NONHOLLYWOOD MAGAZINE--Somewhere between tranquility and turmoil:

Yellowfly’s version of “I Still Haven’t  Found What I’m Looking For” ranked #3 of “The 50 Best Covers of U2 Songs.” The spartan arrangement of this one works really well. Erich is a vocalist who can deliver the emotional goods, and that’s what I’m looking for, especially on a U2 cover.

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GOODTIMES MAGAZINE--Portraits from a yellowed mind:

"This CD contains intelligent lyrics and creative music. May not be suitable for music industry executives," reads the tongue-in-cheek warning on the back of this 12-song effort from Island band Yellowfly. Rather than riding the wave of what's current, Yellowfly's interests and influences rest more in the area of old-school rock than the pop and punk rock that comprises so much of what is found on radio station playlists in the modern day. As a band, the foursome is tight and seasoned. Vocalist, guitarist Erich Glaubitz is the voice of the band, and his grungy styles serves the serious nature of the lyrics well. Upbeat rockers "Plastic Babies" and "Get A Wave" offer the best examples of the chemistry between Glaubitz and fellow guitarist Hedge. The rhythm section of Pat Castania (bass) and Mike Ratti (drums) add both power and finesse to the Yellowfly sound. Although Yellowfly appears to be thumbing their collective nose at the major label system, there are songs on this record that could certainly hold their own as singles on the mainstream charts. "Fall Into You" all but reaches out from the speakers and forces you to sing along with the chorus, and "Fly Away (Hey, Now Now)" is sweet enough to be a prom theme. Adding to the record's commercial appeal is an enthusiastic cover of Buffalo Springfield's "For What It's Worth," as Glaubitz digs deep with the vocals to match the intensity of Stephen Stills on the original. Yellowfly is a band with vision and heart, and Portraits From A Yellowed Mind" is worth the investment of your time and money.---Dan Brown 

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GOODTIMES MAGAZINE--Yellowfly:

It's ironic to think that the degree of success enjoyed by Yellowfly, formerly the Erich Glaubitz band, could be owed to their lack of a major record deal. That allows these local boys to experiment with their easy flow mix of blues and rock, without relying on hackneyed formulas employed by many other groups. With each new release, their sound, which is heavily acoustic and sometimes reminiscent of Collective Soul and Stone Temple Pilots, continues to develop. So too does their fan base, which responds strongly to the group's unpretentious heartfelt lyrics. The talented Glaubitz injects his own brand of dark humor and personal significance to each track. The personal origin of "Hero" and "Holy War," in particular, lends each an added degree of emotional intensity and sincerity. This self titled album begins with a harder-edge blues/bass sound, which soon segues into such softer more acoustic driven selections as "Mellow Day," Wildflower," and the Elvis Presley inspired "My Baby Blue." "Jimmy Had A Nickel," a beautifully executed ballad of racism, is among the album's most elegiac and touching selections. Glaubitz's versatile voice changes from hard and loud to soft and affecting as the need arises. He is backed by Rod Monti's equally effective acoustic guitar and backing vocals. With a new name and an ever-evolving sound, it'll be interesting to see where this promising upstart group goes next.---Michael McDonough

 

 

LONG ISLAND PRESS--Yellowfly:

Not enough people could master the correct pronunciation for the Erich Glaubitz Band, so the bluesy rock quartet settled on a name change to Yellowfly. Wise move. The follow-up to the EGB's Mystic Chords of Memory, this self-titled record is big on rock, though surprisingly, these Long Islanders have backgrounds in R&B. Angry opener "Sadistic" may be misleading to start with, as singer/guitarist Erich Glaubitz (who's got tons of industry experience, including session work for Nile Rodgers) growls about a "sadistic little bitch." But not to worry, as they change pace for the good-natured "Change." The mellow and sunny "Mellow Day" is a great song for driving down a long empty road, while Yellowfly gets all solemn for "Jimmy Had a Nickel." A pleasant surprise is the Elvis Presley/old-school-rock 'n' roll-inspired "My Baby Blue." There's a little post-grunge here and blues there (most notably on the Black Crowes-like "Wildflower"), but mostly, this is traditional hard rock with singer-songwriter values. Hopefully, those values won't be affected by the band's new name.—Kenyon Hopkin

 

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GOODTIMES MAGAZINE (COVER STORY/INTERVIEW):

In the wake of David Gray, John Mayer, Jack Johnson and Howie Day comes Erich Glaubitz of Yellowfly (formerly the Erich Glaubitz band), another singer/songwriter whose melodic emotionally driven lyric's flow passionately over gentle acoustic guitar riffs with easy-feeling rock/blues flow. "I just love the whole craft of songwriting," gushes Glaubitz, "I always try and put a little bit more of my personality into my music as well as the edge that I have to me."

