The national buzz for Long Island’s own Gabriel The Marine is continuing to grow. Not only have they received the approval of LI’s Envy On The Coast via myspace blog but Spin.com has also caught on to the band.  Spin.com has included Gabriel The Marine in its 15 Must-Hear Bands at Bamboozle Fest along with the likes of  the reuniting No Doubt, Fall Out Boy, Taking Back Sunday, and Hey Monday. This is most certainly an impressive achievement for the band. Be sure to get to the festival early and check the band out Sunday at 11:40am on The Break stage. 

Is GTM the next band to break out of LI? Share your thoughts in the replies. 

-Christopher Blanco

       Started in June 2007, Fueled by Photography co-founders, Vicky Matthew & Stacey Singer, came together with a common goal: to utilize their talents to help bring exposure to their friends in up and coming bands. In less than two years FBP has grown from a start up with a vision to a force to be reckoned with. Now, a haven for up and coming A&R reps in search of “The Next Big Thing,” Fueled by Photography harnesses their friendly attitude, in regards to fans and artists, and has in returned gained a loyal following. Their myspace blog is straight blowing up.
       They are based out of NYC, Lancaster, PA, as well as Los Angeles, CA. FBP’s first real event was covering The Vans Warped Tour in 2007 – interviewing some great bands such as All Time Low, The Starting Line, The Rocket Summer, Bayside, The Spill Canvas, Forever The Sickest Kids, Mayday Parade and My American Heart. Since then Fueled by photography has been not only interviewed but also toured with bands such as The Starting Line, The Academy is, the Maine, Mayday Parade, Sing It Loud, Valencia and The Spill Canvas – just to name a few. FBP has accomplished many remarkable things since their inception from interviewing over 100 bands, hitting over 1,000 daily visitors, aquiring 16,000 friends to the most important of all aspects of the industry, gaining respect.
       With the addition of Tessie Navarro, their West Coast Connection so to speak, FBP has taken things to the next level, allowing their company to expand their audience nationwide. They continually update their “featured band” section with exclusive tracks and one of a kind interviews which is why people don’t only stumble on their website, but come back for more. FBP also has a partnership going with You, Me, and the City clothing, Axis Clothing & Enjoy The Ride Records and are always looking to expand. Owner and Co-Founder Vicky Matthew also plans to open a Public Relations Firm called Sweet Talk PR which will officially launch this summer along. Vicky’s other summer plans include traveling on this years Vans Warped Tour both interviewing and documenting the onstage and backstage mayhem.
       “We would love to shoot your show or interview your band.” If you are interested in working with us please shoot us a message via their myspace. They also do promotional photos so if you are interested in setting up a photoshoot please contact them to talk further. Serious inquiries only please. Furthermore they Are always looking for new members of their team. Their Goal is to get two or three people in every state (not including – NY, NJ, PA, CT) so if anyone out there is interested in getting involved don’t hesitate to shoot them an email or myspace message to set up an interview and photography showcase.
       You can Also check out all their current work over at their flickr page, spread the word and help bring the Local Scene back.

- Ross Shotland
         Enjoy The Ride Records

             There are two different paths a band can take in the course of their lifespan. The first, and much more common, is for a band to find success with a specific sound, and then essentially stay true to that sound. The second is to reinvent and constantly expand on what they find success with, pushing the envelope a little further each time. For the Louisiana indie rock quartet As Cities Burn, they follow the latter path, and the result of that change is their 2009 Tooth and Nail effort, Hell or High Water.

            As Cities Burn started out as a post-hardcore band and released the album, Son, I Loved You At Your Darkest, an album that featured screaming as the primary vocal delivery style and was received extremely well by both fans and critics. However, in 2006 the band saw the departure of their lead vocalist TJ Bonnette, and guitarist Cody Bonnette, who also provided the clean vocals on the bands debut, took over as the front man. As a result, the bands sound drastically changed and this was evident in their 2007 release, Come Now, Sleep, which was by no means a bad album, but felt like it had a lot of good ideas that were never fully developed. HOHW is what the band was going for on Come Now Sleep, and the end result is a very respectable indie rock album.

            The album starts out with “84 Sheepdog” and “Errand Rum,” two songs that hit hard and set the tone for the album, but the third track on the album, “Into the Sea”, is a personal favorite, with Bonnette wailing “Go throw yourself into the sea” perfectly complimented by the anguish filled guitar riff provided by lead guitarist Chris Lott. The album truly hits its stride with the song “Petty”, which channels Matchbox 20 in a song that seems destined to take over alternative rock radio everywhere. The penultimate track, “Pirate Blues”, prominently features the drumming of Aaron Lunsford, which had taken a backseat in some of the other tracks but really shines here. The second half of this song is the best part of the album, as this is the only point on the album where the band is truly ‘rocking.’ The electronic laden album closer “Capo” draws heavily from Minus the Bear, right down to the vocal delivery style by Bonnette, and is the most interesting track on the album.

