Todays Feature

It’s not every day that I get to write about an artist I feel like I actually know personally – so I take some real pleasure in introducing you to Mr. Chris Steele. We’ve hung out with Chris a few times, first when he played with Trevor Hall at Ram’s Head Live in Baltimore, followed by a video shoot with the group at Sound Garden in Fell’s Point, as well as more musical reviews at Sonar and 8x10.

Certainly a first for PEV, Chatmonchy boasts an all-girl rock outfit, fresh from the mainstream of Japan (and for those of you as ignorant as me – Chatmonchy actually doesn’t mean a damn thing). Mainstream isn’t exactly the best word to describe the success of Eriko, Akiko and Kumiko – just read this insane timeline. They hit the scene in 2004, and by 2005 Sony Music Japan had gotten a hold of them, releasing their debut EP, “Chatmonchy has Come” through Sony's Ki/oon Records.

Just a note to anyone out there starting out in a new band … if you find yourself playing with a band like PEV alum The Clarks for your first show – you’re on the VERY right track. I’d venture further to say your band is probably pretty badass, but I don’t wanna get carried away (and if you’re not familiar with The Clarks – quickly jump to our archive and control+f those guys).

Leigh Marble came into the music business with similar aspirations as many of his fellow artists – to “make the whole world roller skate.” Well… while the story may be different, the message is the same. Marble recognizes the power of a well-crafted tune – whether it changes your state of mind or just makes you cruise around the rink.

Aggressive folk rock. Sound confusing? If it does, that’s ok. While it has oxymoron qualities, you can still imagine what it sounds like, right? If you can – you probably have a good handle on the styling of one Alan Charing – a guy who can fill an auditorium with sound all by himself… folk music tones, of course. But this singer/songwriter’s music is original for more than its intensity.

There isn’t much about Ryan States that isn’t downright distinctive – just look at the more than unique life the guy has led:

There’s no denying the magnetism of Cruel Black Dove – with a name blissfully open to interpretation, sounds that caress the psyche, and a look that is more than alluring, Anastasia Dimou, Alan Veucasovic, Shirley Ho and Jonathan Nanberg are on the tip of superb recognition.

Black Robot – it’s a badass moniker, a badass image and creates badass music. It’s like Optimus Prime… but scarier, not all that friendly and carries much sharper weaponry. And while I don’t really know what Optimus puts on his playlist, I have a feeling Black Robot is putting out some much heavier, ear-bending, nasty shit than the Autobots leader.

Like many talents, songwriting is something that can be more than difficult to improve at – one of those abilities you either have… or you don’t. Our latest feature, Nat Purcell (aka Natty P.) is a fine example of an artist born with the gift, writing songs even as a toddler. But… what kind of song can a toddler write? I’ll tell you – the best kind! Ones with meaning!

If A Clever Con’s live performance is half as entertaining as their answers to the PEV XXQ’s… then they’re the best friggin’ band in the world. The lime and black clad squad answered our “spare time” question with the following: