We're not dead, I promise!

So the CMJ Music Marathon took a toll on me and I just recovered from it. This week on launches the 'Where are they now' series that The Dive will be doing, the first band up is morning... [www.morningband.com] and hopefully other bands that have been on the show the first year it started will come back on air and talk to us and let us know what they've been up to.

Do you have a band you want us to interview? Let us know! Email us at the.dive.32[at]gmail[dot]com

Band Feature ; Those Mockingbirds

Photo: Jenna Przybylowski

Words: Garvey Potter

What is one of the hottest new bands from Montclair, New Jersey? Well that would be the relatively new band, Those Mockingbirds. With their catchy melodies and interesting lyrics they are taking the Jersey scene by storm.

The band is comprised of Adam, guitarist and lead vocalist, Tory (ironically Japanese for “bird”) the violinist, Dane on guitar, Dom on bass, and Matt plays drums. The beat is driven by the drums and bass, guitar provides the chords, Tory’s violin dances around the melody, and main melody is provided by Adam’s singing and the occasional vocal harmony. These culminate into a unique sound of music that draws inspiration from almost all forms of rock and pop. Their genre of music is ambiguous. On their Facebook page they are listed as “Classy/Alt. Classy,” their Myspace classifies them as “Indie / Acousmatic / Tape music / Hyphy,” and their PureVolume page simply puts “Indie / Soul / Rock.” Just know that Those Mockingbirds fall under the “Awesome” genre.

Those Mockingbirds only have one album right now: No Symmetry – EP, which was released back in April. However, expect new albums coming soon as well as a variety of upcoming shows and events.

What does the band enjoy doing when not playing concerts or composing songs? Kidnap the Numa Numa guy of course. He is kept in a secret and secure location and will only be safely released if 50,000 people visit www.savenuma.com and download their single “Honest. Honest?”

Those Mockingbirds are an amazing new band and I see great things coming to them in the future very soon. You better get their autograph now, because these guys are going to soar in fame.

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LIVE REVIEW: CAKE 9/16/10 Rumsey Playfield

Photos and words by Roz

You can have your Cake.

View more photos here!

On September 16th 2010 I made my way to Rumsey Playfield to see Cake. Despite the chance of rain, myself and two of my favorite people stood in line from 2pm-7pm when doors opened, and yes that includes during that horrible storm. Lucky for me and a dear listner of the The Dive, Elliepantsonfire, we were able to stand in a CLEAN porta-potty for the ending of it while our comrad, George braved the storm with some from Dumont. Due to the rain, sound check was pushed back and in turn doors were pushed back to 7pm. There is something about being the first people in line and the first people into a show that just makes things slightly better, but what made the night so memorable was being FRONT AND CENTER for the show.

The stage had a curtain like fabric with a scene which looked like it could've been out of the Sound of Music as well as a discoball hanging from the ceiling. Shortly before the show started, a Fuji Apple Tree was placed on stage. The anticipation of the crowd was growing until 8:05 rolled around when John MCrea, Vince DiFiore, Gabe Nelson, Xan McCurdy, Paulo Baldi took to the stage; the crowd roared in cheers.

To start their set, the band performed 'Comfort Eagle' and boy was the crowd dancing. The band also played two covers, Willie Nelson's 'Sad Song and Waltzes' and Black Sabbath's 'War Pigs'. Other songs from the set that night included, 'Wheels', 'Frank Sinatra', 'Love You Madly', 'Long Time', 'Bound Away', 'Sheep Go to Heaven', 'Shadow Stabbing', 'Stickshifts and Safetybelts' and 'Never There'. Now let me tell you, I was a bit disappointed when I didn't hear either of my favorite songs played, but that was changed when the encore came around...Cake encored with 'The Distance'. Don't get me wrong, I was dancing through the whole set, but I had to put my camera away to get down to this song.

The band spilt their show into two sets with a 15minute intermission in between. During the second set, the tree I mentioned before was given away to Michael when he answered a question about the percentage of people who have fresh water [the answer is close to 33% percent]. In order to keep the tree, Michael had to promise that he would plant the tree, take a photo of him with the tree and send it to the band, as well as keep the band updated with photos of the trees growth. The band will also be releasing another studio album on January 11th 2010 titled Showroom of Compassion. So when that comes out make sure you get your hands on that!

