Six
to Eight Mathematics - Start Again (sixtoeightmathematics.com)
Six to Eight Mathematics (try saying that
three times fast), take a youthful adoration
for the early 70's glam-rock era, all-things-punk,
and gave it their own sound that is at times,
stripped down to real-deal punk simplicity,
and the energy of raw rock 'n' roll, creating
a truly wonderful album of punk, rock, and
pop, but with a difference. Their body of
work (this is their second album and their
third is due out soon hopefully), reveals
rapid creative growth, especially in their
stage presence. I caught STEM at Buddies Tavern
last week at one of Lazlo's Blowup Radio Shows
(check Blowupradio.com for future shows).
Like Mike Grau who takes turns with Lazlo
putting on shows at Buddies, sometimes you
don't know the bands, but I assure you, you'll
come away from any of their shows shaking
your head, muttering to yourself like I did
saying, "How could I have not heard of
such an amazing band before?!"
It's an unavoidable comparison but Six to
Eight Mathematics' intensity and musical mojo
rivals that of bands like Joan Jett &
The Blackhearts, Pretenders, and Shonen Knife-
and I'd go as so far to say that, my first
impression of hearing Six to Eight Mathematics
live is, that they have the ability to hold
a crowd in the palm of their hands, much like
the Ramones used to. STEM write simple, catchy
melodies with lyrics about teenage angst like
"Am I Crazy," "Frustrated"
and, on "Mad Radio," which lays
blame for the crap on most
radio stations spit out, they demand good
music and also for themselves to be heard,
"I know the truth and how had it can
be/ Can't you see how mad the stereo can be?/
I wanna hear myself on the radio!" Six
to Eight Mathematics sound instrumentally
distinct while offering uniquely casting lyrics,
telling stories and describing characters
with impressive skill. This is exactly the
type of band that were made to be on vinyl.
Lots of singles abound, and there's pure punk
in the grooves! - Phil Rainone
Mad
Juana - Bruja on the Corner (Acetate.com)
When you see the press photo for Mad Juana,
with the musicians striking a pose in turn
of the century clothing (pork pie hats, suspenders,
etc.), with their instruments (acoustic guitar,
accordion, sax, stand-up bass, etc.), you'll
think it's the second coming of The Seeger
Sessions Band, only Brucie's been replaced
by lead singer, melodica/percussion playing
maven Karmen Guy, and Sami Yaffa on guitar
(currently with The New York Dolls), plays
the part of musical foil, filling in for Little
Stephen.
The rest of the band features Danny Ray on
sax, Nico Camargo on trumpet, Paul Garisto
on congas and percussion, Marni Rice on accordion,
and Stephen Rey on bass. They help fill out
this wonderful sound, striking out into fertile
musical soil. A Jambala of genre's like gypsy,
punk, swamp blues, and New Orleans jazz stirred
into a gumbo of exotic elixir with a memorable,
and soulful spirit. Far from formulatic and
derivative, the songs are timelessly thrilling
and truly entertaining as well. With tasteful
restraint, Mad Juana explore their wilder
instincts, avoiding showy guitar work, verbal
grandstanding, or self-parody. Jam-packed
with intriguing titles like "Vahalla,"
"La Bruja," "Circus Downtown,"
and the swirling, psychodelisized barnburner,
"Bury Me Standing," are part of
the band's cultural mixed bag that includes,
but is not limited to, intelligent, earthy
music that is a whirlwind of sounds and shapes.
Mad Juana possesses that magical mojo of studied
balance and whirling dervish madness. I know
Bruce doesn't use an opening band, even for
The Seeger Sessions Band, but man, I'm sure
under the right circumstances he'd gobble
Mad Juana right up as an opener! - Phil Rainone
CD Reviews 
