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

Jersey Beat and The Milwaukees are Going Back to Maxwell's. Thursday, July 2nd

Jersey Beat Showcase ft. The Milwaukees, Eastern Anchors, Bastards of Melody

When you think of the North Jersey music scene, two things should pop into your head immediately: Maxwell's and Jersey Beat. Maxwell's, the venerable and important Hoboken indie rock club, is now under new management and operating under the name Maxwell's Tavern. Jersey Beat, on the other hand, is still under the management of Jim Testa. Through Jersey Beat, just as he's done for the last 33 years, Jim Testa acts as a tireless champion of the tri-state area music scene.

On Thursday, July 2nd, Jersey Beat will host their first showcase at the new Maxwell's Tavern. The evening represents a couple of new beginnings. Maxwell's Tavern has been making some noise again on the musical front, presenting shows from local, independent acts for the last several months. Hosting a party with Jersey Beat would appear to cement their commitment to, once again, being a place where local, original acts can get a show. Headlining the bill are New Jersey rock and roll veterans The Milwaukees. The band have been on a hiatus since entering the world of parenthood, but they're coming back with a compilation of unreleased tracks called Vasectomies to be released at the show on Thursday, perhaps laying the groundwork for a new release down the road.

Joining The Milwaukees on the bill are Red Bank's Eastern Anchors. They'll be bringing their "poppiest band on a heavy night, or the heaviest band on a poppy night" sound to the proceedings. NJ / NY power pop power trio Bastards of Melody round things out.

So head to Maxwell's Tavern on Thursday, July 2nd, to celebrate some of what's made the New Jersey music scene so vibrant over the years while looking ahead to a promising future.

Doors for Thursday's show are at 8:30pm, and $10 gets you inside. Advance tickets are here.