A lot of good stuff coming up! And Wednesday to Friday will be three days of shoegazer heaven...
Tonight!! Tuesday, August 11
Shilpa Ray @ Cake Shop | LES, Manhattan | $8
Shilpa Ray is a tiny woman with a massive stage presence, who plays a hand-powered harmonium, screams obscenities and hops around stage. She loves her audience and always puts on a great show. Her backing band are damn good, too. My current made-up genre name of choice for the music is "soul-punk." That won't mean anything to anyone, and that's fine, because you really should just check it out for yourself. [MySpace]
Tomorrow!! Wednesday, August 12
Himalaya @ Death By Audio | Williamsburg, Brooklyn
I haven't heard Himalaya yet, but they come strongly recommended by one "Salvador." From what I can tell, they play really loud music with dense, guitar-heavy shoegaze-inspired sounds, tinted with post punk darkness. Amidst this sonic assault, great pop melodies shine through. [MySpace]
Thursday, August 13
Autodrone, Black Swan Green, Violet Hour, Vacant Lots @ Public Assembly (back room) | Williamsburg, Brooklyn | $8
Another great shoegazy line-up by Vanishing Point Presents, this show features alt rocker/dream popper outfit Autodrone, an old favorite I reviewed early on in this blog. Their rich, full sound, masterful lead guitar, synthesizer sheen and angsty melodies combine to make a sound that could appeal to almost any species of rock fan. Black Swan Green is another I haven't heard yet, but "Salvador" again recommends, and I've heard good things all around. Like the others, Violet Hour has a shoegaze sound, but their music is more electronic, with layers of sound building on electro beats - wisps of vocal melody, coldly textured synthesizers, dissonant guitar feedback. Vacant Lots are kind of the odd ones out here - an excellent band, no doubt, but more garage punk than shoegaze. [Autodrone MySpace] [BSG MySpace] [VT MySpace] [VL MySpace]
Friday, August 14
The Warlocks + the Morning After Girls, the Vandelles @ Bowery Ballroom | LES, Manhattan |
The Warlocks have been around quite a while now, and have garnered respect from their earliest releases. Their psychedelic music has taken a denser, noisier, darker turn in recent years, bringing shoegaze's wall-of-sound guitars into the fore. The Morning After Girls are similar, if less earthly. And the Vandelles, well, their roaring noise-surf is made for a much bigger space than Cameo Gallery, and I'm glad I'll finally have a chance to hear them on a stage that approaches the size of their music and their outstanding stage presence. [Warlocks MySpace] [MAG MySpace] [Vandelles MySpace]
Woods, Dungen @ Bell House | Gowanus, Brooklyn | $15
Woods are one of the best break-out bands this year, playing haunting psychedelic folk music that will leave you shivering. Dungen is an acclaimed psychedelic pop group from Sweden. At times, their music is a little too mellow for me, and at times too "fusiony." But you may as well check them out, since Woods is on the bill. [Woods MySpace] [Dungen MySpace]
Sundelles, Drums @ Glasslands | Williamsburg, Brooklyn | $7
If you want something smaller, cheaper or more off the beaten track, check out this show instead of the others. I keep trying to hear the Sundelles and missing them. Their music is some sort of old school garage-pop with sweet 50's melodies and an unpolished, noisy, DIY flavor. The Drums are headlining. I haven't heard them, but I've heard good things, so check them out. [Sundelles MySpace] [Drums MySpace]
Saturday, August 15
Pterodactyl @ Southpaw | , Brooklyn | $12
Pterodactyl just keeps getting better and better. Their frantic guitars and wild yelling are the sound of pure joy. The unique and intensely complex guitar and drum arrangements make brains happy. The passionate delivery makes hearts happy. Go to Southpaw, and be happy. (And get there on the early side, since Pterodactyl isn't the headliner.) [MySpace]
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Monday, August 10, 2009
Venue Review: Cake Shop
<< NYC Venues: Index
Overview
Location: LES, Manhattan
Address: 152 Ludlow St. (between Stanton and Rivington)
Size: Medium-small
Directions: F/V to 2 Ave, walk two blocks east and one block south
Website: cake-shop.com
Acoustics: A
Booking: B
Helpfulness to bands: A-
Atmosphere: A
Acoustics - The acoustics in Cake Shop are surprisingly good for basement venue. The sound engineers are mostly a pretty talented bunch, and I guess the PA system must be OK too. Mostly they achieve good sound by cranking everything up about 30 decibels too high. Which shouldn't work, but it does. I've seen a lot of technical problems go down at Cake Shop, but for the most part, it's one of the best-sounding venues of its kind.
