Circus Circus' Brooklyn Nightlife

Music-Reviewer.com

November 2008 Music-Reviewer.com

Circus Circus' Brooklyn Nightlife

By Heather Gioia
Intern

Artist Circus Circus

Title Brooklyn Nightlife

Label CI Records

Rating 9 out of 10

Think only the Amish, horse drawn buggies, and glass blowing factories come from Lancaster, Pa.? Wrong. Finally, out of Lancaster, Pa. has come something the kids can enjoy.

Circus Circus was formed in 2006 then hit the scene in 2007 with their first album, Hut Hut Hike, making clear their talent. They quickly became one of the most popular underground bands finding themselves ranked amongst Chiodos, Every Time I Die, The Devil Wears Prada, Fall of Troy, and August Burns Red.

Maintaining their place in the ranks, Circus Circus’ Brooklyn Nightlife is a solid album that represents all these young talented musicians have to offer and plan to dish out.

It's difficult to put a finger on the exact sound of Circus Circus, Brooklyn Nightlife is another complement of Mike Williams’ off the wall lyrics and vocal style; a mixture of screams, clear blunt lines, and softer melodies. These are the sounds of guitarists Jason Terry and Justin Smith, bassist Matt Glassmyer, and drummer Evan Dyer.

Amputee Ball grabs your attention from the start, allowing your ears to tune in for an exciting ride. Dyer’s opening drum beats accompanied by Terry, Smith, and Glassmyer provides the perfect backdrop for Williams’ exclamations. With word combinations that leave you feeling empowered, Amputee Ball contains lines such as, “I challenge you to a resurrection of our common colds with uncommon tension.”

Did you ever have friends who suddenly just got the idea they were better than you? Maybe you go to school with or did go to school with the kids who’s Moms and Dads got them their every wish. Did you ever wish you could just scream into their face that that isn’t all there is to life? Now you can. Fact Monster allows you to let all of that out. Talking about how we are “fucked into our mothers,” exemplifying that we all come from the same actions and end up with the same fate, “high class now but your just dust when you die.”

Containing an internal rhyme, William’s vocabulary and sentence structure capture your mind, while the rhythmic sounds of Circus Circus assault your ears and make you want to get up and dance. Neighbors living below or next door may not appreciate the rush that Brooklyn Nightlife leaves you with, but Circus Circus has created an album that draws you to your feet. Prepare to jump, head bang, and go all out.

With an indescribable sound that can maybe be compared to that of Fall of Troy or Every Time I Die, Circus Circus’ sound is best described by Metal Underground.com as, “A sound that is too metal to be punk, but too punk to be metal.” Circus Circus’ Brooklyn Nightlife is a guaranteed good time.

East of the Wall's Farmers Almanac

Music-Reviewer.com

November 2008 Music-Reviewer.com

East of the Wall's Farmers Almanac

By Heather Gioia
Intern

Artist East of the Wall

Title Farmers Almanac

Label Forgotten Empire

Rating 7 out of 10

Artists tell their stories, life's hardships and uprisings, through their music. They share their stories with the world through a clever mixture of musical rhythm and lyrics that not only are on repeat in your head all day, but also have meaning to you. East Of The Wall took a step off the normal path and made their album, Farmer’s Almanac, about YOU. Farmer’s Almanac is eight songs and a little over 40 minutes of music for you to put your story to.

Recorded in New York, Farmer’s Almanac is East Of The Wall's first release, attempting to defy boundaries that have been set by rock bands before them. Not only providing the relaxing sounds of experimental rock without the vocals, but also taking the length of each song to a new level.

Winter Breath is a 7 minute story, with an embracive beginning and core beats that capture and draw the listener in early on. A mixture of unusual bass rhythms, provided by Brett Bamberger, and a new guitar style from Matt Lupo and Kevin Conway, combine with Mike Somers’ drum beats pose as a musical story of everyday life's ups and downs.

