American Pinup Leads a Stellar Indie-Line up at The Fox and King's Annual Farewell Summer Show

 
American Pinup at Arlene's Grocery. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

American Pinup at Arlene's Grocery. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Last weekend, we bid the summer season adieu with our 5th annual Farewell Summer Show at New York’s famed Arlene’s Grocery. Our closing party featured a stellar line up of indie-rock trios that crushed the stage with a gut-pounding performance and electrifying sounds that pulverized its way across the Lower East Side.

In front of a hands-on crowd that Saturday evening, Mala Vista, FREAKABOUT and American Pinup reverberated the sounds of 70’s punk rock, early 90’s grunge and alternative heartland rock that helped forged the halls of the famed LES venue twenty years ago. Each band displayed a roaring, smoky and exhilarating live performance that blew us all away. Coupled with detailed lyrical compositions and complex musical arrangements, these emerging acts set blaze to a storm of sonic energy, gripping vocals and static chords that set new standards for how our Farewell Summer Shows should be.

Myke Miranda on the strings and vocals at Arlene's Grocery. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Myke Miranda on the strings and vocals at Arlene's Grocery. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Mala Vista kicked off the show with a late 70’s punk rock statement synonymous of the days when The Ramones and the Clash blew the lights out on every corner of The Bowery and East London. Their presence on stage was commanding, economical and innovative. The dominance of their grungy-esque sound, elevated vocals and driving guitar licks portrayed a level of confidence and a no-nonsense attitude that forced us to listen and pay attention.

On Mala Vista’s punk anthem “Bare Bones,” lead vocalist/guitarist, Myke Miranda, portrayed a politically charge vocal that catapulted an array of expressive notes and an oppressing reach. Bassist, Manuel Labour, and drummer, Jordache®, set off an explosive supporting role with exceptionally lean beats and a vicious baseline. With accompanying performances of several covers, this band was an amazing opening act that helped prepare the crowd for the rest of our closing party.

Jordache on the bass at Arlene's Grocery. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Jordache on the bass at Arlene's Grocery. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Another impressive act that evening, FREAKABOUT, came all the way out from Omaha, Nebraska to kick off their national tour with headliner, American Pinup. Both bands had their anchor dates the night before and were sharing the bill together for a second-straight time in New York. The four-piece act, embedded in classic rock’ n’ roll, steer-headed a dynamic performance with an abundance of energizing sounds, vicious guitar riffs and conquering beats.

Cortney Kirby’s powerful, yet sensual voice, embraced our ears with powerful lyrical compositions that sent our minds floating in a mist of rock and pop melodies. Her roaring vocals portrayed a gentle touch that took command of the audience and guided them through a heart-pounding experience through a journey of how rock ‘n’ roll music is supposed to be.

Aaron Galvin ripping the guitar. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Aaron Galvin ripping the guitar. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Cortney Kirby on vocals at Arlene's Grocery. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Cortney Kirby on vocals at Arlene's Grocery. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Aaron Galvin’s kick-ass guitar play blew the amplifiers and speakers away with a thunderous assault on the strings, echoing the sounds of heavy blues and hardline rock. Along with drummer, Ian Francis, and bassists, Ben Frerichs, FREAKABOUT put on a masterful live performance that elicit a unique heartland and hard rock sound that had audiences bobbing their head and moving their hips.

American Pinup headlined our Farewell Summer Show with a galvanizing performance that swept Arlene’s off their feet. The three-piece alternative-punk and pop-rock band was sonorously provocative with fist-clenching vocals, leathery beats and an unyielding guitar play that pressured us to breakdown the walls.

Lauren West at Arlene's Grocery. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Lauren West at Arlene's Grocery. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

With thoughtful music arrangements and seasoned lyrical depth, front crooner, Lauren West, provided a boisterous indie-rock howl that was both versatile and gripping. West’s savvy and rapturous melodies generated edgy hooks and a rousing punk-rock attitude that twisted itself around the band’s music and lyrical structure. John Casale’s vicious drum set rendered a stringent assault of hard-iron beats and impetuous grooves that drew from the band’s expressive punk-rock persona and pop rock explosiveness. Along with a juicy baseline by bassist, Tim Robbins, American Pinup showed us why they're one of the most robust and versatile live acts in the indie-scene today.

