RETROFEELYA

"3:00p - Retrofeelya (HVH Showcase)
Retrofeelya were the runners-up of WRRV’s Hudson Valley Homegrown showcase listener poll. Retrofeelya is a rock band from Poughkeepsie, NY. Formed by Eric Dalton and Mike Wunderlich in the fall of 2015 with other members being Steve Albea, James Fabio, and Tommy Leak Jr. They've been performing with national acts from back in the day and have upcoming shows with L.A. Guns and Kix. Currently, they are in the process of recording their next EP that is scheduled to be released in June of 2016. " - Darkside Records and Gallery

Artist Spotlight – Retrofeelya
Published April 28, 2016 | By Lady Spitfire

RETROFEELYA is an energetic call to the past days of rock and roll, with a modern feel.

1653571_10152991467476088_8338177613037260931_nTogether they’ve created a unique sound that captures the energy and emotion that rock music has lost these days. Everyone in RETROFEELYA agrees that their mission is to never let rock fade away and they want to renew the world’s interest in Rock n’ Roll.

RETROFEELYA formed in early 2014, and began working on their debut album “Future Disease” which was released in Spring of 2015. The rest of the year was spent promoting “Future Disease” and later released their first EP “The Spot” featuring a self-titled track and their new single, “Moonstruck”. They have been working on a new album since, which is set to be released in Summer 2016. - Lady Spitfire

-In the Hudson Valley area, Dark Side Records will have live performances all day from artists Mike Hamel, MSL, DJ Perly, and Songhoy Blues, as well as local artists Steve Bagan and Retrofeelya. If that is not enough, they will also be hosting an after party at Underground Coffee and Ales later that night. - Elise Yablon

DUTCHESS COUNTY

The Chance — 6 Crannell St., Poughkeepsie. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11, Juan Croucier, Retrofeelya, Backlash, The Polaris Breach; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12, Sanctuary, VIsion Serpent, Striven. 845-471-1966. - Poughkeepsie Journal

Some stories are short but sweet, like the Whitford/St. Holmes project that sprung up in 1980. A joining of forces between Aerosmith guitarist Brad Whitford and then ex-Ted Nugent vocalist Derek St. Holmes, the duo released a self-titled studio album, followed by some touring, but soon they would return to their regular gigs, all but concluding their run together. Then, surprising many, in 2015 the talented musicians recollected to add a new chapter to the Whitford/St. Holmes saga with live gigs and plans for new studio album, appropriately titled REUNION. Playing shows here and there to get a feel of fans’ reactions, it has been a hit, and now in 2016, they return for more touring in support of the sophomore album that hit stores on June 3rd. Sharing the stage with Whitesnake just a few days earlier in Brooklyn, Whitford/St. Holmes found their way out to Amityville, New York on Friday, June 24th, to revisit Revolution Bar & Music Hall. A familiar setting, one which they visited back in November of 2015, fans of the Long Island area were ecstatic to see the musicians return for an energetic concert experience.

Greeting early arrivals as they walked into the club was Poughkeepsie, New York’s Retrofeelya. A five-piece Rock band comprised of Eric Dalton (Vocals), Tommy Leak Jr. (Guitar), Mike Wunderlich (Guitar), Steve Albea (Bass), and James Fabio (Drums), they took to the stage with a ton of energy, having fun on stage while showcasing tracks off their most recent EP, Future Disease. Second to the stage was local act Captain to Copilot. The Lindenhurst based band is no stranger to the Revolution stage, having graced it multiple times. These past experiences include an opening spot for Whitford/St. Holmes the last time the band rolled into town. Short a member this time around, Chad Willems (guitar, vocals), Jeff Frohman (bass), and Justin Willems (drums) prepared to greet old friends and make new ones, rocking out with songs that included “Ten Times a Day” and “Ghost Ships” before closing out with “Angels to Go.”

Moving the show along, and keeping the New York flavor, Midnight Mob was next on the agenda. Enjoying the recent release of their third EP, Honest Brutal Glorious, Midnight Mob’s trip in from New York City made for a special performance as the third act of the night. With the powerful vocals of Blackey meeting the likes of Mickey Squeeze (Guitar), Carly Quinn (Bass), and Beatz (Drums), Midnight Mob are a perfectly blended brew of Rock, Punk, Metal, and Soul music. Towards the end of their set, Blackey chose to bring the music right to the fans, jumping off the stage and singing her way through the crowd.
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As the night went on, it was time for main support, also hailing from New York City, local favorites, Killcode. One of the areas hardest working bands, Killcode has supported a long list of national acts, including most recently, KISS’s Ace Frehley at The Paramount in Huntington. With Tom Morrissey (Vocals), Chas (Guitar, Vocals), D.C. Gonzales (Guitar), Erric Bonesmith (Bass, Vocals), and Rob Noxious (Drums) all coming together in 2008, the band now celebrates the release of their newest album, The Answer.

