(June 2018 "From the Archive) - "Werewolves" and "Orange Crush" Live In Studio On Radio 104.5! (from 2008)

Back in June 2008, when we were about to release our debut album General Winter's Secret Museum, we got the opportunity to play on a popular alternative rock radio station called Radio 104.5 in Philadelphia! They asked us to play one of our songs from our upcoming album, as well as a cover of a song that they played on their radio station. We chose to play the first track off GWSM, "Werewolves". And for a cover, we decided on "Orange Crush" by R.E.M. 

The video is low quality, taken by our friend Brian Milligan (who also drew the cover of our EP "Clouded Gloomy Beloved" in 2006). The entire performance was professionally filmed and recorded, but we were told by the radio station later that the video footage was lost. So this is all that remains.

I remember this as quite possibly the most nervous I have ever been in my life. We were live on the radio, and the video starts off with somewhat at the radio station counting down from 10. I believe that he started at 60, and it was the longest, most nerve wracking minute of my life. As the countdown nears 1, you can see me look out and smile. I was looking at my girlfriend (now fiancé) Kendra DeSimone (who also does all of our album covers).

Looking back on it, this is actually a pretty damn good performance from a bunch of nervous kids from the suburbs. We don't hold back, and we give a really energetic rendition of these tunes. Pat has some awesome screaming/singing in "Werewolves". Kyle's drumming is damn near perfect all throughout. I had forgotten about some of the little guitar flourishes that I added to "Werewolves" when we'd play it live, and it was nice to hear them again. Our harmonies sound good, especially me and Pat's Michael Stipe/Mike Mills impression on "Orange Crush". Also featured in this performance is our bassist at the time Jason Barsotti, who does an admirable job holding down the fort on bass. This video really brings a smile to my face :)

BONUS QUESTION: Anyone know what Pat is referencing in the middle of "Orange Crush"? ;)

This video recording of “Werewolves”  and "Orange Crush" was performed by:

Patrick McGowan - Vocals, Guitar

Dan McGowan - Guitar, Vocals

Kyle Minnick - Drums

Jay Barsotti - Bass