Peanut Butter Lovesicle

Peanut Butter Lovesicle have just released their new EP, entitled Dirty Pride. The New-York based trio specialize in their own brand of pseudo-blues and psych-rock, and their second release is another confident and bold step into a sub-genre that has plenty of room for up-and-comers.

Enlisting the help of veteran producer Henry Hirsch (whose resumé includes working alongside the likes of Madonna and Lenny Kravitz), Peanut Butter Lovesicle's second EP was performed and recorded live, in its entirely, in a 150 year-old church in the New York's Hudson Valley.

Stream the six track Dirty Pride EP below and for UK fans, Peanut Butter Lovesicle will begin their third UK tour later this month. Dates and show locales can be found on the group's website. - Earmilk

Welcome to another edition of WTF Wednesday, where bands show us what the f**k they’re looking at online. This week we caught up with Peanut Butter Lovesicle, who showed us how to keep our minds razor blade dangerous.

Peanut Butter Lovesicle will be announcing some tour dates today, which means they will soon be embarking on the mind mush-making adventure of a lifetime. Good thing they have Lumosity.com to keep their minds sharp with myriad brain teasers and puzzles. And, of course, some random vid of a camel giggling to turn them to mush again. - MTV

Peanut Butter Lovesicle: Crunchy, not Smooth - Classic Rock magazine

New Video - Entertainment Focus

New Video - Entertainment Focus

Shot in the band’s stomping grounds of Brooklyn, New York, the video is directed by artist Todd DiCiurcio and filmmaker Taylor Steele (aka Evil Twin) and features Sports Illustrated swimsuit model Julie Henderson, and Gossip Girl star Ed Westwick. - Fame Magazine UK

Shot in the band’s stomping grounds of Brooklyn, New York, the video is directed by artist Todd DiCiurcio and filmmaker Taylor Steele (aka Evil Twin) and features Sports Illustrated swimsuit model Julie Henderson, and Gossip Girl star Ed Westwick.

Fans have eagerly awaited a new release from PBL since their last EP, the psychedelic-rock infused “Heavy Daze, Wildcat Craze”, and the band are getting ready to deliver another incredible piece of work that is equally original as it is addictive. Coming off a summer tour in the U.S. and U.K, they have been hard at work on new material. The new EP, scheduled for release in March 2012, will be followed by a UK tour, their second one this year.

PBL

Peanut Butter Lovesicle - "Black Eyed Blues" (feat. Ed Westwick & Julie Henderson)
Directed by Evil Twin - Todd DiCiurcio & Taylor Steele
Producer - Evil Twin

PBL
Mike D'Arc - Vocals, Bass
Timmy Miller - Vocals, Drums
Jake D'Arc - Guitar, Keys, Backing Vox - Alt Sounds

Peanut Butter Lovesicle are a band from Brooklyn, New York. They consist of two brothers (Jake D’Arc & Mike D’Arc) and their cousin (Timmy Miller) and they are making quite a stir. The new single ‘Black Eyed Blues‘ their first since their debut EP ‘Heavy Haze, Wildcat Craze‘ is a dirty psyched out rock and roll affair with a bluesy undertone. Having released the single back in August it is now making the rounds again thanks to the release of the brilliant new video.

The video for ‘Black Eyed Blues’ features cameos from Gossip Girl’s Ed Westwick and Sports Illustrated model Julie Henderson and was directed by Evil Twin aka acclaimed NY based artist Todd DiCiurcio and filmmaker Taylor Steele. Set in a Brooklyn dive bar the rock n roll feel is not only musical but visual. Peanut Butter Lovesicle are set to release a new EP in March which they will back with a tour here in the UK, so keep yourself updated with their goings on their site.
- The Indie Crowd UK

Peanut Butter Lovesicle are a band from Brooklyn, New York. They consist of two brothers (Jake D’Arc & Mike D’Arc) and their cousin (Timmy Miller) and they are making quite a stir. The new single ‘Black Eyed Blues‘ their first since their debut EP ‘Heavy Haze, Wildcat Craze‘ is a dirty psyched out rock and roll affair with a bluesy undertone. Having released the single back in August it is now making the rounds again thanks to the release of the brilliant new video.

The video for ‘Black Eyed Blues’ features cameos from Gossip Girl’s Ed Westwick and Sports Illustrated model Julie Henderson and was directed by Evil Twin aka acclaimed NY based artist Todd DiCiurcio and filmmaker Taylor Steele. Set in a Brooklyn dive bar the rock n roll feel is not only musical but visual. Peanut Butter Lovesicle are set to release a new EP in March which they will back with a tour here in the UK, so keep yourself updated with their goings on their site.
- The Indie Crowd UK

Brooklyn-based blues-rock trio Peanut Butter Lovesicle have revealed their official video for “Black Eyed Blues”.

The video is shot in their hometown of Brooklyn, New York and is directed by artist Todd DiCiurcio and filmmaker Taylor Steele (AKA Evil Twin).

It features sports illustrated swimsuit model Julie Henderson and Gossip Girl star Ed Westwick!

Peanut Butter Lovesicle loyal fans will have awaited a new release since their last EP – Heavy Daze, Wildcat Craze, and the band are gearing up to release another equally original piece of work.