Opening with “Lita,” they soon delved into their newest album with “The Answer” and “Show Me.” Immediately sucking in fans with their strong stage presence, Morrissey and the band took no prisoners as they played “Hands Up” before hitting fans with another new track in “Shot.” As they continued to play, the comradery the band shared with one another and their followers was evident as they fist-bumped and encouraged everyone to sing along. Continuing on with “6AM” before closing with “Kicking and Screaming,” Killcode received a mass of applause, proving why they are kings of modern New York Rock.
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With four bands down, it was time for the headliner everyone had been patiently waiting for all night long. Joined by Aerosmith’s Buck Johnson (Keyboard, Vocals), Slash’s Conspirators’ Brent Fitz (Drums), and Chopper Anderson (Bass), Whitford/St. Holmes were ready to bring old classics, some surprises, and new music of REUNION to the eager audience at Revolution Music Hall.

Wasting no time at all, the band took to the stage and immediately showcased their new cuts with ”Shapes,” “Rock All Day,” “Hell is on Fire,” and “Tender is the Night.” All high quality tunes, the crowd dug the new material, fully attentive as they grooved to the rhythm, wondering exactly what would come next. Appreciative for all those who came out and took the time to check out their set, Whitford Holmes were all smiles and interactive with fans throughout. Continuing to show a mass of enthusiasm with their new album, they went into “Hot For You” and “Gotta Keep On Movin’.” Then, paying homage to their past, they went into the classics such as “Whiskey Woman,” which saw many erupt into cheers.

Continuing to flash back to the past, “Sharpshooter” was a quintessential Rock anthem that had everyone in the venue dancing along as each musician took full control of the stage. Returning to REUNION, they set their eyes on “Catch My Fall” before another classic, “Shy Away,” as they focused on putting together a set that was fulfilling to fans. Trucking on with “Shake it,” they soon pulled another trick out from their sleeve as they jammed out a medley of Aerosmith and Ted Nugent songs. What makes the medley even more of a surprise was Johnson leaving his keyboard to join the stage front and center, taking over for vocals on the first cover. While Johnson is certainly no slouch on the keys, his voice was truly something to behold as the band tore into Aerosmith’s very popular “Last Child.” Spending many years on stage with Aerosmith clearly has helped Johnson in channeling in Steven Tyler’s vocal range as both Whitford and St. Holmes tackled guitar solos. As the song concluded, fans gave Johnson a well-earned applause as he returned to his keyboards before the tributes continued as the band took on Aerosmith’s “Train Kept ‘On Rollin’” to the delight of everyone on the floor. Turning their attention to the other half, they moved into Ted Nugent’s “Hey Baby” before closing with “Stranglehold” for a rousing ovation.

When Whitford/St. Holmes last visited Revolution Bar & Music Hall in 2015, fans reveled in the duo’s returning. Reemerging from a lengthy hiatus with a new album, and a ton of fanfare surrounding them, the men behind Whitford/St. Holmes have proven to be every bit as good as their original incarnation, if not better, as they continue to tour intimate venues, giving fans an up-close and personal view of the Rock legends behind Aerosmith and Ted Nugent. Their live show was a thrill ride that one simply has to see to fully appreciate. With REUNION acting as the fruits of their labors, the band continues to tour throughout the month of July, finishing off with a show co-headlined by Lynyrd Skynyrd on a night sure to be never forgotten. With all that said, Brad Whitford and Derek St. Holmes might have taken over three decades to join forces once again, but the wait was well worth it. - Cryptic Rock

It is often said in life that things are always darkest before the dawn. A proverb many Rock-n-Roll bands more than likely know, California’s Buckcherry saw their journey seemingly halted upon their dismantlement in 2002. Coming a year after the commercial let down of 2001′s Timebomb, the band’s devout fanbase had thought they had seen the last of the promising Rock band. Then, to the surprise of many, 2005 saw the reformation of Buckcherry, but not only a reformation, a rebirth with the release of 15. A record that surpassed their impressive self-titled 1999 debut, 15, to this day, remains Buckcherry’s most commercial successful album. It is not too often a Rock band is given second life in this dog-eat-dog world, but Buckcherry has made the most of their second chance. In fact, they have kept the pedal to the metal since, dishing out album after album, with their most recent being 2015′s Rock ‘n’ Roll. Proving hard work and a family-like rapport with fans pays off much more than a record labels bottom-line, Buckcherry continue to do what they do best, tour and tour some more.

