Do They Live Among Us? -Oliver Owens

   Who are the ‘They’? Are they the squares that look down at you as you walk by on the street? Are they your little brother playing hockey with his friends? How do you know you aren’t one of ‘Them’? For all WE know, They have been dropping “People” off here for years, already pre-packaged and ready to do Their bidding. What do They look like? What exactly do They do?

Why is it that when I’m sitting in a field, looking at the sky at 2am, I can see it happen? Fast dashes of light across the sky over a far off city. Do they plant Their people in maternity wards, hoping that nobody will notice the stolen babies? Only returning them once They have been raised and programed? Adopted children and homeless people swarm these cold American streets, but are they really simply placed under a disguise no one would suspect? Maybe they reside in our rich, paying off skeptics with fabricated cash?

   Maybe it’s really just the government, as they are the ones with the superior cloaking technology we have yet to see. Maybe They aren’t even travelers from a far planet… Maybe They are those who make the rules, making sure we are kept in the dark. What better a placement to have, then a seat in the senate.

  What is this? The redundant yammering of an old goon? The drugged up scream of a mad man? I can assure you, it’s not anything more than a well thought out theory. I can’t tell you it’s all based in fact, because nothing is fact. Scientific discoveries and even Plate Tectonics are all merely widely accepted FACTS. So why is a society ruled by

over-bearing mind controllers that hard to believe? There are people who believe that Ebola is creating zombies out of the dead… Another government induced hysteria?

   Where does it end? Surely there won’t be a day where we are annihilated as a species and forced into slavery by this overwhelming power? I can tell you that this has already been achieved. Every move you make, every word you utter, every thought that runs through your mind, is pre-determined and calculated. You are constantly doing Their bidding, further pressing the goal of dominating the lesser peoples in other countries who have yet to be plagued by this Thing. That’s what you are doing right now. And now. And now.

   I remember from the time I was picked up, that I had a glimpse of what was happening. There were giant screens with every face over every American there, and mine was focused right onto my nose. They know what you are doing. It doesn’t matter what precautions you take. You are always under tight surveillance. I hope that you continue to live with caution. One day, it might

Rain Beat

A Short Story by A.A. Major

   Rain beat down on tin roofs not strong enough to keep the wind out. It soaked clothes hung up outside because we didn’t have space in the dinky apartments to dry them. It made puddles that my feet splashed through when I walked.

I was wearing a white shirt, too. Cold wet cloth and dark skin didn’t mix well. I had muscles, though. No one messed with a black girl with muscles.

“Yo!” someone called.

“Fuck off,” I hollered back.

“Yo, Kira!” He was running now. Great. “What’s the matter, girl?”

“That’s rain, fool,” I said, but I turned to wait for him anyway.

“My old man just got a wood stove if you wanna dry off,” Keane said.

“I like being wet.” I didn’t.

He shrugged. “Whatever. Your boss get mad at you again?”

“For knowing about discrimination laws.”

“Smartass.”

“Cock.”

Keane draped his arm over my shoulders. “Play with fire, you’re gonna get yourself killed one day, Kira.”

“Just like MLK.” Keane was soaked too, but at least he was warm.

“You going to the library again tonight?”

I shook my head. “Isaiah’s home and Ma wants me to make him supper.”

“Impress him. How soon you gotta get home?”

“Soon. How’s your brother doing?”

“Stopped coughing last night. Dad thinks he’s on the mend.”

“What do you think?”

“Summer’s coming. He’ll be fine.”

I raised my eyebrow. “Summer?”

“It’s not as bad as winter.”

I picked my way through the wreck of a beer bottle. I’d have to give him that, even though I wished we had more than a tiny fan for August.

About four floors up, someone sat down and plinked out a few notes on a piano, then a melody dripped down the sides of the building with the water. That thing needed tuning and the pianist needed practice, but it sounded nice.

“You used to want to play, didn’t you?”

I shrugged. “I wanted to be a ballerina, too.”

“Still dance?”

“Yeah.”

“Show me?”

Shit. The mirror was the only one that had seen me dance for years.

I got myself a little space, not like there was much in that alley, and found the beat. I didn’t know if I wanted Keane watching me, but the rain didn’t feel so bad anymore and it had been a long day.

Damn, it felt good to move that way again.

Keane put his hands on my shoulders and started moving with me. Back and forth we went, kind of slow because both of us had worked somewhere around eleven hours, but fluid and free.

