Overlord took the stage, and this uppity crew quickly had the crowd rockin’ along. They revved up with “Mechanical Heart,” a fitting song title for a band called Overlord. Sarah Brockett’s bass and Tris McCall’s keys really stood out for me here, but Kerry Kennedy’s guitar, George Pasles’ guitar and vocals and Matt Houser’s drums were not chump change either. The thematic lyrics and song titles were also a catch, and they further made the basslines sound like a chase scene out of a spy novel. Needless to say, I thoroughly enjoyed Overlord.

Jody Porter and the Men’s Magazines set up and started to play after Overlord. I knew the lead singer’s face from somewhere, but I couldn’t place him. Finally someone pointed out that it was the cat from Fountains Of Wayne. The band started with a sort of Verve style jam out, then moved into a more rock style as the set progressed. I’m not sure if he was trying to lighten the mood or he was taking serious jabs at the crowd, but his jokes about “Welcome Commuters” and “Where are we, New Jersey?” were brave and brilliant commentary of a state that rarely receives any sort negative comedic attention.

How can I explain Jersey City’s the Milwaukees? Well first thing, give drummer Patrick Fusco a spirit award — this dude is the most enthusiastic person in the music industry. Dylan St. Clark’s vocals are pleading, his and Jeff Nordstedt’s guitar is pure rock and the rhythm section of Fusco and Donovon Cain on the bass is undeniably the glue that holds this thing together. It’s like George Throrogood meets the Red Hot Chili Peppers circa Uplift Mofo Party Plan. Quite simply, the Milwaukees are a must see live act in town, they are super fun solidly rock and a swell bunch of characters besides.

After Groove on Grove closed up shop for the night, I bolted across town to 58 Gallery to see the Frozen Gentlemen. Fans of these funk/rock fusers have a saying when they hit the scene: The streets are safe! I’m not entirely sure why the streets are safe, but I know that when the Gents are rocking out there’s no need to fear for your safety. Mido Santantos (vocals, keys), Quan James (vocals, guitar) Jackie Meyer (vocals, bass) and Linden Charter (drums) have mastered a truly unique sound, like a funk version of a mini-boss fight on Double Dragon. You can’t help but feel like it’s time to shake it down during their live performances. At 58, they played most of the songs off of their eponymous album and then threw in a new song, “The Streets are Safe.” I was tickled pink — of course, I got it on video. After the set, the Gents and some new fans headed to Lucky 7 and drank their fill.

It was a pretty active night despite the rain. I think the city thrives under these kind of circumstances. Everyone tries to get out there to support the scene. It’s hard not to love this place.

VIDEOS:

Overlord

Jody Porter and the Men’s Magazines

The Milwaukees

The Frozen Gentlemen

In a time of political and social upheaval it’s good to now that the streets are once again safe. There are no certain terms for heroes these days. One does not just walk into a castle and rescue a fair damsel or slay a dragon these days. Many times they are just Average Joes rocking out at the local watering hole. Sometimes the measure of a hero is not determined by his archnemesis’ diabolical scheme to take over the earth by means or rocketpack wearing dinosaur mutant onslaught. No, sometimes all it takes is a few cats with guitars, mics, keyboards and drums to save the day.

On a Tuesday like any other (last Tuesday, that is…), I wandered into my particular favorite watering hole, Lucky 7 Tavern (thanks for the paychecks!), knowing full on well that the bar’s music booker, James Dower, had put together a super team of incredible proportions. That’s right, true believers, Square Wave Punch and Frozen Gentlemen were slated to take the stage! Square Wave Punch was first up. Sean Kiely (vocals, guitar) Kellen Harrison (bass, vocals) and Pat Van Dyke (drums) make up this daring rock triumvirate. If Modest Mouse and the Lemonheads clashed, all that would be left in the wake of such an epic battle would be Square Wave Punch. They’ve got a simple sound that sticks to your ribs like peanut-butter potato chip sandwiches. (They’ll be at Groove on Groove Sept. 16 — be sure to check that out.)

The Frozen Gentlemen took wing a little after. This chaotic quartet just put out a brand new CD, an eponymous album featuring ten songs of otherworldly funk-rock. Mido Santantos (vocals, keys) Quan James (vocals, guitar) Jackie Meyer (bass, vocals) and Linden Charter (drums) combine their efforts in a relentless assault against all things not funky and awesome. Their sound is the sort of thing you’d hear in the background of Tarantino film set in the 1970s … or perhaps during the action sequence of a robot fighting a gang of rabid jackals. Their set was a straight up riot, and then they encored! After the set the guys and I drank some beers and watched the Goonies in closed caption. All true.

SQUARE WAVE PUNCH: Bethlehem PA

FROZEN GENTLEMEN: Once Had a Problem

FROZEN GENTLEMEN: Always Raining in Harlem