The show was amazing. I had so much fun and I suggest that anyone who has the chance to go see Cake, do it. You'll have such a great time.

Bad news, and good news.

First thing I'm going to do is deliver some bad news; DJ A.Marie has left The Dive. We're on good terms, she just doesn't feel like she has the time to commit to The Dive. As much as I'm sad to see her go, I'm excited to open a new chapter of The Dive.

On a happier tone, tomorrow The Dive turns one, Those Mockingbirds will be on AND I will be auditioning for a new co-host. This time there is a guy who seems to fit what The Dive needs. But we'll all have to wait and see so tune in tomorrow at 5pm for a new episode of The Dive!

Show Review; WSPC Presents 9/9/10

Food Stamps.

Second Thoughts.

The Nico Blues.

Blaise Delfino.

Photos and words by Roz.

On Thursday September 9th 2010 WSPC hosted their first concert of the semester which ran from 7:30-10pm in Roy Irving Theater. Opening the night up was SPC’s own, Blaise Delfino. The freshman showed his guitar, and vocal talents by performing some covers as well as a few originals. During his set, the singer-songwriter informed the audience of his upcoming show with Ryan Cabrera on October 8th at Crocodile Rock in Allentown Pennsylvania. After his set, Blaise signed photos for his fans. In between sets, the audience enjoyed food from Prince of Pizza while the WSPC staff entertained them with music, dancing and some contests. Following Blaise was the Nico Blues, a folk/indie rock band from Wayne NJ. Three of their members could not be in attendance that evening, so an acoustic set was performed by their one vocalist/guitarist and their bassist. In honor of the band’s folk / Americana sound, the light engineers had Lady Liberty herself make a guest appearance every once and a while. Their set included many tracks off of their latest release ‘Blame the boredom, Blame the Basements’.

Once the Nico Blues wrapped their set up, Second Thoughts took to the stage. This three-piece alternative rock band played some tracks off of their demo CD ‘Stage Nine’, as well as covers of Brand New’s ‘The Quiet Things that No One Ever Knows’ and Nirvana’s ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ which started a very small but full of energy mosh pit. And to close the night out was Eyeball Records and Brooklyn’s very own Food Stamps. Despite their laptop being stolen earlier in the week, the band came out and performed a short yet intimate set. This band has been receiving quite a bit of buzz over on thebrooklynvegan.com and even listed on the L’s magazines 8 Bands you Need to Hear. With their own lighting equipment and with a little help of a fog machine this band’s stage presence and stage show is one that no one should miss out on.

The Dismemberment Plan.....REUNITES!

Photo taken off of the band's myspace.

Hayyyy!

So you guys have no idea how much joy saying The Dismemberment Plan has reunited brings me. It is true! The four piece band from Washington D.C., have reunited to celebrate the re-release of the band's 1997 album Emergency & I, and the release will feature some additional tracks all remastered! Now when I saw that Stereogum tweeted about the reunion of this band and that they were going on tour, I didn't think that they'd be playing so close to home. On 1/29/11 they will be playing at Webster Hall! Hopefully I will be there! Check out http://stereogum.com/506581/dismemberment-plan-reunite-again/news/ for more details!

Album Review; morning... 'The Greatest Feeling in the World'

Photos and words by Roz.

more photos can be found here

Hailing from Passiac County New Jersey, I give you morning... [that's spelt m-o-r-i-n-g-.-.-.] The five piece indie alternative band released their second EP, 'The Greatest Feeling in the World' at their first headlining show at Maxwell's in Hoboken on August 14th. I concur that after listening to this album many times, you will indeed experience the greatest feeling in the world.

The track list is:

-Move Your Head, I'm Hugging God

-Business

-Mailbox

-Lady Liberty

-Scardey Cat

-October

-Glamour Shots

For fans of: Modest Mouse, Braid, ...And you will know us by the trail of dead, Cursive, Weezer, We are Scientists and people who like good music.

The band begins to give the listener a taste of the greatest feeling in the world with soft guitar melodies and mystical vocals to match in a track titled 'Move Your Head, I'm Hugging God'. 'Business' just kicks the listener's energy up without trying them out. How? Even listening to the album at home, you can feel the energy that this band put into their recording.

