thePULSEBAND
The Dirge Carolers
Band set for first full-length album
By Rebecca Carter
With a hint of the turn-of-the century Rasputina vibe, post-punk synch and some Bauhaus twang thrown in for good measure; The Dirge Carolers are Worcester’s contribution to a resurging Goth-Renaissance underground.
Formed in 1997, The Dirge Carolers have had a rotating line-up; it which currently consists of Chris Harnois on lead vocals, bass, drum and keyboard programming, Peter Nulton on guitar, Heather Nulton on keys and Dorian James also on guitar. In their time together, The Carolers have graced such bohemian haunts as The Rat, CBGB’s, Sky Bar, The Living Room, and our own The Lucky Dog, to name a few. To date, they’ve recorded five DIY EPs in their own studio.
The band’s latest, Walk Like Men, has a very ‘80s feel (no, not Tiffany ‘80s, definitely Joy Division ‘80s), but in this genre that’s nothing but a plus. Whereas as the new wave of Goths and Industrialists have succumbed to the gleam of overproduction, the DIY feel of Walk Like Men harkens back to the days when even the pioneers were learning how to use their synthesizers. The vocals on the three song EP are quite reminiscent of Bauhaus’ Peter Murphy, at times maybe a little too reminiscent. But Harnois sites Murphy as a major influence.
“We are all inspired by Bauhaus, especially Peter Murphy,” he explained. “[He] has an awesome, versatile voice, which ranges all over the place from baritone crooner like Sinatra to craziness like Jello Biafra.”
The Dirge Carolers are currently at work on their first full length album, set to be released this year on Triforium Records.
“Walk Like Men was recorded in our own studio, where the follow up album is in production,” Chris described. “We used the EP as a sort of test of our home recording skills. Based on the positive response that we got we decided to record a full length LP using the same method, only spending a bit more time polishing it up.”
The Dirge Carolers are unique, a nice change to the “new alternative,” but they are part of a scene that has been slow to gain acceptance in Worcester. “We’d love to play out in Worcester more, but the style we play doesn’t seem to have that strong of a following in this area,” explained Chris. “We fare better in Providence and Boston, and would love to see the same kind of response here.”
For more information on The Dirge Carolers visit www.dirgecarolers.com or www.myspace.com/thedirgecarolers
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BAND
Barely Legal
Band expands their sound
By Matthew Erhartic
The greatest blues bands have always had a sense of grit about them. It’s the same grit a blues player would find under his fingertips after an all-nighter singing his sorrow through melody and a six string. So it’s only fitting that Sturbridge’s own Barely Legal nicked their name from a dirty magazine.
Although the band has garnered a dozen local awards for their blues based music, Barely Legal have traded in their Buddy Guy and BB King influences for Nikki Sixx and Rikki Rocket. While still dabbling in the blues, the band has brought 80s me-generation guitar rock into the mix. Their originals like “Whiteline Fever” and “Gypsy Queen” conjure up mental images of Aqua Net, denim jacket back patches and making out in the back of an Iroc. Like, bitchin’, man!
Despite the incorporation of Reagan Era attitude, the songs glisten with blazing blues licks and, more importantly, quality musicianship ~ elements that most music critics never cited in their reviews of a 80s hair band albums.
Bassist and band founder Paul Seifert claims the shift in style was the right transition after the band reconfigured its lineup last year. Embracing an exciting newfound chemistry, Seifert, along with guitarist Mike Fitzback, drummer Bryan Klein, and newly recruited vocalist John Fitzback, felt the time was right to ditch their award-winning sound in exchange for something new. “Hard rock just seemed to be what came natural while writing with the new members,” Seifert explains. “That and the name just screamed HARD ROCK!”
Despite citing Guns N’ Roses and Motley Crue as their influences, the band abandons the blues doused, man-stiletto rock for a more modern vibe in “Get So Down “…if your idea of modern is “Beverly Hills 90210” and Reebok Pumps. The band perfectly nails the sounds of Generation-X with grungy tones and Eddie Vedder patented scruffy vocal styles. It’s an affectionate and enjoyable nod to the recent past, sounding like a chip off the old Stone Temple Pilots block.
