JUST A PIPE DREAM

is a four piece alternative/punk band based in south central Connecticut. The band is comprised of Ben Ayer (Rhythm Guitar/Vocals), Jeff Petit (Bass/Vocals), Matthew Ryan (Lead Guitar/Vocals) and Pat Torres (Drums). You may remember Matt Ryan from my piece on the Northeastern Sound Company in the Industry section of AMP. On August 17th the band held their record release party at the Cellar on Treadwell (formally the Rough Draft).

The Cellar was packed with avid fans. Just A Pipe Dream came well prepared with an amazing array of merch and albums for sale. As a true testament to the band their records, hoodies and tees were flying off the shelf.

To show their gratitude Just A Pipe Dream blessed the audience with an extended set playing nearly 90 minutes. The band played all 11 songs from the new release, You Can Choose To Die Out You Can Choose To Evolve, plus some older favorites and choice covers.

They opened the show with “Questions”, a cool punk tune with Petit handling the vocals (three members of the band alternate lead vocals and harmonies). The song is a good representation of what Just A Pipe Dream is all about; excellent songwriting and a “what the heck” attitude. I always enjoy a band that doesn’t take itself too seriously and plays for the thrill of it. A few songs in and the band broke into “We’re An American Band” by Grand Funk Railroad and the crowd enjoyed the energy output.

“Stuck On You” another song from the album had me flash backing to my early CBGB’s days with bands like the Dead Boys and the Miamis. It’s a quick rock ditty that had everyone’s head bopping. Petit’s voice fit the tempo and flavor of the song well. “Simple Excuses” followed. The mid tempo rocker sung by Petit and Ayer hit the mark and really revved up the audience. Pulling a record trifecta “How I Feel” with a great guitar riff by Ryan came next. Torres’ drums were slamming.

“A Day In This Life”, “Too Late”, a real enjoyable rocker with lead vocals by Ayer, and “Seasons” with its excellent psychedelic feel and guitar solo ensued. All three songs were well received. Then Just A Pipe Dream threw in one of those prime covers. Fall Out Boy’s “Sugar, We’re Goin Down” perked their admirers interest. You could feel the band was having a blast and their festivity transferred well.

Just A Pipe Dream ended their set on a real high note. Their original “Drugs Won The War”, Greta Van Fleet’s “Highway Tune” and their fabulous “This House” closed out the show. For an encore the band belted out  “Monster You’ve Become”, a Pipe Dream favorite, and morphed it into a killer rendition of Rage’s “Bulls on Parade”.

The entire night was a success. Just A Pipe Dream played their hearts out and their legions went home totally satisfied.  The band’s new album, You Can Choose To Die Out You Can Choose To Evolve, can be downloaded on all major streaming services. The record is a gem. Give it a listen.

 

 

 

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