Naturally, with the US release of 15 celebrating its 10th anniversary this past April 11th, an album anniversary tour would be fitting, warranted, and champed by fans. A tour adjoined by a forthcoming re-released, deluxe edition of the album featuring exciting, exclusive content, the shows kicked off September 2nd with dates featuring Candlebox as well as Sons of Texas. Quite a solid lineup, on the eve of Friday the 16th, Buckcherry made a special visit up to The Chance in Poughkeepsie, New York with Sons of Texas along with local acts Retrofeelya and HYGD. An event for locals, the last time Buckcherry played The Chance last November, the venue sold out. With expectations high for the same to happen again, fans quickly snatched up tickets to the former playhouse by any means necessary as excitement blared through the jam-packed room, ready for some high-octane Rock-n-Roll.

Getting the night started on the right foot, Poughkeepsie based, up and coming act Retrofeelya unveiled their new EP, Non-Stop, to a huge amount of hype, leading to the fans chanting their name. Meanwhile, next came Highland New York’s modern Hard Rock band HYNGD, which reveled in playing in front of an amped-up room. All in all, both acts pumped up the crowd to new levels before the headlining acts took to the stage.
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With the table set, the time had come for Texas’ Sons of Texas to make their way to the stage. Those not completely sold on the idea that everything is bigger in Texas, look no further than this Southern-tingling Metal band comprised of Vocalist Mark Morales, Drummer Mike Villarreal, Bassist Nick Villarreal, as well as Guitarists Jon Olivares and Jes De Hoyos. The five men came together in 2013 with one goal, to serve up their Texas-sized portions of Rock music to the masses. Unleashing their debut, full-length, Baptized in the Rio Grande, in 2015 via Razor & Tie, it made an impact on Rock charts, and now the band continue to tour in its support.

As their name implies, Sons of Texas take their southern upbringing seriously and it shows in every chord, lyric, and drum beat. Hitting the stage, they opened their set with “Never Bury the Hatchet,” and the hard-hitting nature of the band was immediately felt. Inspiring fans to bang their heads, they showcased an older song, entitled “Piss in the Wind.” Keeping the energy high, they went into other tracks such “The Vestryman” and “September.” An all-out assault of heavy Rock, “Blameshift” saw Morales taking a knee at the edge of the stage to survey the excited crowd. Showing no signs of slowing down, capitalizing on their direct supporting slot, they rattled the room some more during “Slam with the Lights On” and “Cold, Cruel and Content” before delivering the final blow with “Texas Trim.”

Now a over a year since its release, Baptized in the Rio Grande is the quintessential album for those in need of raising hell. As for Sons of Texas’ live performance, they give it all and then some. Playing alongside Buckcherry once this run comes to an end, the band plans to unleash overseas with shows in Japan and the UK in October and November. Much like their home-state, the group is larger than life and set to be stars.
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Already having their spleens handed to them on a dish from Sons of Texas, as Buckcherry took to the stage, The Chance was as loud as ever. Knowing, going in, that the night was in fact a celebration of 15, fans had a good idea the setlist may have a heavy hand offering of the album. Quite exciting within itself, since it is perhaps some fans’ favorite Buckcherry album, after a quick huddle at center-stage to pump themselves up, the group took their positions and kicked right into “Sunshine.” All having a great time, enjoying the moment, Todd shook a tambourine while singing along with the crowd as they jammed into “Brooklyn” and “Broken Glass.” Taking it all in, fans danced and bounced around as guitar solos reigned supreme, moving into the more mellow “Out of Line” before the beautiful “Everything” and always bold moment, “Next 2 You.”

Keeping with the 15 theme, the remorseful love hit “Sorry” came before “Onset,” and then everyone’s eyes lit up instantly to the opening chords of big hit “Crazy Bitch.” Quickly picking up on the audience’s enthusiasm, Todd led them into the opening lines, letting them take full control while he danced on stage. As the song ended, only 15 cuts remained unplayed, it was the almost Country Rock leaning “Carousel.” Playing the album in a shuffled order, front to back, luckily for fans it did not mark the end of the night as Buckcherry offered a few more tricks. After doling out a rendition of “Tight Pants,” Todd smirked and told everyone to come see him and the band at the merchandise booth following their set. This is when he promised they would be signing autographs on shirts, albums, and adult toys, which sold out by night’s end by the way. With that, they closed out with their signature “Lit Up” before keeping to their word to meet up with their fans for a friendly meet and greet.

The 15th Anniversary Tour is just the start for the band’s celebration of the album’s decade old release. As stated, the album will be made available on vinyl for the first time next month, alongside with a deluxe CD reissue that will include never before seen bonus material. The decade since the release of 15 has certainly treated Buckcherry better, but it cannot be overlooked that this band is also looking towards the future. Fans can always rest assure there will be more to cheer about from Buckcherry, because they live, breath, and eat Rock-n-Roll. - Cryptic Rock

These guys prove that not only that rock isn't dead, but there's more rock to offer. These guys may look like the typical rock band, but their music should offer not only on what a rock band should look like, but a perfect reason why this band could make it, doing what they love. - Broke Man Music Blog