Hot off a summer tour in the U.S and U.K, the band have been hard at work on new material with their new EP scheduled for release in March 2012 followed by another UK Tour.  - Resonance UK

Featuring cameos from Gossip Girl's Ed Westwick, this video is directed by artist Todd DiCiurcio and Taylor Steele, and is taken from the band's forthcoming EP due out in March 2012. - NME

Peanut Butter Lovesicle's new video, "Black Eyed Blues," falls somewhere in between Jimi Hendrix, the Allman Brothers, and the Black Keys—via Whitesnake. Electric-guitar and drum-led, with psychedelic writing on the drum-set, "Black Eyed Blues" features model Julie Henderson writhing in a very tight leopard print dress with very big hair (Cindy Crawford, we've found a job to ease your '80s nostalgia!). Henderson is in a smoky Brooklyn basement, rather than on the hood of a white car, but the sex appeal commensurate to the '80s video glamazon, harkening back to a time when women who are not Lara Stone were allowed to have breasts. Ed Westwick watches Henderson forlornly in a Village People-esque white leather cap (what would Chuck Bass say?!) before starting a bar fight with a smug, stripe-wearing hipster. The video is directed by duo Evil Twin, composed of artist Todd DiCiurcio and filmmaker Taylor Steele. "Black Eyed Blues" is the band's first new single since their debut EP, Heavy Daze, Wildcat Craze, and live album The Raucous Kitten. Luckily for us, it will not be their last; the boys of PBL (brothers Jake and Mike D'Arc and cousin Timmy Miller) have a new album in the works set to drop in March 2012. - Interview Magazine

Peanut Butter Lovesicle's new video, "Black Eyed Blues," falls somewhere in between Jimi Hendrix, the Allman Brothers, and the Black Keys—via Whitesnake. Electric-guitar and drum-led, with psychedelic writing on the drum-set, "Black Eyed Blues" features model Julie Henderson writhing in a very tight leopard print dress with very big hair (Cindy Crawford, we've found a job to ease your '80s nostalgia!). Henderson is in a smoky Brooklyn basement, rather than on the hood of a white car, but the sex appeal commensurate to the '80s video glamazon, harkening back to a time when women who are not Lara Stone were allowed to have breasts. Ed Westwick watches Henderson forlornly in a Village People-esque white leather cap (what would Chuck Bass say?!) before starting a bar fight with a smug, stripe-wearing hipster. The video is directed by duo Evil Twin, composed of artist Todd DiCiurcio and filmmaker Taylor Steele. "Black Eyed Blues" is the band's first new single since their debut EP, Heavy Daze, Wildcat Craze, and live album The Raucous Kitten. Luckily for us, it will not be their last; the boys of PBL (brothers Jake and Mike D'Arc and cousin Timmy Miller) have a new album in the works set to drop in March 2012. - Interview Magazine

Peanut Butter Lovesicle's new video, "Black Eyed Blues," falls somewhere in between Jimi Hendrix, the Allman Brothers, and the Black Keys—via Whitesnake. Electric-guitar and drum-led, with psychedelic writing on the drum-set, "Black Eyed Blues" features model Julie Henderson writhing in a very tight leopard print dress with very big hair (Cindy Crawford, we've found a job to ease your '80s nostalgia!). Henderson is in a smoky Brooklyn basement, rather than on the hood of a white car, but the sex appeal commensurate to the '80s video glamazon, harkening back to a time when women who are not Lara Stone were allowed to have breasts. Ed Westwick watches Henderson forlornly in a Village People-esque white leather cap (what would Chuck Bass say?!) before starting a bar fight with a smug, stripe-wearing hipster. The video is directed by duo Evil Twin, composed of artist Todd DiCiurcio and filmmaker Taylor Steele. "Black Eyed Blues" is the band's first new single since their debut EP, Heavy Daze, Wildcat Craze, and live album The Raucous Kitten. Luckily for us, it will not be their last; the boys of PBL (brothers Jake and Mike D'Arc and cousin Timmy Miller) have a new album in the works set to drop in March 2012. - Interview Magazine

Welcome to Hear Ye, dear reader, where each morning of the 2011 CMJ Music Marathon & Film Festival, we’ll run the voodoo down on the Top 10 bands or artists we’re looking forward to hearing that night. “We” are hardly scientific, so click on “they” to take you to that specific group’s CMJ Discover page. There you can hear for yourself. But for right now at least, let us lend you an ear.

While we’re happy to turn you on to these shows, do know that because they rock so incredibly hard, you’ll want to get to the venue early. These places will fill up soon. And let’s face it, waiting in line just sucks.

What we say: Grime makes good, but refuses to show its hand.
What he says. Click here to see him at CMJ.
What we say: Legendary all-girl, all-Japanese power trio.
What they say. Click here to see her at CMJ.
What we say: Two Brownville hustlas with seriously mad flow.
What they say. Click here to see ‘em at CMJ.
What we say: Ex-Mika Miko, ex-Cold Cave starts fuzz with her sister.
What they say. Click here to see ‘em at CMJ.
What we say: Beantown boys dance, dance, dance to the radio.
What they say. Click here to see ‘em at CMJ.
What we say: New wave surf rock from the Brooklyn shore.
What they say. Click here to see him at CMJ.
What we say: Australian two-piece swaggers, then sneers in pop-punk’s face.
What they say. Click here to see ‘em at CMJ.
What we say: Spank Rock DJ fashions ready-mades for the dancefloor.
What he says. Click here to see him at CMJ.
What we say: Three-piece blues brothers offer inspired family jams.
What they say. Click here to see ‘em at CMJ.
What we say: New Orleans bounce redone for the sweaty, sissy set.
What he says. Click here to see him at CMJ. - CMJ

While in New York Todd Diciurcio andTaylor Steele directed a music video for up and coming NY band Peanut Butter Lovesicle, starring Ed Westwick and Julie Henderson. Director of Photography Todd Heater. Coming soon.

