The Wilkes-Barre and Scranton music scene during 2005 through 2007 was a dynamic one — bands like Tigers Jaw, Three Man Cannon, Captain, We’re Sinking and The Menzingers cut their teeth at venues in the area. During that time, Kyle Lukasewicz shared the stage with his contemporaries as guitarist and singer in a band called The Antibodies.

“It was a special time, I’ll put it that way,” said Lukasewicz, now 26 and residing in Clarks Summit. “It was very strange looking back on it, it was a weird little punk/ska scene right in Northeastern Pennsylvania, but it was awesome. I wouldn’t have it any other way, but trying to explain it to people who aren’t from around here … they find it a little strange, I think.”

Lukasewicz became one of those not present people when he moved to Philadelphia for college. He continued to practice his musical craft — something he has taken seriously since he was 15 — and after returning to the Wyoming Valley, he joined forces with former Antibodies drummer Pat Kirby to start a new project. Black Hole Heart released its first demo in March, which was recorded at The Menzingers practice space in Philadelphia and written almost entirely by Lukasewicz, sans drums. The three tracks sound like a tour through alternative rock history led by a guide who grew up on punk.

“It was just where I was at at that point in life. I remember it was winter, it was cold and it was a great time to be depressed and angry and put on some fuzz pedals and just get loud for a little bit,” Lukasewicz said. “I definitely have an alt rock vibe. I love The Pixies, I love Nirvana, but I also really love bands like Brand New. I grew up on punk, but our music, I wouldn’t say it’s so punk.”

Black Hole Heart’s style has been further influenced by the inclusion of second guitarist Steve Zampano, who joined shortly after the recording of their first demo. Black Hole Heart is currently putting the finishing touches on their reintroduction, slated for release sometime in late September.

“Definitely a diversion from the demo but the vibe and the energy is still there, it’s just a little bit different,” Lukasewicz said. “I’m glad, I like to think we’re always changing it up a little bit and I think people will be pretty excited to hear the songs.”

To hear Black Hole Heart’s songs, including the new three-song demo once it goes live, visit BlackHoleHeart.bandcamp.com — to hear the songs played right in front of you by the band themselves, visit one of their upcoming shows on either Sept. 10 at American Legion Post 1254 in Binghamton, New York, or Sept. 16 at The Keys in Scranton as part of Steamtown Music Awards’ showcase event.

Scranton quartet Black Hole Heart blend a number of alternative rock genres into something tailor-made for their generation.
http://www.theweekender.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_black-hole-heart-1.jpg.optimal.jpgScranton quartet Black Hole Heart blend a number of alternative rock genres into something tailor-made for their generation. Submitted photo
Band formed by former members of local punk outfit The Antibodies

By Gene Axton

gaxton@timesleader.com

Reach Gene Axton at 570-991-6121 or on Twitter @TLArts