Archive for the ‘Updates’ Category

Update: Wild Beasts

Wednesday, September 9th, 2009

I had the chance to see the first ever NYC show Wild Beasts performed yesterday at Joe’s Pub. Having never been to the space, I was surprised by just how much of a pub/restaurant it is. I think I ended up being seated in the “reserved” section on a very comfy couch. Let me tell you, after so many shows where I have to stand for hours, this was a very nice change.

The show was fairly low key (and the lights were appropriately terrible) as most people were taking advantage of the dinner menu. I quite enjoyed the latest album from the UK band and it translates well live. If you get a chance to see them, do it, they’re not as strange-sounding as the record seems to indicate.

Wild Beasts at Joe's Pub; September 8th 2009

Wild Beasts at Joe's Pub; September 8th 2009

For a full(er) photo set, visit Prefix Mag.

Next up: A review + photo set of the Bowery Little Boots with Yes Giantess and Plasticines, if the guestlist comes through. And I did an interview with Todd Goldstein of Harlem Shakes about his solo project ARMS, so look out for that on Flavorwire.

Update: Friendly Fires, The Phenomenal Handclap Band

Monday, August 17th, 2009

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

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

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

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

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.

Update: Siren Festival pt. 4 – The Raveonettes, Built to Spill, Spank Rock

Wednesday, August 5th, 2009

Rounding off the festival, The Raveonettes played a lively set as the sun started to set over Coney Island.

The Raveonettes at Siren Festival; July 18th 2009

The Raveonettes at Siren Festival; July 18th 2009

Built to Spill stepped on the Main Stage to tremendous cheers (and a whiff of marijuana), ready to close off the festival on that side of the Wonder Wheel.

Built to Spill at Siren Festival; July 18th 2009

Built to Spill at Siren Festival; July 18th 2009

On the other side, Spank Rock invited chaos, with the crowd climbing over the barricade to dance in the photo pit until security intervened. I heard there was an impromptu after-show on the Williamsburg Bridge around midnight. With Spank Rock, the chaos never stops.

Spank Rock at Siren Festival; July 18th 2009

Spank Rock at Siren Festival; July 18th 2009

And that wraps up my Siren Festival coverage. I hope you had fun while it lasted.

In the near future look forward to a few album reviews and some photos from a show with Friendly Fires and The Phenomenal Handclap Band.

Update: Siren Festival pt. 3 – Frightened Rabbit, Grand Duchy, A Place To Bury Strangers

Sunday, August 2nd, 2009
Main Stage crowd at Siren Festival; July 18th 2009

Main Stage crowd at Siren Festival; July 18th 2009

Frightened Rabbit, from Scotland, drew a very excited crowd (and played a fairly long set).

Frightened Rabbit at Siren Festival; July 18th 2009

Frightened Rabbit at Siren Festival; July 18th 2009

Grand Duchy, featuring Frank Black (pictured) and his wife, were underwhelming, musically.

Grand Duchy at Siren Festival; July 18th 2009

Grand Duchy at Siren Festival; July 18th 2009

A Place To Bury Strangers, another Brooklyn band (surprise!) played a moody set at the Stillwell Stage.

A Place To Bury Strangers at Siren Festival; July 18th 2009

A Place To Bury Strangers at Siren Festival; July 18th 2009

Coming up in the next and last Siren update are The Raveonettes, Built to Spill, and Spank Rock.

Update: The Grates, The Whims, Buenos Dias, Charlotte Sometimes

Friday, July 31st, 2009

This was the second Grates show I attended at Pianos this month (see photos from the first) and the last show of their residency. It was the best of the two, by far.

The Grates at Pianos; July 29th 2009

The Grates at Pianos; July 29th 2009

The Grates at Pianos; July 29th 2009

The Grates at Pianos; July 29th 2009

Charlotte Sometimes was the first on stage and has one set of pipes on her, Buenos Dias were a little too instrumental for my taste, and The Whims were the embodiment of indie pop (re: very enjoyable and lighthearted).

Charlotte Sometimes at Pianos; July 29th 2009

Charlotte Sometimes at Pianos; July 29th 2009

Buenos Dias at Pianos; July 29th 2009

Buenos Dias at Pianos; July 29th 2009

The Whims at Pianos; July 29th 2009

The Whims at Pianos; July 29th 2009

Full set of photos from the night found on Prefix Mag.