Saturday, June 28, 2014

Mofryky Safe Word (EP) + Human Aquarium (EP)


2013 - 2009  Mofryky

By Phillip Smith; June 28, 2014

Twitter is a vast and amazing online space ripe for discovering new music.  This past year, I have been exposed to a variety of amazing music via Twitter that I probably never would have had the opportunity to experience otherwise. I am almost sure I wouldn’t have happened across the music from alt-rocker Mofryky from Erie, PA.  Once I had read his tweet, ‘Two METAL Tributes to DEVO”, followed by a Soundcloud link, I knew I had to check this out.  Being a huge Devo fan from way back, it would be a sin for me to not dive down this alluring rabbit hole. 

This brought me to the 3 track EP, Safe Word.  The Devo covers, “Uncontrollable Urge” and “Don’t You Know”, were astonishing. “Uncontrollable Urge” is heavy and very punk.  This song begs to be played loud as Mofryky delivers very fitting, angst-filled vocals and tasty guitar licks over attention-grabbing beats from drummer Trevor Huster.  I absolutely love Don’t You Know (Crazified)”.  No holds barred, this one is a full frontal assault, mixing metal with techno.  At just a tad bit over two minutes in length, this leaves me wanting more so much I find myself listening to this track repeatedly at least a couple of times in succession whenever played.  

Also uncovered in this quest for new music, is Mofryky’s earlier release, Human Aquarium. “Red Dot Charlie No-Pain” walks a fine line between punk and alt-rock with  catchy hooks, and hot licks. “Down the Shore” is bound to be my go-to summer song this year.  With a pop-punk Offspring vibe, and tongue-in-cheek lyrics about teen debauchery, it would undoubtedly be perfect for MTV’s Spring Break.

Fellow “Spudboy”, Mofryky bridges the gap between the alternative music of today and that of twenty years ago, using the music technology of today to give a new spin on old favorites, and a classic sound to his contemporary works.  He took such a fresh approach with “Uncontrollable Urge” and “Don’t You Know”, I could certainly go for second helpings of his reinterpretations from the Devo catalog. 

 

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VIDEO: Mofryky - "Uncontrollable Urge" . From the motion picture, "The FOUR"

 


Sunday, June 22, 2014

Chris Duarte Group - Concert Photos : Irish District Music & Arts Festival (Cedar Rapids, IA 6/21/14)


* All photos by Phillip Smith


Chris Duarte & Dustin Sargent
Chris Duarte


Chris Duarte

Chris Duarte

Chris Duarte

Chris Duarte

John McKnight

Dustin Sargent

John McKnight

Chris Duarte

Chris Duarte

Chris Duarte

Chris Duarte

Chris Duarte

John McKnight

Dustin Sargent

Dustin Sargent

John McKnight , Chris Duarte, Dustin Sargent

John McKnight , Chris Duarte, Dustin Sargent

Chris Duarte

Chris Duarte

Chris Duarte

Chris Duarte

Chris Duarte

John McKnight

Chris Duarte

Kris Lager (From Kris Lager Band), John McKnight, Chris Duarte

Chris Duarte

Kris Lager Band - Concert Photos :Irish District Music & Arts Festival (Cedar Rapids, IA 6/21/14)

* All photos by Phillip Smith


Kris Lager


Brandon Miller

John Fairchild

Jeremiah Weir

Jeremiah Weir

Kris Lager



Kris Lager

Kris Lager

Kris Lager
Kris Lager and Chris Duarte

Kris Lager

Voice of Cedar Lake (featuring Craig Erickson and Bryce Janey) - Concert Photos: Irish District Music & Arts Festival (Cedar Rapids, IA 6/21/14)



Craig Erickson

Craig Erickson

Craig Erickson

Bryce Janey

Bryce Janey & Craig Erickson

Craig Erickson
Dan 'D.J.' Johnson

Craig Erickson, Dan Johnson, Tom Giblin

Bryce Janey

Bryce Janey

Bryce Janey & Craig Erickson

Bryce Janey & Craig Erickson

* All Photos by Phillip Smith