As Barely Legal continues to write new material, the band still earns its bread and butter as a premier cover band. Working seemingly every weekend, the band has an impressive list of bar room/jukebox-friendly tunes that range from Stevie Ray Vaughn to The Ramones and Tom Petty. “We choose a lot of old bar band reliables because that’s what people want to hear at 1:30 am,” Paul explains. “’Sweet Home Alabama’ always gets them going.”
Barely Legal will slow down their hectic schedule this summer to concentrate on recording their new E.P., the appropriately titled Hot Rods, Hot Chicks, and Cold Beer. Recording at Hometown Studios in Granby, MA, the band promises a CD “…that’ll take you back to the great sounds of the 80s and beyond.”
The band’s recent stint in the studio has fueled their ambitions, making them focus on a common goal that most blues musicians and hard rock aficionados share. “In the future we would like to get signed and tour.” Seifert muses. “Come on…who doesn’t?!”
For more information on Barely Legal, check out www.barelylegalband.com
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BAND
Kenaz
Committed to creativity
By Dawn Fenton
Kenaz. In Celtic circles this rune refers to the fire of creation, inspiration and the spark of enthusiasm that gets a project moving. Small wonder Dave Fazzina chose this name for his band.
“Creativity drives our music and we try to be different than your typical verse/chorus/verse…we’re little more out there in our sound,” he says.
The current line up, together since 2006, includes Fazzina on bass and vocals, Mark Toolin on guitar, Keith Boyer on vocals and guitar, and brother James Boyer rounding out the mix on drums.
Citing such influences as Tool, Rush, Audioslave and Led Zeppelin, Kenaz is a hard rock outfit that takes pride in its music and endorsement of the local scene.
On average, Kenaz play about two shows per month and are beginning to make a name for themselves here in Worcester. Most recently they played the Lucky Dog Music Hall as openers for Children of the Korn ~ and they were a perfect fit for this Korn tribute band and the audience of Korn fans.
“We’re not one of these bands that drops out of sight when things are bad,” explains Fazzina. “We give one hundred and ten percent to each show – promotion and performance…we try innovative things to get people to shows.”
Those “things” they try include discounts, freebies, giveaways, and even once or twice borrowing his grandfather’s van in order to drive fans to the show. “Nothing is beneath me,” laughs Fazzina. “I want to see things like they were in the late 90s…everything now is this big competition and no one seems to support anyone else anymore. It should be a brotherhood, not a battle of the bands.”
With seven original songs in its repertoire, Kenaz plans to begin recording its first full length CD in late April at White Noise Records in Providence.
“Recording has been a nightmare for us in the past, so we’re really looking forward to it and nervous at the same time,” says Fazzina. “One time after a recording session the band broke up [in 2005, with an earlier version of the current line up] and another time the computer broke down and we lost everything we were working on. Everything.”
We sure hope the band has plenty of backup copies of their single “My Embrace” stashed away somewhere with the rest of their work because Kenaz is persistent, hard working, and talented. We’ll be waiting for that CD!
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SOLO
Matt Shwachman
A one-way ticket to “Uncharted Territory”
By Mary Ouellette
Sometimes beautiful, transcending songs are as simple as a man, a guitar, and a positive vision. Such is the case for Worcester-based Matt Shwachman, singer, songwriter and storyteller. On his latest release, “Unchartered Territory,” the songs glide effortlessly from track to track with tales of inspiration, love, and spirituality ~ all guided by Shwachman’s acoustic guitar, melodic flair, and lyrics that resonate straight through to the soul.
The one element that really stands out on Shwachman’s CD is the ever-present positive energy and spirit intertwined with every song, inspiring the listener to make the most of all that life offers up. “I always try to be positive and look at life’s challenges as opportunities for growth,” states Shwachman.
Getting to this point in his songwriting was a long and sometimes painful journey for Matt. “I had a sports injury that occurred in my neck while traveling in Australia in 2001,” he said. “It really affected the quality of my life and I was in a lot of physical pain. In 2005, while still looking for relief I found spirituality which changed my life. It began to lead me to people who could help me in terms of my injury, but more importantly it taught me to help myself in all areas of my life. It brought a sense of urgency to my life to accomplish what I am here to do and an appreciation for the blessings that were already in my life. It is a major driving force behind my inspiration for music. The injury has been the biggest challenge of my life, but also the biggest blessing as it has provided the most growth.”
