Long Island’s Glazzies recall the heyday of ’90s alternative rock while adding their own particular blend of influences filtered through the kind of passion they don’t teach in school.
Produced by Justin Pizzoferrato (Speedy Ortiz, Sonic Youth), Glazzies specialize in hook-filled anthems thick with the buzz of overdriven guitars. The undulating riff that kicks off and anchors “So Strange” has the same cross of grunge and psychedelia that early Smashing Pumpkins perfected. The Pumpkins had a great drummer and so do the Glazzies, as Dinosaur Jr.’s legend Murph lends his instantly recognizable pummel to the majority of songs on the five-song Satin Stain EP.
“Nothing To Say” takes today’s de rigueur Nirvana influence and twists it into the kind of muscular pop song that other bands spend entire careers chasing. “Maybe Someday” is a similar concoction, with the band squeezing a dollop of Weezer over top. It’s heartening to see Glazzies covering a lesser known gem by an underrated band. Their version of The Kinks’ paean to nonconformity “I’m Not Like Everybody Else” satisfies on all levels, adding power but sacrificing none of song’s inherent darkness. Closing things out with their most radio-ready song, “Float” hits the same off-kilter but naggingly catchy sweet spot that the Toadies nailed back when.
Released on Old Flame Records, Glazzies’ debut EP establishes them in the same realm as labelmates Cloud Nothings. With a full-length to follow later this year, Glazzies are poised to be the cool kids’ new favorite band.
Ron Gallo is a rock and roll trio lead by a tall, big-haired weirdo of the same name. As the former frontman of Toy Soldiers, Gallo spent a decade as a fixture in the burgeoning Philadelphia music scene. Now solo, Gallo is completing his second full-length record Heavy Meta. Embracing his love for fuzz, psych, garage, and early punk, Heavy Meta is a stark contrast to the “Harry Nilsson-meets-Father John Misty” sound of the previous record RONNY.
After undergoing a shattering year of love, loss, purging, and a musical reinvention, Gallo sought a change of scenery and a fresh start. Drawn to the rock ‘n’ roll music currently being made by his friends in back alleys of Tennessee’s “Music City,” Gallo and his very own record label American Diamond Recordings relocated to the Bordeaux neighborhood of Nashville on New Years Day 2016.
Throughout his career, Toy Soldiers and solo combined, Gallo has released three full length records and three EPs working with various small independent labels in Philadelphia and New York City. He has shared the stage with legends such as Wanda Jackson, Dr. Dog, Deer Tick, Dr. John, The Walkmen, J. Roddy Walston, among others. Gallo has previously been featured among USA Today’s “Bands to Watch,” Paste Magazine’s “Philly Bands You Should Listen to NOW” and has garnered appearances on PBS SUN Studio Special, Daytrotter, Audiotree, and many more.
On stage, Gallo is a force to be reckoned with. He is a true showman with a knack for grabbing the audience’s attention and leaving them in awe. He sings his ass off and thinks it’s important to laugh at yourself.