- Poor Specimen

While in New York Todd Diciurcio andTaylor Steele directed a music video for up and coming NY band Peanut Butter Lovesicle, starring Ed Westwick and Julie Henderson. Director of Photography Todd Heater. Coming soon.

- Poor Specimen

The 31st CMJ Music Marathon is just days from descending upon New York City for its annual orgy of contract inking, palm-greasing and premature blogjaculations. There are more than 1,200 artists making the rounds this year and the internet is busy trying to make sense of the chaos — understandably we’re not exempt and we pick our Top 30 here. However, if past CMJs have been any indication, by the time the last free drink is guzzled, you’re only going to remember one or two names. Like Arcade Fire in 2004, Black Kids in 2007, or Surfer Blood and Sleigh Bells in 2009, the takeaway from this mess is no more than one or two bands can successfully pilot the hype machine into being “the success story of CMJ.” How does the perfect storm of buzz coagulate for these bands, and who will reign victorious in 2011? We asked a panel of 15 industry experts — journalists, bloggers, publicists, label heads and assorted nerds — to uncover exactly how this happened in years past. Then we asked them to help handicap this year’s race, hoping to figure out though hard quantitative data, who we’ll be talking about come weekend’s end. We’re guessing it’s not going to be Peanut Butter Lovesicle. Here it is, the inevitable oral history of modern buzz.

Click here to grab SPIN's free CMJ mixtape featuring 20 tracks!

Daniel Gill, Forcefield PR: A secret meeting takes place in a back alley in Williamsburg each September amongst the indie Illuminati and a decision is made. There is no going back on this decision!

Martin Hall, former Arcade Fire publicist: No one in the mainstream media really had much of an idea of who Arcade Fire were at the time... despite my best efforts. But the band had built quite a passionate following, especially amongst those lucky enough to catch them live. Funeral was released just a week or so before CMJ that year, and Pitchfork had posted an amazing review. And maybe that review helped convince Kelefa Sanneh's editors at the New York Times to allow him to follow the band around during CMJ and document their "debut to the world" or some such. It was that Times story that really let the genie out of the bottle on a national scale.

We ended up having our showcase at Mercury Lounge, and so many people were commenting on how that was a brilliant move because not everyone who wanted to could get in to the show. The Mercury Lounge holds what, 200-250 people? But they were probably three times that number claiming to have seen that show. Having the show at Mercury Lounge was not some brilliant stroke of marketing. When we were booking the showcase back during the summer, none of the bigger venues would take us.

Steve Ciabattoni, former editor-in-chief, CMJ New Music Monthly: I feel like [Arcade Fire in 2004] was the last great thing that college radio could take credit for as far as launching a band—because this was pre YouTube, Facebook or Twitter… Sadly, few "college radio" bands actually know how to put on a show, but Arcade Fire was thrilling and theatrical and they really didn't sound like much else, and holy crap there's like 10 of them onstage and two of them are like seven feet tall and one is wearing a freaking helmet.

Nils Bernstein, publicist, Matador Records: Black Kids [in 2007] struck me as Pitchfork-driven. Just a couple weeks before CMJ they gave a 8.4 "Best New Music" to some demos on their MySpace. That timing couldn't have been better for their CMJ shows.

Dave, editor, Brooklyn Vegan: I was definitely excited at the time to see them live and to have landed them on a BV day party. Then the Pitchfork "Best New Music" review hit right before CMJ and that solidified the Black Kids as the band to see that year. All of the shows they played were packed including ours at R Bar which Mike D from the Beastie Boys even came to. I think it was more packed for Black Kids than it was for Yeasayer who I had on right before them.

Lisa Hresko, editor, CMJ New Music Report: I personally was not at that show but I do remember hearing that Black Kids' CMJ show wasn't particularly successful. Something about an equipment malfunction and them handling it in a very unprofessional manner. But such is the case with band who have little performance experience and who just happen to get thrown on stage after making a cool and popular home recording, no?

Matthew Schnipper, editor-in-chief, FADER: Just before CMJ, Surfer Blood released a well-reviewed record and then they set up a million shows. And that dude has giant, weird hair, so every blog post about CMJ mentioned them and posted a photo of him. I was surprised when I found out he wasn't the singer.

Hresko: Surfer Blood was buzzier after CMJ than before it.

Bernstein: CMJ can be great for bands with albums coming out in January or February, just as SXSW is great for bands with late spring or summer albums... CMJ happened just after advances for [Surfer Blood’s] album started circulating. A brash, commercial, Weezery album on a lab - Spin Magazine

The 31st CMJ Music Marathon is just days from descending upon New York City for its annual orgy of contract inking, palm-greasing and premature blogjaculations. There are more than 1,200 artists making the rounds this year and the internet is busy trying to make sense of the chaos — understandably we’re not exempt and we pick our Top 30 here. However, if past CMJs have been any indication, by the time the last free drink is guzzled, you’re only going to remember one or two names. Like Arcade Fire in 2004, Black Kids in 2007, or Surfer Blood and Sleigh Bells in 2009, the takeaway from this mess is no more than one or two bands can successfully pilot the hype machine into being “the success story of CMJ.” How does the perfect storm of buzz coagulate for these bands, and who will reign victorious in 2011? We asked a panel of 15 industry experts — journalists, bloggers, publicists, label heads and assorted nerds — to uncover exactly how this happened in years past. Then we asked them to help handicap this year’s race, hoping to figure out though hard quantitative data, who we’ll be talking about come weekend’s end. We’re guessing it’s not going to be Peanut Butter Lovesicle. Here it is, the inevitable oral history of modern buzz.