Farmer’s Almanac is 40+ minutes of experimental rock melodies that can provide anyone with their own personal sound track. Many say that every event in life requires its own soundtrack; Farmer’s Almanac allows you put your story to the musical rhythmic genies East Of The Wall has created... or simply ignore the story and go about your life with unique melodies playing in the background instead of the usual QVC or afternoon news.

Farmer’s Almanac is a mixture of, as East Of The Wall refers to it, “a linear listening experience, where monstrous riffs dissolve into beautiful melodies.” So whether you are looking for ambient sound to add to your day, or new “rock legends” to fallow, East Of The Wall’s sound may fit the bill. No matter what “rock type” you consider yourself to be, Farmer’s Almanac has a little bit of something for YOU.

Rocking out from Amish country

The Commonwealth Times

November 17, 2008 Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, VA

Rocking out from Amish country

By Heather Gioia
Contributing Writer

Think only Amish, hourse-drawn buggies and glass-blowing factories come from Lancaster, Pa.? Well, here's something the kids can enjoy.

The band Circus Circus was formed in 2006 and then hit the scene in 2007 with its first album, "Hut Hut Hike," showcasing the band's talent. Circus Circus quickly became one of the most popular underground bands, finding itself ranked amongst Chiodos, Every Time I Die, The Devil Wears Prada, Fall of Troy and August Burns Red.

Maintaining its place in the ranks, Circus Circus' "Brooklyn Nightlife" is a solid album that represents all that these young, talented musicians have to offer.

While it's difficult to place a finger on the exact sound of Circus Circus, "Brooklyn Nightlife" is another compliment of Mike Williams; off-the-wall lyrics and vocal style; it's a mixture of screams, succinct lines and softer melodies thanks to guitarist Jason Terry and Justin Smith, bassist Matt Glassmyer and drummer Evan Dyer.

The song "Amputee Ball" grabs listeners' attention from the start, allowing their ears to tune in for an exciting ride. Dyer's opening drum beats provide the perfect backdrop for Williams' exclamations. The song shows the lyrical empowerment with which the band leaves the listener. "I challenge you to a resurrection of our common colds with uncommon tension."

"Fact Monster" talks about how we are "(expletive) into our mothers," exemplifying that we all come from the same actions and end up with the same fate, "High class now but you're just dust when you die."

Containing an internal rhyme, Williams' vocabulary and sentance structure captures the mind, while the rhythmic sounds of Circus Circus grace the ears and make listeners want to get up and dance.

Neighbors living below or next door might not appreciate the rush that "Brooklyn Nightlife" leaves you with, but Circus Circus has created an album that draws listeners to their feet. Prepare to jump, head-bang and go all out--Lancaster style.

If they had stereos, the Amish would be proud.

Grade: A-

Download (don't steal): "Amputee Ball" by Circus Circus

'Farmer's Almanac' Rock for the masses

The Commonwealth Times

November, 17 2008 Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, VA

'Farmer's Almanac' Rock for the masses

By Heather Gioia
Contributing Writer

Artist tell their stories, hardships and triumphs through their music. They share their stories with the world through a clever mixture of musical rhythm and lyrics that are not only catchy, but also have special meaning to the listener.

New Jersey's East Of The Wall took a step off the beaten path with its album "Farmer's Almanac."

Recorded in New York, "Farmer's Almanac" is East Of The Wall's first release, attempting to defy boundaries that have been set by rock bands long before it with its instrumental and experimental rock.

"Winter Breath" is a seven-minute story, with an embracive beginning and core beats that capture listeners early on. A mixture of unusual bass rhythms, provided by Brett Bamberger, and inventive guitar styles from Matt Lupo and Kevin Conway, combine with Mike Somers' drum beats to tell a musical story of lifes ups and downs.

"Farmer's Almanac" is 40-plus minutes of experimental rock melodies and can give listeners their own personal soundtrack. "Farmer's Almanac" allows listeners to put their story to the musical rhythmic genies East Of The Wall has created.

Whether listeners are looking for ambient sound to add to their day, or new rock legends to fallow, East Of The Wall's sound is capable of embracing all. Even for the "non-rock types," Farmer's Almanac has a little bit of something for everyone.

