Psychic Ills at Music Hall of Williamsburg

I'm obsessed with the drummer's mask. There, I said it. I think what happened is that the Psychic Ills' music put me in a meditative mood so I spent a half hour meditating on this mask. Where have I seen that mask before? A horror movie? Some French film? I simply can not remember. Maybe I'll ask Vishnu the next time I catch his band.

Posted: 11/3/2011 at 7:40pm     Tags: mask obsession  Music Hall of Williamsburg  Psychic Ills 

The Black Angels at Music Hall of Williamsburg

Now here's a show which made me think a little. The Black Angels came out on stage and I said to myself "They're dressed up as Slipknot!" Now, The Black Angels's music is heavy but not in a metal sort of way. The rhythms are driving but do not inspire headbanging. I hope they're not trying to appeal to the metal crowd. That won't work work, folks. At least I hope it won't. I wasn't expecting a mosh pit at this show either, but...

Posted: 11/1/2011 at 11:55am     Tags: Halloween  Music Hall of Williamsburg  The Black Angels 

The Black Lips at Webster Hall

Going to a Black Lips show is the funnest form of outpatient surgery in existence. The music is way better than any doctor's office for one thing. As for the hour-long procedure whereby dozens of elbows are inserted into your ribs and guts... well, it's worth it. I do wish the venue had turned on the audience lights though. I guess they were trying to be "spooky" for Halloween or something. Yeah right. The only frightening thing at this venue is the cost of a gin-and-tonic.

Posted: 10/30/2011 at 6:57pm     Tags: The Black Lips  Webster Hall 

The London Souls at Brooklyn Bowl

The lighting at Brooklyn Bowl is infinitely better than Saint Vitus. And the bands! The London Souls play a brilliant mix of rock and funk and blues. It's rock-n-roll you can dance to just like this evening's audience did. This particular show was the last night of a month-long residency. I'm kicking myself for missing their other three nights.

Posted: 10/25/2011 at 8:40pm     Tags: Brooklyn Bowl  The London Souls 

Gary War at Saint Vitus

I promise never to take photos when they "turn down the lights" at Saint Vitus again. Way too dark. Anyway, I heard someone say that Gary War sounded like Devo. Odd considering the locale but not completely wrong. More like Killing Joke, really. Dark but not particularly hard rock with a bit of electronic sound. This particular performance included a drunken pseudo-rapper who I will call Mr. Crack for reasons which have nothing to do with drugs (don't worry, the photos are safe).

Posted: 10/22/2011 at 8:24pm     Tags: approaching total darkness  Gary War  red  Saint Vitus