Showcase of the Berkshires and surrounding areas’ local music scene, curated by Jack Criddle
House Sparrow is a two-person band that lives in North Adams, Massachusetts. One of the people is named Francesca and the other is Joe. Check www.housesparrowmusic.com for releases, tour dates, and more!
Immune Friction started out as a solo project for Manhattan-born singer/songwriter Chris Dayton. His first album entitled "Lighting Strings To Melt Wax" is a moody, atmospheric blend of songs with thoughtful lyrics and euphonious guitar work. The band has grown to include Pittsfield, MA native Justine Curry on drums and supporting vocals. They have been featured on local TV and in radio and print, as well as at numerous events all over the Northeast and are continuing to expand their reach. Their first studio album together, “The Markets Never Sleep", was well received and the duo released two follow-ups including an EP and an album recorded live at the South Street Cafe in Bennington, VT. Their next full-length album, "Ethical Dilemmas", recorded and produced by Don Fury, was released 4/15/16. They released a bare-bones acoustic album entitled "Tranquility Over Embracing Form" in September of 2017 and an 8-track EP, "Coping with Insurmountable Fear", in February of 2018. Both were also recorded with Fury. The band is currently playing shows around the Northeast and working on material for their next full length album.
Jeff & Jane Hudson are a husband/wife duo from Boston who got their start in the art punk band The Rentals in 1977. The Rentals broke up in 1980 and Jeff & Jane relocated to Manhattan where they opened for Suicide and quickly signed with No Wave label Lust/Unlust. Their first single No Clubs was released in late 1980 and showcased a lo-fi avant garde all synthesizer band. The World Trade EP came next in 1981, expanding their brand of post-nuclear electronic pop. Their vocals qualities were distinct; Jeff quivery and drug-addled while Jane more detached and icy. The duo reached their pinnacle with 1982's seminal Flesh. Perhaps one of the United States biggest achievements in the entire “synth” movement of the 80s. The music was electro-pop employing early Roland synths and the TR-808 drum machine. Jeff’s lyrics flirted with technology and politics, while Jane wrote about cultural and psychological situations. Completely self produced by the band, the record has since been oft-cited as a groundbreaking and pivotal LP of the post-punk era, who’s original copies are now heavily coveted by collectors. Completing the discography is the Special World 7? released in 1983. In 1985 the band stopped performing and recording. In 1986, Jeff started to direct music videos and Jane produced video art. Both were teaching at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. In 1995, JEFF AND JANE reformed and performed for a couple of years and recorded again (ZETA BREW). The new music was more guitar-based and psychedelic. Jeff’s project for 1998 was GIGANTOR, a trip-hop techno 3D video multimedia show. This show was performed at The Bank in New York and the Middle East in Cambridge. In 2002 the band completed the “Burn” album where they covered some of their classic hits such as “Los Alamos” and “Pound Pound” with a punk rock atmosphere. As of 2011 Jeff and Jane have begun performing in Massachusetts and recording material for various labels, including Electric Voice Records.
The Matchstick Architects perform 'All That's In Between'
The Matchstick Architects are a New England based indie rock/alt-country band coming together from around the Northeast. The band puts forth a soulful blend of indie rock, country, folk, and Americana based music, influenced from an eclectic mix of artists ranging from songstresses such as Lucinda Williams and Aimee Mann to purveyors of the American indie scene such as The Decemberists.
