Darkness, Chaos, and femininity describes Lylyth, the hard rock band from Pittsburgh who opened for the Velveteers at the Mr. Smalls funhouse September 15th. Their authentic sound drew me in with Athena Onyx on vocals Candrika Rice on bass and vocals, Sully Dunn on guitar and Rio Clark on drums. Always using their music to promote the right to an abortion or spreading awareness about domestic violence, the majority of their funds go to planned parenthood organizations.

This was Lylyth’s second show ever! They performed a plethora of their original head banging songs. Dedicating songs to many loved ones and cracking hilarious jokes, this band of individuals is a one of a kind. The chemistry and stage presence between Athena and Drika is powerful and devine. Two songs that are out now on Spotify are “Fight Back” and “Toxicity”. You can also find the “Fight Back” music video on YouTube. Pittsburgh needs more authentic bands like Lylyth, so please support them as much as you can!

This was my 4th time seeing one of my favorite bands ever The Velveteers. Starting off strong with “Beauty Queens” the crowd started going crazy for drummers Baby Pottersmith and Jonny Figg. It’s not every day you see two drummers in a band, but The Velveteers are no ordinary band. My favorite part of the show was how much they interacted with the crowd. Baby had a fan hold their drum and they just went crazy creating their own beat and rhythm. Jonny rocked out with crowd, and overall we were just enjoying ourselves.

As the night went on I was dancing with this awesome person who was trying to start a mosh pit. We were shoving into each other and singing along to songs such as “Motel 27” and “Choking” when a huge mosh pit erupted. Later that night I realized I was moshing with Ivy Peacock, the person behind the amazing hair, makeup, and merchandise of the band. I love that woman and non-binary people are taking a more prominent role in the music industry especially when it comes to lead singer Demi Demitro a powerhouse front woman. Her voice is indescribable and grungy but also very smooth. Her guitar skills are out of this world, and her stage presence is sexy. The night ended with “Limboland” one of my favorite songs off their latest album Nightmare Daydream.

I hope to see The Velveteers back in Pittsburgh soon and I’m excited for the new music they release next.

FOLLOW THE VELVETEERS

INSTAGRAM | SPOTIFY

FOLLOW LYLYTH:
Lylyth instagram: lylyth_band
Athena onyx: Athena_onyx999
Candrika Rice: bohemian.demon
Sully Dunn: comradesully
Rio Clark: jesvs_christ
Ivey Peacock: Ivey.peacock

Donate to planned parenthood
Donate to woman against abuse

SHOW REVIEW: Greta Van fleet Play Boise Idaho featuring Hannah Wicklund, and The Pretty Reckless

November 2, 2022Laura Kane

“The best Greta Van Fleet show ive been to so far…” was everyone’s sentiment after the band of brothers finished their set at the Extra Mile arena in Boise, Idaho.

Tears were brought to my eyes when Hannah Wicklund took center stage starting with her biggest song “Bomb through the Breeze.” I have been a huge fan of Hannah’s music for a little over a year now. In my opinion, Hannah is one of the most influential lyricists and guitarists in womans rock today. You can hear hints of Janis Joplin and Joan Jett in her songs in such a remarkable way. Her artwork and craftiness with her album covers and merchandise are her own authentic work. My favorite song off of her title album Hannah Wicklund and the Steppin’ Stones is “Shadow Boxes and Porcelain Faces.” The Arena was lit up and everyone swayed as Wicklund’s story telling voice sang the beautiful lyrics. All my worries and doubts went away as I cried taking in all of the music. She also sang two new songs which will be on her next album. I don’t recall the names of the songs, but excitement built up in me knowing she will be releasing new music. Hannah’s set was short but special and very spiritually uplifting for me.

Hard Rock band The Pretty Reckless took over the stage after Hannah. Lead singer Taylor Momsen is a hardcore rocker and an incredible front woman. You may recognize Momsen from the popular TV show Gossip Girl. I don’t know much about these crazy rockers or their music but “Make Wanna Die” is a banger of a song. Their set was exciting and powerful, and I became a fan of their music that night.

“Reasons for Waiting” by Jethro Tull swarmed the arena as fans eagerly waited to hear Josh Kiszka’s haunting poem….

“People need People, Enjoy all of it always.”

Words cannot describe how much I love Greta Van Fleet. They are the most unique group of individuals, with talent that goes beyond the spectrum. Each song of theirs is crafted with the most care and imagination. When it comes to their shows they have something new for us every time.

The Boise show started off with “Built by Nations” then into “Black Smoke Rising” which led to “Caravel” and then my favorite part of the show, Danny Wagner’s drum solo. Wagner changes it up almost every time, which I believe is his way at hinting that new music is coming.

