Overlake, Dentist, and NO ICE Played Maxwell's Tavern, 1/15/16

My First Time Back

In the two plus year's since Maxwell's in Hoboken changed hands and became Maxwell's Tavern, I haven't been back there. Other than dropping someone off at their apartment after a show, I'm not sure that I've even been to Hoboken in that time. There were a couple of "almosts," but the proximity of Asbury Park and the fact that there is always something to see locally make the decision to hike up to Brooklyn or Manhattan or Hoboken a hard one.

With a bill last night that included good friends Overlake and Dentist along with Brooklyn's NO ICE (fronted by Brooklyn What frontman and Jersey Beat contributor, Jamie Frey), I decided the time had come. I got myself a $20 parking spot about a block away from the venue and made my way into the revamped performance space. It's a little smaller. The bar area is a little tight. But the stage is roomy and well-lit, and the sound is great.

It was a laid-back atmosphere. I was surprised at how many folks from the North Jersey / Hudson County music scene I've met over the years, and it was encouraging to see them all singing, dancing, and supporting Dentist. I know I'm biased, but Dentist have been sounding better and better at each show. 2016 will be big for them.

NO ICE are a Brooklyn six-piece whose sound is rooted in straight-ahead rock and power-pop. As I listened to them, I thought to myself, "OK. This band likes a lot of the same stuff I do." After their set, Jamie Frey joked with me that when he describes his musical tastes to people, he usually calls it "cool dad rock." Yep.

Overlake were pretty much on their home turf; and, even though it was their first time back at Maxwell's Tavern as well, the crowd swelled for their set. The people up front with me were into every second of it. Like Dentist, I think Overlake get sharper and sharper each time I see them; and they really know how to structure their set for maximum impact.

I couldn't have asked for a better trip back to Maxwell's Tavern. It's not as close as Asbury Park, but it's not as much of a pain to get to as Brooklyn or Manhattan either. I'll keep my eye on their upcoming schedule and make it a point to convert a few more of those "almosts."

Shots from all three sets are in the galleries below.

Dentist

NO ICE

Overlake