By: Becky Firesheets

When Will and I created Knocks in January, I thought I was already well versed in New York’s underground rock scene.  Damn was I wrong.  In Williamsburg alone there are 27 live music venues that, as we all know, mostly book rock-and-roll.  I needed to buff up.  So I dove in, listening to five different local bands a day and attending two or more shows a week.  A daunting commitment, I know, but all in the name of the underground.

So here we are, at the summer’s end, about to lose ourselves in CMJ and all the upcoming fall shows.  To help guide our dear readers toward the best of underplayed New York, I humbly present to you, My Top Five Local, Underground Rock Bands (as of right now).

5. Akudama

Akudama (pictured left) carefully composes each of their songs, mixing layered instrumental breakdowns and catchy guitar hooks with experimental passages and dynamic vocal harmonies.  Their detailed tunes blend various styles of rock, some falling into the delicious pop ditty category while others are darker and more complex.  Having formed in high school as a response to the hardcore scene, Akudama has spent quite a few years perfecting their tight yet relaxed performance style.  And with enough creativity to produce a free EP each month, their recorded collection is only growing stronger.

4. The Press

The Press underwent a series of lineup changes for years, not only shuffling members but also shuffling who played what.  At last they have found their solid core.  With an album release on the way, The Press has been busy spreading their impossible-to-label tunes across the Northeast while also collaborating with other locals, like dub remix master Nate Mars.  Whether playing boppy pop or grittier rock, adding a twangy feel or a ska flair, bouncing a 2-step beat or raging the punk, The Press nail it.  

3. The Wild Yaks

Swaying, barroom choruses, upbeat riffs, haunting guitar effects and endearingly gruff vocals all combine in The Wild Yaks’ bluesy, punk collection.  These clearly talented musicians have perfected playing loosely yet still together, allowing a little drunken delay to hang in their tunes.  Their live shows are pulsating, each Yak letting his inner beast rage freely while still acing his part.  They are rowdy, destructive and in your face, in the most loving and welcoming kind of way.  Expect to leave a show sweaty and exhausted, singing some kind of darkly funny lyric over and over.  The one always stuck in my head: “How do I get my tomahawk back, my tomahawk back, my tomahawk back.”  Though, “I wish I had a whip long enough to keep the gates of hell open tonight,” gets trapped in there, too.

2. The Life and Times Of…

Rooted in hard rock with a heavy dose of soul and R&B, The Life and Times Of multiply the energy level of a typical Brooklyn show by 800.  With singer Cedric Lamar, who can wail like Motown and jam like classic rock, backed up by a stellar bass player, squealin’ guitarist and steady drummer, no one is sittin’ still.  Especially not the band, whose members contagiously gyrate and jump for the entire set.  Their songs weave in and out of melancholy blues, hoppin’ twang and hard rock breakdowns, all featuring poetic, thoughtful lyrics.  Watch out for the insane slap bass solo and be sure to have some whiskey on hand; this band goes well with liquor.

1. Gutz

When Gutz (pictured right) sings, “We’re havin’ a party, who’s gonna be there?” make sure to get on the list.  These nerdy white boys, complete with bowties and cropped haircuts, know exactly how to bust out some straight-up soul music, completely defying any stereotypes from the get-go.  Lead vocalist Daniel Lorenzo’s shouts are spot on and with sexy singer LaDonna crooning the back up, even a Williamsburg audience shakes it.  Mixing in some funk tunes with catchy pop/rock, Gutz maintain the groove till the end, leaping and hopping onstage like little kids on sugar highs.  And their recordings are just as good as their live shows, somehow capturing the giddiness yet polishing everything a bit.  Listen up for a few surprise instrument additions, as well (hint: horns).  Gutz, please have another party!