FICTION & SHAME PENGUIN AT 10SELDEN
Halleluiah! Live shows are back. It has been practically a year since I have reviewed a live show. Thanks to Richard Demko of NeuroTronix Records and the folks at 10Selden I got a chance to listen to two fantastic bands. This event was part of the community art space’s safe and socially distant outdoor concert series. Throughout the summer and early fall, 10Selden will offer an eclectic and diverse line-up of local and touring artists.
Up first was the indie punk band Shame Penguin. The group is comprised of four talented and spirited musicians. Lead singer and manic frontman, Dustin Sclafani was a truly frenzied ringleader. His emotive voice fit well with the atmospheric punk the band was performing. Tristan Powell’s guitar was richly spacey and ethereal. The backbeat of bassist Jon Ozaksut and drummer Kenny Maraczi filled the edgy music perfectly.
Shame Penguin’s ten song set contained several new songs that the band was playing for the first time in front of an audience. New tunes “Live In Technicolor” and “Fall of the Mountain King” were definite standouts. Their newest single “Pretzel Time” dropped the very night of the show. Shame Penguin’s performance was lively and quite enjoyable. The band easily shifted from melodic jazzy textures to hard hitting punk. Shame Penguin is a clear-cut group to watch.
Next came the incomparable, Fiction. Another group out of the New Haven area, the band is composed of Ethan James (Lead Vocals/Rhythm Guitar/Master Wizard), Brad Griffith (Lead Guitar/Skilled Mage), Chris Sienna (Drums/Descendant of Ancient Giants) and Mike Voyce (Bass/ Magically imbued Bard). It’s extremely difficult to define Fiction. Their sound is a mesh of Sublime infused ska, jam band and raucous indie vibes. They can effortlessly segue from reggae to punk and then smoothly pivot to a country twang. All in one tune.
Fiction‘s set was remarkable and groove laden. James’ voice has that gravelly timbre that immediately draws in the listener. He’s also a superb “Master Wizard”. His engaging personality was intoxicating. Griffith, Sienna and Voyce’s musicianship was impressive. They handily changed tempo and kept the crowd engaged. And the audience ate it up. There were constant dancers and heartfelt revelers.
The most noteworthy aspect of Fiction is their songs. The music is propulsive and their lyrics down to earth and honest. You can totally dive into their stellar musical flow and ardent words. “Wine” is a prime example The tune has a transcendental essence with impassioned vocals. James’ voice was full of desire and delightfully ardent. Another tune that hit the mark was “Ride It Out” with its folkish Americana gusto. “What Am I” also stuck out. The reggae jam feel was incredible.
One of the surprises of the night was Fiction’s cover of “Can’t Help Falling In Love”. The rendition was exquisite and lofty. It was full of masterful fervor. All the above songs can be found on their outstanding 2018 EP The Other F Word. Fiction’s entire show was full of gems. The punk rockabilly of “Felonious Punk” as well as the brazen “Night Owl” drove the congregation batty.
Fiction is currently in the studio with producer Vic Steffens working on their next release. I am looking forward to witness what these two amazing entities create. Fiction is by far one of the hidden treasures gracing the Ct. music scene. I can guarantee that within a short period of time Fiction will be a major breakout artist.
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To learn more about Fiction , check out their Facebook
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Stream music: Spotify
To learn more about Shame Penguin, check out their Website
Follow on Facebook / YouTube
Stream music: Spotify / Apple Music
Purchase: Amazon / Bandcamp
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