Olga Bas Photography + Music Reviews » Live

Update: Muse

Galatea — Sat, 01 May 2010 15:39:33 +0000

In March (almost two months ago now – a sure sign I need to update more often!), Muse headlined Madison Square Garden once more and this time it was sold out. To celebrate their new-found star power, they brought an elaborate set up with them that consisted of three towering platforms, on which they performed.

Though I had been granted a photo pass, this is MSG we’re talking about, and with the pass being more trouble than it was worth, I opted for a GA location near the stage with my Canon point and shoot.

Muse at Madison Square Garden; March 5th 2010

Read the review and see more photos at Flavorwire.

Next up: Off the beaten path, there’ll be photos and review of the new Doctor Who screening, a gallery of behind-the-scenes and event photos from the 2010 Broadway Beauty Pageant; and a return to form with concert coverage for Gin Wigmore and VV Brown.

Update: Little Boots, Class Actress, Body Language

Galatea — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:40:30 +0000

I always have fun at a Little Boots show, and this one was no exception. She played the Highline Ballroom, one of the best lit small venues in New York, which went a long way in making this a good experience. Nothing worse for a concert photographer than shooting photos in the dark (I’m looking at you, Class Actress).

Little Boots at Highline Ballroom; March 2nd 2010

Body Language (previously they opened for La Roux; photos can be found here) and Class Actress opened.

Body Language at Highline Ballroom; March 2nd 2010

Class Actress at Highline Ballroom; March 2nd 2010

You can view the whole gallery of photos from the show at Prefix Mag and read the review on Out’s Popnography blog.

Up next: Several photos and a review from the recent Muse show at MSG.

Updates: Florence + the Machine, Holly Miranda + Nada Surf

Galatea — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:21:50 +0000

After seeing Florence do an acoustic show at the CMJ Fader party (photos here) only a few days before, I was very excited to see the full production. And was not disappointed.

Florence + the Machine at Bowery Ballroom; October 27th 2009

Holly Miranda opened with a very low-key performance and a few members of Nada Surf helped out with backing band duties as she doesn’t have a band of her own.

Holly Miranda with Nada Surf soundchecking at Bowery Ballroom; October 27th 2009

Take a look at the full photo gallery from the show at Prefix and read the review of the (frankly) amazing show on Popnography.

Next up: A 50/50 chance of photo coverage for the AFI/Gallows show next Friday in New York. Either I sign away the photos in a contract and legally can’t post them on my own site, or I don’t get the pass and don’t take the photos. Make that a 90/10 chance in favor of not.

Update: La Roux, Body Language

Galatea — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:00:55 +0000

La Roux last played New York at the All Points West festival in the New York area, this set at Highline Ballroom was far more intimate and the fans were very eager.

Instead of the usual 45 minute show, due to sickness, Elly Jackson only managed to sing for half an hour. It was definitely a fun show to photograph.

La Roux at Highline Ballroom; October 26th 2009

Body Language, after a stint of CMJ shows the week before, opened with an energetic set.

Body Language at Highline Ballroom; October 26th 2009

See the full photo gallery from the show at Prefix Mag and read the review on Popnography.

Up next: A gallery and review of Florence + the Machine with Holly Miranda (and Nada Surf) at Bowery Ballroom.

Update: The Dodos, The Ruby Suns

Galatea — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 23:32:23 +0000

I’ve heard of both The Dodos and The Ruby Suns, but have never really given either a listen. When they announced a couple of dates in New York, I thought this would be a good time to check both of them out.

The Dodos were very drum heavy and sound better live than on record. Fact. Vibraphones are awesome and the drummer incorporated some heavy metal drumming techniques when he smashed his drum kit to bits at the end of the second encore. Hardcore.

The Dodos at Bowery Ballroom; October 14th 2009

New Zealanders The Ruby Suns had several very poppy, happy songs and great stage banter. A good tip on how to acquire a NZ accent: don’t move your tongue when you talk. At least that’s according to the band.

The Ruby Suns at Bowery Ballroom; October 14th 2009

Visit Flavorwire to read the Dodos review and see a few more photos from the night.

Up next: Undoubtedly some CMJ shows/parties. Besides that, I should be covering La Roux when they stop by October 26th.

Update: Little Boots, Yes Giantess, Plastiscines

Galatea — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 00:42:59 +0000

This was the third time I got to see Little Boots ( see previous accounts: Fader Fort CMJ 2008 photo gallery; (Le) Poisson Rouge May 2009 review and photo gallery) and each time is definitely as fun as the last.

Little Boots at Bowery Ballroom; September 16th 2009

Read the full review of the show and take a look at the accompanying photo gallery on Flavorwire.

French, all-girls band Plastiscenes and electronic whizzes Yes Giantess opened.

Plastiscines at Bowery Ballroom; September 16th 2009

Yes Giantess at Bowery Ballroom; September 16th 2009

Up next: I’ll be photographing the Fanfarlo with Wildbirds and Peacedrums show at Bowery ballroom on Monday and White Lies with Violens at Webster Hall on Friday.

Update: Friendly Fires, The Phenomenal Handclap Band

Galatea — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 15:35:18 +0000

Friendly Fires played a corking set in the early hours of the night at (Le) Poisson Rouge after a really slow start due to a very long set-up time (it was all so involved, people started booing the empty stage after the half-hour mark). But once they hit the stride, the floor was bouncing happily along with “Skeleton Boy” and “On Board.”

Friendly Fires at (Le) Poisson Rouge; August 12th 2009

The Phenomenal Handclap Band opened this show (The xx doing opener duty at next night’s Music Hall of Williamsburg gig). They were a lot of fun and did a good job of warming up the crowd. Too bad we were given time to cool off between sets.

The Phenomenal Handclap Band at (Le) Poisson Rouge; August 12th 2009

Full photo set from the night is up on Prefix Mag. And a more detailed account of the show is up on Out’s Popnography blog.