It’s not just the locals who are taking notice of Matt’s talents, either. Shwachman’s track “Side of the Road” was featured on a recent episode of the hit show “One Tree Hill.” “It’s a song about following your dreams and not letting what other people think get in the way of that.” On hearing his song on TV for the first time Shwachman humbly recalls, “It was a great feeling to hear my song on the show, and it made me feel like I was starting to get on track in the pursuit of my own dreams. However, there wasn’t much reveling in the moment, there was more of a feeling of what I can do next to keep the ball rolling.”
And what did he do next to do just that? Without losing any steam, he picked up two local awards as the write-in winner in the categories “Best Singer Songwriter” and “Best New Album.” While winning awards is a rewarding experience, Shwachman simply looks at it as “…an avenue to reach more people and hopefully touch their lives.”
All artists have a goal and Matt’s is pretty lofty: “I want to change the world for the better. I think it is great how artists like Bono for example are using their voice to draw attention to problems the world face. People are much more likely to listen when it comes from someone that they can relate to. I believe that music has that ability to bring people together from all walks of life in the celebration of life no matter what their differences may be.”
How can you argue with that? Matt Shwachman is well on his way to changing the world one song at a time.
Catch the magic of Matt Shwachman live at his upcoming show at Harpers Ferry in Boston on June 23rd. Also make sure to visit www.mattshwachman.com and www.myspace.com/mattshwachman
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BAND
Eye Witness
Answering the call of the road
By Matthew Erhartic
Shortly after wrapping up their July 3rd gig at The Lucky Dog, Eye Witness bassist Rainy and singer/guitarist Milo will embark on a seemingly Bob Dylan tune inspired adventure, panhandling across the country playing street corners and coffee houses.
“We actually just bought Milo a case of harmonicas and a holder today so we can be real life-folk musicians. We’re taking my car, assuming I have one that runs at that point,” Rainy shrugs. “We have some friends and family around the country that will hopefully let us sleep in their guest beds, living rooms, bathtubs…work is for suckers.”
The couple’s quirky and carefree attitude perfectly reflects their music. Along with their drummer, Mr. Pete, Eye Witness have been perking up ears in the Worcester club circuit with their brand of Modern Lovers seasoned indie pop, channeling early to mid 80s college radio with “keep you guessing” lyrics that may leave even Beck or Jonathan Richman scratching their heads.
Initially inspired by a bumper sticker, “United We Stand” begins with a shuffle beat and lyrics painted with political overtones before unleashing a noise-laden chorus that could’ve easily wedged itself on an early nineties Sub-Pop compilation.
Arguably their finest moment is “Celebrate Your Life,” an epic track that feels like a great beer- soaked Irish Hymn written by the Clash’s Joe Strummer.
Although the band is still relatively new in Clubland’s eyes, Milo describes their fanbase as quite loyal.
“We’ve seen some pretty intense dance moves, which is always encouraging,” she said. “It’s nice to see that our music can make people get up and look ridiculous. We seem to get a pretty level response among different groups of people…the bar-sitters, the corner hanger-outers. That’s pretty cool for us, to be able to appeal to a variety of people.”
Eye Witness has been shaking hands with the city’s music elite as well: Lucky Dog’s Erick Godin has affectionately compared their sound to “…the Velvet Underground meeting the Pixies” and Tremolo Lounge producer and recent Worcester Music Award winner Roger Lavallee has begun talks with the band about recording this fall.
The band formed last year after Mr. Pete and Milo began working on some of Milo’s original compositions. After coming to the realization that they needed a bassist, they pulled up craigslist and found Rainy, a drummer who had recently put down her sticks for the four string.
Eye Witness promises to put on an entertaining show always and have admitted to having a card up their sleeve. “We have a girl bass player…yeah, that’s right a girl bass player and she’s totally hot.” The band’s quirkiness gives them a charm that shines through the music and win fans over. “We’re a simple three-piece rock band,” Milo says. “All about the sex, drugs, and rock n roll, with out the sex and drugs.”
For more info check out www.myspace.com/eyewitnessrocks
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