Click here to grab SPIN's free CMJ mixtape featuring 20 tracks!

Daniel Gill, Forcefield PR: A secret meeting takes place in a back alley in Williamsburg each September amongst the indie Illuminati and a decision is made. There is no going back on this decision!

Martin Hall, former Arcade Fire publicist: No one in the mainstream media really had much of an idea of who Arcade Fire were at the time... despite my best efforts. But the band had built quite a passionate following, especially amongst those lucky enough to catch them live. Funeral was released just a week or so before CMJ that year, and Pitchfork had posted an amazing review. And maybe that review helped convince Kelefa Sanneh's editors at the New York Times to allow him to follow the band around during CMJ and document their "debut to the world" or some such. It was that Times story that really let the genie out of the bottle on a national scale.

We ended up having our showcase at Mercury Lounge, and so many people were commenting on how that was a brilliant move because not everyone who wanted to could get in to the show. The Mercury Lounge holds what, 200-250 people? But they were probably three times that number claiming to have seen that show. Having the show at Mercury Lounge was not some brilliant stroke of marketing. When we were booking the showcase back during the summer, none of the bigger venues would take us.

Steve Ciabattoni, former editor-in-chief, CMJ New Music Monthly: I feel like [Arcade Fire in 2004] was the last great thing that college radio could take credit for as far as launching a band—because this was pre YouTube, Facebook or Twitter… Sadly, few "college radio" bands actually know how to put on a show, but Arcade Fire was thrilling and theatrical and they really didn't sound like much else, and holy crap there's like 10 of them onstage and two of them are like seven feet tall and one is wearing a freaking helmet.

Nils Bernstein, publicist, Matador Records: Black Kids [in 2007] struck me as Pitchfork-driven. Just a couple weeks before CMJ they gave a 8.4 "Best New Music" to some demos on their MySpace. That timing couldn't have been better for their CMJ shows.

Dave, editor, Brooklyn Vegan: I was definitely excited at the time to see them live and to have landed them on a BV day party. Then the Pitchfork "Best New Music" review hit right before CMJ and that solidified the Black Kids as the band to see that year. All of the shows they played were packed including ours at R Bar which Mike D from the Beastie Boys even came to. I think it was more packed for Black Kids than it was for Yeasayer who I had on right before them.

Lisa Hresko, editor, CMJ New Music Report: I personally was not at that show but I do remember hearing that Black Kids' CMJ show wasn't particularly successful. Something about an equipment malfunction and them handling it in a very unprofessional manner. But such is the case with band who have little performance experience and who just happen to get thrown on stage after making a cool and popular home recording, no?

Matthew Schnipper, editor-in-chief, FADER: Just before CMJ, Surfer Blood released a well-reviewed record and then they set up a million shows. And that dude has giant, weird hair, so every blog post about CMJ mentioned them and posted a photo of him. I was surprised when I found out he wasn't the singer.

Hresko: Surfer Blood was buzzier after CMJ than before it.

Bernstein: CMJ can be great for bands with albums coming out in January or February, just as SXSW is great for bands with late spring or summer albums... CMJ happened just after advances for [Surfer Blood’s] album started circulating. A brash, commercial, Weezery album on a lab - Spin Magazine

Peanut Butter Lovesicle - NEW SINGLE: Black Eyed Blues //


They just finished taking London for a ride on the PBL-tube, now this trio is back to NYC business stepping up the Brooklyn food-chain with the their new single Black Eyed Blues.

- MusicVagabond

Peanut Butter Lovesicle - NEW SINGLE: Black Eyed Blues //


They just finished taking London for a ride on the PBL-tube, now this trio is back to NYC business stepping up the Brooklyn food-chain with the their new single Black Eyed Blues.

- MusicVagabond

Anybody who says they’re familiar with all the bands playing at CMJ is either uber-booker Matt McDonald or a total liar.

Now, Nonstop Sound has previously offered a list of must-see shows that we stand by. But with more than a trillion bands playing (a trillion being a completely mathematically correct figure we triple checked), we figured it couldn't hurt to take another crack at helping you plan your CMJ experience.

We based our earlier list on “artistic merit.” This list is more artfully based on the most ... interesting ... artist names in the official CMJ guide.

Some band names are awesome, some band names are "awesome," and some band names can't even be justified with quote marks. But band names are a totally valid way of judging whether to hit up a showcase. In 2008 this particular writer was looking for a way to kill time before Jay Reatard played the Bowery Ballroom, and wandered into a show at the Cake Shop because the bands playing had funny names. That night Cut Off Your Hands and The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart blew this writer away, and remain current favorites. Maybe you’ll have similar luck with Raccoon Fighter.

