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Monday, April 18, 2011 at 10:04 PM 
Departures is a a four piece punk-rock outfit hailing from Bayonne, New Jersey. The band formed in January 2009 out of the necessity to make honest music in a scene so badly watered
Departures, Hardcore, NJ, New Jersey, Pop Punk, Punk Rock, band, bayonne Tuesday, April 12, 2011 at 8:03 AM 
The show started at 11pm at the Knitting Factory in Brooklyn. The room was packed with a variety of new fans and old friends as they were gathered around the bright illumitated stage. Out of all shows I have been to see Big Wilson River and Average Girl, I must say the sound quality for this show was best yet. Each song that both bands performed sounded like album recording quality. There was definitely a lot of positive energy in the room for these bands. Make sure you get a chance to see these fun bands as they are continuing to make their way around the country. Might I say summer touring to a town near you?
Monday, April 4, 2011 at 9:56 PM 
People from near and far, flocked to the sold out show at the School of Rock on Saturday night to see Folly play their 3rd reunion show. This show is in a string of five total
live tagged Black Kites, Communication Redlight, Fire Still Burns, Folly, NJ, New Jersey, reunion, school of rock Thursday, March 3, 2011 at 7:26 PM 
The show at Mexicali featured local artist Darrin Bradbury along with the band Common Rotation and 90's folk singer/ songwriter Dan Bern. This concert was a reunion show for Darrin Bradbury and April Acerno, who are the founders of a band called Big Wilson River. Their act set the warm hearted folky scene and was enjoyed by various age groups in the crowd. Common Rotation spiced up the show with their variety of instruments used in their act such as xylophones and trumpets. The main act, Dan Bern, snuck onto the stage with a welcoming applause from the audience.
live tagged April Acerno, Dan Bern, Darrin Bradbury, Folk, Mexicali, New Jersey, rock Tuesday, March 1, 2011 at 8:19 PM 
The venue was packed with a diverse group of fans for the solo touring artists Brandon Reilly of Nightmare of You and Vinne Caruana of the Movielife. Suzie Zeldin, the first act and the lead singer of the Narrative, really blew the crowd away
live tagged Brandon Reiilly, Maxwells, Movielife, Narrative, New Jersey, Nightmare of You, Vinnie Caruana, rock Sunday, February 27, 2011 at 11:00 PM 
Gwar, Cross-over Thrash Comedy Rockers from Richmond, VA, have had an illustrious musical career that has spanned multiple decades and has amassed thousands upon thousands of fans of many musical backgrounds.
Sunday, February 27, 2011 at 2:10 PM 
The Escape Directors held one of their last shows Friday night at Mexicali Live before leaving to work with Jim Wirt (Jacks Mannequin, The Rocket SUmmer, For The Foxes, etc.) on their new album. This was the Escape Directors' first birthday show and to celebrate The Nico Blues and Roderick opened up for them.
live tagged Brian C. Reilly, Escape Directors, Mexicali, New Jersey, Nico Blues, Roderick Jim Wirt, Teaneck, rock Sunday, February 27, 2011 at 1:48 PM 
Talking about all things underground, the 83rd annual Academy Awards will be held this evening is Los Angeles, California, and may potentially be the first time where graffiti artist, Banksy, will make a public appearance.
Monday, February 21, 2011 at 5:59 PM 
The Welcome to Hell Tour made its stop at the Starland Ballroom, with the likes of the heaviest bands in modern metal. In a scene already flooded with plenty of deathcore bands, we saw the leaders of the pack destroy New Jersey’s Starland
Sunday, February 13, 2011 at 5:58 PM 
I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Heath Miller, long-time concert promoter, band manager, and New Jersey music enthusiast, about his career in the music industry. Heath is the founder and owner of Excess DB, a concert promotion company that books national and international touring acts throughout New Jersey and New York City. Interview below. Check out the upcoming shows that Heath is putting on and also add Excess DB on Facebook!
How did you get your start? What were the motivating factors for you to start booking concerts?
