Olga Bas Photography + Music Reviews

Update: Findlay Brown

Galatea — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 06:13:53 +0000

Findlay Brown’s low-key set with his band at Joe’s Pub was my first show of the year and, despite all the hostesses trying to sell me something edible, I enjoyed it.

The first time I saw Findlay was at a CMJ showcase in October (some photos here), and I enjoyed it enough to give him another go. The show was much richer due to the band’s presence. They did a snappy cover of the Eurythmics‘ classic “Sweet Dreams.” The songs of his new album, Love Will Find You, did not sound too shabby either.

Findlay Brown at Joe's Pub; January 13th 2010

Fun fact: he used to be a bare-knuckle boxer. Who knew!

See the full photo gallery from the show at Prefix Mag.

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.

Roundup: CMJ 2009 (Saturday)

Galatea — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 19:46:06 +0000

First off, hope everyone had a great Halloween!

Second, this is the final CMJ post for the year 2009.

The FADER party that took place at Ace Hotel had one of the better line-ups of the whole festival purely because Florence (without the Machine) was playing a short set. It took some time to get into the party and the conditions inside were pretty atrocious. No air conditioning in a room stuffed full of drinking, dancing people? Disaster.

I caught the sets from Vega, Midnight Juggernaut and the acoustic Florence.

CMJ 2009: Florence + the Machine at FADER Party; October 24th 2009

CMJ 2009: Vega at FADER Party; October 24th 2009

CMJ 2009: Midnight Juggernaut at FADER Party; October 24th 2009

The Flavorwire photo gallery can be viewed here.

Up next: A colorful photo gallery featuring La Roux with Body Language and a review of last week’s New York show.

Read further to see the rest of the photos from the show…

CMJ 2009: Vega at FADER Party; October 24th 2009

CMJ 2009: Midnight Juggernaut at FADER Party; October 24th 2009

CMJ 2009: Florence + the Machine at FADER Party; October 24th 2009

Roundup: CMJ 2009 (Friday)

Galatea — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 22:26:12 +0000

Friday, I decided to make some use of my CMJ badge and check out the much lauded and buzzed The xx. Since they were playing a show with School of Seven Bells, who’ve also been buzzed, I headed to Music Hall of Williamsburg for my second CMJ day.

CMJ 2009: Phantogram at Music Hall of Williamsburg; October 23rd 2009

CMJ 2009: The xx at Music Hall of Williamsburg; October 23rd 2009

The line-up also included Depreciation Guild and Phantogram. Sad to say, not a single band impressed me in any way. The lighting situation made it even more dire. It became so bad during SVIIB, I gave up on photography alltogether.

Up next: Final day of CMJ with the FADER party with Florence + the Machine, Midnight Juggernaut and Vega.

Read further to see the rest of the photos from the show…

CMJ 2009: Depreciation Guild at Music Hall of Williamsburg; October 23rd 2009

CMJ 2009: Phantogram at Music Hall of Williamsburg; October 23rd 2009

CMJ 2009: The xx at Music Hall of Williamsburg; October 23rd 2009

CMJ 2009: School of Seven Bells at Music Hall of Williamsburg; October 23rd 2009

Roundup: CMJ 2009 (Wednesday)

Galatea — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:59:50 +0000

I covered this year’s CMJ for Flavorpill/Flavorwire and was given free reign as to which bands to see.

First up was the Terrorbird day showcase at Cake Shop featuring Silver Starling, ZAZA, Warpaint, Darlings, and Black Hollies (topping the day party with a very catchy set).

CMJ 2009: ZAZA at Cake Shop; October 21st 2009

Next up were Freelance Whales, Findlay Brown (who was reminiscent of Elvis, albeit quieter), TigerCity, and the Postelles at Bowery Ballroom.

CMJ 2009: Findlay Brown at Bowery Ballroom; October 21st 2009

CMJ 2009: The Postelles at Bowery Ballroom; October 21st 2009

Next up: CMJ 2009 (Friday) featuring Depreciation Guild, Phantogram, The xx, and School of Seven Bells.

Read further to see the rest of the photos from the day…

CMJ 2009: Silver Starling at Cake Shop; October 21st 2009

CMJ 2009: ZAZA at Cake Shop; October 21st 2009

CMJ 2009: Warpaint at Cake Shop; October 21st 2009

CMJ 2009: Darlings at Cake Shop; October 21st 2009

CMJ 2009: Black Hollies at Cake Shop; October 21st 2009

CMJ 2009: Freelance Whales at Bowery Ballroom; October 21st 2009

CMJ 2009: Findlay Brown at Bowery Ballroom; October 21st 2009

CMJ 2009: TigerCity at Bowery Ballroom; October 21st 2009

CMJ 2009: The Postelles at Bowery Ballroom; October 21st 2009

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.