Screw my boss and generic food. I was here and smiling.

       

   Just a shout out, A.A.M. is a talented, phenomenal writer that I have known for many years and she never disappoints! Thank you so much for your time and this beautiful story, my friend. –Cheyenne

Interview with Ryan Megahey!

  Deep in the world of Third Man Record’s Vault lays a world filled with people brought together by one commonality: Jack White. Just that. However, the Vault is not a dark place. I have met brilliant musicians and artists alike there. I don’t remember what drew me into my acquaintanceship with Ryan, but I’m glad it happened.

   If you haven’t heard them, and I’m not surprised if you haven’t, I would highly recommend listening to some of Orange No. 9’s digs. Ryan was nice enough to email me the tracks off of their new, and debut EP, Straight to VHS! I was not disappointed! Why would I be? Free music? Terrific, soulful rock? The full EP can be found on their website, orangeno9music.com.

   Like Hell I’d be. Each track has the power to rock the charts, I swear. With each track, you can feel the musicianship that lies among the three members. Tod Elgnis lets his vocals soar on the tracks. Accompanied by his own excellent guitar work, there is nothing but memorable riffs and soul-felt words. Cheyenne Moore on drums. As a part time drummer (Ha!) my ears instantly honed in on his expert beats. Perfect timing, each stroke fits beautifully into the songs, giving the signature sound of the alternative/punk movement. I’m jealous. I had to put on headphones to get to Ryan’s work. Computer speakers, huh? Well that was a bad idea, because now I love what I’m hearing even more.

   Ryan’s bass drives it home. I’m sold. Quick, fitting, it slides along, holding onto the guitar perfectly. Rock and roll! Ryan is the glue that holds Elgnis and Moore’s work together, creating a spectacular performance. Fuck it; this is where it’s at. Let’s get on with the show!

  

   Q. So will this be your first publication?

   A. First one in print. We’ve been featured on websites, but nothing like extensive like this.

   Q. What do you do when you aren’t leading the life of a glamorous rockstar?

   A. I drink a lot of Redbull. A lot. (Please keep in mind that about 90% of the time I am playing music. other than that I'm drinking Redbull)

   Q. I like Monster. So what is it like to be the only girl in a band… I don’t

know anything about that.

   A. At times I'll admit it's a little weird. Guys can be gross and obnoxious. But overall it's kind of fun. A lot of people see me when I'm getting on stage and don't necessarily expect me to deliver the same performance as the guys will. But if there's one thing my band mates and I are known for it's our performance. A lot of people are impressed when they see a girl bassist rocking just as hard as the guys. I'm also pretty lucky, I'm in a band with two really awesome, funny guys, they don't leave me out or try to make me uncomfortable. We're all good friends.

   Q. How long have you been together for?

   A. Orange No.9 has been around since about May of 2012. I joined in during the summer of 2013. Prior to my joining Tod's girlfriend was filling in at shows playing bass while they were looking for a bass player. They ended up finding me when my previous band was playing a show with them in Poughkeepsie.

   Q. Where did you guys come up with the name Orange No. 9? And about Straight to VHS!?

   A. Tod had this science teacher in high school who was a musician. He always wrote down ideas for song and band names. So one day he was holding up flash cards to his son and one of them had a "9" on it. Instead of saying 9 his son said "orange" so he wrote it down as "Orange No.9"

   So while the band was going under the name Obey (taken from the John Carpenter film They Live) Tod found that name on his teachers list. Initially he intended to use it as a song name, but liked it so much he changed the name of the band.

   Back when VHS was still a thing they used to release sequels to movies and things as "straight to VHS releases" where they'd skip the movie theater and go right to a VHS release. It also has relevance in the world of Orange No.9 because Tod's girlfriend’s father used to film the band’s shows on a camera that recorded straight to VHS!

   Q. I Love They Live. Can you give me a rundown of your band’s influences?

   A. As a band, we’re really influenced by The Foo Fighters, Nirvana, The Smashing Pumpkins, Queens of the Stone Age, and The Doors. We all really love 90's alternative music and all grew up on classic rock like Zeppelin.

   Q. Rock and Roll. What personal influences do you have?

   A. Personally I draw influence from bassists such as Matt Freeman (Rancid) Jack Lawrence (The Racontuers) and bands such as The White Stripes, The Ramones, Nirvana, and The Misfits. Punk music is really what inspired me to be in bands more than anything. I love how it's all about emotion and power and passion and I think Orange No.9 really conveys those same elements and messages through our performances.

