Somewhere in central New Jersey sits the old Franklin Schoolhouse. Built ca.1807, this early American treasure has been charmingly maintained inside and out. The Metuchen New Jersey landmark serves the community with local artists and international greats. On this night, the old frame pulsated with indie tones and warm cheer. Mint 400 Records supplied the evening with a stacked roster to celebrate new releases and live music.
Leading off the night from Jersey City was Tom Barrrett and The Cuts. If you’ve never seen Tom perform, you're missing out. His sets are consistently filled with pure heart and beautiful songwriting. The set began with his quiet timber, cuing the crowd to take heed. The set gradually opens up with the power of the Cuts rhythm section grabbing us by the throat with every beat and bounce. It’s important to mention that the room sounds fantastic due to Steve Reuter’s mixing magic. Before the set concluded with my personal favorite, “Sunlight Brush”, Tom and the band teased us with a new tune called “Red Light“. It's a lovely song that sneaks along with a calming pace. If it went on for another eight minutes, I wouldn't be mad. What I love about this band is that it can be vulnerable and powerful within the same song. Try to catch Tom Barrett in the next month or so, as you may not see him till he's back in town.
https://tombarrett75.bandcamp.com/ 
Next up and all the way from Boston was This Bliss. A funky indie electronic band that made me think of Taylor Dane meets Talk Talk. The attentive crowd was felt by singer Jess Baggia, who freely sang with diva-like conviction. A synth laden stand out song from their set was “Wish You '' off of their vinyl release. The crowd took notice when Baggia and Tom Maroon (labelmate who has a solo record out on Mint) shared dueling harmonies that soared through the wooden rafters of the schoolhouse. The locomotive of the group was led by Nick Zampiello’s driving presence as he danced his way through one percussive stomp to the next.
Renee Maskin and the Mysterious Wilds took the stage and led the crowd through quiet beach hangs, hot moon nights and offroad horseback rides. This incredible group of musicians from Asbury Park allows Maskin’s songs to breathe and take hold. Musically, the band uses subtle textures that lock into Maskin's distinct and engaging vocal delivery. The set included songs off of their recent Mint 400 Records release, “Renee Maskin and the Mysterious Wilds” and the audience felt the space that Maskin encompasses. Joining the band on this night was another artist from Asbury Park, Emily Grove, whose vocal accompaniment added beautiful tones throughout the set. “Let It Be Easy”, “Hot Moon” and “Horses” took me to that place, you know the one where you kind of forget all the noise and feel good to be alive.
https://www.instagram.com/reneemaskin/?hl=en
The final band of the night was Middlesex County's own San Tropez. Still celebrating their January release “Maybe Tomorrow”, the five piece band delivered a wall of dissonant beauty. Watching and listening to San Tropez is a shoegazers paradise. I’m a sucker for Will Sargent’s/Kevin Shields’ inspired guitar lines, which are masterfully provided by these New Brunswick veterans. Ralph Nicastro’s vocals and songs felt like stories with an ever churning landscape. Each song seemed to hold its members into their own hypnotic trance, as the set moved into the late hours of the night and carried us home.
https://www.facebook.com/Santropezband/
By Dennis King