Nihilistics at Bowery Electric

Here we have a example of a rare beast: an 80s punk band which never hit it big but never quite went away either. They just sort of get together every now and then to fuck around on stage, expose the audience to intentional "wardrobe malfunctions" (no photos), and grind out some nasty punk rock songs. Sure, why not?

Posted: 6/10/2012 at 12:48pm     Tags: Bowery Electric  Nihilistics 

Man Man at Brooklyn Bowl

My first reaction to seeing Man Man was "Wow, these guys have a lot of junk." They sure do. The amazing thing is how much of it doubles as musical instruments. Silverware, water bottles, keys, I think their plasma globe might do something. Their show is quite a spectacle. Lead singer Honus Honus leaps about, changes clothes on stage, and pelts the audience with feathers and glitter. Most bands who just pelt the audience with spit. Glitter is much more pleasant.

Posted: 6/6/2012 at 3:53pm     Tags: Brooklyn Bowl  Man Man 

Heliotropes at The Knitting Factory

Heliotropes are an odd band whose set raised many questions. Whose glasses were sitting on the monitor the whole time? Have I ever seen a violinist in a band this heavy? And what do you call moving your head faster than nodding but slower than headbanging? That is what their music inspires. While their stage presence could be stronger, musically Heliotropes put on a hell of a show. Which leads to one last question: who forgets to bring copies of their band's album to an album release show?!

Posted: 5/23/2012 at 6:04pm     Tags: Heliotropes  The Knitting Factory 

Feral Foster at 345 Jay St.

I am sure that I have put the Roots and Ruckus show (Wednesdays at Jalopy) on the recommended shows list a few times. One reason is this guy, "Feral" Matt Foster, who plays every time and is absolutely brilliant. It is one thing to have a voice which can fill a room but quite something else to actually sound good, to nail the quiet parts as well as the loud parts, and he can do it. Great stage presence too. Solo performers, catch him sometime you can watch and learn.

Posted: 5/20/2012 at 10:48am     Tags: 345 Jay St  Brooklyn Folk Festival  Feral Foster 

Billy Eli at The Gutter

Billy Eli must have been a little sick considering all the coughing he was doing before his set. Then he opened his mouth to sing and... not a hint of a problem. He wasn't even playing with his usual band (he was backed by The Rough Gems)! This guy is a real pro, despite which his songwriting stays pleasantly down-to-Earth. He manages to rock out while staying within a country idiom, not trying too hard to sound mainstream or "new country". Good stuff.

Posted: 5/8/2012 at 8:32pm     Tags: Billy Eli  The Gutter  The Rough Gems