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Radio J Bday Bash
By Mike Ferrari

For his birthday he requested a few of his favorite bands to perform and party with him! Turns out Radio J has good taste in music, as all four band that performed have been featured on the cover of Aural Fix!

Once again the Next Wave In Music Series returned to the venue McCoys. We had some good fortune here, with owner Jeff McCoy being great to work with, good sound system, nice stage and a 18 & over door policy.

Kicking off the night was Black Suit Youth. Once known as the New York Dynamite the band has gone through some line up changes and now features Daniela V. on bass, formerly of Korro. Outspoken front man Bryan plays guitar and sings with a cunning intensity. Although they had some technical difficulties at the start, they got their stride mid set and put on an energetic live show.
www.myspace.com/blacksuityouth

Next up was an interesting band called S.T.E.M. (Space, Time, Energy, Mass). These guys play a sort of progressive variation of metal with some unusual progressions. They kind of sound like Tool at times, and every one in a while there is a distinctive Middle Eastern flavor to it all. The songs are are long in length, but never boring. I don’t think they have a song that clocks in at less than six minutes.

S.T.E.M. is a tight act and offer a unique sound, and despite lead singer Ryan Safarian battling a flu, he still had solid pipes through out his set.
The band is producing a huge DiY all ages concert this month (see ad on preceding page) and looks to be quite the event.
www.myspace.com/stemny

Following S.T.E.M. was A Farewell Fire. This is another band that has really been making waves here on Long Island and soon to be touring. These guys have a great sound that has diversity – they can hit you hard as hell and then break it down. Billy Moros on lead vocals can both sing and scream, and it’s hard to believe Eddie Raccioppi is the only one on guitars. They also have a monster rhythm section in Mike Zagel on bass and Ray Rossler on drums.
www.myspace.com/afarewellfireband

Closing out the night were the indie rock late nite kings, Altamonte. The masses from Mastic were well represented to cheer on their boys. Featuring the brothers Cashman this band has that retro indie rock sound akin to the Bravery and the Killers to maximum effect (the band employs Bravery producer Nic Hard). The band is very keen to making their fans happy and James Cashman is a dynamic front man. Posturing and posing, this guy is pure rock and roll swagger. The music is tight and catchy and it’s easy to get caught up in it all.
www.myspace.com/altamonte

Overall this was a great night of music highlighting some of the hottest bands on Long Island. Go check them out for yourself!