Booking - Cake Shop seems a little cliquey at times, but it doesn't have to be. In my experience, they are pretty responsive and helpful, though occasionally difficult to reach. Of course, you have to be aware that it's a pretty highly regarded venue and getting slots there can be very competitive. The folks there are savvy, profit-driven (not a bad thing when you run a small business) and good at getting trendy bands when they want them, so if you don't draw, you're likely to be out of luck.
Helpfulness - As I mentioned, the venue can be a bit disorganized and out of touch, but compared to a lot of places around town, they've always come off as pretty professional to me. Accordingly, they are reasonably accommodating to bands. Because live music is their focus, you get more attention. The flipside, however, is that they have set ways of doing things and aren't quite as flexible as spaces where the bands are just one extra component.
Atmosphere - Since I first moved to New York, I've felt at home at Cake Shop. There are nights when it's so crowded with hipsters that you can barely get in the door. But when that's not the case, Cake Shop feels down to earth and independent. The decor downstairs, where the shows take place, involves some random Christmas lights and not much else. Upstairs, you can buy cake, coffee and records. Basically, it's all the greatest things in life under one roof.
Small note - there's not much of a stage, so it's hard to see the bands. I recommend getting there early. Also try going around to the side of the stage, which is often not crowded since people are afraid that you have to be super-special to stand back there. (You don't.)
<< NYC Venues: Index
Overview
Location: LES, Manhattan
Address: 152 Ludlow St. (between Stanton and Rivington)
Size: Medium-small
Directions: F/V to 2 Ave, walk two blocks east and one block south
Website: cake-shop.com
Acoustics: A
Booking: B
Helpfulness to bands: A-
Atmosphere: A
Acoustics - The acoustics in Cake Shop are surprisingly good for basement venue. The sound engineers are mostly a pretty talented bunch, and I guess the PA system must be OK too. Mostly they achieve good sound by cranking everything up about 30 decibels too high. Which shouldn't work, but it does. I've seen a lot of technical problems go down at Cake Shop, but for the most part, it's one of the best-sounding venues of its kind.
Booking - Cake Shop seems a little cliquey at times, but it doesn't have to be. In my experience, they are pretty responsive and helpful, though occasionally difficult to reach. Of course, you have to be aware that it's a pretty highly regarded venue and getting slots there can be very competitive. The folks there are savvy, profit-driven (not a bad thing when you run a small business) and good at getting trendy bands when they want them, so if you don't draw, you're likely to be out of luck.
Helpfulness - As I mentioned, the venue can be a bit disorganized and out of touch, but compared to a lot of places around town, they've always come off as pretty professional to me. Accordingly, they are reasonably accommodating to bands. Because live music is their focus, you get more attention. The flipside, however, is that they have set ways of doing things and aren't quite as flexible as spaces where the bands are just one extra component.
Atmosphere - Since I first moved to New York, I've felt at home at Cake Shop. There are nights when it's so crowded with hipsters that you can barely get in the door. But when that's not the case, Cake Shop feels down to earth and independent. The decor downstairs, where the shows take place, involves some random Christmas lights and not much else. Upstairs, you can buy cake, coffee and records. Basically, it's all the greatest things in life under one roof.
Small note - there's not much of a stage, so it's hard to see the bands. I recommend getting there early. Also try going around to the side of the stage, which is often not crowded since people are afraid that you have to be super-special to stand back there. (You don't.)
<< NYC Venues: Index
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Live: Ringo Deathstarr + the Vandelles
When: 7/31
Where: Cameo
I reviewed the Vandelles pretty recently, also at Cameo, so I won't repeat myself. The band still rocked and this time, seemed to be genuinely having fun too.
I have said many times that Ringo Deathstarr is the best contemporary shoegaze band around. And that's because they absolutely are. The thickly layered, distorted, tremolo guitars are straight from Loveless, but coupled with the melodic sensibility of the Jesus & Mary Chain. No, it's not the most original music out there, but that doesn't change the fact that it's some of the most enjoyable.
