Independents' day

The Amos House disc strengthens indie rock

by Bob Gulla

Since the major labels positively ate so many of the best independent label bands for breakfast, lunch and dinner in the wake of Nirvana some six years ago, the indie rock scene has never regained its hip cache or its strength. As they watched their best bands get chewed up and spit out, label avatars like Sub Pop, Matador, Touch & Go, and 4AD were left wondering when the musical and revenue stream would begin to flow again. So many indie rock bands that left for the majors have since been abandoned by their sugar daddies, and many of those bands have never recovered from the trauma. So sapped of life and love of music, most weren't even able to muster the energy to get back into the recording studio without flinching. Have we learned any lessons from the experience?

As you know, before alternative music came into existence, independent rock was the alternative. But now that alt-rock has been usurped by the major labels and commercial radio -- and has now been denigrated in the way the term "liberal" has been soiled by politicians -- it's left the "real" alternative music community groping for a true alternative. Those who have been searching for that "alternative" since Nirvana's breakthrough know what I mean. Electronic, lounge, ska, and punk music all became viable for a moment, then were also co-opted by the commercial scene. Only hardcore has truly remained out of favor -- and truly independent -- all of these years, and thus a reasonable alternative to the current radio pablum. But hardcore possesses a limited appeal. So where will the next alt-rock scene come from?

Well, we can start by, uh, looking around. While we're bemoaning the loss of a healthy underground, vigorous ripples of activity are happening in lots of places. Sure, you can see it where it's never left, in places like Chicago and Olympia. But it's also in a bunch of other more unexpected locales, little pockets of worthwhile rumblings. Bands that have been together for many years now are beginning to make terrific music on labels like Sugar Free, Mint, Bobsled, and Arena Rock. Don't look now (OK, look), but there is a hale root system currently sprouting which, in a few years, could blossom into a true-blue indie rock scene. Don't laugh. It's possible.

The news that got me on this whole yakety yak was the arrival of Wishing Tree Records' brand new compilation, The Amos House Collection Volume 1. Wishing Tree, a southeastern Massachusetts-based label headed by David Silva (also of the Clearing), is one of those indie labels seeking to reclaim some of the scene's former glory -- and it's making a good pitch. The Amos House Collection is a veritable bellwether of today's indie rock, with acts as credible as Idaho, Wheat, the Aluminum Group, and the Lilac Time. There are 13 tracks in all, including one by Silva's own group, Delphine.

The tone of the disc is overwhelmingly melancholy which, of course, serves a good purpose. All of the cuts are terrifically melodic, patient, and compelling, especially Departure Lounge's languid "Straight Line to the Kerb" and Purple Ivy Shadows' rickety "Acre." The album veers in the small space between hushed, post-Velvets psychedelia and vintage pop strumming ala the Association or the Left Banke. Electric guitars are present, but largely for texture and depth, not power chords and typically off-kilter soloing. If you're in the mood for those things refer to your Donnas records, or even better, take a trip back to Sonic Youth's Daydream Nation.

A year in the making, it's also getting the attention it deserves, with review spots in major magazines, including Magnet and Rolling Stone. This will serve to call attention to a great cause in Amos House and provide valuable exposure to Silva's Wishing Tree label.

In addition, the gang will be having a series of record release parties to up that exposure. On the 21st of February, the disc's official release date, Bridget, Ida (Karla Schickele), Purple Ivy Shadows, Aden, and Tim Keegan of Flydaddy's Departure Lounge will be playing a cozy NYC room called Fez. On the 25th, Keegan will be joined by Delphine, Bridget, Purple Ivy Shadows and more at TT the Bears in Boston.

More importantly, on the 24th, next Saturday, the record will see its proper release locally with a party in Providence. Keegan and Purple Ivy Shadows will be joined by rebuilthangartheory, Delphine, Bridget and other special guests. This bash occurs at a loft in town and is open to the public. People who are interested in coming can e-mail Silva for directions (David@wishingtreerecords. com) or check our website (www.wishingtreerecords.com) for directions a week before the show.

So again, let's not rue the fact that the former underground -- which has become our mainstream -- has seemingly not replenished itself. Even if it isn't, or perhaps will never be, a shadow of its mighty self, at least it's providing us with some good music. That should be enough. Don'tcha think?

THIS JUST IN. Stephen Maciel, of the 1 of 52 Artist Hunger Network, and a few well-meaning friends report that his organization's own benefit compilation, entitled The Time Is Now: The 1 of 52 Artist Hunger Network Compilation Volume #1 is quite nearly finished. "We've got 17 strong songs by local and national artists, featuring a previously unreleased version of a John Cafferty tune and a bonus track by Pete Seeger," Maciel writes. Maciel planned an early February release, and he seems to be sticking to his goa as nearly as possible. All net proceeds from the sale of the disc will benefit the Feinstein End Hunger Fund and the Rhode Island Community Food Bank.

Here's a full track listing: "White Shirts/Hungry Children" by Ed McGuirl, "I Don't Mean To Be Rude" by Lindsay Amore, "A Fine Line" by Nathanael's Creed, "The Line" by Leo Tremblay, "That Empty Feeling" by Ted Donovan, "Butterfly" by Michael Troy, "Blanket Of Snow" by Chuck Smith, "Starving In America" by John Fuzek, "The Richest Man" by Small Planet Band, "Wheel Of Fortune" by John Cafferty, "Harvest Time" by Folks Together, "The Wish" by Bill Pere, "The Time Is Now" by Blackfoot Yankee, "We Shall Overcome" by Chuck Smith & Chakulla "A Little of This and That" by Pete Seeger, and "The Unity Song" by Tom Carley.

You can find more information about this disc, and put in a pre-order by going to this Web site: http://members.aol.com/hungerzero.

WANDERING EYE. This Friday (the 16th), there will be a pretty serious punk show at the Columbus Theater (270 Broadway, Providence, 621-9660). Major Accident, Adolf and the Piss Artists, Templars, Foreign Legion, Roachenders, and Violent Subversion will turn the place into a nasty cauldron of sweat and leather. All ages are invited, but be 21 to drink. It's $10 at the door, which opens at 7 p.m.

Stone Soup presents the inimitable Vance Gilbert on Saturday(the 17th), an immensely entertaining powerhouse of great singing, formidable picking, and emotional lyrics. Of course, like the best folk artists, he leavens that combo with a huge dose of humor. The guy's a winner and deserves your time. Admission is $10 and the show starts at 8 p.m. at the historic Slater Mill in Pawtucket. Just follow the signs off 95. Liz Queler opens.

Also remember that the "House Rent Boogie" benefit is still on for Sunday at the Call. It's a benefit for Martin Baker, who recently had a brain tumor removed and is recovering. The show will feature Executrix, Plan 9, the Gamma Rays, the Itchies, Geri Verdi and the Villains, Vic Foley, the Volcanic Skahunas, and local sensation Sasquatch the Lady Killer. The music starts at 4 p.m. For info, call Roger Vaughan at 232-3109.

E-mail me at b_gulla@yahoo.comb_gulla@yahoo.com.