Tuesday @ Crash Mansion/BLVD
Sydney Wayser was someone I had been meaning to see for a few months, and her set at Crash Mansion was really enjoyable. Backed by a guitarist, drummer, and standup bassist/toy pianist, the quartet clearly has musical chops but show considerable restraint. They understand how less-is-more works; “Banjo Bayou” has a Spoon-like swagger and climaxes without a desire to build a loud crescendo. It just doesn’t need to.
Later in the evening, I heard the opening notes of “And the Hazy Sea” upstairs at BLVD, and was in for a set of several songs by Cymbals Eat Guitars. I saw their show in Boston earlier this summer, and now believe Joseph D’Agostino has some of the best vocals in rock and roll these days. Like Malkmus he can be hushed and quiet one second, only to explode into a scream that never runs away from him, never cracks unless he wants it to. The quartet played several shows during CMJ’s duration; this was not going to be their best attended (maybe 25 people there?), but it did not seem not affect the members.
Wednesday @ Knitting Factory
Wednesday’s highlight from the Ernest Jenning showcase at the relocated Knitting Factory in Williamsburg was La Strada, hands down. They had just played a string of dates in Canada, and are prepping a new release after their self-titled 2008 EP. The new material uses their dynamic capabilities, song structures, and three-piece string section more effectively. The band appears generally more comfortable taking chances, and are carving out a sound that is separate from some of their more front-facing influences like Beruit and Arcade Fire. There’s a newfound sense of rhythm in the set, especially notable in the closer “Wash on By”, which left me looking forward to 2010.
Thursday @ Otto’s Shrunken Head
Just south of Stuyvesant Town is a Tiki Bar called Otto’s Shrunken Head, where you can get drinks such as the Shrunken Skirt with an umbrella and hula hoop straw. Midway through MiniBoone’s buoyant set in the tiny back room of the bar, I figured their anarchic, angular, and awkward (but the fun kind) performance would be great just about anywhere. From a backyard afternoon BBQ or late night basement show to a traditional stage of any size, I got the impression this five-piece Brooklyn band could engage any crowd with their Les Savy Fav antics and Dr. Dog harmonies, regardless of setting. Look for a proper debut EP titled Big Changes in the upcoming months, and hopefully a few more luaus around the city before then.
Saturday @ Music Hall of Williamsburg
Walking into Music Hall of Williamsburg for the first time at 1pm with a splitting headache is not the best way to be introduced to a venue. Luckily the stage, room and sound of the place are impeccable, and Holiday Shores has been my Saturday morning music ever since Columbus’d the Whim was released earlier this summer. They haven’t received as much attention as the other bands they get compared to, but songs like “Phones Don’t Feud” and “Days Drag” are next-level to any band who has had the word “beach” included in their album’s review by Pitchfork. I hear Modest Mouse-y whammy bars on 70s afropop guitar lines, New Orleans funk that’s been dipped in a vat of reverb; ideas that can be botched so easily but Holiday Shores pull it off like they’ve been working on it for years and years.
Saturday @ Root Studio
Eventually, most anyone who’s here for work or vacation or both (hi) is going to lose their mind. This all begins around Thursday, when most strangers you meet are in the same boat: the best part is everyone is much more social and friendly. By Saturday, I was questioning going to the Vice party at Root Studio in Williamsburg altogether. This is what won me over: The Almighty Defenders. Dressed in some pretty slick robes, the Black Lips/King Kahn/BBQ superchoir delivered a midnight mass of high-energy faux-gospel to the ones who had lost their minds. I was converted, no thanks to scripture readings and hands thrown to the sky. Cole Alexander still gets a kick out of spitting a loogie into the sky and catching it in his mouth while playing. No sleep till Brooklyn. See you in 2010.
