Day 2: "I'm A Midnight Mile From Your Home"

Well folks, I've got some pretty awesome stuff for your listening and viewing pleasure this evening. I've just returned from my travels to the faraway land of Asbury Park, New Jersey and I bring you some news and pictures from the front lines of the The Break Contest (held at the historic mecca of NJ music, the Stone Pony.) The Break Contest is offering up the chance for one lucky band to win a slot on the main stage at The Bamboozle Festival, one of the east coast's premier festival events, as well as a whole van full of other life alteringly awesome awards.  The bands that I got to see play today were (for the most part) all extremely talented in thier own rights, but three bands in particular stood out as heavy contenders for front-runner positions (to your humble blogger, at least.)

First off we had Fairfield, an alternative pop rock group hailing from Metuchen, NJ. With a very professional and poised showing these guys showed the Pony crowd they are out to make a real name for themselves, and have the talent and drive to to just that. Check them out at: http://www.myspace.com/fairfieldnj

                                                                             

                                                                                                          

Next up we had the Panic Switch, a group of Jersey Gents hailing from central New Jersey that has the makings of the next great hard rock ensemble to come out of the Garden State. Combining melodic vocals with some of the heaviest rock riffs this side of the Delaware, Panic Switch is the best of both old and new for fans of real, classic hard rock. Check out their stuff for yourself at: http://www.facebook.com/panicswitch#!/panicswitch?sk=info

                                                                       

And finally we come to the band that brought me up to this fine musical mixing pot, Marlton New Jersey's own Short Lived Affair! These five ladies not only delivered what was arguably the most energetic and skillfull showing of the day, but also attracted the most active crowd turnout and response to boot.  With explosive guitar riffs, smooth bass lines, rabidly rocking percussion, and spot on vocals and harmonies, this crazy quintet delivers on their promises to save the world and melt faces. Today they made that delivery in thirty minutes or less, so why don't you check out the next big thing in New Jersey music: http://www.myspace.com/shortlivedaffair

Many of the other bands that performed today were also exceedingly talented, so please check them out as well: The New Royalty, Shake That Bear, When Legends Die, and the hilarious disaster that was Cadaver Dance Party (sorry guys, but some of the stuff you were spitting would make Sam Kinison's stand up sound like a sermon.)

Well that's all for now, I'll be sure to update when the winners of the contest our announced. And good luck to the rest of the bands I unfortunately couldn't stick around to see, I will check you all out and spread the good words around when I get a second to grab a listen. Until next time, keep the radio turned up and the good vibes moving!

Cheers,
Matt