Grade: C

Download (don't steal): "Winter Breath" by East Of The Wall

Reporting 101

The Mass Comm Week Blog

October 2008 Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, VA

Reporting 101

By Heather Gioia
Student Writer

RICHMOND, Va.- Current president of Carolina Parenting Inc. Mark Ethridge III spoke with students and staff Wednesday evening about ongoing changes in mass media. Ethridge was the guest speaker at the Turpin Lecture as part of the Mass Comm Week at VCU.

What does it take to be a good reporter?

Good reporting, according to Ethridge, is lacking because there are many reporters who are rushing to beat their competiton. Using Dan Ratherther as an example, he explained how news goes on to the air or to print without a complete fact check.

“People have this sort of insatiable desire to know how they fit with the rest of the world,” said Ethridge.

Reporters must remember that it is the readers who bring the value to the paper so their goal must be to connect with them, Ethridge said.


Go after the story.

Along with his journalistic career, Ethridge has taken on the world of novels, authoring "Grievances.”
"Grievances" begins with a young man who digs deeper into the murder of a 13-year-old boy years after the instance. Then fallows into the story of two reporters and their boss, and their drive to find the unknown.

“The key to writing, everybody wants something,” said Ethridge. “A great newspaper story is a story that gets readers talking to nonreaders.”

Today, the newspaper industry is attempting to look like TV, attempting to “excel where it cannot.” Reporters should not cut or dumb down news, however embrace detail, authority, and credentials. Detail being extremely important, Ethridge stresses that reporters should not “ever send anything in that isn’t perfect.”

“Great writing isn’t pilling on a lot of flowery language,” said Ethridge. “When no word is wasted writing is powerful.”

The hard part about being a reporter is not learning how to write news, but learning the industry and getting involved, according to Ethridge. As students, aspiring reporters and journalist should do as much hands on work as possible, partake in as many internships as possible.

Earning a degree from a “good” institution and networking are also key in success. Ethridge described VCU’s Mass Communications program as being “increasingly respected” and the degree as coming from a “very good institution.” Networking is also key to success, Ethridge recommended that students visit the VCU Mass Communications Alumni site to start networking with VCU graduates.

Although times are changing, Ethridge stressed how reporters will always be needed.

“There is always a need for reporters,” said Ethridge. “The Delivery system changes from trees and trucks to the internet, but the content need is the same.”


Who is Mark Ethridge III?

“A very successful media manager who has gotten into a second or third career,” described director of the School of Mass Communications, Judy Turk.

Former editor of The Charlotte Observer and current president of Carolina Parenting Inc., Ethridge has had a renowned journalistic career. Yet, he did not start off in the field of journalism, or any media for that matter.

Ethridge graduated from Princeton University with a degree in history. From there he went on to be a staff member at The Charlotte Observer. While there, he directed the paper’s Pulitzer winning investigation of the textile industry and PTL scandal.

Author of the novel “Grievances,” Ethridge claimed it is his way to “vent.” “Grievances” is described as sharing the journey of “real life breakneck world of newspaper reporting. From by-lines to deadlines, reluctant publishers to mystery sources,” as stated in the write up.

“Grievances” has received great reviews and was even referred to as “a must for your beach bag,” which Ethridge described as being a “delight.”

As a 3rd generation journalist, Ethridge finds ties to the Richmond area through his grandfather, Mark F. Ethridge.

Mark F. Ethridge was a publisher at the Richmond Times-Dispatch in the mid- 1930’s. At his departure in 1936 from the paper he was described by the board of directors of the Times-Dispatch as having helped “circulation having reached its highest mark and his efforts, have contributed substantially towards increasing its effectiveness as an instrument of public service for the city and t the state.”



What is the Turpin Lecture?

The Turpin Lecture was added by two VCU Alumni who wanted to honor professor Bill Turpin. Turpin taught the media management class at VCU.

Ethridge described Turpin as, “A man who is well described as a mentor and a journalist.”

The purpose of the lecture is to bring someone to VCU that is or was successful in media management.

