It’s a blustery New England morning on Main Street. I inhale a chilly lungful of Monday, smug in the knowledge that, unlike west coast writers, I get to use words like “blustery.” I step into SIP for a coffee and a bagel. I’m not sure if all-capping SIP is required, but I do it because I dig their sign, which is all-caps, which is successful branding. Continue reading
Tag Archives: Northampton
REVIEWS & ARTICLES: The Demographic
Vocalist/guitarist Tom Pappalardo, ribbed the sleepy night’s small audience, mostly hovering quietly at the back and sides of the room: “I want you to stand as far away as possible, and I want you to sit.” Continue reading
REVIEWS: No-Shadow Kick
Spatializing Sound in the Time Domain – Listeners are likely to decide by the very first song whether they love or hate Northampton’s No-Shadow Kick (according to the EP’s cover, now “The” No-Shadow Kick): the lead singer has an intense low nasal yowl, which works well with the mischievous lyrics and turbulent guitars. Those who enjoy the voices of Frank Black (Pixies) or Peter Garrett (Midnight Oil) will likely be charmed; others may find frontman Tom Pappalardo’s singing style a turn-off. At seven songs, one of which is crap (aptly named “It Doesn’t Matter (You Motherfucker)”), Spatializing Sound in the Time Domain is short, but with so few duds on the list, the overall effect is more one of pithiness than of brevity. Continue reading
ARTICLE: Honestly, They’re Good (Valley Advocate)
This is not what a Northampton band is supposed to sound like. There’s not a hook to be found. Nor the slightest hint of twang. And no one, not anyone at all, would consider describing No-Shadow Kick‘s music as accessible. Because it isn’t. And it doesn’t want to be. Continue reading