Acoustic Showcase at Coffee Works Too, featuring: Emulk, Parkwood, Breaking Tradition, Gin War, Downer, Twin Coves, Rich People
Coffee Works Too. Photo by Alexis Bradley.
By Alexis Bradley
Although acoustic performances are held at Coffee Works Too multiple nights a week, shows that include five or more acoustic acts are held once a month. The most recent acoustic showcase held at Coffee Works Too was Wednesday, February 17th. The showcase featured a wide variety of local (and some not so local) musicians including: Evan Lynch, Parkwood, Breaking Tradition, Gin War, Downer, Twin Coves, and Rich People.
About Coffee Works Too
Coffee Works Too - Brewed From the Heart is a locally owned Coffee Shop located in Voorhees New Jersey. Coffee Works Too is an innovative coffee roaster and internet cafe that has been a focal point in the southern New Jersey region since 1998. They offer the stimulating effects of coffee and tea served in a relaxed comfortable atmosphere. But, not only is it JUST your local coffee shop, Coffee Works has different, unique, and exciting events happening almost every night. There is an open mic night as well as karaoke night held once a week, along with wine nights, and performances from local artist of all varieties.
Evan Lynch (Emulk) …. is a solo artist based in Tabernacle, NJ, also playing in a band called "Ringler," where he sings and plays bass.
“I have seen Evan around at shows for quite sometime. I was aware he was a member of Hail to the Thief before, but I had never heard him sing. He played a wonderful set and I was blown away by his voice. Definitely give him a listen.”
Parkwood .... is a four piece Alternative/Emo band from Hammonton, NJ. Parkwood consists of Jorge Estrada (vocalist/guitarist), Brandon Beckley (guitarist), Nick Moretti (bassist), and lastly, Nick Gelone (drums). They are currently in the process of recording their third EP.
“I had seen Parkwood before, but it was really nice to see them in a smaller and more intimate setting like Coffee Works. I’m not really used to that style of music, but I definitely want to see more of their shows now because of what they were able to perform acoustically. They definitely stood out with uniqueness, but overall the entire show was nothing short of a great time. It was fun and light spirited.”
Kyle Lloyd, Sean McCall, and Jorge Estrada of Breaking Tradition. Photo by Alexis Bradley.
Breaking Tradition …. from National Park, NJ, is a five piece Alternative/Emo band who consists of Sean McCall (vocals/guitar), Mike Corrao (drums), Kyle Lloyd (vocals/guitar), Conner DeMuro (bass), with the very recent addition of Jorge Estrada (vocals/guitar), from Parkwood. With three EPs under their belt, Breaking Tradition is currently preparing their new release which is a collection of old songs that never made it onto previous releases.
“I enjoy seeing them because I know I’m supporting good people and a positive hobby and environment for people our age to be a part of. There’s really not much to do unless you go into the city, so it’s a great way to have fun and get out of the house while also contributing and being a part of a community of creative people.”
Gin War …. is a four piece rock band from Long Beach Island, NJ. Kyle Carrier, Brandon Rosenberg, Mike Planko, and Jeremy Woods are the members of Gin War. The band is about to go on tour to support New Jersey legends, Man Overboard, on their farewell tour, along with Microwave and Water Me Down.
“The one band that I remember sticking out to me the most was Gin War. It was my first time ever seeing them/hearing about them in general, and they left a great impression. Acoustically, their music impressed me in the aspect that it gave the exact feel you would hope for when going to a coffee shop type of show. Based on that performance alone, I would absolutely love to see them again, whether acoustic or full band. The entire show overall had a wonderful variety of bands/music.”
Josh O'Hara and Austin Romanuski of Downer. Photo by Alexis Bradley.
Downer …. is a four piece band also located in Tabernacle, NJ. They describe their sound as "ambient music." The band is Josh O'Hara (vocals/guitar), Austin Romanuski (guitar), Kyle Andracchio (bass), and Mike Corrao -- also from Breaking Tradition (drums). With two EP's and a split out, Downer is well on their way with excitement building for upcoming releases.
“Downer is a band that demands your attention as soon as they begin. Their full band performance is nothing less than passionate, and their emotional and easy-to-connect-to lyrics translate very well into an acoustic setting. The vocalists’ voices meld together flawlessly. With great musicianship and great personality all around, Downer is a band that stands out. They are one of the most interesting, consistent, and enjoyable bands to watch.”
Twin Coves .… is a rock band from Atlantic City, NJ, consisting of Christine Dixon, Alex Bui, Rob Bulman, and Dan Cannon. Twin Coves describes themselves by comparing their music to "a day at the Jersey Shore, with a nostalgic for youth vibe... Twin Coves appeals to punk rock fans and pop music fans alike."
“When it comes to the coffee house setting, it can be tricky for a band to tune down and play acoustic. However, when it comes to Twin Coves, they ultimately deliver on both platforms. I had the pleasure of seeing them at a show a few weeks prior to the Coffee Works show, and when I saw that they were playing I had to catch them again. It was awesome to see them perform just as well as they did before. Their sound and presence are sure to blend perfectly with any environment. Watching them alongside many other great bands, being with friends, and drinking coffee was a great time.”
Rich People …. from Sicklerville, NJ is described as a "Hard Pop Quartet" consisting of droney rhythms contrasted by glossy melodies, blended tastefully under vocals. Rob Rich -- the namesake of the band -- (guitarist, vocals), Blake Horner (guitarist, vocalist), Tyler Fakone (drummer), and Conner DeMuro- also of Breaking Tradition (bass), are the members of Rich People. Their debut full-length album, "Jacob's Ladder" is their first and only release.
“Rich People is extremely important to me. I think they are incredible both musically and lyrically, and I remember listening to their album when it first came out and saying to my friend: ‘I almost can’t believe this came out of South Jersey.’ I’ve seen them a few times and they always do great whether full band or acoustically. My favorite song of theirs is ‘Vacation.’ I liked it a lot before I ever saw it live. What I love the most about it is the fact that it’s relatable. I also think every song off “Jacob’s Ladder” is incredible and I really see big things for them in the future and plan to support them the whole time.”
About the Writer
Alex Bradley is a student at Camden County College. For years she has been attending local shows and much larger concerts. At only 18 years old, with a passion for music and all things included, she has been consistently booking performances under Grandaire Booking, both around Hammonton, NJ and also at Coffee Works Too. With years of experience under her belt already of being involved in the local music scene, Alex is beginning to book her own shows independently as well as writing about her experiences and adding music journalism to her repertoire.