richards bluesy shot to the arm guitar lick to Martin’s outstanding “girl gone away to make it to the big time” lyrical delivery, the song shines. The track successfully apes a classic southern rock strut without all the “gee golly” country boy hospitality.
“Kickin’ Back” shares that same red state rock sensibility. Clocking in at a mere 2:19, the track doesn’t waste a second in its bid to be your next barn-burning summer anthem. Guitarist Joe O’ Donnell unleashes certain Skynard-esque soul but never feels the need to overcook the ragged foot stomper.
“Coney Island Rides” and “Amelia Earhart” take a cue from metal ballad radio days of yesteryear and they work surprisingly well. Prepare to flick your Bic and dig out your Motley Crue patched denim jackets ~ it’s a throwback to the time of Aqua Net-doused balladry. Nevertheless, one of Huq’s strengths is that he doesn’t allow himself to fall into self-parody ~ there’s no “wink wink, nudge nudge” when he delivers melodramatic lyrics of women done wrong over guitar heroics and weeping pianos. He’s a real deal Holyfield, legitimately channeling his sorrow and tales of lovers’ quarrels into over-the-top, well crafted opuses.
Martin Huq is the first to admit that he’s not reinventing the wheel ~ but it’s a refreshingly good time.
Mixed by Joel Plante (Pink Floyd, David Gilmour), the E.P is as sexed-up and larger than life as its creator. Driving All Night is a direct extension of Martin Huq’s persona, disarming the listener with self confident, cockeyed swagger. He is hell bent on taking them for a ride to the rock n’ roll promised land in his suped-up ’78 Camaro.
Check out www.martinhuq.com for all the latest in Huq news, dates (including info on his CD release party scheduled for fall!), and merchandise. Martin’s CD is available at www.cdbaby.com and at Itunes.com
CLUB: Destaré
By Stephanie Eckelkamp
The brainchild of Christopher Iosua and his two partners, Destaré brings the uniqueness, originality and class associated with larger cities to the historic Dickinson Building in downtown Fitchburg.
“The word destaré is actually Italian for awakening,” Iosua said. Looks like we can finally stop dreaming of an upscale spot for drinks in this corner of North County.
Iosua, who is developing the 1890 Dickinson Building into residential condo units, came up with the idea for Destaré as a means to “…bring energy and excitement to the area. It’s a Manhattan-style bar and there’s really nothing like it in Central Massachusetts.”
With its 15-foot ceilings and 12-foot wall of glass overlooking Main Street, the building provided an “absolutely phenomenal workspace” that called for an equally phenomenal bar. “We spared no expense,” Iosua said.
Destare’s unique atmosphere is created through its décor and music selection. The bar’s indoor waterfall even impressed Iosua’s business associate from New York. “His jaw just dropped when he saw the light reflect off our indoor waterfall that flows over glass tiles,” Iosua said. “The Bellagio was the first thing he said came to his mind.”
For music, Iosua has developed a system that caters to two different crowds. “From 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. we’re geared toward our somewhat older martini drinkers with music by people like Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin,” Iosua said. “From 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. we have more contemporary music for the younger crowd.”
Though Iosua classifies it as a martini bar, Destaré offers much more than just drinks. In addition to the 40 martinis, guests can choose from a mouth-watering selection of tasty treats.
“We will definitely have some light food choices like our quesadillas and 11 gourmet paninis,” Iosua said. “We’re really proud of these. We’re not trying to be a place where people come for dinner, but you will be well fed.”
Iosua is also very excited about Destare’s dessert menu ~ and if you’re a fan of fresh, authentic-Italian pastries, you will be too. “We travel multiple times per week into Boston’s North End and pick up desserts from Modern Pastry to serve along with our cappuccinos and coffee products,” Iosua said.
There is, however, one not-so-New York element to Destaré, but we’re not complaining. Located just beyond the Dickinson Building is a public parking garage with about 350 spaces that’s free after 4 p.m.
Destaré is located at 320 Main Street in Fitchburg. For more information, go to www.destare.com or call 978-345-5734.
Up and Comers Special: Clear The Way Rocked Portugal
By Anthony Caputo
Most of you are already familiar with Clear The Way ~ they’ve rocked The Lucky Dog, the Worcester Music Awards, and Ralph’s, to name but a few of the venues where they pretty much have standing invites. But what you might not know is that they’ve just gone international. And had a great time doing it.
Most of you are already familiar with Clear The Way ~ they’ve rocked The Lucky Dog, the Worcester Music Awards, and Ralph’s, to name but a few of the venues where they pretty much have standing invites. But what you might not know is that they’ve just gone international. And had a great time doing it.When a glass of wine costs a quarter, you’re in for a long night. Clear the Way spent 10 long July nights in Portugal playing music, drinking and staying out until nine or 10 in the morning. Each day the foursome would wake up around 6 p.m. and start all over again.
You might as well live the life of a rock star when you’re playing a festival on the island of Pico. After all, how many chances like this do you get? (Well, the band expects to be invited back next year, but who’s counting?)
“I was there ten days and spent $100. Everything was taken care of,” lead singer and guitarist Sean McGorty said. “I’m positive they want us to come back next year. And I’m positive that I’ll go.”
Rounding out Clear the Way is Pete Degraaf on bass, Derek Hendrickson on lead guitar and backup vocals and Jeff Seco on drums. For a little longer than an hour, the band cruised through 16 songs during their set, which didn’t start until 2:15 a.m. With the stage set on a pier, the band was framed by the ocean behind them.
As described by McGorty once he was back in the States (our budget doesn’t include sending correspondents to islands off the coast of Portugal ~ but I’m petitioning for it for next year!), the crowd erupted after the set, calling for an encore. Naturally, the boys obliged.
“The crowd was going nuts. I’ve never signed so many autographs in my life. They loved us over there.”
An hour-long set leaves a lot of free time over the course of 10 days. Sure, McGorty, Degraaf, Hendrickson and Seco helped themselves to the wine offered at every meal: “Let me put it this way, if you don’t like wine, it’s not a good place to go.” And they drank plenty of 75-cent glasses of beer (the catch: they only offer one kind of beer over there). But they also had plenty of opportunities to jam with the other musicians playing at the fest.
There were about five nights when a Portuguese bar became what could be considered a Stateside roadhouse. A stage would draw members of all sorts of bands, from all sorts of musical backgrounds. But classics are classics, no matter the cultural barrier. Songs by The Doors, Zeppelin and The Beatles provided vamps for anyone to get up and sing.
“No one’s afraid to sing there,” McGorty said. “Here [in the States], it’s hard to get people to sing. Over there, they don’t care what they sound like. They’re just partying.”
After being in Portugal from June 30th to July 10th (they played at the fest July 7th), the members of Clear the Way came back to reality. McGorty said it was good to be home, to see family and to see their girlfriends – they all stayed faithful, if you must know.
In the near future, Clear the Way will try to take their music out on the road, away from its usual (and beloved) haunt, The Lucky Dog. With their new, recently released self-titled CD, the band hopes to hit spots in New York and Pennsylvania.
Listen to Clear the Way on their MySpace page at www.myspace.com/cleartheway…and buy the CD!