'Mailbox', is a track to give the listener a break for what's to come. I'm going to call this the sorbet of the album, it cleanses the listner's pallate, yet you want more. 'Lady Liberty', is sound wise almost like shampooing one's hair, soft, loud, repeat. The fifth track on the album, 'Scardey Cat' seems to be the same as the previous track in a way. And by in a way I mean, the vocal style is quiet similar.

'October' is could be every college student's internal feelings set to music, you know feeling like you don't belong so you just try to get through the day by forcing yourself to be invisible, or even the uncertainity of where the next step in your life will take you and grasping the concept of morality. Yet the track, gives you a slight bit of hope. And to close out the EP, 'Glamour Shots'. The melodies of the guitar, the dreamy 'ohhs and ahhhs', and back to basic drum beat makes the listener repeat the whole album over and over again.

So to summerize everything I just said about morning...'s album: It's good. Real good. You'll be singing along with the lyrics soon enough. Head over to www.morningband.com and listen to it if you don't believe me. Then buy it. And finally see this band live. I highly recommend it.

Album Review; Hands on the Stereo EP!

Photos and words by Roz.

more photos can be found here

"Because kids like us will never let them take our hearts"

I'll be reviewing an EP from a band that hails from Bergen County; Hands on the Stereo. This five piece band is a very nice blend of pop-punk and happy hardcore. Their self titled EP was realeased on June 20th 2010 at the Maywood Senior Center in Maywood, New Jeresey. The tracks on the EP include

-Party Baker

-Tara

-I Know How you Are

-Time Machine

-Show `Em What You're Made Of

-Can't Stop Kids Like Us

The album in it's in entirity is something I would describe as a feel good/sing along album. 'Show 'Em What You're Made Of' is a prime example of this. With lyrics that promote giving life your all, showing all those that told you couldn't do something that you could, and living life to the fullest how could anyone not feel great after listening to this song. The chorus "Cause I'm missing you there on my left side, trade this in for the best times of your life I know you got it in you. Pick it up again and burn it down with me so sing with me [sing with me] one more time show them what your made of" has helped numerous people break out of there slumps according to the band.

A more serious song, 'I Know How You Are', which is about a girl staying in a relationship where she wasn't treated right, still keeps the general upbeat tone of the album; all while telling a story of how another person wants to treat the girl right. The song in general is something we all can relate to; you know, seeing someone you care about being with someone that doesn't appreciate them but especially the chorus, "Before you go, I need you to know that he does not deserve a single second you're worth. I'm done I've said this before I called it straight from the start tonight I'm set on I'm going to win heart." knowing that someone you have a deep connection with is in that situation and wanting them to see you in a different light is something I know I can relate to on a more personal level. 'Can't Stop Kids Like Us' could be deemed as the local scene's anthem. Lyrics that are pro-sicking it to the man, standing up for what you believe in and not backing down paired with sick breakdowns, yup it is definitely anthem worthy.

If you're a fan of Say Anything, Blink 182, or pop-punk in general I would recommend this album for you. If you're not sure you'll like the album, go give it a listen and if you really like it, download it! Its free on the band's website www.handsonthestereo.bandcamp.com

Band Feature; Food Stamps.

photo found at the band's facebook page.

This is our first band feature.

Food Stamps, a band that hails from Brooklyn NY, has been under the eye of many in both the New Jersey scene and the New York City scene. With the duos catchy pop sound, fused with a bit of an 80s sound separates them from the other bands in both scenes. Listed on 's list of 8 Bands You Need to Hear [issued March 31-April 10 2010], and the Brooklyn Vegan, Food Stamps is making a wave for the next generation of music. I've been listening to their EP "Food Stamps" which has been backed by Eyeball and Warner Brothers since I saw them on July 17th 2010 at the Meatlocker in Montclair New Jersey. Off the EP, my favorite tracks are "Silence" and "Lost it All"

You can grab yourself a copy of Food Stamps' EP "Food Stamps" on Itunes today!

Also, tune on this Thursday on September 2nd to hear a live in-studio interview with Food Stamps on The Dive! [www.spc.edu/wspc]

Last Photo Update of the night.

Photos from Drug Front Record's Rocks Off cruise featuring The Mess Arounds, Naked Heroes and Miniboone.

*All photos have been taken by me.

MiniBoone

Naked Heroes

The Mess Around