   Q. Can you tell me about your Pretty Lady… Your Bass?

   A. I play a blue Gibson Thunderbird which I was inspired to get because Kim Gordon of Sonic Youth plays one. I saw one in the music store when I was 14 or 15 and recognized it as what she used. I started playing one and fell in love with it. I finally got one of my own about a year ago. Best thing I ever bought. I put it through a Trace Elliot combo amp and always set up wireless (because 1- I often jump off stage and 2- I'm a real fucking klutz and trip over my own feet and don't need wires to trip on) I used to use bass pedals but have started to stray away from them, they're not as necessary for the style we play. The amp I play through is interesting I guess. It's a vintage combo bass amp by Trace Elliot. I always get comments and questions about it because it's not one you see every day.

   Q. I want to know about your musical journey.

   A. I started playing guitar when I was about 10 years old. I picked up bass from that a few years later. I quickly found I was better at picking up bass than I was guitar. My first real band was when I was 14 years old. It was a punk band (that by the  way wasn't very good). When I was 16 I started a band called Strike the Umpire which was the first band of mine that played shows pretty regularly. It also became my first recording studio experience which taught me a lot about the making of music. Strike the Umpire eventually lead me to Orange No.9, which has taken me to gigs as far as 4 hours away, to a famous recording studio in NY, and put me on iTunes. I got to open for and meet two of my heroes (Michale Graves of the Misfits and CJ Ramone of the Ramones) and had my music played on a radio station I've been listening to for years. I'm very excited to see where it's going to take me next. That’s us with CJ Ramone.

   Q. If you could play any venue, what would it be?

   A. I really wanna play Barclays Center in Brooklyn. There's no such thing as a bad seat in Barclays. Even the nosebleeds are great seats. Plus I saw Green Day there and Nirvana get inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame there, so it's got some good memories attached to it. That was fucking incredible. I got to see Joan Jett and Kim Gordon play with NIRVANA! In 2014! That's like a dream come true! Hahah, there were so many other great artists too, like Cat Stevens for example, who just took NY off his first US tour in like 30 years or something. It was amazing to see so many musicians who I admire in one show- and let me just remind you that NIRVANA was one of them. Hahahahaa- when The White Stripes get inducted (they're not eligible for another 10 years) I don't care where the ceremony is, I'm fucking going. Even if I have to drive across the country.

   Q. I’ll see you there! What has been your favourite venue you’ve played to date?

   A. Probably The Room in Brookfield, Connecticut. It's a really good example of how great people make great businesses. I go to a lot of shows where the people are so concerned with making a profit they forget about the music. The owner, Vern, used to be a touring musician and he really does his best to help us where he can, taking the time to actually make sure we sound really good, offering advice where he can and making us feel really welcome. And we've met some really incredible bands through our time there. We've probably played there 4 or 5 times already and we only just discovered the place in June!

   Q. Currently there is a petition out and a movement to save The Room by inviting the Foo Fighters to play a show. Can you give me some insight into that?

   A. Since the room is an all ages venue, it's really hard to make a profit. Vern isn't too concerned with it but he's getting to the point where they can hardly break even. So we started a movement to get the Foo Fighters to come to the room and hopefully save the venue from closing. We're making noise. We've gotten the attention of several music publications and radio stations including Real Punk Radio in NYC and the online music publication Consequence of Sound. Hopefully Dave Grohl really is the nicest guy in rock and will come help us save one of my favorite places.

   Q. Imagine if you could open for them! What has been your favourite concert that you've attended?

   A. If we opened for the Foo Fighters I think my drummer would just cry. Chy’s the biggest Dave Grohl fan I've ever met. Since joining Orange I've seen the documentary on the band like 10 times.

   Oooooh that's such a hard choice. I'd have to say either Jack White or Senses Fail. Jack White is one of my all-time favorite musicians. His music is so real and the performance spontaneous. I love it. It makes me want to create more. Senses Fail was really really genuine though. You'll never find a more accepting crowd at any concert and you know it's a band who genuinely WANTS to be there performing for you.

   So if you want to help out The Room by having none other than the Foo Fighters come play, you can sign the petition at Change.org. Here is what to look for: https://www.change.org/p/the-foo-fighters-play-at-the-room. Go for it, it doesn’t bite. What have you done today? Stay tuned for more from Ryan, and be sure to check out the EP, you won’t be disappointed!