John Casale on drums and Tim Robbins on bass at Arlene's Grocery. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

John Casale on drums and Tim Robbins on bass at Arlene's Grocery. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Each year we try and pull off something magical and different for you – the fans – for our annual Farewell Summer. Whether it’s extra merch, more bands on the bill or deals at the door, we’ve always put our friends, audiences and artists first: this year was no different. This was truly something special. With three insanely impressive bands, a great crowd and good vibes, this year’s Farewell Summer Show blew the doors off. With a gnarly pro-expressive attitude, these indie live acts provided gut-busting rhythms, savvy grooves, beefy vocals and flaying electric riffs that came out and conquered us all, allowing us to fall victim to the music that we heart the most: rock’ n’ roll. We couldn’t thank you all enough for being with us for the taking.

Listen, like and follow Mala Vista, FREAKABOUT and American Pinup below. Also check out our show recap on our You Tube page below.

Show Recap

 

Mala Vista

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FREAKABOUT

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American Pinup

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Don DiLego Puts on a Foot-Stomping Performance at The Bowery Electric

 
Don DiLego & band at The Bowery Electric. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Don DiLego & band at The Bowery Electric. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Alt-country artist, Don DiLego, gave us a foot-stomping performance at the Bowery Electric this month during his impressive record release show for his new album Magnificent Ram A. Along with a bottle of bourbon and a few bales of hay, DiLego’s astonishing seven-piece band rocked the stage as they wooed the sounds of western Americana and some feel good rock n’ roll in front of a packed-audience.

Coupled with fellow indie-folk artists, Linda Draper and Emily Duff, the Velvet-Elk crooner commanded an impression collection of musical arrangements that gently carried the crowd through a cowboy’s journey – synonymous with the old whiskey saloons and boot strapping jamborees of the great west. DiLego’s outstanding performance provided a collage of rich complex melodies that had us both moving our hips and singing along to the indie-folk singer’s dynamic vocals paired masterfully with a gritty acoustic sound.

Don DiLego performs at his record release show. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Don DiLego performs at his record release show. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

DiLego performed the majority of his songs from Magnificent Ram A throughout that steamy Thursday evening, portraying his innovative delicacies both on stage and in his new record. DiLego’s music provided a range of indie-folk harmonies, graceful melodies and the pride of blue-collar heartland rock. DiLego’s mastery was illustrated perfectly on stage with the harmonious beauty “Go Pack Your Suitcase” and the soothing gospel-esque tune of “Running in Place with a Desperate Heart.” With every heart-felt note, DiLego’s caressing vocals and comforting rhythms passionately embraced the crowd, encouraging us to follow his carefully orchestrated compositions that profoundly detail DiLego’s precise musicianship.

Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

DiLego’s complex sound and on stage depth, however, howled for audiences to jump on their feet during DiLego’s alt-country jams, “Drive Like a Pirate” and “I’m on Fire.” Here, we witnessed a contrast to DiLego’s phonic sound with a gritty savory arrangement to his music along with an his incredible relationship with his already endearing fans, mustering them together as they sung and dance to his Americana tunes. DiLego’s country anthem, “The Westside Oak” had us all stomping our feet and clapping, revealing the versatility that exists with DiLego’s on-stage presence.

Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Linda Draper and Emily Duff provided a perfect mesh for DiLego’s record release show portraying both indie-folk harmonies and gospel-esque chords to the brewing audience for DiLego’s headline set. Draper’s tranquil vocals and in-depth storytelling delighted the on-hands crowd, drawing them closer to her tender musical arrangements that soothed listeners as they eased their way into the Bowery’s main stage.

Linda Draper performs at The Bowery Electric. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Linda Draper performs at The Bowery Electric. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Duff’s acoustic trio provided an incredible blend of folk, gospel and heartland rock n’ roll throughout their impressive set. Along with guitarist Scott Aldrich and Skip Ward on the “gut bucket bass,” Duff’s sensational compositions and powerful lyrical ability provided audiences with an array of bible-belt blues and Americana novelties.

Emily Duff performs at The Bowery Electric. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Emily Duff performs at The Bowery Electric. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

After witnessing Don DiLego's incredible performance, it is safe to say that the indie-folk rocker is in a class of his own. Gathering amongst the sounds of old country and contemporary rock, DiLego has set the bar for how the sound of modern country should be. His ingenious lyrical ability and savvy storytelling technique places us, as an audience, in the boots of the modern cowboy, and within the heart and pride of blue-collar Americana, in each of his works.

Don DiLego at The Bowery Electric. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Don DiLego at The Bowery Electric. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

DiLego’s dynamic energy on-stage and the utilization of his flourished cohesive sound, makes him one of the best singer-songwriters in the genre. DiLego’s emerging status within the alt-country scene has made him a must-see act whose music we highly recommend for you to listen. His new album, Magnificent Ram A, is out now on digital, streaming and vinyl via Velvet Elk Records/One Little Indian. Follow and listen to Don DiLego today!

 

Listen to Don DiLego on...

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Also, be sure to follow him on...

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