This week, I came across a great local North Jersey band that normally I would not listen to, but something about them was just really fun! When I say that I normally wouldn’t listen to them, I mean their style of music, but then again, writing this column, I have to keep an open mind and listen to everything! Anyway, I’m talking about Rutherford, NJ’s Boxed Wine. These guys are just a straight-edged, alternative rock band that kick some serious ass. I gave a few of their songs a listen and I have to admit, it’s something that I really might listen to again. The songs “First Time,” “Danger Eyes” and “On The Run” off of their debut full-length, Cheap Fun, really reminded of New Found Glory for some reason with some nuances of The Strokes and Tokyo Police Club. I actually like to call this stuff “Geek Music!” That’s the best way to describe it.
Boxed Wine started when singer and guitarist Chris Mactire and lead guitarist Ralph Nicastro entered the real world, having to look for real jobs, but like everyone else, they hated it. They wanted to do something fun, so they decided to start creating the kind of music they loved to listen to while they were in school. Some people in the “real world” who play music usually like to create music that reminds them of a time that was much simpler. That is what Chris and Ralph were trying to do. After finally solidifying the lineup in 2012 with bassist Mike Cerisano and drummer Steve McCarthy, they felt it was time to start releasing the music they’ve spent so much time creating.
In May of this year, Boxed Wine released their debut CD, Cheap Fun, which they recorded and put out on their own dime. The CD includes the songs I mentioned earlier, and is just a fun CD to listen to. You can give it a listen on boxedwine.bandcamp.com. For more info on Boxed Wine and to find out where they are playing next, log onto boxedwineisaband.com.
NORTH JERSEY NOTES UPDATES:
My boys from Statik Silence have a brand new music video out for their song “When It’s Over” off of their self-titled debut EP. The video is absolutely awesome and the song totally kicks you in the ass. Statik Silence worked with director Jay Wes on the video for “When It’s Over,” and I have a feeling after bands see this video, they will be knocking down Jay’s door to direct their next music video. Check out “When It’s Over” on YouTube at youtu.be/pFemAf1lHX0. For more info on Statik Silence, log onto facebook.com/StatikSilence.
Speaking of new videos, my bro, Santino Noir, former frontman of Scarlet Carson, just released a new music video for his song “Heart’s Still Broken” off of his hip-hop/R&B solo debut, They’ll Never See It Coming. As always, I think anything Santino puts his vocals on is nothing short of amazing and besides, how can you not love a video with lots of blood? Check out Santino’s new music video for “Heart’s Still Broken” now on YouTube at youtu.be/KTYFbrlK3tA. For more info on Santino Noir, log onto facebook.com/OfficialSantinoNoir.
And finally, my bros from Atom Strange are “finally” releasing their long-awaited follow-up to Cosmic Disturbance this Saturday night (11/30) with the release of their new CD, The Lost Cosmonauts. They’re celebrating with a huge CD release party at, where else, the Mercury Lounge in NYC. This is one event that you won’t want to miss! If you have to miss it, at least buy The Lost Cosmonauts on iTunes! For more info on Atom Strange, log onto atomstrange.com.
That’s all for now! If your band is from North Jersey, and you want some exposure, send your press kits to Arts Weekly, c/o Tim Louie P.O. Box 1140, Little Falls, NJ 07424, or you can email me at tim@theaquarian.com, where you can also let me know where you’re performing next!
Just remember….We’re all in the same boat, so every little bit of exposure counts!
Tim Louie is the Author of S**t Happens.
NJN Concert Calendar:
11/27—Marc Rizzo—The Blue Room, Secaucus, NJ
11/27—Steve Brown and The Fallout—Elm Street Grill, Oakland, NJ
11/29—Ten Feet From Murder/E-Town Concrete/40 Below Summer/Bane/Nora/Judge The Fallen—Starland Ballroom, Sayreville, NJ
11/30—Cyperna/Stagger—Championship Sports Bar and Grill, Trenton, NJ
11/30—Ted Poley—Dingbatz, Clifton, NJ
11/30—Atom Strange “CD Release Party”—Mercury Lounge, NYC
12/3—Madysin Hatter—Arlene’s Grocery, NYC
12/4—John Oliva—Dingbatz, Clifton, NJ
12/7—Tarpit Boogie—Clash Bar, Clifton, NJ
12/7—Eye Ra Haze—The Highline Ballroom, NYC
12/8—Picture Perfect/Yes Virgina—Dingbatz, Clifton, NJ
12/11—Gemini Syndrome/Mindset Evolution/Starset—Dingbatz, Clifton, NJ
12/12—The Wizards Of Winter—Union County Performing Arts Center, Rahway, NJ
12/13—SOiL—Dingbatz, Clifton, NJ
12/13—Charetta/Statik Silence/New Day Dawn/The Latanza Heist/Sinsanity/Vextion—Tenth Street Live, Kenilworth, NJ
12/13—Panzie*/Streetlight Circus—Even Flow Bar and Grill, Bay Shore, NY
12/13—Ashes Of Your Enemy/Ixion Lux/Negative Sky/FireHaze/Mass Punishment—The Saint Asbury Park, NJ
12/13—Fastride—Finnegan’s Wake, Philadelphia, PA
12/14—Midnight Mob—The Brighton Bar, Long Branch, NJ
12/14—Brand Of Julez/Ghosts Of Eden/someonElse/North America/Fear Report/Srotakin IV—The Studio at Webster Hall, NYC
12/14—“That Metal Show X-Mas Party”—Grind Axis/Thanatonic Desire/Madame Mayhem/Jaded Past—Dingbatz, Clifton, NJ
12/14—Lords Of Mercy CD Release Party—The Stone Pony, Asbury Park, NJ
12/15—Statik Silence/Atomic Dog/Murder Smile—Dingbatz, Clifton, NJ
12/19—Cycle Of Pain/Black Water Rising/Lower The Veil/Gaggle Of Cocks—The Legendary Dobbs, Philadelphia, PA
12/21—Audio Empire/BoundAlive/Lethal Affection/Jolly/Ascending From Ashes/Empire Fallen/Brand Of Julez—Dingbatz, Clifton, NJ
12/21—The Dirty Pearls—Irving Plaza, NYC
