Another Single from Joe Michelini's American Trappist

Joe Michelini brings his American Trappist project to APYC every Wednesday this summer.

"All Night Diner"

On August 13th, 1993, CoolMom and I spent an entire hot summer day together. I don't remember much about that day, but I do remember that we went to see Harrison Ford in The Fugitive at the multiplex in Union Square. I remember seeing her smile at me as we bought the tickets at the ticket booth.

That's the day that we mark as our first date; and, since then, we've lived through all the ups and downs of being a couple and raising a family. We give each other the space to be our own people; but, at the end of the day, we're always there for each other. Even if CoolMom is on a business trip in Europe or if I'm going to show after show in Austin, neither of us is ever really alone.

The early days, those first steps to building a life together can be scary, uncertain, and exhilarating. On "All-Night Diner," the latest single from his post-River City Extension project, American Trappist, Joe Michelini captures all of those feelings as he sings about his fiancé.

The song is a collection of thoughts that run through Michelini's head as he drives alone at night through the Pinelands. "The next few years, at times, will seem impossible." And later, "I wanna be inseparable." Finally, "last night, at the all-night diner, I did not feel alone;" and that's really it, isn't it? That simple feeling of connection across the miles is what's real. More real than any fears or uncertainty.

"All-Night Diner" comes with another Brian L. Tice, Jr.-directed video that features footage of astronauts preparing for space. I'm thinking there's a metaphor there somewhere. Seriously, though, the footage as chosen and sequenced by Tice is an excellent accompaniment to the song.

The track appears on Hannah Future Tense, the third installment of American Trappist's summer EP series, which came out earlier this month on Michelini's Death Salon Records. Watch the video below, and check out American Trappist live this Wednesday, August 17th, in their continuing weekly residency at Asbury Park Yacht Club. The Paper Jets open that one.

You can keep up with everything American Trappist and order music and tickets for upcoming shows at AmTrappe.com.


American Trappist - All Night Diner from Brian L. Tice Jr. on Vimeo.

New Video / Single from Joe Michelini's American Trappist

"No Bibles"

Last month, I shared with you the announcement from former River City Extension mastermind / frontman, Joe Michelini, that he would be releasing music under the new moniker of American Trappist. American Trappist's first EP, In Satan's Kingdom National Park, is due on June 1st; and, last night, we got the first taste of that record via the video for "No Bibles."

The Brian L. Tice, Jr.-directed clip features liberal use of super slo-mo with Michelini in various guises from pious to violent. The song deals with spirituality, self-exploration, and contempt for organized religion and represents a new and interesting sonic direction for Michelini. "No Bibles" retains very little of the Americana beginnings of early River City Extension, but the voice of Joe Michelini as a songwriter continues to come through.

American Trappist will celebrate the release of In Satan's Kingdom National Park (and kick off a summer residency) on Wednesday, June 1st, with a free show at Asbury Park Yacht Club. The release show in Michelini's adoptive home of Philadelphia takes place on June 4th at Ortlieb's Lounge.

Check out the "No Bibles" video below.


American Trappist - No Bibles from Brian L. Tice Jr. on Vimeo.