DIVE BRAKE @ ARLENES GROCERY | FEBRUARY | 2022

It was an unusually warm February night on the Lower East Side. After witnessing the damage that COVID-19 did to New York City, ravaging small businesses and decimating its pulsating energy, it was intoxicating to see it alive and well. The streets were buzzing. The restaurants were bustling. And most of all, live music was back in a big way. Dive Brake, the power trio out of Brooklyn, was slotted for a middle set on a three-act bill at Arlenes Grocery. This was my first time seeing them live and what better place to make it happen? Arlenes Grocery is an up close and personal look at mid-90’s NYC. It’s a time capsule in a city that is expunging cultural establishments at an alarming rate.

The venue was packed. The stage was set. The bands came to play. Dive Brake didn’t waste any time carving out their piece of the night with Hendrixesque guitar-driven prog-rock. One thing is for sure, guitarist Nick Pascarella knows how to operate a PRS with raw efficiency. He led the band with fiery chops and a strong voice, both were rooted in soul. The rhythm section shined with their unique stylings. Bassist Dexter Larsen and drummer Steve Remp were linked with intensity from start to finish.

They touched on their inspirations of metal, 90’s alternative rock, and classic rock. The standout moments were Skin > Space Rover and their cover of Curtis Mayfield’s ‘Move On Up’ which featured the horn section of Minetta. The two-song segment was a prime showing of their range and abilities while the unrehearsed sit-in showed off their musicianship and professionalism.

They released their demo EP Test Flight in March of 2021 and will be recording their official debut before the year is over. They’ll be booking more shows in the meantime, so stay tuned as this band is a powerhouse and has a lot to offer. If you’re into dynamic rock n’ roll that is progressive in nature and tenacious in soul, Dive Brake is most definitely for you.