Two songs that are not commonly played but made an appearance were “Broken Bells” and “Age of Man”. I believe we got the most unique Greta performance by far that night. A power outage didn’t stop anyone from having a good time. Even though “My Way Soon” was cut short Danny kept going at it with his drums as the whole band joined in to give us an extraordinary end to an amazing concert.

“I guess that’s it! They shut me off bitch.”

REVIEW: Bourbon & Beyond Takes Makes For The Perfect First Festival Experience

October 27, 2022Laura Kane

My first music festival experience at Bourbon & Beyond was amazing. The weather in Louisville, Kentucky was absolutely beautiful; very hot but with a cool breeze. In my opinion, it was the perfect weather for a weekend outside filled with live music.

Photo by Steve Thrasher. Courtesy of Bourbon and Beyond

My friends and I walked in right as Reignwolf was performing their set. I don’t know any Reignwolf songs but they were really good and energetic. As we walked through the fairgrounds, we picked up some incredible food and saw some breathe taking artwork. The festival had everything from little cowboy and cowgirl hat stands to the Greta Van Fleet cook off.

Sammy Kiszka and his brother Jake kiszka went head to head to see who could make the best Bourbon & Beyond burger. Drummer Daniel Wagner made a special appearance as one of the judges. The burgers looked amazing! Sammy made an impossible burger with mac and cheese and Jake made a blue cheese bourbon burger with bacon. Danny has said in many interviews that he loves Jakes cooking but Sammy’s burger won with votes from the two other judges.

The sun was beaming down on all of us when we hit the hottest part of the day as we caught a glimpse of Crowded House. We laid out in the sun as “Don’t Dream its Over” swooped us away into relaxation. Eddie Vedder even made an appearance. As the sun began to set we saw a very interesting set by St. Vincent. They were so entertaining and the three backup singers have such incredible voices.

Photo by Nathan Zucker. Courtesy of Bourbon and Beyond.

The night came to an end with Greta Van fleet. My friends and I swayed in unison to “Light My Love” as an old man came up to us and said in a very thick southern accent “I love you bitches and I love that y’all are making such great memories together.”

One of my biggest goals in life is to make the most of my youth. I want to create memories that will last a lifetime so hearing that warmed my heart. It was unfortunate that we couldn’t stay to see Pearl Jam perform, but I am happy my first music festival was at Bourbon & Beyond. If you are looking to become a festival goer, Bourbon & Beyond is a good starter festival because it’s not too big but still has all the good vibes!

Bourbon & Beyond returns September 14-17, 2023. Check it out here.

PREVIEW: Bourbon and Beyond Returns to Louisville Kentucky, Sept 15-18

September 14, 2022Laura Kane

Louisville’s very own Bourbon and Beyond is back again this year with some incredible artists. Headliners for Thursday are Jack White and Alanis Morissette. Other acts to note on Thursday are Father John Misty and The Revivalist. On Friday, big artists such as Kings of Leon, Brandi Carlile and Houndmouth will be taking center stage. Saturday’s big show includes Pearl Jam, Greta Van Fleet, St. Vincent, Cold War Kids, Elle King, Robert Randolph and many more! Christ Stapleton and The Doobie Brothers wrap up the weekend along with Marcus King and Hannah Wicklund on Sunday. You can find more information about tickets, parking, and the venue map at Bourbon Beyond’s website and their social media accounts.

Photo from Bourbon and Beyond / Danny Wimmer Presents

The Living Street Live at the Milvale Music Festival

August 4, 2022Laura Kane

After eagerly waiting for months, I got to see Pittsburgh’s greatest duo The Living Street at the Milvale Music festival.

Most of their shows are 21+ since they mostly perform at local bars in the Pittsburgh area. Being at the ripe age of 19, I unfortunately cannot go into a bar or I would be at every one of their shows. I was so happy to see they were performing a show for all ages. I had some really good BBQ food from a food truck, and got to catch up with Nick and Edward.

The Living Street were in the middle of their spring east coast tour and excited to be home with their friends and family. They performed my favorite song “Two Dark Hours” which was written on their way home From a crazy trip to Las Vegas. They also performed and unreleased song about their loving and close friendship. Nick and Edward have been friends since they were little. They both grew up in Lower Burrell which is about 45 minutes outside of the city of Pittsburgh. They have been best friends through thick and thin and you hear that through their music, and see how strong their chemistry is on stage. Their set list was short but very special. It warmed my heart seeing everyone dance and clap to songs such as “Jealous Ghosts” and “Home on the Road.” Nick and Edward sounded amazing and fed off of the powerful energy the crowd gave.

As I walked around looking at the art and different food trucks met many cool people who love The Living Street, or even grew up with them. They may not be the biggest musicians in the world but everyone in Pittsburgh loves them and us over at Banded will continue to support them as they are so passionate about music.