The "Best" Band Names Of the 2011 CMJ Music Marathon

Afternoon Naps

The Bottom Dollars

Exes Of Evil

Gauntlet Hair

The Golden Awesome

Gross Relations

Hollerado

Math The Band

Me You Us Them

Peanut Butter Lovesickle

Raccoon Fighter

Radical Dads

Sex With Strangers

Thunderf***s

Two Man Gentlemen Band

You Say France & I Whistle - NBC New York

Anybody who says they’re familiar with all the bands playing at CMJ is either uber-booker Matt McDonald or a total liar.

Now, Nonstop Sound has previously offered a list of must-see shows that we stand by. But with more than a trillion bands playing (a trillion being a completely mathematically correct figure we triple checked), we figured it couldn't hurt to take another crack at helping you plan your CMJ experience.

We based our earlier list on “artistic merit.” This list is more artfully based on the most ... interesting ... artist names in the official CMJ guide.

Some band names are awesome, some band names are "awesome," and some band names can't even be justified with quote marks. But band names are a totally valid way of judging whether to hit up a showcase. In 2008 this particular writer was looking for a way to kill time before Jay Reatard played the Bowery Ballroom, and wandered into a show at the Cake Shop because the bands playing had funny names. That night Cut Off Your Hands and The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart blew this writer away, and remain current favorites. Maybe you’ll have similar luck with Raccoon Fighter.

The "Best" Band Names Of the 2011 CMJ Music Marathon

Afternoon Naps

The Bottom Dollars

Exes Of Evil

Gauntlet Hair

The Golden Awesome

Gross Relations

Hollerado

Math The Band

Me You Us Them

Peanut Butter Lovesickle

Raccoon Fighter

Radical Dads

Sex With Strangers

Thunderf***s

Two Man Gentlemen Band

You Say France & I Whistle - NBC New York

Peanut Butter Lovesicle’s infectious brand of heavy-psych tinged rock will melt its way into your brain.

Their musical style identifies with straight rock and roll mixed in with southern blues rock influence, then add a bit of classic 60's sounding guitar inspiration. The band was formed in Ocean City, NJ playing out at clubs and bars all over the South Jersey area and gaining national attention via the cover of Atlantic City Weekly in October ’10.

The band now resides in Brooklyn, NY, and has been seen playing shows throughout the city at hotspots such as Cameo Gallery, Arlene’s Grocery, Lit Lounge and Trash Bar, as well as frequenting the northeast. PBL has already been receiving attention as they were introduced on MusicVagabond, one of the top NYC music sites and their single “State Of I” from 2010's Heavy Daze Wildcat Craze EP was featured on CW’s hit show Gossip Girl.

PBL may be one of the strangest names since Dr. Dog arrived on the Philly scene, but you can’t say the guys and their music don’t fit under the “strange” umbrella. Think Black Sabbath meets the Black Keys with a little Stones, Flaming Lips and Queens of the Stone Age thrown in. - Fame Magazine UK

Peanut Butter Lovesicle’s infectious brand of heavy-psych tinged rock will melt its way into your brain.

Their musical style identifies with straight rock and roll mixed in with southern blues rock influence, then add a bit of classic 60's sounding guitar inspiration. The band was formed in Ocean City, NJ playing out at clubs and bars all over the South Jersey area and gaining national attention via the cover of Atlantic City Weekly in October ’10.

The band now resides in Brooklyn, NY, and has been seen playing shows throughout the city at hotspots such as Cameo Gallery, Arlene’s Grocery, Lit Lounge and Trash Bar, as well as frequenting the northeast. PBL has already been receiving attention as they were introduced on MusicVagabond, one of the top NYC music sites and their single “State Of I” from 2010's Heavy Daze Wildcat Craze EP was featured on CW’s hit show Gossip Girl.

PBL may be one of the strangest names since Dr. Dog arrived on the Philly scene, but you can’t say the guys and their music don’t fit under the “strange” umbrella. Think Black Sabbath meets the Black Keys with a little Stones, Flaming Lips and Queens of the Stone Age thrown in. - Fame Magazine UK

Peanut Butter Lovesicle’s sound matches their very awesome name. The Brooklyn-based band is brother Jake and Mike D’Arc and cousin Timmy Miller. (Very) Good ol’ Southern Rock/blues inspired music. I first pressed play to check this band out at 8:35 this morning and have been pressing repeat pretty much ever since.

Peanut Butter Lovesicle recently toured in London in July and have played a few shows in Brooklyn and New York since. Their new single “Black Eyed Blues” was recorded at SAE Institute. - For the Beat

Peanut Butter Lovesicle’s sound matches their very awesome name. The Brooklyn-based band is brother Jake and Mike D’Arc and cousin Timmy Miller. (Very) Good ol’ Southern Rock/blues inspired music. I first pressed play to check this band out at 8:35 this morning and have been pressing repeat pretty much ever since.

