Florida=Death & One Hundred Year Ocean at the Wrench

Another night of music at the Wrench in Willimantic brought out the townies in droves.

First up, Florida=Death, melting my camera with their intense bass licks...



Describing themselves as "Psychedelic / Live Electronics / Acousmatic / Tape music," Florida=Death almost set fire to the house amps last night. True story: I was at a rap show at the Wrench this past spring where one of the amps got so overworked and excited it fell right on top of some reveler's head. Near fatal musical extravaganzas, that's what you can exect from an evening out in Willimantic! Note to all comers: bring a helmet next time.

"People have reviewed us... they say we sound like something out of a Miles Davis session," said Florida=Death bassist Greg when asked about their violent musical tendencies. I wouldn't go that far...



This picture, taken from the band's Myspace, reveals the existence of actual non-blurs jamming out on man-made instruments. Whoever took it must have had a titanium camera on hand, to capture their image without succumbing to the force of metal-dissolving psych as experienced at the Wrench.

Next to take the stage was one-man powerhouse One Hundred Year Ocean, aka Derrick Shanholtzer.



"I'm overweight, I went to jail once, but I'm more important than all of you because I'm up here," he said, humbly.

One Hundred Year Ocean is a mainstay of Wrench shows, and it's easy to see why. Although he sometimes plays with a live backing band, Shanholtzer mostly does all the musical wizardry himself, putting together tape loops on the spot and rocking out on electric guitar over them.

Consider this short sample of Hundred Year Ocean song "Smells Like Ohyo" and draw your own conclusions.

Kurt Cobain, Derelicte Style...

"I'm bringing back grunge," says UConn Classics & Ancient Mediterranean Studies major Devin Reece.

If, however, you prefer a more plaid-based, slightly less derelicte look, you might try something like this...


Grunge by fawnlust

Old Hannah, Vikesh Kapoor, One Hundred Year Ocean at the Wrench

(image from wrenchintheworks.org)

First, about the Wrench... if you live in Willimantic or the vicinity and have an affinity (ooh, that almost rhymes!) for tasty music of the punk, indie, or folk variety, you probably already know about this indispensable local venue. But if youre not from around here, and you're wondering what all the college kids do on their evenings off from hardcore studying, look no further. Check out the Wrench in the Works schedule of events, and take your seat on the rug. You're in for good times.

Last night was a triple header! Old Hannah, One Hundred Year Ocean, and the talented Mr. Vikesh Kapoor all came out to play.

Here's a sample of "Black Stars" by Old Hannah to give you a taste... check out the full length song on their Myspace.



Tyler of Old Hannah says he's been growing out that beard since May. Nice work! Everybody is undergoing preparations for the winter, I think. Growing out their winter coats and suchlike.

Check out these amazing boots!


They are the footwear of Mr. Kapoor, who got them for $3 from a Pennsylvania thrift store. They really add to his Bob Dylan, Jr. overall look, in my opinion.



And not just look, but also sound... check out this track and hear for yourself.

All in all, rather a jingle jangle evening...

Welcome to Thread City Style!

Hey! I don't know how you found this blog, but welcome. If you're from Willimantic or UCONN, or the surrounding area, so much the better... because this site is all about stylish and unusual people, music, and events here in the quiet corner.

My name is Dora! Nice to meetcha.