There was a whirlwind of music across the Big Apple this past week and ESBMusic was there to take part in all the fun.
While I had high hopes for seeing as many bands as humanly possible at CMJ. It was quite daunting with all the showcases. Having work each day put a damper on being able to attend any panels, but once the day was done I got out ready to take in an evening of music. Here are the highlights of the week:
Tuesday night I took the L train over to Brooklyn Bowl where I saw Screaming Females, DOM and Yo La Tengo at the MOG CMJ party.
The show opened with New Jersey trio Screaming Females. While the band consists of only one female, there is no doubt they are true to their name with a screaming sensation of gritty, hard rock. While Marissa Paternoster lead vocalist small in stature, there is no denying her monstrous talent in vocal and guitar skills. Watching her fingers fly across the guitar was amazing. Check out their recent album Castle Talk now on iTunes.
Next up was Worcester, Mass trio DOM . I hadn’t heard much about DOM but I was intrigued by the lead singer who was a cross between Dave Pirner and Travis Clark. Their music was a trippy, synth pop which was loud and exciting.
Hoboken band Yo La Tengo was the last to perform that night. While I enjoyed the music it was more mellow than what I was expecting.
Wednesday night was hectic. I didn’t get out of work until late and so I had to opt to see only one showcase. After checking out Alternative Press’ Art Show I headed over to PureVolume house on Extra place.
I got there in time to see Matthew Dear . He had a cool 80’s inspired sound, but you could hardly hear the vocals until the last two songs of the set.
The highlight of the night was the Northern Ireland trio Two Door Cinema Club. They had a fun mix of rock and electropop that made you want to dance the night away.
The rest of the week’s highlights consisted of seeing the following bands: Down With Webster, Vonnegutt, Young the Giant, Hey Champ, Dominant Legs, and Fake Problems.
Friday night I saw the performance of Down with Webster and was awed by their excitement and child like energy. They played the basement stage at PureVolume house to a dedicated crowd of fans filled with topless sweaty boys and devoted girls who looked young but were at least 21 since that was the age to get into the place, right? Down With Webster creates fun party rock music with kickin’ beats that teeter between rap and rock. With lyrics about mean girls and love sick boys, this music can be the soundtrack to the quintessential high school movie.
Vonnegutt played a set an exciting set at Sullivan Hall Friday consisting of their. Emcee/Frontmant Kyle Lucas crossed the stage with a big smile on this face slaying rhymes against a backdrop of vocals and by Neil Garrard. The rock guitar licks against the pop rhymes creates a sound that can appeal to audiences of different genres.
EBMusic caught the Saturday afternoon performance of Young The Giant. Standing in the dark crowded space downstairs at the Delancy I was instantly charmed by their cataclysmic diverse and eclectic sound. I loved frontman Sameer Gadhia’s distinct rich and hearty vocals against the mix of southern Californian surf rock. The music boasts high, exciting, and catchy melodies.
Hey Champ is a fun time! The trio creates energetic music heavy on the syth and drum beat machine along with some rocking pop melodies. Watching this band reminds me of the 80’s and I totally love it!
Duo Dominant Legs played to a large crowd at Fader Fort on Saturday. The drinks were flowing and everyone was bopping to their dreamy pop with a dancy edge.
Fake Problems played an intimate show Saturday night at Bowery Ballroom. While their performance seemed rather short, they played a hearty set of raw and dark southern rock with an indie vibe, shaking you to the core.