I started interning at a recording studio during highschool, and then started doing live sound. When I was doing live sound, and some point I thought “hey I can just book the shows I’m doing sound at” Overall my motivation was a love for music.
What is your current situation? ExcessDB? Where are you booking? Staff? Internships?
Our current situation is that we’re focused on smaller to mid sized venues, trying to book a little of everything musically, but a focus on new developing talent.
Venues we are actively booking are: School of Rock, The Studio At Webster Hall, Mexicali Live, Santos Party House & Maxwells. There’s also a few other random occasion venues we book.
I’m the only full time employee, everyone else is part time, a subcontractor or an intern. There’s definitely some weeks that part timers are working close to full time though!
Approximately how many concerts have you booked? Which few were your favorites and most memorable?
I really have no idea. 2010 was 189 concerts. I’d estimate it at around 1200ish total, first few years of “real” booking shows was only around 40 to 50 a year, and I’d say the last 5 years have floated in the 150 to 225 mark, usually a little under 200 seems to be my norm now.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 at 8:19 PM 
When I was asked to write a column about for the NJ Underground I was more than just surprised, I was ecstatic because I was writing not only about music, but the music I love, all things brutal.
My love for metal and hardcore started like many adolescents in their teenage years where I started to listen to bands like Sepultura, Cro-Mags, Pantera, and yes various nu-metal bands (I doubt there wasn’t one KoRn, Limp Bizkit, or Slipknot song we had hummed at one point). But as I grew older I began to discover music that was stylistically very different that the norm, i.e. everything out on the radio or playing on MTV.
It was because of these bands I started a band and my discovery of other heavy underground music that caught my ear and have only left me with poor hearing and many bumps and bruises from the many mosh pit excursions I’ve gone on.
I hope to expose a lot of different metal and hardcore music that you’ve might not have given a chance to listen to, or seen. I’ll also plan on talking about those few of us, who indulge in collecting vinyl and cd’s, and the best places to find such music (let this be your hitch hiker’s guide to new/used record stores).
In recent news...
Saturday, January 15, 2011 at 3:40 PM 
At this point in time, I am sure everyone who lives in New Jersey knows that Folly was planning a reunion show for April 2nd at The School of Rock - the show sold out in a matter of a few hours. Meeting the overwhelming demand of fans of all ages and from all over the United States, Excess DB has announced a second date as well, this one preceding the original date, March 26th at Maxwells in Hoboken. Tickets go one sale at 5PM sharp! It's also worth mentioning that this show will be 21+. Buy your tickets here.
03/26, Folly, Heath Miller, March 26, Maxwells, New Jersey, Sold Out, excess db, second show Sunday, January 9, 2011 at 7:39 PM Thank You Scientist (photos by Jeff Wickliffe)
HMS Revenge (photos by Jeff Wickliffe)
Review by Jessie Wickliffe
Despite the freezing temperatures and ice outside, the house was packed for a night of progressive rock at Mexicali Live in Teaneck, NJ. It was a CD release show for both Thank You Scientist and HMS Revenge with Urban Lenny and Matt Olsson as openers. Thank You Scientist is described as progressive rock, but that’s a pretty broad category. With 7 talented musicians infusing several genres of music it’s difficult to describe their sound. I’ll say powerful, melodic, soulful, even heavy at times and definitely awesome! I’ve seen front man, Sal Marrano through several bands and I think he’s finally found his perfect fit with Thank You Scientist. His voice melds flawlessly with the brass, drums, guitar, bass and violin while screaming with emotion. As soon as HMS Revenge took the stage you could feel the excitement in the crowd increase. Bassist Tom Warren’s energy abounds as he thrashes around the stage, a balance to his brother Rick’s smooth crooning. A self proclaimed “group of jump jiving scally wags who like to play music” this 4 piece band from Bergen County is definitely on the rise.
