An Evening at The Cove with Small Town Titans

Central PA has a lot of talent that the outside world hasn't quite discovered yet. I saw Small Town Titans perform for the first time at Fat Daddy's nightclub in January, but a majority of their shows take place several hours away from York, so I have been unable to attend since then. However, I've kept myself updated on their events and activities on Facebook and Twitter, and participated in their 'Operation Flight Plan' album-funding project. I came to admire the band's determination and the individuals' work ethic and appreciation of their fans, so I became more active in promoting and sharing their info and music links on my own social networks to spread the word. I was glad to see that they would be in town for two shows in June so that I could speak to them in person and hear their songs live once again.

On June 7, 2013, STT made an appearance at The Cove, a bar that I had passed by many times in previous years, but never ventured into. Lead singer, Phillip Nathaniel Freeman, frequently hosts an Open Mic Night in the Whiskey Bar as The Lone Wolf Project, but that evening featured the full hard rock sound of Small Town Titans. I was curious to try another local venue and experience a different atmosphere, and it was certainly more relaxed and casual than a nightclub. A set of double doors at the back of the main bar led to the Whiskey room, which featured holographic-surfaced tables, several big screen TVs, and a pool table. Slightly cramped in some areas, but an acceptable setting for an intimate night with friends.

I chatted with some other patrons sitting at the long, wooden bar who had never seen the band before and enjoyed well-made (and inexpensive) mixed drinks while waiting for the show to start. I met up with some friends that love the local music scene as much as I do, and that made the evening all the more exciting. The band was friendly and approachable and because they were stationed at floor level, rather than on a raised stage, it was easy to interact with them from the makeshift dance floor. The sound from the speakers filled the small room but was not overpowering.

A mix of old and new original songs, as well as covers from popular artists like Tool and Awolnation, populated the set list and demonstrated the group's ability to play many different styles of music. I was delighted to hear one of my favorite old songs, Cream's "Sunshine Of Your Love," and STT's own, "A Beautiful Lie," from their upcoming album, 'From Fight To Flight'. Other highlights included "Amnesia", "Sky High", "The End Of The World", "Within The Heart Of War", and the crowd-pleaser, "Party In Hell". The band played three sets with breaks in between, and at one point Phil did a humorous solo bit, covering Tenacious D and others. Jonny Ross twirled his drumsticks with flair and produced beats with speed and precision while his long hair shadowed his face. Ben Guiles excelled on lead guitar and played complicated riffs and smooth melodies. Bassist Eddie Roberts kept up a strong rhythm as he moved across the floor to jam with the other musicians.




The band's charisma and performance of their art entertained the crowd through the three-hour concert. Long-time fans sang along to the familiar tunes and new fans purchased copies of their current EP to catch up. I had a lot of fun and I'm looking forward to hearing the new album in its entirety and seeing another live show very soon.

*** A group photo with the band ended the night ***

You can catch Small Town Titans at Fat Daddy's in York on Friday, June 21 and at the CD Release Show at Tubby's Nightclub in Duncannon, PA on July 13. They will be unveiling their signature drink, The Titan Bomb, as well as playing songs from the new album and introducing new merchandise. Also check out the horror movie, 'Slew Hampshire', which features STT's song, "Party In Hell".

For more information on the band, visit their Official Website and sign up for their newsletter.


NRM 6/15/13

‘Back To You’ - Dimitri’s Rail Album Review

Dimitri’s Rail is a rock band based in Houston, TX, and was formed in 2001 by singer/songwriter Paul Ehmer. The current line-up consists of Paul on lead vocals, Justin Pena on guitar, Eric Dockery on bass, and Mike Maloney on drums. The group had success following the 2010 EP, ‘Wake Up,’ and their songs are played regularly on radio stations from Texas to Pakistan. Their new single, “Will Never Break” received a Grammy nomination in 2012 for Best Rock.

‘Back To You’ is the group’s latest full-length album, released in Fall 2012 and produced by Daryl Youngblood. It is full of high-energy guitar-infused anthems, smooth soul-baring ballads, and everything in between. Retro themes and a mix of musical styles add to the essence of what is definitively Dimitri’s Rail’s signature sound. It’s very easy for the listener to imagine themselves dancing in the crowd and watching each song performed live. The title track begins with the lines, “My eyes are open, but I’m not awake. These years have left me with all my mistakes. And I never thought I’d ever end up here. I can’t pretend that I’m ok.” Relatable lyrics that speak of someone who has lost his way and is trying to find the path back to a place of peace within himself and making amends with those he left behind. The official music video for “Back to You” is featured on their MTV profile and can also be viewed on their YouTube page.

“Know Me” has a surprising bit of humor at the beginning that will make you smile and wonder what’s coming next. The track itself is a catchy rock tune with attitude, a message to all of the haters and critics that they cannot bring you down. This song, along with “Just Breathe” and “Fade Away,” benefit the Fender Music Foundation and 50% of sales are donated to the charity. Fast tempos, aggressive (but poetic) lyrics, guitar solos, and staccato drum beats make these tracks hard to ignore.

Several songs have been revamped from earlier versions, such as my personal favorite, “Foo.” Renamed for this album as “What Lies Ahead,” it has a slightly mellower feel and subtle alterations to the lyrical phrasing, although the wording is unchanged. In a side-by-side comparison, I’m fond of both versions for different reasons, but each fan will have to listen and form their own opinion. “Rock a Billy” is, as the name suggests, a fun, up-tempo song with influences from the 1950’s with a modern twist. Live video from their 2010 show at the House of Blues showcases the band’s energy on stage, but the studio track on the new album is no less powerful.

Broken hearts, lost love, and past regrets are common themes, threaded through with the hope that there’s still time to change the future. Slower tempos and memorable choruses in “She Says,” “Romance and Hate,” and “Through the Window,” illustrate the ups and downs of a relationship. The lyrics and emotional intensity of “Through the Window,” speak to anyone who has had to watch a former love with someone else and try to be happy for them. Although now realizing his mistake in letting her go, the vocalist turns away and sings, “If you see me looking through the window, just pretend you don’t know who I am.” This is my favorite track on the album and one I had the pleasure of downloading when it was introduced in 2011.

“Home” has a slow, dream-like quality and begins to pick up speed before it hits the climax of the chorus, which is a faster rock. The melodious tune slows once again for the second verse and builds to an electric solo after the chorus. The presence of orchestral instruments adds a unique quality to the song. The hit single, “Will Never Break,” also features violins in a beautiful string arrangement that accompanies the guitar, bass, and drums throughout the song. Haunting melodies swirl among the empowering lyrics about being set free from the chains binding him as he exclaims, “I might bend, but this time I will never break!”

On the whole, I enjoyed this album very much. Some songs took a few listens to really appreciate the full effect, while others grabbed me from the start. It has elements of different rock styles, from the fifties to the eighties to current, and well-composed harmonies and musical arrangements. A great album for eclectic music tastes and a stimulating mix of songs to jam in your car. I have followed the band for several years through their personal and professional accomplishments and they continue to impress and entertain me.


You can purchase ‘Back To You’ here and connect with Dimitri’s Rail on Facebook, Twitter, and find other social links and updates on their Official Blog.





Photo and video property of Dimitri's Rail

NRM 2/7/13