To be honest, the band is about average live, not boring to watch by any means, but not anything unusual. To me, this point is almost negligible because hearing shoegaze live and loud is always rewarding. And though not particularly active or engaging while playing, the band still managed to gain momentum in their set by keeping the sound and songs flowing.
The band played the best songs off their 2007 EP and a couple other familiar songs, along with some new material. I heard one good Manchester-esque beat and some catchy new melodies too. I think there's an album on the way, so get ready!
The night was finished off by Blacklist, but I'm saving that for a separate review. Stay tuned...
Where: Cameo
I reviewed the Vandelles pretty recently, also at Cameo, so I won't repeat myself. The band still rocked and this time, seemed to be genuinely having fun too.
I have said many times that Ringo Deathstarr is the best contemporary shoegaze band around. And that's because they absolutely are. The thickly layered, distorted, tremolo guitars are straight from Loveless, but coupled with the melodic sensibility of the Jesus & Mary Chain. No, it's not the most original music out there, but that doesn't change the fact that it's some of the most enjoyable.
To be honest, the band is about average live, not boring to watch by any means, but not anything unusual. To me, this point is almost negligible because hearing shoegaze live and loud is always rewarding. And though not particularly active or engaging while playing, the band still managed to gain momentum in their set by keeping the sound and songs flowing.
The band played the best songs off their 2007 EP and a couple other familiar songs, along with some new material. I heard one good Manchester-esque beat and some catchy new melodies too. I think there's an album on the way, so get ready!
The night was finished off by Blacklist, but I'm saving that for a separate review. Stay tuned...
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Dust It Off: The Fizzbombs - Surfin' Winter
Album: Surfin' Winter [EP]
Calculus, 1988
With all the hullabaloo over the Pains of Being Pure at Heart this spring, I've been thinking a lot about the fuzzed-out indie pop bands of yesteryear. One of the fuzziest and certainly one of the best was Edinburgh's Fizzbombs.
As compared to the Pains, the Fizzbombs' guitars are bit nastier and their noise a bit noisier. There are all sorts of strange, chaotic sounds in the background of each song. In fact, the roughness of the sound, coupled with the surf element of this release, might make a comparison to Wavves more apt than one to the Pains. Either way, the Fizzbombs would fit right in in today's indie scene.
There's more than a little humor in a Edinburgh band putting out a surf album, but the surf roots of the music and beach-bum lyrics fit together perfectly. There are plenty of other obvious reference points - the jangly indie pop of C86, the full melodies of post-new wave 80's pop, the guitar roar of the Jesus & Mary Chain. Anyone who likes both pop and noise will find the Fizzbombs irresistible.
Boasting two women of three members (originally three women of four members), the Fizzbombs were part of a greater movement in the 80's UK that brought increasing numbers of female musicians into the indie rock scene. The band members all played in other bands, most notably bassist Sarah Kneale of the Shop Assistants.*
Often, EPs are really just extended singles, with one great song and some chaff to fill up the rest. But if that was the intention with this record, it's difficult to say what song they were emphasizing. All five tracks are positively gems. "Beach Party" has got some bizarre back-up vocals in a bass register and a fast, driving guitar riff. "Blue Summer" and "Test Pilot" are noisy and rich, but with equally addictive melodies. "Surfaround" is the most surf-influenced track on the album, with a Beach Boys-esque tune and a quick, skipping surf rhythm on the drums.
The EP's centerpiece, "Cherry Cherry," is perhaps the highlight (though as I've said, it's hard to pick). The 80's pop melody is reminiscent of the catchiest of Blondie or the Go Go's. As such, it's most mature and bold track on the record. That may sound counter-intuitive, but jangly surf-imitations were a dime a dozen in the UK underground around this time. Serious songwriting far less so.
If you like high levels of distortion laced with sunny melodies, look no further. If Surfin' Winter doesn't satisfy you, nothing will.
*I owe a big thanks to this blogger for explaining the line-up changes as relative to the releases. I never would have got that on my own.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Live: Tyvek + Coconut Coolouts, Personal & the Pizzas
So, because life must always be made extra difficult, I ended up catching Tyvek not at Cake Shop, as I had planned, but at Silent Barn the night before. Sadly, I arrived at too late for Stupid Party, which is one of my most favorite new favorites.
