You're outnumbered, outgunned. Back against the wall. Each breath that you draw you're sure will be your last, when out in the distance, surfacing just over the hill—is it? Could it be?
Yes, thank God… here comes The Brigade.
Okay, so maybe it's a slightly romanticized scenario, and true, this isn't life or death. But for the serious music fan in an age rife with bands equal parts cookie-cutter and disposable, Western Mass' The Brigade is truly a sonic salvation.
"It's a fine line, trying to demonstrate musicianship without becoming overly complicated or self-indulgent," explains singer Scott Silvia of the band's unique audio attack. "But we really strive to challenge the listener's ear—as much as possible in a three- or four-minute format, at least& challenge, but not overwhelm."
From the opening salvo of the title track, "Made In America," to the menacing, finger-picked vamp of "Scorpio," the band's recently released debut, recorded at Westfield's notorious Zing Studios (Killswitch Engage, Fear Nuttin' Band), swiftly establishes itself as a melodic metal call to arms.
"For years, everyone in the band has collaborated with each other in varying capacities, in different projects" adds six-stringer S. Patric Ferguson of the fledgling foursome's origins. "But when this band finally got together, it was obvious that everyone was on the same wave length. Really, we've all known each other since high school, but it took all of the experiences we each had since then to get to a point where we are able to execute the songs at the level we are today."
Propelled by the air-tight battery of bassist Joe Whalen and drummer Jeff Turcotte, Made In America marches through similarly solid exercises in aggressive, progressive rock, including standout grinder "Time Out" and the anthemic closer "Creatures of Habit."
Still, some of The Brigade's most poignant moments come when the band shifts into light duty.
The acoustic-driven "Where Have You Gone" offers a wistful stroll down memory lane. And "Person of the Year" is like a perfect Saturday in May when the house and yard are aflutter with energy that effortlessly passes back and forth between the screen doors and plentiful open windows. The chorus wafts in like a stiff spring breeze that rustles the trees and pins the curtains back, then subsides, almost as swiftly, restoring the calm perfection.
This weekend, July 10-11, The Brigade joins forces with A Wilhelm Scream, Ages Ago, Among The Aztec and more than two dozen other acts to deliver the decibels at the fourth annual Greenfield Rock Fest at Energy Park. For full lineup, schedule, ticket info and more, kindly point your browser to pdpproductions.com.
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In other news… Jason Bourgeois (most commonly known for his work with Bourgeois Heroes) checks in to report some similarly revolt-ing rock news.
"We're celebrating Bastille Day at The Elevens on Tuesday, July 14," he reveals. "And our event is sure to take the cake, as in addition to the concert, we'll have baguettes, cheese and a rather impressive cake baked by Emily Cappa for patrons to enjoy."
Adding the audio to the impressive array of edibles will be Tasha Yar, This Frontier Needs Heroes, Zachary Cale and Bourgeois' own The Hallucinajasons. The Bastille Day Bonanza starts at 7 p.m. and admission is free.
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Speaking of cents-less acts of patriotism, the town of Enfield, Conn. once again offers a handful of free, high-profile performances including Allman-originator Dicky Betts (July 10) and Grammy winners Los Lonely Boys (July 11) at its annual Independence Day Celebration (enfieldcelebration.org) on the town green.
"In this economy, it truly is a testament to our sponsors and the entire community that we are able to not only maintain the level of acts we feature for this, our 25th installment, but actually step things up," notes the event's director of entertainment, Michael Pestana.
Other musical performances for the weekend include Steve Gregory, The Savage Brothers Band and the Hartford Symphony Orchestra.
Send correspondence to Nightcrawler, P.O. Box 427, Somers, CT 06071; fax to (860) 698-9373 or e-mail: Garycarra@aol.com.