Peanut Butter Lovesicle recently toured in London in July and have played a few shows in Brooklyn and New York since. Their new single “Black Eyed Blues” was recorded at SAE Institute. - For the Beat

Originally formed in Ocean City, New Jersey, but now based in the heart of the New York City independent music scene, Brooklyn, Peanut Butter Lovesicle is making some of the most down and dirty, gritty, blues-inspired rock and roll, and folks, these songs will have you quivering in your boots, and loving every second of it. This is harder-edged rock music, with a sexy set of vocals and some seriously dirty guitar, all deep and growling, absolutely mesmerizing.
The band have released an EP called Heavy Daze Wildcat Craze, a live EP called The Raucous Kitten, and a recent single, a real mind-blower, called Black Eyed Blues. These songs are all romp and stomp and sexy creep, heavy on the big, low, bluesy guitar licks. This is just the kind of music I wanna hear while slugging back my beer in a dark, hot and sweaty, basement dive. Such a perfect soundtrack to late-night thoughts of, well, you know.......
Peanut Butter Lovesicle is a three-piece, of family members no less: Jake and Mike D'Arc, brothers on guitar and bass, respectively, both sharing those wildly sexy vocal duties, and drums and more vocals are provided by their cousin Timmy Miller. The band has already paid a visit across the pond to London and played some gigs there, but are now back in Brooklyn, so those of us who are in the NYC area, let's hope for some upcoming gigs, soon! This is just the style of music that true rock and roll fans can easily love, full of attitude and swagger, and rightly so. Give me the grime and grit of Peanut Butter Lovesicle's blues rock, and keep it coming, boys, it's WAY too good.... - Dirty Sexy Karma Blogspot

Now this is a strange one. I will admit that I had never heard of New York / New Jersey power trio Peanut Butter Lovesicle until this five tracker arrived unsolicited at the BCFM studios last week.I picked it up and thought I would give it a listen and I'm glad that I did.

Basically on first listen this is a good solid stoner / blues ep in the same vein as the likes of Mos Generator and Stone Axe. All five cuts are slow and ponderous, riff heavy slices of fairly sparse retro rock with some spaced out psychedelic overtones. Lots of delicious wah wah guitar work, Groundhogsy rhythms and Stone Ground style song structures. But once you've given it a good play or two you begin to find there is more to this ep than first meets the ear.

You begin to notice other influences and constructs floating around the mix; little hints of modern alternative rock, pinches of indie shoegaze, a dash of grunge or two: nothing you can really put your finger on and pin down, but its there all the same. The opener Colorblind has a distant voice over section that wouldn't sound out of place on a Gorillas track Sicamore Trees has a Tom Waits style vocal and Commodore has a touch of the Lou Reeds to it. In fact the more you listen then more hidden depths you find.

All of which makes for a very interesting listen and shows that PBL are an outfit with an awful lot to offer and an interesting future ahead of them. Worth looking out for.

For Fans Of... Mos Generator, Lou Reed, The Groundhogs, Stone Axe.... - John Wisbey

Now this is a strange one. I will admit that I had never heard of New York / New Jersey power trio Peanut Butter Lovesicle until this five tracker arrived unsolicited at the BCFM studios last week.I picked it up and thought I would give it a listen and I'm glad that I did.

Basically on first listen this is a good solid stoner / blues ep in the same vein as the likes of Mos Generator and Stone Axe. All five cuts are slow and ponderous, riff heavy slices of fairly sparse retro rock with some spaced out psychedelic overtones. Lots of delicious wah wah guitar work, Groundhogsy rhythms and Stone Ground style song structures. But once you've given it a good play or two you begin to find there is more to this ep than first meets the ear.

You begin to notice other influences and constructs floating around the mix; little hints of modern alternative rock, pinches of indie shoegaze, a dash of grunge or two: nothing you can really put your finger on and pin down, but its there all the same. The opener Colorblind has a distant voice over section that wouldn't sound out of place on a Gorillas track Sicamore Trees has a Tom Waits style vocal and Commodore has a touch of the Lou Reeds to it. In fact the more you listen then more hidden depths you find.

All of which makes for a very interesting listen and shows that PBL are an outfit with an awful lot to offer and an interesting future ahead of them. Worth looking out for.

For Fans Of... Mos Generator, Lou Reed, The Groundhogs, Stone Axe.... - John Wisbey

Are you a fan of groovy, surfy blues-based psychedelic
rock? Then check out New York’s excellent PEANUT
BUTTER LOVESICLE. They have a hugely enjoyable EP
out called ‘Heavy Daze Wildcat Craze’. The production
is solid and the songs vibrant and flow well. I especially
love the catchy ‘Commodore’ and the retro heavy ‘State
Of I’. There are hints of The Doors, The Cult, Led Zeppelin
and even some Inxs within the vocals and guitar work
amongst others and the more you listen, the more these
guys pull you in. Live PBL must simply smoke and their
music makes you high. - Fireworks Magazine UK

It’s Thursday so that means it’s Bandcamp Recommendation Day. very Thursday I bring you 5 bands that have some pretty good music that I think you may like. As usual, all Music is either free or or free via Name Your Price. Whenever possible you should pay what you can to the bands if you like their music.

While the true gem here is their 2010 EP, Heavy Daze Wildcat Craze ($5), The Peanut Butter Lovesicle put out a good free live EP. This 3 piece band from Ocean City, USA play a snazzy hard/garage rock with some stoner. On the The Raucous Kitten Live EP The band have taken the live in the studio path. The result is a live session that the band recorded to show off how they feel they play live.