Concerts tagged HMS Revenge, Matt Olsson., Mexicali, NJ, New Jersey, Teaneck, Thank You Scientist, Urban Lenny Wednesday, November 3, 2010 at 11:31 PM Cartel (Photo by Samantha Saffer)
Hey Monday (Photo by Samantha Saffer)
Last Thursday night, Cartel and Hey Monday played for an almost-sold-out crowd at The School of Rock in Hackensack, New Jersey. Atlanta natives, Cartel, was recently in the area for a one-off at Ramapo College of New Jersey earlier in October. Supporting the bands were The Ready Set, an electronica act from Indiana and We Are In The Crowd, a power-pop outfit currently signed to Hopeless Records. Additional photos and setlist from Cartel's October 30th show in Connecticut below.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010 at 7:33 PM The Ghost Inside (Photo by April Woronowicz)
Melodic hardcore marauders, The Ghost Inside, played at Hangar 84 in Vineland, New Jersey last Friday. New Jersey Underground's very own April Woronowicz had the chance to catch up with Jonathan Vigil of The Ghost Inside. "We haven't played in New Jersey for a very long time and were entirely blown away. By far the best show so far on this tour." During their set before performing "Shiner" Jonathan mentioned about the loss of his brother recently and dedicated that specific song to him. In the midst of that performance you felt the strength from the crowd overpower Vigil and the rest of the band. You truely felt a connection that cannot be touched by human hands. The Returners North American Tour continues on till the 13th of November with Evergreen Terrace, First Blood, Deez Nuts, A Loss for Words and Hundreth till they fly off to Europe to continue the tour and end it December 9th in London which they will switch up the line-up and pare up with For The Fallen Dreams, Suffokate and Lower Than Atlantis. The band just recently filmed a new music video for 'Chrono' so be on the look out for during the upcoming months.
Saturday, October 30, 2010 at 12:00 AM 
As previously mentioned, Saturday, October 30th will be a great night for music. "The Cult will be continuing the halloween theme down at Starland Ballroom, Automatic Loveletter will be playing Hangar 84, Blood On The Dance Floor will be at The School of Rock, and The Black Crowes will be playing at The Borgata. If you're not looking to attend a show, check out the Asbury Park Zombie Walk, where approximately 5,000 people will look to break the Guinness Book of World Records, record for most zombies in a single location".
What I forgot to mention was that Saturday is also Mischief Night, or whatever you call it, so whether you're on the offensive side of things, or the defensive, be safe and have fun. History and and name debates can be found below.
Friday, October 29, 2010 at 4:36 PM 
The Misfits will be playing alongside labelmates, Juicehead tonight at the 6th Annual Starland Ballroom Halloween Bash. Local acts performing this show include Johnny B. Morbid,The Zombie Mafia and Glass Midnight. The tour will also hit up Irving Plaza last night (October 28th). The Misfits are currently working on new material for their upcoming album and will hopefully be playing some of that this evening. Band history can be found below.
"We plan to continue as always, eclipse the past, block the sun and drag humanity by the throat into a world of darkness filled with ghouls, goblins and creatures of the night, where we are king." - The Misfits
"It started as a twisted dream"... 25 years ago in a small town in New Jersey called Lodi. It was there in April of 1977, at the dawn of the punk movement, that the Misfits were born. Taking the title of Marilyn Monroe's last movie as their name in a move to immortalize her image - singer Glenn Danzig and bassist Jerry Only set out to make an impression. They wound up making history and creating a legacy that's power has not only stood the test of time, but also transcended into an entirely new generation. Lineup changes followed and by early 1980, the band coalesced around co-founders, Glenn Danzig and Jerry Only along with guitarist Doyle Wolfgang Von Frankenstein (Jerry's youngest brother). Throughout the span of their career, the Misfits audience has developed into an army of "fiends" (the term for die hard Misfits fans) generating more interest today than ever before.
