My longtime pal P.J. Angeloni, who is also the guitarist for New Day Dawn, sent me a new project that he’s been playing bass on for live shows only, and I actually like it. The name of the band is The Hallowed Roots, and I could be way off by saying this, but they sort of remind me of 10,000 Maniacs. Well, at least singer Anya Schildge’s voice reminded me so much of Natalie Merchant’s. P.J. sent me The Hallowed Roots’ latest CD, Take This Ride, and Anya’s voice is so powerful and soulful that I couldn’t stop thinking Natalie Merchant, especially on songs like the title-track, “Running Back To You” and “Should Have Known,” but then the song “Jimmy” had more of a “Devil Went Down To Georgia” type of feel to it. Anya’s partner in crime, guitarist Kevin Mullahy, is a huge part of The Hallowed Roots’ sound, as he’s the main song crafter, and these songs are very well-crafted.
It all began for The Hallowed Roots only a little over a year ago in the spring of 2013. This dynamic duo come to out of Asbury Park, and their music blends elements of rock, country and blues to create a sound that is modern and can stand the test of time. The songs are hooked by powerful melodies that are driven by lyrics that are relatable to the masses and paired with riff-driven guitars that will keep you thinking about their songs for days. Guitarist Kevin Mullahy and singer Anya Schildge actually met at a local retail store and their chemistry was undeniable after only a brief conversation. Both Kevin and Anya were working on their own musical endeavors until their chance meeting brought their like-minded love for music together. Anya’s famous words to Kevin were, “Send me a riff and I’ll send you a song,” which became the catalyst to what could be a successful musical relationship.
The dynamic duo began taking on local open mics and other opportunities to develop their style and sound. After just a few months, the two musicians realized that they had more than enough songs to release a full-length album, and this is where Take This Ride comes in. With this debut CD, The Hallowed Roots set out to take their listeners on an honest and heartfelt journey through music. After listening to the entire CD, which was definitely a pleasure to listen to even though I have these hard rock roots, I still love listening to great songwriting led by some strong and powerful vocals. And then there’s P.J., but he only plays in the live version of The Hallowed Roots. Rounding out the live band is drummer Bill Grillo. You can catch The Hallowed Roots live at the Langosta Lounge in Asbury Park on Sept. 5, or you can check them out online at facebook.com/thehallowedroots.
NORTH JERSEY NOTES UPDATES:
Great news from the Aurin camp! The kids signed a deal with Pavement Entertainment out of Chicago. They’re the label who houses bands like Soil, Smile Empty Soul, and Hed P.E. Aurin recently wrapped up the recording of their second full-length CD, Catharsis, which will be their debut release with Pavement, who will be using Sony/Red to distribute. Catharsis drops on Oct. 14 with a tour to support the release to follow. Aurin have also parted ways with their bass player, so they are currently auditioning a replacement. Anyway, a big congrats to my buds in Aurin! All that hard work finally paid off. For more info on Aurin, log onto aurinband.com.
It looks like the rhythm section from Panzie* has found a new home. My bros Dave Sussman (bass) and John Servo DeSalvo have joined a new band called Maniac Rise, which also features singer Maven Omega and guitarist Rob Castoria. I haven’t heard anything from these guys yet, but I am excited to hear something because I know Dave and John are pretty amazing players. What does this mean for Panzie* with DC Gonzalez living it up in Killcode and former singer Johnny Hawaiian now fronting Spiderlords? Unfortunately, the future of Panzie* is not looking too good, though guitarist Johnnie Rockit will tell you differently. For more info on Maniac Rise, log onto facebook.com/maniacrisemusic.
And finally, my bros from Audio Empire continue their hot streak this summer. They landed an amazing gig that actually happens tonight (8/13) at The Stone Pony in Asbury Park. They’ll be opening for the legendary King’s X, featuring my new bud Dug Pinnick. This will be Audio Empire’s first show at the Pony. For more info, log onto audioempireband.com. Also, a huge congrats to my buds in Charetta, who actually opened for Nine Inch Nails and Soundgarden out at Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh, NY a couple of weeks ago. That was a huge gig and I’m really proud of my buds! Check Charetta out at charetta.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:
8/13—Audio Empire/King’s X—The Stone Pony, Asbury Park, NJ
8/14—Stickup Kid/Seaway/Candy Hearts/Driver Friendly/McCalister/Legends—Dingbatz, Clifton, NJ
8/14—Revocation/Burial Mound/Prosper Or Perish/Morta/We Our War—Harper’s Pub and Restaurant, Clementon, NJ
8/14—Scars Of Envy—The Legendary Dobbs, Philadelphia, PA
8/15—Diesel America/New Musicians Union Full Molder/ONPOINT (0n901n7)—Spin New York, NYC
8/16—Gathering The Ashes—Dingbatz, Clifton, NJ
8/18—Doyle—The Brighton Bar, Long Branch, NJ
8/19—Basement/Superheaven/Pity Sex/Ovlov—Webster Hall, NYC
8/20—Everyone Dies In Utah/The Paramedic/Sirena/Illuminate Me—Dingbatz, Clifton, NJ
8/20—Audio Empire/Brand Of Julez/Bodyface/Briana And The Boys—Arlene’s Grocery, NYC
8/21—The Dirty Pearls/Killcode/Mother/Ten Ton Mojo/The Threads/The Liza Colby Sound/J And The 9s/DJ Ian El Dorado—The Bowery Ballroom, NYC
8/22—40 Below Summer/Dizneyfist—Slake, NYC
8/22—Fuel/End Of An Era/PLANESIDE/Donovan’s Devils/Paris Under Fire—The Headliner, Neptune, NJ
8/22—Any Everyday/McClinton/Sonic Reign—Rhythms NJ, Manville, NJ
8/22—Swampbox—Old Oar Irish Pub, Millville, NJ
8/23—Lethal Affection/Syka/Donovan’s Devils/Roulette/Through The Grey/ Feeny—Roxy and Dukes, Dunellen, NJ
8/26—Straight Line Stitch—The Legendary Dobbs, Philadelphia, PA
8/30—Darkness Descends/Gyre/Stagger NJ/Ashes Of Your Enemy/Seas Of Wake/Paralysis/Shadows Of Dawn/As Glory Fades/That Of A Lion/Passing Of The Sky—Dingbatz, Clifton, NJ
8/30—Tarpit Boogie/Gypsy Eyes/King Dead—The Clash Bar, Clifton, NJ
9/5—The Hallowed Roots—Langosta Lounge, Asbury Park, NJ
9/13—Life Of Agony—Starland Ballroom, Sayreville, NJ
9/13—Dead Fish Handshake/Waking Heroes/Syrens Calling/Sins Of Heaven/Woods Of Arden/House Of Thieves—Tenth Street Live, Kenilworth, NJ
9/13—Rory Kelly’s Triple Threat/Buzzard Wagon/The Battery Electric/Champagne Black—The Brighton Bar, Long Branch, NJ