We set out to record a live EP that embodies exactly what we represent as a live act. The product is raw, un-cut, and analog. It is purely PBL. Enjoy. Donate if you wish, burn, and share. - Soda Shop

"Take two brothers from the Pittsburgh area, add a cousin who plays drums and sings, stir for a few years, hole the trio up in a house in Ocean City, NJ and then let them...rock! One of the most interesting and unique sounding bands to come out of our area, Peanut Butter Lovesicle consists of Jake and Mike D’Arc (on guitar/keys and bass respectivley; they both also sing) and Timmy Miller on drums and vocals. The trio packed clubs this past summer as word spread that this was one of the hottest new bands around. The Inlet in Somers Point had them every Tuesday. The now-closed Hibiscus had them at least once a month as did other local spots. The band also recorded the self-released stoner-rock EP Heavy Daze Wildcat Craze. The band is now off to, and based in Brooklyn to check out the club scene there, which will limit the band’s local gig schedule, but PBL will be back. PBL may be one of the strangest names since Dr. Dog arrived on the Philly scene, but you can’t say the guys and their music don’t fit under the “strange” umbrella. Think Black Sabbath meets the Black Keys with a little Stones, Flaming Lips and Queens of the Stone Age thrown in."

Peanut Butter Lovesicle's infectious brand of heavy-psych tinged rock will melt its way into your brain. Since their arrival to the local scene, the band has managed to become a flavor of ice cream and pizza special at two local establishments. The band tears it up live and even uses vintage equipment to create the unique Peanut Butter Lovesicle experience. Go to their MySpace page now to see what all the hype is about. - Heavy Planet Stoner Rock Blog

"Take two brothers from the Pittsburgh area, add a cousin who plays drums and sings, stir for a few years, hole the trio up in a house in Ocean City, NJ and then let them...rock! One of the most interesting and unique sounding bands to come out of our area, Peanut Butter Lovesicle consists of Jake and Mike D’Arc (on guitar/keys and bass respectivley; they both also sing) and Timmy Miller on drums and vocals. The trio packed clubs this past summer as word spread that this was one of the hottest new bands around. The Inlet in Somers Point had them every Tuesday. The now-closed Hibiscus had them at least once a month as did other local spots. The band also recorded the self-released stoner-rock EP Heavy Daze Wildcat Craze. The band is now off to, and based in Brooklyn to check out the club scene there, which will limit the band’s local gig schedule, but PBL will be back. PBL may be one of the strangest names since Dr. Dog arrived on the Philly scene, but you can’t say the guys and their music don’t fit under the “strange” umbrella. Think Black Sabbath meets the Black Keys with a little Stones, Flaming Lips and Queens of the Stone Age thrown in."

Peanut Butter Lovesicle's infectious brand of heavy-psych tinged rock will melt its way into your brain. Since their arrival to the local scene, the band has managed to become a flavor of ice cream and pizza special at two local establishments. The band tears it up live and even uses vintage equipment to create the unique Peanut Butter Lovesicle experience. Go to their MySpace page now to see what all the hype is about. - Heavy Planet Stoner Rock Blog

When you think about true rock and roll what comes to mind? The musicians of the 60’s and 70’s, the Woodstocker’s and Southern Blues Rockers? When you hear Peanut Butter Lovesicle aka PBL all of those thoughts are evoked. Wait I know that sound, but I haven’t heard it done this well in a long long time. Have a listen to two of my favorite tracks from their EP “Heavy Daze Wildcat Craze” and head on over to their Bandcamp page to hear the whole thing. Also, if you’re looking for an introspective in to the world of PBL this is a good place to start. - exfm

I've been owing Peanut Butter Lovesicle a review for some time now, which is why I'm having this EP posted mid-week instead of for an EP Shakedown, they deserve as much.

The decent-length EP (about twenty-three minutes), Heavy Daze Wildcat Craze, starts off interestingly; the first track, "Colorblind," begins with a very classic-rock sounding guitar lick, giving a real laid-back feeling. The song quickly shifts into a mini-funk/groove style, with the guitars and bass playing a major role. There are three different styles of vocals, the first a bit growly and guttural (not too much though), the second more laid back - something I'd expect with the music - and a third which sounds like it's being played through a voice recorder. Kind of odd, but also kind of interesting, I'm not sure what to make of it yet.

Track two, "State of I," starts off again with a retro-rock guitar riff, although this time much slower and semi-bluesy, something like Eric Clapton. The guitars still play a major role, but at least this time the vocals are a little more pronounced. Speaking of the vocals, the second style (the laid back and chill version) plays the main focus, much to my enjoyment. It really works well with the music behind it.

With the next, "Sicamore Trees," the album takes a drastic stylistic shift, moving from the blues/retro-rock into the psychedelic rock era of the 60s. The guitars are over-produces, with their sounds blending into each other, the vocals begin very fuzzy and processed, but then shift into a clean four-vocal-round style, repeating a line of lyrics again and again ("What's more green then the Sicamore Trees? That's why kids smell fear"). It sounds like some of The Beatles' more avant-garde works (not too far out there, but something weird nonetheless), or something progressive like Yes. A stark shift that boggles my mind.

"Commodore" sees a return of the stoner/blues style, although with a more modern edge. I don't get the feeling of retro-rock with this one, instead hearing more of a Faith No More sound; rock with a funky edge to it. Pretty straight-forward, catchy bass licks, a neat guitar solo, oh yea, and the drums finally have a part worthwhile! Nice to hear that.

Thus bringing us to the final track of the EP, "Hiroshima," with a name like that - one that holds such a violent history - I kind of expect something hard and heavy, although with Peanut Butter Lovesicle, you can't really predict where they will head. Instead of being something heavy and frantic (as I would have assumed), it's another groovy/jam based song, akin to the first couple of songs. It's another slow, chill song, like "State of I," which I enjoy, but this time bringing the drums into a more important role, sort of like "Commodore," again nice to hear.