He and his band mates (Pat Castania-bass; Mike Ratti-drums and Rod Monti-acoustic guitar and backing vocals) have been earning their fair share of kudos within the Long Island Music Scene the past few years and even went on to dominate the finals of Good Times own 2002 Long Island Music Festival.

Glaubitz, a life long music fan, studied Jazz and classical music at Ithaca College and soon began earning his bones within the local Rock and R&B clubs where he would craft his sound. His soothingly melodic flow is a combination of folk, rock, and blues over poetic lyrics that can surely swoon the ladies into bed and inspire dudes into guitar lessons. Through the years he's played in a few bands (Zone Patrol; Liquid), but he set out to search for musicians that truly shared his vision and felt his passion. He found his crew and Yellowfly was born.

Their first album, "Mystic Chords of Memory" on Dug Records, is a collection on ten tightly crafted tracks that truly capture Glaubitz's essence and passion. "I'm a singer/songwriter with attitude," he says, "There's a lot of good singer/songwriter bands out there, but they always seem to be too acoustic, too mellow and I've got a little bit more of an edge to me."

While their recordings are solid and edgy, it is their live show that has earned them their local fan base. "We have a very strong fan base. Some nights it gets so jam-packed that you can't even get in. What people love about our live show is that we like to have a lot of fun," the singer explains, "we joke with audience and run around and just have a blast. I think that the audience picks up on that and they have a great time too."

The buzz about Yellowfly has already generated interest from some labels and management companies, but Glaubitz and the boys are weighing their options and waiting for the right offer. "We've got a lot of management companies that are trying to woo us in their direction and they're saying that they can do this and that for us... Hopefully there will be a record deal in the near future, but right now we're doing everything ourselves." Glaubitz proudly states, "We've already sold over 5,000 units just doing our own promotion. It's a lot of work, but it's kind of fulfilling to know that we've come this far by doing it on our own."---Don Sill

 

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LONG ISLAND MUSIC SCENE REVIEW...CLICK HERE

 

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NEW YORK NEWSDAY--Mystic chords of memory:

Singer-guitarist Erich Glaubitz and his fine band--guitarist-vocalist Rod Monti, drummer

Mike Ratti and Bassist Pat Castania--have put together an understated yet hook-filled rock album with "Mystic Chords of Memory." The opening "Family Photographs," Glaubitz's story of a dead relationship (no book full of family photos) is full of his emotive rasp and sets the tone for the remaining nine songs. The power of Glaubitz's songwriting is evident from "Addiction," which could just as easily be about a woman or a drug: "You will follow her footsteps / As she leads you down a bottomless pit." Musically, "Peaceful" should be on the radio (if Lifehouse in any indication); the boys rock hardest on this one--the intro sounds like old Superchunk or something. "My Religion really rises to the occasion, a la Counting Crows. It may or may not be clear from what you've just read, but Glaubitz is ultimately a romantic, and he'll make you think--especially if you're the father of a girl--when you listen to "Evelyn's Peace."---Kevin Amorim

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LONG ISLAND ENTERTAINMENT--Mystic chords of memory:

As I turned up the volume on my stereo, I was engulfed by the melodic sounds of the

Erich Glaubitz Band. Their CD titled Mystic Chords of Memory opens your mind and 

heart to music that takes you away from your thoughts and pulls you into their world. 

The Erich Glaubitz Band features Erich Glaubitz on vocals, guitar, and Keyboard, Pat 

Castania on bass, Mike Ratti on drums and Rod Monti on Both acoustic guitar and 

backing vocals. The band has a unique sound and powerful lyrics that charge at you with 

intense imagery and heartfelt stories. Their CD has a total on fen soundtracks that are written and composed by different members of the band. The music is all their own and that can heard in their playing and technique. Erich's voice is smooth, soft and powerful. The bass, drums and acoustic are all played with fervor and passion. The four members of the band come together as one when they are playing. Their sounds are mellow, and upbeat all at the some time. The music flows and brings the listener to all levels of thought and feeling. The compositions of these four talented musicians have a sound and quality that displays a true love for music and performance. I feel that the lyrics of The Erich Glaubitz Band are very real and touching. Every song that is played can be related to in a real life experience. I enjoyed listening to all of the tracks. The three that stood out for me are "Family Photographs," "Addiction" and Evelyn's Peace." 

