Amen presents a dynamic mix of rock/alternative music featuring bass
and drum driven grooves, layered with melodic vocals, and cutting guitar
riffs. The album takes the listener on a journey from the energetic
(Impurities), funk-grooving (The Set Up), ethereal (Amen), and epic
(Sex).
Members:
Eric Belanger - Vocals
Dennis Prado - Bass
Rob Albrand - Guitar
Michael D'Ippolito - Drums
Other Press/Reviews
Bag of Nickels are quite interesting, with a mix of Alice in Chains and
upbeat happiness; they have created the track 'Electric Velvet'. It
very much feels like a track I could imagine on the decent radio station
on the game Grand Theft Auto. I'm not saying its not worth more than
that, but it would definitely fit!
The soothing guitar, snappy vocals and catchy lyrics make this track
easy to remember and easy to sing along to. I find myself joining in,
whether tapping my fingers like imaginary drums or yelling 'Exhale!'
A capacity crowd of family,fans and friends filled M.R . Docs to
celebrate the release of bag of nickels new album Mantequilla ( Spanish
for the word butter.) As might be expected bag of nickels played many
song s off their new cd. Live versions of "hand me downs" and "devils
dandruff" have a rough edgy sound when compared to the album versions. I
n general the cd has a smooth, and at times dreamy ,psychedelic feel
which is especially noticeable in electric velvet.
But this is not the live sound. instead bag of nickels plays full
throttle rock n' roll, raucous and rowdy. They flooded the room with
sound, and unlike most bands managed to play loud without being
deafing.Their sound is drum and bass driven with the 60's groove which
is apparent on a "different kind of truth."Lead singer Eric Belanger,
shows his versatility by rapping on the song, wailing on some and
singing straight vocals on others.
Rob albrand on guitar easily manages the bands riffs and bassist Dennis
Prado provides the throbbing beat.But ,the stand out in the band is
drummer Mike D'lppolito . His Drumming is powerful,inventive and
original;which not only drives the the live sound but makes it
interesting. In addition to the new material their 70 minute set
included older songs like "the postman"," going out of business sale"
and "sex" ,and "impurities".By the end of the night, not even a busted
guitar string could not undermine this well executed performance.In
listening to both their live show and the cd, its apparent that the band
was influenced by music from the late 60's mixed with contemporary
sound of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Even though the influences can be
heard. Bag of Nickels still manages to craft a sound of their own.
S. Dixon
BAG OF NICKELS ‘MANTEQUILLA’ (OSEAFUS PRODUCTIONS/USA IMPORT)
You never know what to expect nowadays… In the past one could judge
from looking at a cover or a picture of the band to predict a little
what to expect when putting on the record. The present day makes it
harder to do that, but on the other hand that keeps everyone motivated
to really listen to what a band has to offer and in the case of the
Delaware/USA based band BAG OF NICKELS a real challenge as they sound
completely different from what I expected when reading their bio. The
band was formed way back in 1995 and not much later they released their
debut ‘Soul change’. In 2000 it was followed up by ‘Mantequilla’, which
now 10 years later lands on my desk. I am glad it did, because the
opening track “Electric velvet” immediately caught my attention, because
it sounds very original and still will appeal to the fans of our genre.
First off, the CD sounds as modern and classic rock orientated as 10
years ago when it was released, but it could also be a new release or
even a re-issue of a 1970s record, so basically what we have here is a
timeless sounding record. Thanks to the fantastic lead vocals of ERIC
BALANGER, this band is lifted way above most other bands. Musically they
combine all kinds of music, but 70s prog, classic rock and some 90s
grunge are blended well together here, with melodies and choruses that
reveal AOR/Pomprock influences. It is somehow a mix between
KANSAS/ENCHANT, ALICE IN CHAINS, KING’S X, the instrumental side of RUSH
and a more song based SPOCK’S BEARD, meaning this is a much-recommended
proggy band to check out for sure. Like already mentioned, especially
the melodies and the vocals are very impressive and a pleasure to listen
to. Maybe not for everyone’s taste, this band is definitely an
interesting band to check out, as they really have something new to
offer. Progfans might absolutely adore BAG OF NICKELS! The band is
currently working on a new CD, which is definitely something to look
forward to. In the meantime, more info at:
www.myspace.com/spoulchange
Bag of Nickels, coming off of a recent hiatus, is promoting the release of their 3rd
album “Amen”. The independent release was produced by Dennis Prado and
co-produced and mixed with Philadelphia-based, grammy-award winning
engineer, Mike Tarsia.
Born out of Wilmington, Delaware, the members of Bag of Nickels have
played together since 1995, taking several breaks along the way to
pursue side and solo projects and to decompress from the grind of
playing shows, working 9-5s, and inner turmoil.
Their two previous albums were also self-released, “Soul Change” and
“Mantequilla”. During that time period, Bag of Nickels made their
rounds throughout the tri-state area, playing clubs, getting local
press, and the occasional radio spotlight. A highlight was a feature on
Fox Philadelphia with a live performance on their Morning Show for the
Mantequilla CD release.
Further success, saw them venture out of the tri-state area, playing
shows as far south as North Carolina and occasional shows in New York.
Wiser and older, Bag of Nickels’ release, “Amen” is a culmination of
many years of success; failure; personal strife; and ultimately victory…
in blending together a unique sound which only 4 unassuming musicians
from Delaware, passionate about their instruments, could create. The
music is familiar, but, new; smooth and soulful at times; tough and raw
at others.
Bag of Nickels wants to share this passion and connect with fans across the world.