I did catch Personal & the Pizzas, who I found to be classic punk, complete with 50's revival undertones. That's the kind of music that depends on songwriting and the Pizza's just didn’t make the cut.
Next up was Coconut Coolouts, which I was certain I was going to hate, based on the name alone. I was mistaken. I'm not going to quit my job and follow them around the country or anything (they're no Tyvek!) but I was pretty glad to have spent forty minutes of my life at their show.
Their garage rock had exceptional hooks and melodies and exceptional noise. There seemed to be about fifteen people in the band, but I think it's actually six, which is still quite a few more than you need for a garage rock band. I'm not crazy about that, but it definitely worked alright at this show - because there is no stage at Silent Barn, the line between audience and band was blurred, and it seemed like we were all joining in.
It's not the most profound music, just fun music to jump around to. And not all of the songs were smashhits. But enough of them were that I just may have walked away from that set with a smile. Thanks, Coolouts! [MySpace]
Ah, Tyvek. I was glad to see them again, as they are one of the DIY/punk scene's most exciting bands. Sadly, this show was a let-down. Maybe it was the heat and humidity, maybe it was just a bad night, but the band's sound seemed to wilt.
Don't get me wrong, they were still riveting - if spontaneous human combustion is real, there's no one more likely to burst into flame than Tyvek at one of their shows. But in this sweltering heat, things went in a different direction. The crowd's behavior was lamentable, heckling, pushing one another (it's not moshing if you come at someone from behind) and eventually knocking over the PA. Couple that with a frustrating performance by the band, and that smile the Coconut Coolouts gave me was all but gone.
Still, a bad show is different from a bad band. And if I hadn't expected to have my socks knocked off, this wouldn't have even seemed like a bad show. My socks were still on at the end, but there aren't many bands I'd rather have seen. [MySpace]
I did catch Personal & the Pizzas, who I found to be classic punk, complete with 50's revival undertones. That's the kind of music that depends on songwriting and the Pizza's just didn’t make the cut.
Next up was Coconut Coolouts, which I was certain I was going to hate, based on the name alone. I was mistaken. I'm not going to quit my job and follow them around the country or anything (they're no Tyvek!) but I was pretty glad to have spent forty minutes of my life at their show.
Their garage rock had exceptional hooks and melodies and exceptional noise. There seemed to be about fifteen people in the band, but I think it's actually six, which is still quite a few more than you need for a garage rock band. I'm not crazy about that, but it definitely worked alright at this show - because there is no stage at Silent Barn, the line between audience and band was blurred, and it seemed like we were all joining in.
It's not the most profound music, just fun music to jump around to. And not all of the songs were smashhits. But enough of them were that I just may have walked away from that set with a smile. Thanks, Coolouts! [MySpace]
Ah, Tyvek. I was glad to see them again, as they are one of the DIY/punk scene's most exciting bands. Sadly, this show was a let-down. Maybe it was the heat and humidity, maybe it was just a bad night, but the band's sound seemed to wilt.
Don't get me wrong, they were still riveting - if spontaneous human combustion is real, there's no one more likely to burst into flame than Tyvek at one of their shows. But in this sweltering heat, things went in a different direction. The crowd's behavior was lamentable, heckling, pushing one another (it's not moshing if you come at someone from behind) and eventually knocking over the PA. Couple that with a frustrating performance by the band, and that smile the Coconut Coolouts gave me was all but gone.
Still, a bad show is different from a bad band. And if I hadn't expected to have my socks knocked off, this wouldn't have even seemed like a bad show. My socks were still on at the end, but there aren't many bands I'd rather have seen. [MySpace]
Album: How German Is It - The Seasonal
Album: The Seasonal
Self-released (??), 2009
Rating: ****** (6/10)
It was only a few weeks ago that I first heard of the new Brooklyn band How German Is It and here they are dropping an LP today. Talk about sneaking up on a person!
The Seasonal proves How German to be a creative and competent band with a lot of great ideas. But sadly, the whole is somehow less than the sum of its parts. The album seems unsure its own identity - variety from song to song is, of course, an essential component of a good album, but so is maintaining cohesion as a piece and as a band. This album sounds more like a retrospective, with stylistic jumps that are more confusing than bold.
