Sticky Situation: A Review of GEPH’s Apophenia

The Chapman Stick is not an instrument you’d expect to see when going to a local metal show. In fact, the only thing you’re less likely to see than a band with one Chapman Stick is a band with two Chapman Sticks — and that’s exactly what you’ll find with Boston-based GEPH. Self-described as “Progressive… Continue reading Sticky Situation: A Review of GEPH’s Apophenia

Review the Nightmare: Johnny Pluckman’s Take on Rise to Burn’s ‘Baptize the Nightmare’

Rise to Burn of Westchester, NY are no strangers to Alternative Control, or to anyone in the local NY and CT metal scenes. They were formed in 2013, are fronted by singer and guitarist Will Checchi of the much-loved No Remission, and released their original promo album in 2014. After much anticipation I finally have… Continue reading Review the Nightmare: Johnny Pluckman’s Take on Rise to Burn’s ‘Baptize the Nightmare’

A Treehouse for Grown-Ups: Tree House Brewing of Charlton, Massachusetts

Around this time last year I made my first trip to Tree House Brewing. It was their original location in Monson, Massachusetts. I didn’t put much thought into the trip and planned it around existing plans, so I arrived on a Saturday afternoon. After my dog and I trudged through the wintery slush/mud parking lot… Continue reading A Treehouse for Grown-Ups: Tree House Brewing of Charlton, Massachusetts

Lock City Brewing Opens in Stamford

Lock City Brewing, which opened last month on Research Drive in Stamford, is founded by co-brewers Mike Bushnell and Patrick Casciolo who both share a passion for great beer. It should come as no surprise that Stamford’s newest brewery is no stranger to Alternative Control. We’ve been eagerly anticipating their opening since we first met at Beer… Continue reading Lock City Brewing Opens in Stamford

Alternative Adventures at Beer Conn 2016

I know you're hiding the Captain's Daughter back here

It was an honor to again be invited for the 3rd time for the 3rd Annual Beer Conn presented by Starfish Junction at the Webster Bank Arena.  We were also glad to see our friends from CTBeer.com and BeerFests.com, who have been instrumental in getting the word out about events such as this one. This year… Continue reading Alternative Adventures at Beer Conn 2016

Peanut Butter or Legs? Another Interview with GWAR

It’s that time of year again! Every year sometime between October and December GWAR makes their yearly pilgrimage to Toad’s Place in New Haven, CT and for the 4th year in a row we’ve been there to offer ourselves as human sacrifices to our Lords and Masters. It was three years ago on December 28,… Continue reading Peanut Butter or Legs? Another Interview with GWAR

Smoke in the Valley 2016 – Return of the Home Brew

A lot of beer fests tend to blend together; same thing with different scenery, but what sets Smoke in the Valley apart from most other fests is their focus on home brewers. Dollar for dollar I think your ticket money is best spent sampling the hidden treasures fermenting in random garages and basements speckled throughout… Continue reading Smoke in the Valley 2016 – Return of the Home Brew