SHOW REVIEW: Fit for a King, Silent Planet, Hollow Front and AVOID Dark Path Tour, Pittsburgh PA

April 20, 2022Laura Kane

*Trigger Warning: Mental Health, Car accidents

The metal community came together in Pittsburgh, PA at the Mr. Smalls theater on March 30th for the Dark Path tour. A band that certainly kicks ass, AVOID was a great first opener. Lead singer Benny Scholl got the crowd riled up with his quirky and unique personality. Continuously saying “Fuck the Steelers” and crowd surfing while eating a taco. AVOID mixes alternative and metal elements in their music. Scholl often starts with his smooth singing voice to his high pitched screaming side.

Hollow Front from Grand Rapids, Michigan inspired me with their heavy lyrics, bringing up topics such as mental health and war. Lead vocalist Tyler Tate has a very deep and dark vocal style. Singer and guitarist Dakota Alvarez is a very passionate musician. Dakota’s singing style has a poppy alternative and punk rock sound which adds lots of flavor and harmonization to Tate’s vocals. Unfortunately Hollow Front got into a horrible car accident in the middle of tour. Luckily none of the band mates were harmed, but their tour manager dealt with many severe injuries. Hollow Front has started a go fund me to continue touring your donation big or small would help a lot.

The very special and inspiring band Silent Planet took my breathe away. Performing songs such as “Panic Room” and “Orphan” they really know how to perform a great concert. Lead vocalist Garrett Russell puts his heart and soul into his lyrics bringing up his own personal hardships and struggles with his mental health. I had the pleasure of meeting Garrett after the show. He has a very warm and welcoming soul and the biggest smile. I watched as other fans got to meet him expressing their love and gratitude. Silent planet will be performing again in Pittsburgh with AVOID and I cannot wait to spend another amazing night watching them light up the room.

The night ended with a great performance from the headliner Fit for a King. I had the most fun during their performance joining the mosh pit and crowd surfing. The fans love guitarist Ryan O’Leary or “Tuck”. The talented man exchanged hearts and blew kisses with the crowd. Tuck also made me a bit nauseous while watching him violently spin with his guitar. As the night came to an end I got to meet some great people. My friend Morgan Weber welcomed me into the metal community that night with her stories of warped tour and how she became friends with silent planets drummer Alex Camarena. I left that concert with some amazing memories and a new appreciation for heavy metal music.

FOLLOW THE ARTISTS

AVOID INSTAGRAM: avoidkicksass

BENNY SCHOLL INSTAGRAM: benny.scholl

HOLLOW FRONT INSTAGRAM: hollowfront

TYLER TATE INSTAGRAM: tylertate_hf

DAKOTA ALVEREZ INSTAGRAM: dakotaalverez

HOLLOW FRONT GO FUND ME: https://gofund.me/c5dfa5ff

SILENT PLANET INSTAGRAM: silentplanetband

GARRETT RUSSELL INSTAGRAM: silentgarrett

ALEX CAMARENA INSTAGRAM: mralexrenec

FIT FOR A KING INSTAGRAM: fitforakingtx

RYAN O'LEARY INSTAGRAM: hustlexcrow

SHOW REVIEW: Dirty Honey & Mammoth WVH - Young Guns Tour in Pittsburgh

April 5, 2022Laura Kane

As he continues his family’s legacy, Wolfgang Van Halen keeps Rock N Roll alive alongside his grungy rock band, Mammoth WVH. Wolf owned centerstage of the beautiful Roxian theater in Pittsburgh, opening with “Mammoth” an upbeat hopeful song and a great opener. Bassist Ronnie Ficarro reminded me of Billie Joe Armstrong by the way he carried himself on stage. I could not take my eyes off of Ficarro as his energy encapsulated me. Towards the end, Wolf gave an emotional performance as he sang “Distance”, a song dedicated to his father Eddie Van Halen. Mammoth WVH is a continuation to the Van Halen legacy but in a different, unique and beautiful way sonically that gives Wolf his own spotlight.

Coming in with a bang, Dirty Honey opened with “California Dreamin” a more 70s sounding song. My Favorite part of how the band performed, was how they all moved around on stage rather than staying in one designated spot. Guitarist John Notto blew me away with his sexy Gibson guitar and incredible chemistry with lead singer Marc LaBelle. Labelle has a very indescribable and powerful rock voice. The best rock shows are ones where the crowd and performers all interact, and that’s exactly what Marc did during the bands performance of “Another Last Time” as he joined the crowd and danced and sang with the people in the pit.

I went into this show only knowing very little about each band and came out a huge fan. I will definitely be listening to more of Mammoth WVH and Dirty Honey and I hope to see another show of theirs in the near future.