Juking It Out With The Dead

The Main Street Jukebox in Stroudsburg, PA hosted a CD Release Party on Saturday March 31st Celebrating the release of the CD titled, “Bring Out the Dead” featuring the macabre and psychologically absorptive music of Rezlep and the Apparatus. Numerous denizens of the darker recesses of the imagination manifested themselves in their decorative garb to make their presence known as they filled the Jukebox partaking of demonic splendor they have come to sanctify with their love throughout the years. The evening proved to be especially satisfying as it afforded an opportunity to take home the musical offerings of Rezlep and the Apparatus so they, their children, and their children’s children can enjoy and be influenced by its divinity.

Rezlep and the Apparatus has gained a reputation to encourage a frolicking enjoyment of the darker pathways of the human psyche through an unique combination of music, lyrics, and sound bites from various sources including those of film and radio theater. This is all done through the keyboard and other devices (his Apparatus) which he employs to create a Cabaret Atmosphere to allow all the spirits in this world and the next to dance, drink, and share a conversation with one another. What a delightful departure it is to enjoy a deviation from the norm. Or, at least, what is considered norm by the mundane.

The performance of Rezlep and the Apparatus proved to be consistent with the memories of previous performances yet the availability of the long awaited CD titled, “Bring Out the Dead” enhanced the mood of the gathering. This mood was further enhanced by the posters designed by John Kolbek and Pezleps designed by Sherley Escribano (who also provided the Album’s Back Cover image titled, “Rose of Embers”) which were given to those purchased the first 50 copies of the CD. You may learn more about the work of John Kolbek at www.facebook.com/pages/John-Kolbek/282847935078689 and Sherley Escribano at www.facebook.com/sherleyescribano.

As the evening at the Main Street Jukebox concluded, a funeral procession began to form along the sidewalk whose destination was to be The Sarah Street Grill. The costumes already adorning the hosts were further accessorized with veils and other items befitting the joy inherent in the collective panache of the party. You’ll find more photographs taken during the party in The Main Street Jukebox 2012 Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150780363105421.465801.636000420&type=3.

I was fortunate enough to purchase a copy of Rezlep and the Apparatus’ “Bring Out the Dead” and, while it’s safe to say the CD or any of the songs that it contains won’t be positioned on the Pop/Country Top 40 Charts, it does capture the flavor and essence of the performances Rezlep and the Apparatus is well known for. However, unlike CDs created by several local bands and musicians, “Bring Out the Dead” isn’t just a an echo of a live performance whose energies becomes lost in the transition in attempts to record it.

Instead, the CD skillfully accounts for the difference between presenting music live and recording it in the studio. Each approach has its own dimensionality. A live performance allows fans to enjoy the musical offerings in an atmosphere filled with like minded friends who become an intricate part of the listening experience. However, a studio version of the music a band or musician presents also needs to be enjoyable in the absence of the effects associated with a live performance. In other words, the pertinent question is, “Does the music sounds good sober?” In this regards, Rezlep and the Apparatus’ “Bring Out the Dead” succeeds as a CD as it sounds great regardless of the mental or inebriated state of its listener and would be a welcomed addition to any collection.

Rezlep and the Apparatus’ “Bring Out the Dead” presents music which has been described as Trip-hop Cabaret and as Steampunk Horror. Shane Izzykowski provided the Album’s Front Cover Photograph. You may learn more about the work of Shane Izzykowski at www.facebook.com/shaneizykowski. You may learn more about Rezlep and the Apparatus, his musical styling’s and influences, and how to obtain your copy of   the CD titled, “Bring Out the Dead” at his facebook page at www.facebook.com/pages/Rezlep-and-the-Apparatus/134317779942383 or at his website at www.rezlep.com.

In addition to The Rezlep and the Apparatus CD Release Party held at The Main Street Jukebox hosts Exhibitions featuring local artists. The next Exhibition will be titled, “Potter's Field” featuring the work of Abby Braman. The Artist’s Reception will take place Saturday April 7th beginning at 6pm featuring musical guest King Dead. The Exhibition Continues Until April 30th. Please Explore The Main St. Jukebox Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/mainstjukebox or call 570-424-2246 for more information about these events and all they have to offer.