      Thank you so much to Ryan for helping me out with this interview! I give you a million THANK YOUS! –Cheyenne Kline, Editor; Ryan Megahey, O#9

TWRAR

 

TWRAR Hits New York! Big step up from the dog days of simple posts! You can get yours today! And it's FREE! :D What more could you ask for? cultivated from free-range peoples, delivered directly to you in a freeze dried package! Lets get this going for those of us who believe in Music, Love, and the Fight For Freedom! This is a no strings attached little bee-bob. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain here! Great music, fun articles, woo!

The Last Internationale: We Will Reign Review

   I have never bought vinyl in my life. I believed that music should be listened to, not kept locked in a box under your bed… So why did I by The Last Internationale’s debut album without thinking twice? Well, their CDs sold out in about 30 minutes from the merch table, but they were THAT GOOD. I got the record, and had it signed by Delila Paz and Edgey Pires… and then got the disk the next day.

   It isn’t often that an opening band makes competition for the headliner… the headliner in question here being THE Robert Plant from Led Zeppelin… These kids from New York gave the Golden God himself a run for his money. I was truly astonished by the sheer presence and musicianship held by the three members, Dilila Paz on vocals and bass/guitar, Edgey Pires on lead guitar and backing vocals, and Brad Wilk (Yes, from Rage Against the Machine) on Drums.

   When the three and a temporary bassist came on stage, the usual hum picked up, and the quieter cheering that opening bands commend began. Of course the first words I could make out around me had to do with the sex of the leading lady. I would say musician, but apparently that doesn’t matter when a woman walks on stage. Hey man, I’m just here to rock. On a side note, I must say that very many people in the crowd were very unpleasant and rude. The Last Internationale, 6/5 stars… the audience…

-3/5.

   That doesn’t matter because I had no capacity to think because my brain was splattered all over the inside of my skull…These guys rocked the house. People were excited, especially the kids out there. They actually drew in the audience. You weren’t there to see The Great Robert Plant… no, forget that old relic for a minute! You were there to see The Last Internationale. I sure didn’t care that they were ‘and opening band’. They are Rockers in every sense of the word. These are people who have the blood of rock and roll in their veins, and the air of solid rebellion in their lungs. Punk kids trying to make a fuss? Go jump off a bridge, man! The Last Internationale are rebelling against a corrupt system. From their name to their music and current logo, they are the voice of rebellion.

   The first song of their album IS that. Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Indian Blood. It doesn’t get any more self-explanatory than that! This dig starts off with a powerful flush of drums and a simple bass riff accented by a few powerful strums of the guitar. Delila Paz’s powerful vocals take us back to the time of Ann Wilson and Joan Jett. Deep and soaring, yet still feminine in its suburb masculinity. The chant of Blood! and the descriptions of a divine revolution engross the mind. Taking from the rich and giving to the poor, destroying the world of man and rebuilding our depleted forests.

   There is a quitter build up that leads to the songs dramatic climax. I listened to this song over and over again while writing, and EVERY single time I got a chill that could freeze that could send someone into cryogenics… It is the quiet before the storm. You can only imagine what is going to happen next as the children of the revolution plot. They break free once the tension is just right. The climax tells a story all on its own, so simple in every way, no lyrical content, only constantly rising vocals. You can see the revolution appear in this smoke, the blood, the loss, and the victory.

   The next line is like the beginning of a new life. “Wake up Love! I want some action!” It’s all said and done with. You are now a part of the revolution. A reprise of the chorus suggests that once the revolution has taken place, you have to maintain, before the fight is lost and a world of Capitalism and hatred arises once more.

   The next jam is the album’s title track, We Will Reign. It’s a softer piece with a powerful chorus. The song is the perfect sequel to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Indian Blood. The lyrics portray a world that needs to be rebuilt, and the passion that rests in the creation of a society that we could one day reign. It is the birth of the revolution and the revelations that come with it. Teamwork, desire, and passion. Something we don’t have in our world today.

   Wanted Man is another tingler. A heartfelt blues with a touch that can only make contemporary. It is slow, but each note has meaning. The beat is strong, like the heartbeat that flows through the collective audience. The moral of the story: Get in my way, and you will not make it out on the other side. The song is a beautiful tribute to the persistence of the fight.