Are you COOL enough?

The Vine

May 2008 Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, VA

Are you COOL enough?

By Heather Gioia
Staff Writer

They were stationed in the Student Commons earlier in the semester. They stormed the dorms in March. They have been providing endless opportunities for students and faculty to proclaim their “coolness” though their “I’m Cool” stickers.

The members of the Conserve Our Oceans Legacy (COOL) have focused efforts to educate students at Virginia Commonwealth University about the harm of over fishing and help stop it.

“COOL's main goal is get postcard petitions/e-petitions signed,” said Rachel Kistler, an enthused volunteer, as COOL members call themselves. “These petitions are being sent to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) this summer because they're putting out laws that lessen the consequences for commercial fisheries that overharvest their fish or that use un-safe fishing practices.”

University of Georgia 2007 graduate Jenna Garland is the department head who takes charge of the group. Garland is the Virginia Field Organizer for COOL, coordinating the national campaign on the local level here in Richmond. Along with her volunteers, Garland has been informing people of the situation, collecting comments and using those comments to pressure the NMFS to make environmentally friendly choices during their summer rule-making hearings.

COOL is a National campaign that is trying to not only stop over fishing, enthused volunteer Pat Kardian said, but also pressure the NMFS to once again re-consider lessening the consequences for commercial fisheries that overharvest fish or use un-safe fishing practices.

In 2006, NMFS attempted to pass laws, similar to those placed on the table in 2008, lessening the consequences. Yet when they received a mound of 150,000 public comments that did not approve of their take and answer to the issue, they quickly backed down withdrawing the laws.
This year, the goal of the VCU chapter of COOL is to generate at least 1,000 comments through either their post card petitions or the e-petition available online. COOL across the Nation is planning to send at least 300,000 public comments to the NMFS summer rule-making hearing later this summer.

“Regardless of whether you purchase or consume seafood, everyone has a stake in the health of oceans and fish populations,” Garland said.

COOL claims that overfishing is a bigger issue then it may seem and scales down to affecting society as a whole.

“Aquaculture promotes disease; preserving wild fish reduces the need for fish farms,” Kardian said. “If we don’t conserve the fish population, the birds, seals, and dolphins that feed on them will start going extinct.”

COOL organizes different activities, including presenting the organization’s version of “An Inconvenient Truth” about oceans. COOL representatives also do presentations at events, such as Sustainable Seafood Workshop and travel to participate in debates. The groups favorite activity is called “the dorm storm.”

Earlier this year Garland, Kardian, and Kistler went door-to-door in Rhoads Hall asking residents and guest to sign their post card petitions to stop over fishing.

“I was overwhelmed by how enthusiastic, how kind, and how willing to help students were,” Garland said. “Tons of students signed our postcards, we met great folks, and hopefully introduced people to an issue they weren’t familiar with before.”

Members of COOL describe the overall experience of being a part of the action as “super fun.”

Ways to get involved or more information about COOL:

- Contact Jenna Garland at jenna@greencorps.org
- Visit the official COOL website:
http://www.oceanlegacy.org/
- Join the Facebook group, Conserve Our Oceans Legacy Campaign:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=9867041868
- Sign the e-petition and send it to friends and family:
http://actionnetwork.org/campaign/dusky_sharks_JG

McAmerica?

The Vine

March 2008 Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, VA

McAmerica?

By Heather Gioia
Staff Writer

What is the American identity? Is it hot dogs and hamburgers on the Fourth of July, the Super Bowl football game, the World Series game with a bag of peanuts and singing “Take Me out to the Ball Game,” or sitting in the hot sun enjoying a NASCAR race?

The American culture is made up of a mixture of other cultures, a mixing bowl of traditions, holidays, sports, and foods from elsewhere in the world. Yet, if you drive down the road after a mile or so you are nearly guaranteed to see the legendary “Golden Arches,” and come face-to-face with one of the homemade portions of the American identity − McDonalds.