Music tagged Danzig, Halloween, Misfits, NJ, New Jersey, Starland Ballroom, the misfits Wednesday, October 27, 2010 at 7:50 PM 
Monday, October 18, 2010 at 9:19 AM 10. Mexicali Live
At first glance, Mexicali Live is a simple yet unique Southwestern / South American restaurant with a great selection of beer. Stay a little past dinnertime and the venue’s true colors show; some of the areas best bands as well as national acts grace the stage that the diners face on a nightly basis. The concertgoers and self proclaimed “foodies” that frequent the establishment rarely butt heads due to the eclectic nature of the musical acts and cuisine being served. Walk ins are common as the venue is located in the heart of Teaneck on the very busy Queen Anne Road.
Even though the venue cannot hold all that many people, two hundred at most, Excess db still brings some of the best tours and acts to the stage while charging a very reasonable sum. Mexicali Live is a gem of a venue if you have not discovered it. I have only seen a few shows there but they were well put together with excellent sound and I was able to enjoy delicious beers along with them. - James McGrath
Talent: 6
Sound: 9
Atmosphere: 7.5
View: 8
Concessions: 8
Overall: 7.7
Lying on the corner of Church Street and Spring Street, The Court Tavern is the only "official" venue helping keep the underground scene alive in New Brunswick. Aside from the legendary basement shows, the Court has helped hand craft the likes of The Bouncing Souls, Lifetime, The Gaslight Anthem and the Screaming Females, just to name a few. Although limited to 21 and over, the court tavern has a soft spot in the hearts of many New Brunswick punks, and there's a reason the Gaslight Anthem wrote a song entitled "The Diamond Church Street Quire" -- this venue was built on its pride. - Alex Napoliello
Talent: 5.5
Sound: 8
Atmosphere: 8
View: 9
Concessions: 9
Overall: 7.9
8. Meat Locker
No venue in New Jersey is more DIY than the Meat Locker in Montclair. The basement venue has been running strong for almost 30 years. Many notable acts have played here including Black Flag, Ted Leo and The Banner. Whether you're there to see the latest underground indie act or the up-and-coming thrash metal band, the Meat Locker will always have something for everyone. - Terrance Pryor
Talent: 6
Sound: 5
Atmosphere: 10
View: 9
Concessions: ha (omitted)
Punk Rockness: 10
Overall: 8
The Borgata Events Center is one of my favorite places to see a show in Jersey. With 2400+ seats, it’s semi-massive, yet feels as intimate as a small club show. Because of their killer acoustics, The Borgata has hosted everyone from Brand New to Mary J. Blige and everyone in between. Depending on the type of show, you’ll find one of three seating set-ups: reserved seating, floor standing/reserved risers or standing room only. My personal favorite is the floor standing/reserved riser seating because you have the choice of pushing all the way up to the front of the stage/pit or sitting back and relaxing. No matter where you are, you can see the stage just fine. Plus, what other venue can you see a show, drink free booze, gamble, go to an all-night after party and then stumble upstairs to your room? - Melissa McCarthy
Talent: 8
Sound: 9
Atmosphere: 9
View: 8
Concessions: 7
Overall: 8.2
The well respected House of Blues took it's name to Atlantic City in 2005. The aesthetically designed venue located along the famous Atlantic City Boardwalk has hosted a countless number of legendary acts in just the five years it's been in existence. The multi-level, 2,000 capacity concert hall allows you to have a great view while enjoying their state of the art sound system. Also, if you're for some reason not feeling the music you could always grab a bite to eat at the HOB restaurant. What else could you want from a venue?
