Root Down in the Shadow

Earlier, this spring, I was turned onto SUPERMEGAFANTASTIC and I loved it the first time I heard it.   The interwebs say the sounds is "Exploding with thunderous beats and crunching power chords, IAMDYNAMITE establish themselves as a two-piece rock and roll force to be reckoned with on their debut LP SUPERMEGAFANTASTIC .  Armed with a single guitar, a basic drum kit and locked-in harmonies, the energy from the duo burns through speakers and electrifies off the stage whenever IAMDYNAMITE unleashes their unprecedented brand of noise." I gave my two cents back in March, when I gave the FREE MUSIC ALERT out to the Root Down In The Shadow readers .  I loved the album then, and it still is finding a happy home in my steady rotation, despite new songs coming in every week.   I just missed their Philly date in early June by one day as I was coming back from a vacation, but when I saw the notice of the the Radio 104.5 Summer Block Party Series at The...

All things considered, XPoNential Festival 2012 Day 1 was incredible.  Last year , the festival was just not doable due to the insufferable heat.  I only made it to one band each day, seeing the fantastic Ted Leo & the Pharmacists and Hayes Carll !  This year there were major concerns again due to heat earlier in the month, then a terrible weather forecast calling for rain & thunderstorms!   No such issues actually became realized as there were incredible bands galore, cool temps, and the only precipitation never touched the ground due to the tremendous crowds! City Rain started it off on the JerseyArts.com Marina Stage.  The Philly band did a great job getting the crowds amped up.  "Watch Out' from the Watch Out EP was great live, as was the rest of the material, which to be honest was not what I expected!  Kudos City Rain ! David Dye did the introductions for the next band, thrilled that the current #1 independent band was gracing t...

Elizabeth Mitchell and band graced the Wilmington, DE waterfront on a recent Saturday morning for a wonderful Kindie (Kid-Indie) show at the Grand Opera House!  Fittingly, as her first album was intended to be for her family, it's with no great irony that the band is made up of her family!  Her husband Daniel Littleton handles the guitars and backing vocals.  His brother Miggy was on the drums right behind his wife and fellow kid artist The Good Miss Padgett !  Miggy & Anna's daughter held the enviable position of dancer and idea giver!  Nearly family and great friend Jean Cook plays the violin. The star of the show, one could argue is the daughter of Elizabeth Mitchell and Daniel Littleton, the amazing Storey Littleton.  She wonderfully takes on the recorder on 'You Are My Sunshine', harmonica on 'Who's My Pretty Baby' and backing vocals on many songs but most prominently on 'Three Little Birds' and 'Lovely Day'. The true star is c...

Root Down In The Shadow recently caught up with Stefanie Berecz of The Right Now , taking the opportunity to learn more about this intriguing band before their set at World Cafe Live! Here are some excerpts from that conversation! Root Down In The Shadow:  Who's a bigger inspiration for you, Sharon Jones (of Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings) or Charles Bradley (of Charles Bradley & Menahan Street Band)? Stefanie Berecz:  It's got to be Sharon Jones and her never give up attitude! RDITS:  What came first your sound or the band? SB:  First was meeting Brendan O'Connell .  He's the mastermind.  Every band needs a Brendan O'Connell!  I didn't realize I would be in this style band.  I grew up on Pop, R&B, and Soul.  Really, all the pieces came together after meeting Brendan.  The first album was a learning process with the band.  We were still developing, still evolving.  Album number two, Gets Over You , is where w...

Time for another update on the ol' concert calendar.   Although based in Philly, I check out shows from Boston to DC.  In April, I managed to see shows in Lancaster, PA & Boston, but I keep my eyes out for great shows that shouldn't be missed.     As always I want to share my finds!  Hopefully you can find your town on the list as well. I've taken the liberty of highlighting shows I'd go see if I had the freedom and time to travel more!! WHO I WANT TO SEE IN PHILLY!!!! First, I'll mention two local Philly bands The Lawsuits have two major dates: 5/11 with Big Fat Marker @ Hard Rock Philly – show @9pm.. just $7 5/23 playing with the Steel Wheels @World Café Live – Wilmington, DE  @9pm The Levee Drivers also have some big dates: 5/9 – Silk City – Philadelphia, PA 8:00pm 5/16 – North Star Bar – Philadelphia, Pa 8:00pm 5/31 – The Fire – Philadelphia, Pa 9:00 pm  National act,  HoneyHoney , comes to t...

The Boston area + greater Massachusetts area is a hot bed for out of the box live music opportunities.  Entities such as Billsville, Sleepover Shows , and Kitchen Sessions have been helping bands that I adore for quite some time. A few weeks ago, I was planning out a trip to Boston to catch my first Fenway Park game.  It was going to be me, the wife, my brosef, his g-friend and NO KIDDO!  It was also an afternoon game for the Red Sox, so I started stalking the net to see what else might be available that weekend.    Cherubs started strumming their harps and a choir of angels starting singing, as I found the Brunch Session !   Not only did I find a Boston house concert, but it was Sunday, for Brunch, and Spirit Family Reunion was the feature band! Unlike Newport Folk Festival last year where I had to leave before getting to see The Head and the Heart , and The Civil Wars , I would be able to do this full event and make it back to Jersey ...

Neil Fallon - vocals, rhythm guitar CLUTCH A year ago, I started this blog to find an outlet.  I needed a voice, I needed a hobby, and I needed to leave my wife alone while she wrapped up some important research.  Since then, I have had a great time writing about bands, writing about memories, meeting folks, and overall just enjoying the music along the way.  Every once and a while, all the stars align and everything comes together. About a month ago, when I saw the lineup for Forecastle Festival in Louisville, it finally started coming full circle.   Many of my favorites were there, but not just from the indie/folk genres.  Most excitedly, Clutch was going to be there! I wasn't going to pull off the festival, but why couldn't I review Clutch locally?  Who cares if they aren't the folksy/indie stuff I've been listening to for the last few years?  Who cares if I haven't been to a metal show in years?  I love Clutch; most of my friends...