The McDonald brothers founded the first restaurant in California in the 1940s. In 1961, Ray Kroc got was drawn to the scene by the brothers’ success. Kroc then bought the operation and turned McDonalds into what it is today. By 1963 the 500th McDonalds was opened in Ohio, the 500th student graduated from Hamburger University, and the one-billionth hamburger was survived on live TV.

Today, McDonalds’ trademark Golden Arches appear outside more than 13,300 McDonalds across the nation and are an ubiquitous symbol of American Identity. McDonalds is identified with “home” when Americans travel, and poses as a restaurant they feel “safe” eating at. McDonalds has become a daily part of the American life.

McDonalds accommodates just about everyone’s schedule, and we Americans keep them busy at all hours of the day. McDonalds has helped to make us one of the largest nations and has held a place on the tip of every Americans tongue. They have started foundations to help children, namely Ronald McDonald House charities, and employed parts of the American work force.

McDonalds is a company that began here in America, was started by two American entrepreneurs, bought by another entrepreneur, and has thrived since creation. While Americans may not want to be identified by the Golden Arcs, globally the Golden Arcs of McDonalds scream “America.” Here in America, McDonalds is the one place that no matter where you go to, you can find it.

For some it is a daily stop; a common lunch, dinner, and even breakfast. Fast food, many Americans and foreigners will say, is an immense portion of the American culture and identity. Overall, McDonalds is one of the most “American” parts of it.

The Golden Arches have withstood the test of time, and are still appearing outside and inside our new favorite shopping malls. McDonalds is one of the things that make our people who we are. It is one of the reasons Americans today face so many health problems; it is the reason that different children’s programs are in existence. It is inevitably the American symbol.

Center stage at battle of the bands

Jaxx Night Club

http://www.jaxxroxx.com

February 9, 2008

Center stage at battle of the bands

By Heather Gioia

Jaxx Night Club in West Springfield, VA, was filled with all genres of music from early in the afternoon into the late evening, as the My Revolutions Productions and Apex Booking’s Battle of the Bands took place Saturday, February 9, 2008. 15 local Virginia and Maryland bands took the stage for 30 minutes each, to play their set for judges, fans, and potential fans.

Doors opened at 1pm and the first band took the stage shortly after, but it was the 9:15pm set that took judges and viewers breaths away. Woodbridge, VA, local band, Mercy Forgotten, stepped on stage and the crowd went wild. After their 30 minute set, Mercy Forgotten, had hands-down had taken the lead in at least two of the three judges categories— crowd interaction and stage performance.

At midnight, the last band wrapped up their set and the judges left for deliberations. Later they returned announcing Mercy Forgotten the first place winner of Battle of the Bands. The band received $1,000 and is now being booked by Apex and My Revolutions to play other shows.

Mercy Forgotten played six songs during their set. As they gave the crowd the best show they could, sweat formed puddles on the stage beneath their feet.

After a year’s worth of hard work and a demo finally complete, the band took the stage only hoping to add to their fan base. Taking the crowd by storm, rambunctious viewers began to “mosh” as others fell in “awe” to Dave Ferguson’s solos on lead guitar. Excitement over took female fans as tops and undergarments came off and landed on stage at the band’s feet. New fans were in shock to find later that this was the first show Mercy Forgotten had ever played.

“We came out there expecting dead last, and just to leave with a few new fans. And since the second we hit the stage we were getting support,” exclaimed Ferguson.

Vocals were done by Matt Thompson, whose charming personality and good looks won over everyone in the crowd. The guitars were dominated by lead guitarist Ferguson and rhythm guitarist Rob Ginther. The excited rhythm of the bass was maintained by Will Johnson, as Jared Jamieson held down the “fat” beats on drums.

My Revolutions and Apex awarded prizes to the second place band, Puppet. While Blood Corps, Poor Sweet Abigail, and Autumn In Ruins tied for third place.

Mercy Forgotten will be opening for Soil on Thursday, March 20 at Jaxx. Doors open at 6pm and tickets are $12 in advance and $14 the day of the show.

They can also be found on MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/mercyforgotten where their demo CD is posted for downloads.