Talent: 7
Sound: 8
Atmosphere: 9
View: 9
Concessions: 8.5
Overall: 8.3
5. Asbury Lanes
Though the landmark bowling pin sign is in shambles, Asbury Lanes' reputation to put on one hell of a show is not. What other venue in New Jersey can you bowl while listening to some of the best punk rock in the area Though the Stone Pony is known to get some of the bigger names, Asbury Lanes is where the true punk rock music in Asbury Park is found. You won't find the Boss playing a show at the lanes anytime soon, and lets keep it that way. - Alex Napoliello
"The first time I heard about Asbury Lanes I didn't know what to expect, but after going to my first show there, I was immediately hooked. The Lanes is Asbury culture for everyone from up-and-coming bands, to timeless punk rock legends. Playing The Lanes is a right of passage for any band, and especially my own. You'll realize that it's not a lot of people who have heard of it, but it's the right people that have heard of it. I want to say it's more than a bowling alley and I want to say it is more than a music venue but the honest truth is it is something all together separate from both of those things. You're in the 50's, you're in the 90's, you're seeing a burlesque show, you're seeing a metal band, you're paying less than $10 and you are drunk screaming at the top of your lungs in the heart of Asbury Park, NJ. That's Asbury Lanes." - Joe Michelini, River City Extension
Talent: 7.5
Sound: 8
Atmosphere: 9
View: 9
Concessions: 9
Overall: 8.5
There aren't many 1000+ capacity venues anywhere that will give you a better view than you get at Starland Ballroom. Though the immediate area of the venue may be "in the middle of no where", essential due to it's Central Jersey location Starland is one of the most accessible venues in NJ. I could go on about what things are great about the concert hall and what needs improvement, but I'll let the fact that SB is one of best ticket selling concert nightclubs in the world speak for itself.
"Starland is the biggest little venue in the world. Most people don't realize that it holds as many people as the Roseland Ballroom in NYC because it feels so intimate. We've made a tradition of playing a homecoming show at Starland every holiday season. It's become part of the very fabric of our band." -Geoff Rickly, Thursday
Talent: 8
Sound: 9
Atmosphere: 8.5
View: 9
Concessions: 8.5
Overall: 8.6
When you think of venues in New Jersey, the Stone Pony undoubtedly comes to mind first. Perhaps one most well-know venues in the country, the Stone Pony is built around its music history. Since the early 70’s, The Pony has served as a perfect pit stop for musicians en route to the Big Apple. While hosting some of the bigger names in the industry, the Stone Pony still pays its dues to the locals by catering to the underground scene as well. But what really makes this venue one of the top in the state is the summer stage set up. On any given
warm, summer night you don’t even need a ticket to catch a performance at one of the most legendary spots in the nation. - Alex Napoliello
"Every time I take the stage at the Stone Pony, I pause and think with reverence of all the great rock legends that have played there before me. I can't help but fantasize about what it must have been like to see Springsteen play the Pony back in the earliest days, and I feel like somehow that energy remains there today. It's one of those perfect things, I 'm so happy the Pony's still around, and I hope it'll stay around for years to come." - Bryan Kienlen, The Bouncing Souls
Talent: 7.5
Sound: 9
Atmosphere: 9
View: 9
Concessions: 9
Overall: 8.7
When you cover shows 3-5 nights a week it's hard to be genuinely excited about each. However I can't think of even one show that I've seen at the Wellmont Theatre that I hadn't been eagerly awaiting. I guess it mostly comes down to the fact that the renovated theatre consistently brings in top of the line talent, that before it's reopening in 2008, would have most usually skipped over NJ. It doesn't end there though, between being located in the the majestic Montclair, having mind boggling sound and a welcoming aura, the 88 year old Theatre holds a special place in NJ concert goers hearts.
Talent: 9.5
Sound: 9.5
Atmosphere: 10
View: 9
Concessions: 7
Overall: 9
1. Maxwell's
The Maxwell House factory that gave Maxwell's its name is long gone (along with the enchanting smell of roasting coffee that used to caffeinate the Mile Square City,) but this small (200 capacity) club's reputation looms as large as ever after more than 30 years. Forget that practically every indie band that mattered in the Eighties (from the Replacements to R.E.M. to Husker Du) played there, or that Bruce Springsteen filmed his "Glory Days" video in that fabled back room; today, Maxwell's remains more relevant than ever, whether it's helping launch the careers of Garden State hitmakers like Screaming Females, Gaslight Anthem, and Val Emmich or hosting the trendiest indie bands when they trek through the Greater New York area. A restaurant (which makes the venue all-ages for every show,) a bar, and a rock club, Maxwell's remains the best place in New Jersey to grab a burger, hoist a brew, or see your favorite band. - Jim Testa
"I've always had a soft spot for Maxwells. We haven't been able to play there as a band in a long time but we actually go there just to eat and hang out whenever we can. There's a really great vibe there." - Anthony, Bayside
Talent: 9.5
Sound: 9.5
Atmosphere: 10
View: 9.5
Concessions: 9
Overall: 9.5
Thursday, October 14, 2010 at 1:13 PM Waking Lights
Waking Lights is a band I can't recommend enough. Last January they were our #5 pick on our list of bands to conquer 2010 and come this January they may place even higher. I guess you could classify them as folk-rock, but don't expect the slow and sometimes boring songs you'd maybe associate with the genre from Waking Lights. As someone who got a chance to listen to some of their new material, take it from me you won't be disappointed. Preview a live clip of a new song on their website.
