New Jersey's The Lips emerging as an underground punk standout!

New Jersey's The Lips emerging as an underground punk standout!
 

QUIET PEOPLE! THE LIPS ARE ON STAGE.
 GRAB A BEER. GRAB A PERSON. GRAB ANYTHING.
 HOLD ON TIGHT. THE LIPS ARE ON STAGE NOW.

QUIET PEOPLE! THE LIPS ARE ON STAGE.
 GRAB A BEER. GRAB A PERSON. GRAB ANYTHING.
 HOLD ON TIGHT. THE LIPS ARE ON STAGE NOW.


 "We're not your average punk band," Anthony M. Laido (whom is everything The Lips are) states. "We're definitely more melodic than most punk bands. People suggest we are garage/punk, mainly because of our music being two pieces, without counting our studio work. I personally think we are an alternative/pop band, but if people like the music, I really don't care what I am categorized under."

 The Lips aren't your everyday punk rockers. Anthony M. Laido doesn't have chains on his pants. His live drummer Mario Khoury pretty much takes on a hippie image at all times. However, these two best friends have created a sound that appeals to audiences everywhere. Starting with the single released in April entitled "White Lights" (on iTunes now), I was still unsure as to why this band has had so much success. I then bought the debut album a month later, and I discovered instantly why.

"A Generation in a Jar is basically a 22 song full length album which took me two years to release. I never released anything, because I never felt I had anything worth releasing. I went under the name Hard Candy for about a year and a half after going solo with just my name, and before that having teenage success with a band I don't care enough to name. I collected what I thought were the best songs I had written in three years, and the best songs that represented who I am, and who we (Mario and I) are as performers and most importantly people. I'm very happy with what is now available to the consumer."

It's true. The album consists of 20 songs, and an intro and outro track. I have had the album on repeat for about 2 weeks now after purchasing it, and every song feels like it is a hit. You'll hear the garage/punk sounds of "Caged Inside" and "Mom I'm Having a Stroke" to the acoustics of "God Was a Dog" and "Nylon Gloves" to the melodic pop of "Read Me" and "White Lights." The album has it all and so do The Lips.

"It's funny. The first thing a record label or management firm will ask you is 'what do you look like?' I never thought I'd see the day where appearance actually is the ONLY thing that matters in this pathetic world."

Well Anthony M. Laido has nothing to worry about in the looks department, and neither does his live drummer. The two best friends have been the so-called 'party-animals' at each show they've played at and have been remembered not only for their music, but for their persona.

"The first show we played in south Jersey on this tour was awful. It was a bunch of old people who just wanted peace and quiet. So we destroyed the bathrooms and Mario tagged their outdoor shed with his term 'dose me.' The second show was 20 minutes outside of Boston in a house party, and the two of us were way too fucked up to play. Finally, we felt we ALMOST hit on all cylinders back in our area in North Jersey, last night. It was a good feeling to feel successful, but at the same time, a lot of work needs to be done."

Bottom line: The Lips are emerging through the New Jersey music scene as one of the most original and entertaining acts of recent memory. Not only do they have the looks, the talent, and the work, but they have the dream. This band is a band you should NOT pass up, no matter what the situation. Buy their album, and see them live. I promise, you will become a fan.

For more on The Lips, check them out @ www.facebook.com/thelipsnj