Easily one of the best rock voices in the ROC, Eddie Nebula leads his new band, the BuzZmires, into the 21st century fray.
When I first heard the band’s name, I thought it sounded like a circa 1967 appliance store: “Come on down to BuzZmires for a new washer and dryer and don’t get buzzed on the price.” You get the idea.
Well, the new year has brought us tidings and joy from COVID-Claus and the kind of cheer kids kill for, like a new BuzZmires four-song EP. It’s stock Nebula Schlock with tongue-in-cheek chauvinism and keen lyric twists along the way. What fun. Lyrics like “I remember what you wore, ’cause it landed on my floor, the first night I spent with you.”
On this debut EP, the BuzZmires have an impressive lineup to match Nebula’s four-octave range, which includes Karl Hungus on guitar and vox, Mel Muscarella on keys and vox, Andy Hynes on bass, and John Brown on drums. Muscarella has since left the band and they just added Adam Palumbieri on keys.
Live—they’ve only had one show—they dig deep into ’80s pop and angrier rock from the old Nebula days. The thing is, it never grows old.
Jon Gary and the Crabapples
MMXXI; songs of pandemic, insurrection, and life in the year 2021.
The material bands are being blessed with is blessing all ears, thanks in part to the downtime the pandemic has left us. Jon Gary and the Crabapples’ “MMXXI; songs of pandemic, insurrection, and life in the year 2021,” is a clear and present example for your listening enjoyment. Let’s deconstruct a bit, shall we?
“Picture the Truth,” the first track offered, sounds eerily minor and disco but more in the way a band like U2 might handle it. That falls into “Hey Bluebird,” with its subtle ring of sweet reverb and twang, which in actuality graces all five tunes on this slab-o-plastic. Pick it up if you dig guitar-driven rock ’n’ roll and that peaceful easy feeling it delivers. There’s plenty of joy, it’s hidden deep in Gary’s intent and the whole collection’s message. Dig it deep … this oughta help some.
Frank De Blase is Rochester Beacon music writer.
Here’s a comprehensive list of live shows in and around Rochester: Get Your Gig On