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About “Dope” Are You Real? was produced by Catherine Marks (Wolf Alice, Foals) and Jim Kaufman (ANTI-FLAG) to help form the band's new alternative vein that hearkens to the sonic likes of Arctic Monkeys, Royal Blood, The Kills, The Struts, Skaters and even Nirvana. Frontman Kyle Nicolaides's journey has come full circle, since the release of the band's debut album Orthodox in 2013, which landed TOP 30 on Billboard's Heatseekers Chart, and garnered high praise from Rolling Stone, Fuse, American Songwriter, and more.
Jun 18 WKQX PIQNIQ Tinley Park, IL
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The California-based band Beware of Darkness is basically everything I could have wanted when it comes to hitting up a downtown spot like Resident on a Monday night. The venue is a huge warehouse that’s been modernized to emulate a sophisticated garage party, complimented with a 60’s grunge vibe and ‘WC’ decorating the doors of the co-ed bathrooms. KROQ hosted the event (Locals Only) and the crowd is a mix of musicians and fans along with heavy-duty industry folks dressed to impress (gotta love LA).
I fought my way through the sea of leather jackets and cool hair to get a good spot for the show. The trio consists of Kyle Nicolaides (guitar, vocals), Tony Cupito (drums), and the “Best bass player ever!” (according to Kyle), Daniel Curcio. Since their debut album Orthodox back in 2013 the band has toured around Europe with The Smashing Pumpkins, played countless festivals and radio shows with Cage the Elephant, Social Distortion and Thirty Seconds to Mars (to name a few). They are signed to Bright Antenna Records.
After a warm welcome from KROQ’s Kat Corbett, the band proceeds to blow the roof off with “Mothaf**ka”, which might be off their upcoming album. Think Arctic Monkeys meets Zeppelin sprinkled with a bit of psychedelic Beatles and you’ll have an idea of BOD’s sound... however their energy onstage screams more “blood-sucking vampire”- in all the best ways. Kyle has dynamite vocals and impressive skills on the guitar, dancing and nailing intricate solos like only the pros can do. With love and lust lyrics in ‘Fate’ off their new album and the ever-so-sexy ‘Howl’ “I’m a hungry man, oh oh, catch me when I fall, baby girl I wanna hear you howl” from Orthodox, the room starts to heat up quickly and you can’t help but scream and shout as the band gains momentum. It’s shows like this that have a photosynthesis quality to them...rock bands dish out the other-worldly rawness of desire and love and hopelessness and the crowd gives it right back with their reaction to each feeling.
“Hello Los Angeles! We love you! This is for all the ladies” Kyle purrs into the mic. Someone yells “I f**king love you!” from the crowd and Kyle laughs, “Hey no cussing...my mom is here!”
He retracted the ladies statement and the band goes into the heavily-played radio track ‘All Who Remain’, with sweet lyrics about life after the death of a loved one.
“Ok, now this one is for the ladies!” Kyle yells and goes into ‘Summer Daze’. Daniel Curcio is one hell of a drummer, and the band is dripping sweat and obviously loving every minute of it. This group is tight, harmonious, and the camaraderie between them is amazingly apparent. There’s a richness to this band...they appear to have a higher-consciousness vibe to them. They shine with gratitude and a grace that is deep and genuine. The band wraps up the set with their new single ‘Dope’, sending the audience not high in the clouds, no- but to a thrilling place down below...in the darkness.
I got a little Q+A from these talented lads. Thanks guys, and we look forward to hearing more from you at W♥M.
After a warm welcome from KROQ’s Kat Corbett, the band proceeds to blow the roof off with “Mothaf**ka”, which might be off their upcoming album. Think Arctic Monkeys meets Zeppelin sprinkled with a bit of psychedelic Beatles and you’ll have an idea of BOD’s sound... however their energy onstage screams more “blood-sucking vampire”- in all the best ways. Kyle has dynamite vocals and impressive skills on the guitar, dancing and nailing intricate solos like only the pros can do. With love and lust lyrics in ‘Fate’ off their new album and the ever-so-sexy ‘Howl’ “I’m a hungry man, oh oh, catch me when I fall, baby girl I wanna hear you howl” from Orthodox, the room starts to heat up quickly and you can’t help but scream and shout as the band gains momentum. It’s shows like this that have a photosynthesis quality to them...rock bands dish out the other-worldly rawness of desire and love and hopelessness and the crowd gives it right back with their reaction to each feeling.
“Hello Los Angeles! We love you! This is for all the ladies” Kyle purrs into the mic. Someone yells “I f**king love you!” from the crowd and Kyle laughs, “Hey no cussing...my mom is here!”
He retracted the ladies statement and the band goes into the heavily-played radio track ‘All Who Remain’, with sweet lyrics about life after the death of a loved one.
“Ok, now this one is for the ladies!” Kyle yells and goes into ‘Summer Daze’. Daniel Curcio is one hell of a drummer, and the band is dripping sweat and obviously loving every minute of it. This group is tight, harmonious, and the camaraderie between them is amazingly apparent. There’s a richness to this band...they appear to have a higher-consciousness vibe to them. They shine with gratitude and a grace that is deep and genuine. The band wraps up the set with their new single ‘Dope’, sending the audience not high in the clouds, no- but to a thrilling place down below...in the darkness.
I got a little Q+A from these talented lads. Thanks guys, and we look forward to hearing more from you at W♥M.
Are you looking to collaborate with any artists in the near future?
Absolutely. We’re open to working with anyone, and any kind or style of project. There’s nothing more inspiring than a successful collaboration. The best part about it is creating unique art that either side couldn’t have made alone. It’s magic.
What festival are you looking forward to?
We’re all really looking forward to Q101 PIQNIQ in June.
How does performing make you feel?
It’s the best feeling in the world. It’s so much fun and such an honor being on stage and performing together. We were meant to do this together. We know we have something special and we are all so happy and excited to be doing it. The chemistry is just inspiring.
What's the dynamic between you guys in the band?
We text and talk everyday. This year we’ve been putting more time into how to make this band the best experience possible for everyone. We work on communicating as much as can and making sure everything is open. We’re currently working on 15 new songs that we crafted together.
Where does inspiration for your songs come from?
Anywhere really. It can come from a huge event that changes the course of your life, or a small passing thought that you had enough self awareness to catch just in time. You can pick up a sugar in the raw packet and name a song over it. Conversations, relationships, books. it can come from a feeling that you’ve been subconsciously holding in for a while. That’s the most exhilarating part about writing songs. You never know when or where it will come from. You just ask for enough grace to catch it.
What do you guys like to do together when you're not playing?
We professionally buy and sell beanie babies. In this economy, it’s important to diversify income streams.
And last and most important:
After you die you can come back to earth as anything you want. What/who would it be?
A hummingbird. To look after over whoever I leave behind and let them know that I’m watching over them.
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Beware of Darkness at Resident, Los Angeles (09 May 2016) |
Exceptional revue. Beware of Darkness has surpassed all my expectations. They're unique in all aspects and I honestly
believe they will win over the world.
Peace.
Posted by: Kyle Nelson | 05/13/2016 at 01:32 PM