              This album has its fair share of great songs, but a few underwhelming ones as well, earning it a B-. Throughout the album however, we can see the maturity of the band, with the subtle electronic elements and synth sprinkled in to accentuate the tracks rather then dominate them. Songs like “Pirate Blues” and “Capo” show what this band is capable of and the potential they have, and this release seems like the prequel to a truly classic album. Head over to their myspace to check out the previously mentioned Pirate Blues and Into the Sea, and see what the hype is all about.

 -Mike Greenbaum

Saturday, May 2
Edna’s Goldfish – Wonka Stage – 1:30
Bayside – Wonka Stage – 2:30
Dr. Acula- State Farm Stage – 12:40
Patent Pending – State Farm Stage – 2:40
This Condition – Zumiez Stage – 11:35
Push Play – Kazoozle Stage – 1:30
Stereo Skyline – Passion Brand Clothing Stage – 1:10

Sunday, May 3
Taking Back Sunday – Imagination Stage – 8:15
This Is Hell – MLB Authentic Collection Stage – 3:05
Vision of Disorder - MLB Authentic Collection Stage – 7:05
The Urgency – Kazoozle Stage – 1:50
Gabriel The Marine – The Aquarian/Break Stage – 11:40
Lights Resolve – Passion Brand Clothing Stage – 5:10
The Bride Wore Black Passion Brand Clothing Stage – 6:10

-Christopher Blanco

- Ross Shotland
Enjoy The Ride Records

       OKAY now if that hasn’t captured your attention, I’m not sure what will. Hell, wait until you hear this boys pipes, I’ll have to help you pick your chin up. Picture a vocal mix of Anthony Greene (Circa Survive, Saosin) and Justin Timberlake…A man who can sing, rap, beat box and rock over any genre of music. This is not a dream, it is a reality. The man whom I speak of is none other than Kellin Quinn formally of the band closer to closure but currently rocking out with the Oregon based outfit named Screenplay.
       This kid is a one of a kind talent who with the right guidance will be sure to make a huge splash both on the indie scene and most likely main steam alike. After scoping that beat boxing video I can almost feel you ‘itchin for more. Not to worry, Quinn’s new band Screenplay has some tracks up for streaming over at their myspace. They will be recording an EP and touring this summer on the West Coast so make some friend requests and beg them to come out to Long Island while they are still underground. Of course this post wouldn’t be complete without a video of Quinn’s finely tuned instrument…

- Ross Shotland
Enjoy the Ride Records

       Silverstein has come a long way since their 2003 Victory Records debut, “What is Broken is Easily Fixed.” The Canadian five piece have put out three passable post-hardcore albums, all enjoyable but underwhelming. However, unlike most bands from 2003, they are still relevant, so they must be doing something right. So after hearing about their newest album, I decided to give it a shot. When first sitting down to give their 2009 Victory release, “A Shipwreck in the Sand,” a listen, I expected much of the same from their previous three efforts. However, over the course of those 45 minutes, I was surprised to hear that this was the Silverstein album I have been waiting for since first hearing them, and is, without question, the best release of their careers.
       The most notable improvement on this release is the singing by vocalist Shane Told, who has taken his singing well beyond anything we’ve previously seen from him, rapidly changing from his abrasive scream to his high pitched notes effortlessly. Lyrically, there’s nothing to write home about, but they do an adequate job, delving into the topics of betrayal, lust, and even a mutiny on the open seas. The musicianship also takes a step up from their previous releases, especially the drumming from Paul Koehler, most notably in the standout track “Vices.” For those of you who already listen to Silverstein, you don’t need to hesitate when deciding to pick this album up, but for those of you who aren’t sold yet, head over to their myspace.
       On their space you can scope out two new tracks,  the previously mentioned “Vices” and “American Dream” and see for yourself what the hype is all about. You don’t want to miss this one and luckily, you won’t have to. Silverstein is currently on a US headlining tour and will be jet-setting to Europe for a stretch of dates, making sure no fan is left behind.  

       After a few spins, this album is a solid release that earns a solid B. It will be interesting to see how, and if, Silverstein can top this record on their next release.

- Mike Greenbaum

- Michael George