Apehangers at Bar Matchless

The Apehangers are surf-punks who decided to dress like cowboys and indians (sort of -- note the cell phones in their pockets). It was a birthday party so perhaps the birthday girl insisted? Anyway, the band is named for a style of motorcycle handlebars so maybe next year they'll go the "full Village People"?

Posted: 6/26/2011 at 3:34pm     Tags: Apehangers  Bar Matchless 

Daddy Long Legs at The Knitting Factory

So rarely do I get to hear these guys at a big venue with a big sound system. They opened but it is so obvious that they are not openers.

Posted: 6/25/2011 at 7:51pm     Tags: Daddy Long Legs  The Knitting Factory 

Food Stamps at Spike Hill

Food Stamps could easily be mistaken for a goth band at first glance. Aside from the outfits and the unusual lighting, the correct spelling of their name includes freaky characters which are beyond my ability to type. However, while they do have a melancholic sound, the style is clearly pop, often quite catchy pop.

Posted: 6/20/2011 at 9:24pm     Tags: Food Stamps  Northside Festival  Spike Hill 

Fergus and Geronimo at Union Pool

Ah, here we go, an "alternative" rock band which doesn't sound like the alternative (namely every other band). They sound like three or four other bands mashed together. They have a couple of excellent straight-up rockers and catchy pop songs, but they also do soul-inflected ballads. Then there are the thoughtful and vaguely morose numbers which remind me of Talking Heads and absolutely nothing else. Go check out "Where the Walls Are Made of Grass" and you'll see what I mean.

Posted: 6/19/2011 at 1:29pm     Tags: Fergus and Geronimo  Northside Festival  Union Pool 

Japanther at Music Hall of Williamsburg

There is something odd about going to a "ten year anniversary" show and seeing that the average audience member is 19 or so. This no doubt explains the exceedingly sloppy moshing which knocked me down several times. Those kids sure to know how to have fun though, don't they? Agony aside, it was a kick-ass show. I just wish it wasn't my ass getting kicked so frequently.

Posted: 6/16/2011 at 10:08pm     Tags: Japanther  Music Hall of Williamsburg