It does seem as though there was a unifying vision behind this album. The lyrics show vocalist Patrick (last name, anyone?) working through some very real and difficult shit, and the emotional struggles chronicled are the album's greatest appeal.
However, in careening from a quaintly "off" indie style to rich and full radio-ready sounds, the band gets lost. There are some great (if cliched) melodies ("I Will Be Famous for You," "Nickel Twins") but there are also some that fail to move forward ("Giving Up the Ghost," "I Believe In Me"). The arrangements are similarly inconsistent, at times interesting, but at other times trite and monophonic (again, "I Believe In Me").
There's enough good ideas in this album to prove that with hard work, these guys could have something pretty great in them. There are hints of true talent and inspiration splattered all over The Seasonal, but it's not there yet. [MySpace]
Monday, August 3, 2009
Upcoming Shows: Pterodactyl, Marnie Stern + more
TONIGHT! Monday, August 3
Stupid Party @ Cake Shop | LES, Manhattan
I just reviewed Stupid Party. They are ridiculously awesome and you should go check them out. [MySpace]
TOMORROW! Tuesday, August 4
Los Campesinos! @ Webster Hall | East Village, Manhattan
I love this band and their exuberant, youthful pop music. But I'd say, wait until they play a less awful venue.
Thursday, August 6
Darlings @ Cameo | Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Another of those bands I just reviewed (actually at that same show). I think this band is genuinely insane, and I love them. [MySpace]
Marnie Stern @ Santos Party House | Chinatown, Manhattan
Unless I'm much mistaken, Marnie Stern, that bad-ass guitar master whose 2008 album deserves "instant classic" status, will be playing at Santos. [MySpace]
Friday, August 7
Pterodactyl + That Ghost, The Fucking Ocean @ Death By Audio | Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Pterodactyl is easily one of the best bands in Brooklyn right now. Their high-speed math-punk (I guess that's what to call it) is fascinating and captivating. I have heard of That Ghost and the Fucking Ocean and don't know much, but I know I like Fucking Ocean's name and have been meaning to check them out. So, I will blindly recommend them as well, since you're already going to be at DBA for Pterodactyl (Pterodactyl!!!!!!!). [Ptero MySpace]
Saturday, August 8
Sundelles, Wild Yaks @ Public Assembly | Williamsburg, Brooklyn
| $15 (benefit!)
Benefit gigs are super nice. This one helps a school in Uganda. Sundelles are pretty cool lo-fi garage rock with 50's/60's-worthy melodies. Wild Yaks are not the greatest thing ever, but they are solid indie rock and well-beloved. [Sundelles MySpace] [WY MySpace]
Stupid Party @ Cake Shop | LES, Manhattan
I just reviewed Stupid Party. They are ridiculously awesome and you should go check them out. [MySpace]
TOMORROW! Tuesday, August 4
Los Campesinos! @ Webster Hall | East Village, Manhattan
I love this band and their exuberant, youthful pop music. But I'd say, wait until they play a less awful venue.
Thursday, August 6
Darlings @ Cameo | Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Another of those bands I just reviewed (actually at that same show). I think this band is genuinely insane, and I love them. [MySpace]
Marnie Stern @ Santos Party House | Chinatown, Manhattan
Unless I'm much mistaken, Marnie Stern, that bad-ass guitar master whose 2008 album deserves "instant classic" status, will be playing at Santos. [MySpace]
Friday, August 7
Pterodactyl + That Ghost, The Fucking Ocean @ Death By Audio | Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Pterodactyl is easily one of the best bands in Brooklyn right now. Their high-speed math-punk (I guess that's what to call it) is fascinating and captivating. I have heard of That Ghost and the Fucking Ocean and don't know much, but I know I like Fucking Ocean's name and have been meaning to check them out. So, I will blindly recommend them as well, since you're already going to be at DBA for Pterodactyl (Pterodactyl!!!!!!!). [Ptero MySpace]
Saturday, August 8
Sundelles, Wild Yaks @ Public Assembly | Williamsburg, Brooklyn
| $15 (benefit!)
Benefit gigs are super nice. This one helps a school in Uganda. Sundelles are pretty cool lo-fi garage rock with 50's/60's-worthy melodies. Wild Yaks are not the greatest thing ever, but they are solid indie rock and well-beloved. [Sundelles MySpace] [WY MySpace]
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