Month: July 2006

The three next “it” bands play together in one powerful night of music and for only 10 bux! This was a very anticipated summer show for me considering Midlake impressed the hell out of me the last time they played New York. They come back after a few months of touring with a new album just released. Critics say they sound like their hometown sound of Denton, Texas but I feel they are much more, fusing many complex layers of sound into a surreal composition. The more I listen to them the richer the songs become and I feel they have become a progression of Neutral Milk Hotel. This time around, they played an entirely different set composed mainly of new songs and revisiting “Balloon Maker” for a fan the night before. They ended their short set with “Head Home” which was much more dynamic live and made me revisit it over and over again on their new album. Which by the way is my pick for the best album of the year thusfar. Go buy it.

Very excited to see Cold War Kids again and this time at a much smaller venue. They left me in awe last time and tonight was no different. The band seems so chaotic onstage and they release so much tension and energy to the crowd. They play this soulful rock that is extremely powerful and at the same time lyrically intimate. It’s as if Bob Dylan was playing in the Velvet Underground. A great set. Rest assured that their full length will be released on a big label.

The buzz wasn’t over yet as Sound Team came next. They started with a wall of sound that took shape as the night went on. After a few songs I was hooked into their feedbacky melodies with interesting sounds popping in and out. Although nothing that special from this band, they nevertheless played a number of tight songs that as a whole formulate the vision of the band. What that is, I think the they are still trying to figure out. And fuck Pitchfork for giving their new album a very low rating as its not that bad and their live performance makes up for a lackluster studio album.

Pictures from the show.

Links:

Midlake – “Head Home” mp3
http://midlake.net/
http://www.coldwarkids.com/
http://www.soundteam.net/

I Tango from Buenos Aires made it’s NY debut performing their contemporary Argentine Tango show featuring a live orchestra. 12 acclaimed Argentine tango dancers performed with the legendary 7-piece Argentine tango orchestra Color Tango de Roberto Alvarez. The dances leaned more towards the dramatic side of tango and the way the dancers interpreted the music through movement was astonishing. The dancers were delicate and passionate at the same time and their wardrobes were beautiful. The show went above my expectations and I highly recommend it the next time they come around.

What a treat to get invited for a private performance by the Brazilian Girls. It would be a chance to hear some new material off their new album “Talk To La Bomb” coming out on Sept. 12. Although it took a bit to get used to the sound system, the band played quite good. A few of the new songs have a lot of potential while others still needed some polish but they played a few of their “hits” to make it a great night. Of course Sabina looked dashing and continues to be a great presence. Thanks Laine!
Pictures from the show

www.braziliangirls.info/

Founded over 25 years ago, Konono No. 1 plays Congolese Bazombo trance music using mainly likembés, or thumb pianos. I was amazed at the sound these instruments produce onstage. The band’s sound is complimented by other traditional percussion instruments, but their uniqueness comes from their home-made sound system. Their microphones were built from salvaged car parts, and their percussion section contains various pots, pans, and car parts. By the middle of their set I was entranced into their rhythms amplified by their megaphones and repaired amps. The scorching sun didn’t even slow the crowd down as they danced throughout the entire performance.

I didn’t know Mexico’s Maldita Vecindad, but I left a big fan of their alternative rock music. I did some research and found that they appeared in “Gift” a very crazy film featuring Perry Farrell. The band combines so many genres of music successfully including rock, ska, salsa, and metal. They were very energetic on stage and the crowd fed off the positive vibes from the lead singer. At one point the band invited several fans up on the stage to dance with the band and share the power of live music.
Pictures from the show.

Links:
http://www.crammed.be/konono/