CMJ Recap: Wednesday NightCMJ Recap: Wednesday Night
My evening began at Chinatown's (if it wasn't in Chinatown they should rename that part of town then) Fontana's. It had an exclusive/snobby feel to it because you walked into the bar area with no signs hinting that there is a stage anywhere. You continue walking through and hiding behind a pool table, there is a door that leads you to the basement. An uncrowded paradise with a life size beach sunset photo on the wall and cshiny cursive letters that read the venue's name (to reassure you that it's the right spot).
The Twilight Sad (one of the bands we did a giveaway for) got the attention of all 22 of us with a jarring drum intro. Their British accents were pleasing (aren't foreign accents always becoming?). Known for layering found sounds in found places this band pushed out lush and noisy layers of music. Sometimes they used their best friends, delay and reverb, a little too much. The lead singer, seemingly shy, always kept his eyes closed while he sung in a deep tone that was reminsicent of Interpol. By the third song the lead guitar amp started acting up and to keep us occupied, an old poet (who looked like a fisherman) came on stage and read a poem bearing the bands name. Overall a promising set from a young & shy band that I hope will continue to grow.
The Dayton, Ohio duo Swearing At Motorists took the stage next with their unique lo-fi rock songs about everyday situations and everyday people. A perfect example of how normal they saw themselves (even after being around for more than 10 years); they asked the audience if anyone was interested in driving them to Philly while they sleep. They offered to get the driver/fan into that show and buy them a train ticket back to NYC. Just a couple of dudes, on the road, trying to make it to the next town.
With Dave Doughman's distinct 70's-ish voice, he rolled through a fanastic and well recieved set including their biggest hit "Flying Pizza". Known for his energetic perfomances, Dave was on top of his game, jumping and rolling on stage while having a genuinely good time. He must have soaked up all the energy (or drugs) available because his drummer Joseph Siwinksi was half asleep the entire time. My only complaint to their finely tuned performances were the songs abrupt endings that seemed unnatural.
A few subway stops later, realzing I'd never get into The Knife show, I found myself at the comfortable Mercury Lounge. Walking in on the middle of Daylights For The Birds' set, I was immediately struck by the lead singer. With her eye makeup, head-loop, and a voice like Dido's, she was mesmerizing. Disappointingly the band as a whole was underwhelming. Maybe I was spoiled on elite level entertainers like CSS and Swearing At Motorists, but besides having a beautiful girl upfront they lacked stage presence.
Something else I've noticed while attending CMJ, which doesn't happen in Florida (atleast as often) is the five foot space between the stage and the audience. The concert going kids of New York City seem to fear getting too close to the stage, which was good for me because there was always space.
The 7 wishful member group Canada (from Michigan) followed. While trading instruments and smiles the entire time, this family-like collective created warm music with great choruses. Amusingly, the bass player seemed to have an internal conflict with the top of his head because he would throw off and replace his toque (Candian for hat!). They ended their set inviting people on stage to have a piece of the fun whirling on stage with claps and percussion toys.
Now this is coming from somebody who hates Antony & The Johnsons, but the Figurines's lead singer has one of those hate it or love it voices, and I hate it. The only guy around me really moving had ear plugs in; maybe they worked too well.
Girl Talk (aka Gregg Gillis) was the headlining spot and didn't disappoint. Armed with nothing but a laptop and dance moves from outer space this notta-DJ brought the house down. Within a few songs the stage was piled with people busting out their dance moves to Girl Talk's unique top40s-hiphop-indie mashup. Few more songs later and Gregg was stripped down to his skivvies (by the crowd) and the party continued. High-energy dance music that is better than what you'll ever find in a club.
More photos after the jump!
The Twilight Sad (And Poet)
Canada
Girl Talk