"Do you enjoy the company of your craving, locked away in your lonely world, 

huddled in a corner, cold and shaking." Those are a few lines from the song titled 

"Addiction." This musical foursome is extremely talented, very real, and a pleasure to listen to. The Erich Glaubitz Band is influenced by musical artists such as U2, The Police, The Beatles and Flea. They play both the Long Island circuit and the New York City circuit. They have all studied music and dedicated their free time to making the band what it is today: a dynamic energy of movement and sound. I highly recommend the purchase of their soundtrack Mystic Chords of Memory. ---Jacqueline Bonura

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SCORE MUSIC MAGAZINE--Mystic chords of memory:

There's a simple, understated genius to Mystic Chords of Memory. "Away" resonates deep in the soul, in a place where the Goo Goo Dolls, Train and other melodic balladeers remain sacred. "Desert Rain" stands a strong testament to the group's melodic prowess, a track that even Faith Hill wouldn't be ashamed to call her own. Simple, satisfying, and sincere: Erich Glaubitz Band are making Long Islanders proud. ---Jeanne, 9/01

 

 

THE ISLAND EAR--Mystic chords of memory

The Erich Glaubitz band is nothing new to the Yankee Peddler. The four-piece band--

comprised of Glaubitz on lead guitar and vocals, Pat Castania on bass, Rod Monti on 

acoustic guitar and Mike Ratti on drums--displays their unique sound at the downtown 

Merrick club on a monthly basis. When I saw them--on the last Friday in July--they played to a receptive local crowd that was fired up for their return. This is a talented group of musicians that has been performing together for almost two years, and Glaubitz has worked hard to get his group known as something more than your average bar band. He has succeeded. The Erich Glaubitz band plays classic rock/pop with an equally appreciable funk sense highlighted by hot guitar licks; their set was a good mix of superbly played covers and well-crafted originals, and they have an easygoing approach that is quickly appreciated by a crowd looking to kickstart the weekend. The band played three sets that had the audience on its feet, the barroom hardwoods becoming an impromptu dance floor. The songs are delivered with emotion and power that 

catches the listener head on, it is a solid example of what this band is capable of. The band has a raw and edgy stage presence; Glaubitz ruefully joked with the audience between songs--they appreciated his onstage antics but loved his music even more. "Liquid" was the first Glaubitz penned tune, and he sang with a powerful, effortless voice, which was nicely complimented by his extremely tight, obviously talented band. The original tunes are especially impressive, and it is during these moments that you know this band is onto something.---J.A. Umberto 

 

Goodtimes Magazine--Mystic chords of memory:

Erich Glaubitz, as in the Erich Glaubitz Band, is a name that some day with a break or two could be as well known as it is unusual. Featuring Glaubitz on lead guitar and lead vocals, Pat Castania on bass on occasional backup vocals, Mike Ratti on drums, and Rod Monti on acoustic guitar and backup vocals, the Erich Glaubitz Band is a musical force with two very distinct sounds, both of which offer listening pleasure. The first of this band's talents lie in their ability to play mainstream covers and make them sound fresh and alive. They opened their performance with a laid back almost jazz version of "Crossroads," featuring an impressive yet seemingly effortless lead by Glaubitz. Steppenwolf's "Magic Carpet Ride" followed and they totally nailed it. Jesus Jones "Right Here, Right Now" came next with Castania's innovating solid, substantial, and creative bass lines, and Monti harmonizing sweetly to smooth delivery. Ratti, a consummate professional, delivered strong true beats and fills throughout.

Now, without anyone noticing, the band slipped into a phone booth only to reappear as the Erich Glaubitz Band, purveyors of original songs and ballads in the vein of Matchbox Twenty or Train. Their first original of the night, "My Religion" off their latest release was the first glimpse into what this band is really about. Whereas Glaubitz can play the part of rock n' roll front man with confidence, ease and style, his persona takes on a profoundly more determined and serious side when performing his own material. He is no longer simply playing for the audience, he is sharing something personal, and as his presence swells he guides the rest of the band towards a place where breakthrough records are born. Two more wonderfully crafted and performed originals ensued, both solid examples of how this band sounds more like themselves than anyone else. And it is the quality which distinguishes them from the average Long Island cover band to anyone who takes the time to listen to music with a serious ear. 

The rest of the evening combined slightly off the beaten path covers such as the Beatles' "Rain" and a raucous rendition of Hendrix's "Manic Depression" wherein Glaubitz played with his teeth, behind his back, and used feedback and other gimmicks effectively and admirably, along with more quality originals, several of which have the potential to receive the airplay that can turn a great song into a hit.---Henri Rosenblum