It’s a Saturday night in the middle of Fashion Week in New York City, which means parties, celebrities and plenty of fashion shows; however on this Saturday night perhaps the most unpretentious fun to be had was across the river, at the iconic Maxwell’s in Hoboken, NJ.
That’s where The Skullers, fronted by Jack Skuller, stormed the stage for a set of good, honest rock and roll. Ah, but who is Jack Skuller? As the bio on The Skullers website says, in his younger years he toured nationally, sponsored by Radio Disney, and was featured in Teen Vogue; but as this show proved he really has nothing to do with vapid corporate Disney product. He’s been recording on his own for years(and gotten a good bit of local press), and now he’s leading The Skullers, a trio with a more straightforward rock bent.
And rock they did, blowing up the intimate Maxwell’s stage(so intimate Skuller stepped right off it and into the audience at one point). The music is hard pop rock with rockabilly leanings and a somehow cool, honest 80’s vibe to it; even on the slower songs their was power, and fill-in drummer Margaret Marino absolutely slaughtered it on drums, rumbling along on every song. Bassist Luigi Sardi took over vocals on a cover of “Ain’t No Rest For The Wicked,” but the rest of the time Skuller was the consummate showman, playing guitar, harmonica, and taking a break to toss a t-shirt into the crowd.
Speaking of the crowd, the room wasn’t empty but it wasn’t packed either, which is a shame, because The Skullers are a real talent, and they(along with Cold Roses and Above The Moon, also on the bill) played their hearts out. The single “Can We Do That Again” which it’s slinky bass and instantly catchy chorus, was a standout, but really, from start to finish this was pure rock and roll action. Check out their full tour schedule and more on their website, TheSkullers.com.
-Jason Jaskot
Photo Credit: Jason Jaskot