Waking Lights - Where It All Began
River City Extension
An NJ band that almost needs no introduction. Since the release of their sophomore effort The Unmistakable Man last May, the group has gone on to play with Dashboard Confessional, Gogo Bordello, Saves the Day and even toured with Lydia. It would also be an understatement to say the folk-rock group received their far share of good press over the past six months. Now comes CMJ 2010 and River City Extension are of course not messing around, which means you'll be able to see them opening for Kevin Devine and Miniature Tigers @ Music Hall of Williamsburg, a CMJ showcase not many bands would mind being on. More info on that date here.
River City Extension - The Ballad of Oregon-Master
The Front Bottoms
This pop-indie trio is as unique as, well, a pop-indie trio can be. Though most of their songs will follow a typical song structure, I have to stress that the last thing you think when you hear this band is "typical". Singer, Brian Sella isn't whining about a girl breaking his heart or how beautiful his girlfriend is; instead his blunt lyrics fall on the subjects of drugs, one-night stands and taking steroids to win the heart of a girl who likes a man with muscles. How romantic. Stream The Front Bottoms latest release Slow Dance To Soft Rock here.
Andrew Cedermark
This ex Titus Andronicus member may finally have people stop referring to him as an "ex Titus Andronicus" member very soon. Now that Andrew Cedermark's solo work has been Pitchfork approved, as expected more and more people seem to be jumping on his indie-rock ship. AC is also slated for some of the better CMJ showcases that focus on his genre. If I had to pick one of the shows for you to see him at, I'd tell you to make sure to be at the Underwater Peoples showcase at Glasslands next Thurdsay, October 21st. More info here.
Andrew Cedermark - Moon Deluxe
Brick + Mortar
This NJ duo's sound is not just unique, but also universal. The group has opened for a legendary funk band (Galactic) and a legendary pop-punk band (Jimmy Eat World). While I don't think they quite fit perfectly with either, I do believe they left both of those shows with a bunch of new fans, cause after all, recognition of talent knows no boundaries. Brick + Mortar released their debut EP 7 Years in the Mystic Room last March. You can stream it here and I highly suggest you do.
Delicate Steve
The newly signed instrumentally driven experimental pop group's strongest point is probably their live show. Maybe that's why their Union Pool residency was attended by members of TV On The Radio, Dirty Projectors, Yeasayer and even best selling authors? It also may have a little something to do with why they landed opening slots for Dr. Dog, Here We Go Magic and a tour with Fang Island. Either way as someone who has had the "Delicate Steve live experience" I can say, it doesn't matter if you are an indie snob or a top 40 listener, the chances that you'll leave a Delicate Steve show pleased are considerably high.
Delicate Steve - The Ballad Of Speck And Pebble
Big Troubles
Big Troubles is yet another band from the prestigious Ridgewood, New Jersey and yes they are lo-fi and yes they do play in Brooklyn more than in NJ, but that doesn't mean they don't put out music that gives them their own identity in the tight-knit Bergen County scene. In fact, with the exception of Real Estate, I've probably listened to Big Troubles more than any other band from Rigdewood. If you give their new LP Worry a listen you might find out why. Stream their entire debut full-length album here.
