Month: September 2006

I absolutely went crazy when I heard about Birdmonster from Gorilla vs. Bear and loved their debut EP in early 2004. Unfortunately missed them live last time they came around, but with 3 back to back shows in NY/NJ it was hard to miss their frenetic live show. When these young unassuming guys took the stage it was hard to believe what came blasting out of the speakers. They were pure intensity from the start and never let up. They were dancing all over the small stage, knocking themselves into the amps and into each other. They were like trapped animals trying to escape and making as much noise and racket in the process. Although their recordings come close to capturing the energetic sound, their live show surpassed every expectation I had. Their soft/loud dynamic was more dramatic and their great attitude on stage is addictive. These guys play like their lives depended on it, but with huge smiles on their faces. These guys just plain rock!

Pictures from the show.

good site with updated blog.
http://www.birdmonster.com/

What a perfect end for CBGB’s than a Sunday Hardcore Matinee. Started the day off with pizza at St. Marks, which has changed so much since the days I used to go to CBGB’s back in the day. I sat down with Rob of Black Train Jack, a band that heavily influenced my life, and he even gave me a nickname. Ha.

Bane and Bold opened things up and Bold, who reunited after 10 years, put on a pretty decent show and prepped things up for the rest of the day.

Before Gorilla Biscuits took the stage, HR from Bad Brains who happened to be in the neighborhood did a surprise 3 song set. Gorilla Biscuits then took the stage and the crowd immediately erupted despite having their opening sample miscued on their song “New Directions”. This was the first time I have ever worn ear plugs at a concert and glad I did as my ears are still ringing days later. The band was on fire from the start and the entire crowd was a moving monster. After almost every song, Civ paid tribute to all the bands that influenced him and the hardcore scene in general. John Porcelly (Youth of Today) and Toby Morse (H20) each played a song onstage. I left the club sweaty, sore, and euphoric. I stared at the battered CBGB’s marquee for some minutes reminiscing of all the amazing moments I had at the club. Civ even mentioned that the club had “many ghosts” trapped in the walls of the club and for 75 minutes that history came out. I was happy to relive those moments once again at such a monumental place. A large part of my past is leaving when the club finally closes, but I’m glad I got to give the floors some more of my sweat and 1 last good-bye.

My pictures from the show.
Links:
Much better pictures here.
Great Article: Gorilla Biscuits play one last time at CBGB

If Union Hall wasn’t so close to me, I’d probably never go to see a show there. Tonight Gritty Midi Gang started things off. And yes, there was a bunch of midi and electronic noises floating around. Although plagued with computer problems and broken guitar strings, the songs were catchy and fun. The keyboardist was really cute and the “midi” guy wore a complete adidas jump suit. We’ll see how this band develops in the future.

Jeesh, how many times can I see The Diggs in one month? Answer: Not enough. These guys created their wall of sound that consumed the small downstairs area. I was so happy that they played a bunch of new songs. They sounded really good and eager for a new release from them soon. The band is consistently on target and never play a bad show. And they FINALLY did an encore rounding out their notoriously short set to a good number of old and new songs. They have gotten better and better and highly recommend checking out their live act and album.

Pictures from the show.

Links:
http://www.grittymidigang.com/
http://www.thediggs.com/