Curtis Dewar: Family Man, PR Man, and Giver of Dangerous Advice

Curtis Dewar, right, with his #1 intern.

When my band was looking to get our EP heard beyond two counties in Connecticut, Curtis Dewar of Dewar PR came highly recommended as a person who could get our music to the ears of people who would write about it.  Mid-level bands (or those seeking to be mid-level) may try to downplay the fact… Continue reading Curtis Dewar: Family Man, PR Man, and Giver of Dangerous Advice

Don’t Try to “Make It”: An Interview with Phil From Khemmis

From left: Ben (gtr/vox), Phil (gtr/vox), Zach (drums), and Dan (bass).

If Denver doom quartet Khemmis made waves with their 2015 debut, Absolution, their sophomore album Hunted was a tsunami.  Now on the eve of their third release, Desolation, vocalist and guitarist Phil Pendergast talked with Alternative Control about the band’s songwriting, imagery, and the ideal of “making it.”  Weekend warriors of heavy metal, read on…… Continue reading Don’t Try to “Make It”: An Interview with Phil From Khemmis

Gun Control, Shock Rock, and Prunes on the Road: Granny Goes on the Record with Alternative Control

It turns out that I popped Granny’s cherry. Alternative Control’s review of Granny 4 Barrel’s video for “She Likes Guns” was, in fact, the first negative review the song has gotten.  But what Granny mainly took issue with was how the review interpreted some of her comments to Loudwire — so like civil adults (one… Continue reading Gun Control, Shock Rock, and Prunes on the Road: Granny Goes on the Record with Alternative Control

Harakiri for the Sky: To China and Beyond in 2018

Austrian post black metal band Harakiri for the Sky releases their fourth album, Arson, today!  Thanks to the marvels of modern technology, Alternative Control was able to chat with vocalist JJ about what’s going on with the band. What does your band’s name mean? The name was my idea. To me this name should describe… Continue reading Harakiri for the Sky: To China and Beyond in 2018

Anthony Quinn Carpanzano Incites a Riot for the Freaks and Geeks of Stamford

Anthony Quinn Carpanzano, better known simply as “Quinn,” has been a fixture in the Stamford music scene for decades.  Quinn stands out in a sea of self-interested local musicians as someone who has altruistically dedicated himself to making The Scene thrive.  In addition to playing in his own original bands and as a solo artist,… Continue reading Anthony Quinn Carpanzano Incites a Riot for the Freaks and Geeks of Stamford

Dystopian Symphony: An Interview and TICKET GIVEAWAY with Virus of Ideals

As their album fundraiser show approaches, Alternative Control had a virtual sit-down with Connecticut symphonic metal band Virus of Ideals.  Here’s what they had to say about the band’s origins, the recording process, and more….  Don’t forget to check them out at Cherry Street Station (Wallingford, CT) on Saturday February 24th — and enter to… Continue reading Dystopian Symphony: An Interview and TICKET GIVEAWAY with Virus of Ideals

Brave New Death Metal: Pyrrhon To Play Cherry Street On February 16th

Pyrrhon is not your dad’s death metal band. Instead of playing with standard genre tropes, the NYC-based quartet broadens its sound with shots of discordant noise, angular riffs and odd time signatures. It’s as if you combined some left-field, mathy, noise rock band with a death metal band. The results are positively exhilarating as heard… Continue reading Brave New Death Metal: Pyrrhon To Play Cherry Street On February 16th