   There is no hold on the 4^th of the album. Killing Field is the one I remember the most from their performance. It has a rift that can burrow into your brain and lay eggs. This is a tune that packs a punch… with brass knuckles. The lie of choice here is “You Think that Flower Power will make them stop… Bang Bang Bang! Baby, Here come the cops!” Now that is a big difference from our daisy toting hippie forefathers! The song just SOUNDS rebellious and powerful. Edgey’s solo is wild and loud. It’s a face-melter, bro. That’s all there is to it If there is one thing (and there is by far NOT.) The Last Internationale is good at, it’s sounding rebellious.

   Battleground is a huge change from the sick riffs and head banging jams of before. I don’t mean this in a bad way at all, but if there was any song that ended up on the top 40, it would be this one.

 I say that with the ignorant masses that create the top 40 in mind. This song could sound pop-ey if it was taken out of context… As Radio often does. It is an emotional Electric-Acoustic. Hold your ground here, people. Literally. Delila shows off her pipes here for sure. This song is one of those jams that you just have to get people together for. It requires companionship. It brings even I, the well-known introvert, out to see the world. It is a happy song. This might return us to our hippie forefathers by the sense of unity the song projects.

   Now we have a Cover on our hands! Baby It’s You is a cover of the Shirelles 1961 tune, but you might know it by The Beatles or Smith. A great song to follow Battleground up with. Come on now, You can’t even tell it’s a 60s cover! They put their mark on it for sure. It belongs to 2014 now! Rock organ, a sick beat, those vocals, what more do you want from this thing! Not a headbanger, but for sure this is a hip shaker!

   Track seven is Devil’s Dust. A bluesy folk tune here. Coming from an old Coal Town, You hear the stories. You could work an entire lifetime and still die in the same old camp. You work hard, you break down for what you want and need, but the company never seems to have enough to go around. I think back to the Ludlow Massacre here. 35 miles from here is the site, and you can only think about how many people died for wanting more for themselves. That’s what it is. Uncertainty in this life. This song is still heartfelt and brilliantly gorgeous in its hopefulness   

   I’ll Be Alright. Another one I remember from the show. It’s slow, it’s quiet. I love the tone of the guitar here. Everything comes together perfectly to create the feeling of a wandering soul. The vocals fly above everything else here. It is light-hearted and free, even though the subject matter is dark. It is the type of freedom that doesn’t come without sacrifice and hardship. You’ll be ok on the other side.

   Let’s rock back on over to the blues here, because that is what Fire is. Prisons, railroads, jail, that’s where you are here. And you thought the Blues were dead. Nothing captures the angst, sorrow, and raw emotion quite like the Blues. Fire is emotional. You can whisper it, you can scream it, and it will never lose its power and will. You feel it.it is a simple song that just wraps it all together to form something new to our generation: The Blues. What is this thing you speak of?

   This is another from the show that stuck out. A terrific dedication was given to those of the Jefferson County High Schools, who staged walkouts due to curriculum that would force patriotism and fight civil disobedience. Irony, Far out, man. Along with this great tribute was Edgey. “We won’t stop until Capitalism is abolished!” Hell yeah dude! Opening bands usually don’t have balls because they are on egg shells, but, hell, I screamed.

   So, back to the tunes in less than 60 seconds! Back to the Revolution here! This song has fight here! The kind of thing that grabs you by the wingding. We won’t be trapped by the false ideals that are forced down on us! We have to be the change we want in the world! Here we get back to the likes of Life, Liberty, and We Will Reign. 1968 is a reprise for the tales of the Revolution. The drums got my attention here. I love the fanfare that rests on the bridges. A pretty bangin way to end the album here! You want more after that.

   I was glad that I went and got that Album. I lived meeting Edgey and Delila. They were the nicest, down to earth guys. They were willing to hug us greaseball rock fans, after all... which is the grossest and coolest thing you can do, really. I have that CD for practical use (I have it in my purse right now… Can’t do that with a Record!) and my treasured signed Vinyl hanging on the wall in a dollar store frame, right next to my guitars and poster of Jimi.

   Thank you guys for bringing true rock to us, and I want to see you guys get somewhere! You are the Voice of the Revolution. Best album I’ve heard that has come out in my lifetime.

   -Cheyenne Kline; Photos Courtesy of www.facebook.com/thelastinternationale
Hey! If you liked it here, Like it on over at Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/ThatWretchedRockAndRoll And don't forget to check out the story in the publication, out on Halloween!