Any association with Seattle-based label Sub-Pop automatically makes you a buzz band in the indie scene. It’s a fact, and this Saturday, the label’s CMJ showcase lived up to the hype.
Le Loup
Bowery Ballroom’s stage was overflowing with musicians as seven-piece Le Loup crowded the stage with plenty of instruments in tow. The band combined the sounds of handclaps and tambourines with that of guitars, drums and the French horn, creating noises similar to that of an elephant. The intricate layering of instruments provided many opportunities for the band to trip up and fall into cacophony, but Le Loup’s sense of balance was too acute to succumb to that trap. Their songs delicately began, but as they progressed, the band let go of their inhibitions and lead vocalist Sam Simkoff stomped about the stage, belting over the melodious voices of the other six band members. The versatility of each instrumentalist was shown when percussionist Robert Sahm handed out drumsticks like candy to his friends on stage, and everyone used his or her own in a different manner. The dynamics of the band made the performance seem like it was just like friends playing around in their living room, but opening the music on the stage to the audience. Le Loup’s accessibility and depth in sound are what made their performance worth getting to the venue a few hours early.
Click here to hear some tracks by Le Loup
Foals
Oxford-based math-rock dance outfit Foals used the stage to its fullest for the entirety of their set. The band’s show began with mysterious chanting but quickly turned into a set of the dance tracks that have characterized Foals’ sound. Guitars, heavy drums and electric beats formed the basis for the performance, causing the audience to dance on the floor as much as the band was doing on stage. Foals’ whole-hearted dedication to their sound made it most effective, even if each track was not completely distinct in comparison to its predecessor. If the band can learn to diversify their repertoire, their show would be much more enjoyable, but their current line-up still deserves some attention.
Click here for more from Foals.
The Brunettes
The live sounds of New Zealand band The Brunettes relies on the tension between high and low pitches. Jonathan Bree and Heather Mansfield blend their vocals to create a smooth and elegant twee-esque sound, which is mirrored by the contrast between the thumping base line and peppy trumpet that, combined, form tracks not dissimilar to those of a 60s pop band. This fun-loving style was only magnified during The Brunettes’ live show, as the band sported ear-to-ear grins and Mansfield donned a sparkly silver dress that could only have been found in the most ridiculous of vintage stores. In the middle of the performance, the band played the “name game” (straight out of a first grade classroom) to loosen up the crowd and creating an puerile atmosphere. The band even threw in a few synchronized dance moves to “Brunettes Against Bubblegum Youth,” from their latest album Structures & Cosmetics. The most prominent aspect of The Brunettes’ live set was their sheer ability to create an event in which one is only concerned about having a good time.
Check out more from The Brunettes right hurr.
Band of Horses
It was obvious that the majority of the crowd in attendance at the Sub Pop showcase were present to see Band of Horses. They did not fall short of the audience’s expectations, taking what may seem somewhat mediocre in stereo records and making the songs sound fuller. Band of Horses was the most traditional of the four bands, relying on guitars, bass and drums. However, this didn’t stop the band from creating sounds that seem impossible to have come only from these standard instruments. One of the guitarists cut his hand while intensely strumming, but the only time he paused was to wipe off his hand off in an effort to sustain the band’s momentum. South Carolina native Ben Bridwell sang with a shade of folk in his vocals, and are meant to be heard live as the roughness in his crooning makes the songs more affective. For those who are somewhat wary of the Band of Horses they have heard in “The Funeral” (their “hit” that was put on every mixtape made last year, seeing them live is highly recommended and will force you to realize that there is actually substance behind their veneer of mediocrity.
You know you want to listen to more Band of Horses. Why not click here to fulfill that desire?
You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
RSS 2.0