Did I say that "Hiroshima" was the last track? Well I was obviously mistaken, because there is a SECRET TRACK!! OoooOoooo... I know, you are surprised, as was I. The song is an acoustic piece with only a guitar and a voice, not of much substance or real rhythm, and it cuts out mid-thought. I don't know what that was supposed to be, but I'm going to pretend it never happened.

Peanut Butter Lovesicle is... well, interesting. I don't know what to make of them really. They have some really good moments and jams; with "State of I" being my favorite, followed closely by "Hiroshima," some interesting influences, and one really trippy track (I think I'm going to listen to it again... yep still blows my mind). Heavy Daze Wildcat Craze is a decent debut, one that shows skill and promise, if only they need to focus a bit more on their particular sound they wish to portray. - The Klepto's Guide

t’s too cold to be outside tonight and the Bedford L stop seems a lot further away from Grand St. than I last remember. Although I have on my heaviest jacket, a shearling beast that I purchased in Argentina some time ago, I can still feel the below freezing temperature creeping through, but I’m convinced it’s worth it. I’ve watched this band grow over time. They were always good, but there’s nothing like seeing one of your favorites become great, and that’s why I’m braving the cold on this February night.

Trash Bar is warm and the PBR is free, so I’ve automatically forgiven them for playing on such a horrid evening. The band, PBL is setting up. For those of you who don’t know what PBR stands for, you’re stupid. However, for those of you that don’t know what PBL stands for, I will cut you some slack because they are relatively new on the Brooklyn music circuit. PBL officially stands for Peanut Butter Lovesicle, and yes there is a relatively interesting story behind the name because let’s face it, that’s just not one you draw from thin air.

The band stands as three, the D’Arc brothers Jake and Mike who play guitar and bass respectively and their tall blond dreadlocked cousin, Timmy Miller on drums. To complete the family affair Jake and Mikes’ sister Jamie manages the group. Their musical style identifies with straight rock and roll mixed in with that Junior Kimbrough/ Black Keys southern blues rock influence, then add a bit of classic 60’s sounding guitar inspiration and you may start to get the gist. When speaking later, we all agree that their sound is refreshing change from that has been typically found in the Brooklyn music scene recently.

Watching these guys play you can see that they are true musicians, ridiculously in sync with an obvious understanding of their instruments. It just looks easy and natural. The wild, heavy and raw guitar riffs speak for themselves. They put on a great live show and play off each other’s energy.

Mike, the man responsible for most of the vocals although the writing is shared equally among the three, coolly taps his bass, ray bans on, leaning in every few minutes to bellow out some lyrics. He rolls back on his heels and keeps the impressive bass line flowing smoothly forward through the set.

Timmy does more than keep the beat in the background. With his blond dreads thrashing, his animalistic style definitely does not unnoticed (they call him the Puma). He dwarfs the drum set, occasionally leaning in to sing backing and lead vocals.

The eldest brother, Jake, takes on some extraordinary solos. In true rock and roll fashion, he gets down on one knee, then two, hunched over and ripping the guitar, turning it upside down and giving it a good shake all while producing a terrific sound.

By far my favorite song of theirs is “Hiroshima” and if you’re itching to see someone truly shred then this is the one to catch. The raw break down at the end will blow your mind.

When the set is over we sit down to speak a bit about the band. There is a plethora of beer glasses already accumulated on the table so we add a few shots of whiskey just for good measure. Starting out, we speak about the band dynamic. Jake and Mike look at each other and then at Timmy who is sitting next to me in the booth and laugh. “Well, we’re not sure if we’re actually gonna let Tim in the band. We’re thinking about doing a West Coast tour and recording out there so we may have to bring him.” Timmy plays along, “Yah, it’s like one of those relationships where you want to take it to the next level but the other person doesn’t want to.” As a side note these guys have been playing together since before their teen years to anyone who would listen at their family’s summer spot in Ocean City, NJ.

“So where did the name “Peanut Butter Lovesicle” come from?” I ask. They tell me that on the menu of an Ocean City pizza joint is a pizza the boys concocted and named Peanut Butter Lovesicle, PBL for short. It is described as, “A musicians dream (nice and spicy) Pepperoni and Hot Peppers.” I’m still not sure if the name fits the description, but at least it’s an explanation. What else would you expect from a group that was just named, “New Band to Burn One To” by Heavy Planet Stoner Blog.

I ask them what prompted the move to Brooklyn and what they feel are the major differences between the two spots. Jake quips, “Well there is just so many people in Ocean City especially in the winter.” They agree on the obvious, that there is way more opportunity here. They mention that there have been a few key people who have really pushed them to make the move and go after this seriously.

When I continue to ask about living in Brooklyn Timmy looks at me and asks if he can go get a beer because he doesn’t live in Brooklyn. He’s still a student at the University of Rhode Island, studying Geology. The brothers heckle and boo him saying, “God, you’re so unprofessional” laughing the whole tim - MusicVagabond

PBL is a band. It’s also an ice cream flavor, a pizza special and one letter away from my drink of choice. The three dudes that make it up–Jake, Mike and Timmy–stop what they’re doing, which includes scheduling shows for Heavy Daze Wildcat Craze (June 2010), to do this. They also insisted on the title’s question mark to “draw in readers like are they or aren’t they having fun..or are they gay or related to each other?” I sure do hope it works. - Alternative Monitor