StarBeat Music: October 2009

Bayonet (members of Senses Fail & The Banner) post update

Bayonet, a hardcore/punk from New Jersey that features members of Senses Fail, The Banner, and Fit for an Autopsy have issued an update on the band via mypsace:

We've just been holed up writing new stuff. Getting ready to play some shows soon too. Buddy returns from SF tour in a week or so, and we will handle the final business garbage to get this EP out to everyone finally. Sorry for the wait. Thanks to everyone for still dropping us messages and keeping in touch. We really appreciate your enthusiasm.

The band features Buddy Nielsen of Sense Fail on lead vocals, Jeremy Comitas formerly of The Banner on guitar & vocals, Will Putney on bass, Dayn Viglione on guitar, and Chris Peixoto on drums.

CMJ 2009 Day 4 Photos: Ume, Naam, Hellado Negro, Kiss Kiss, Emilyn Brodsky

All photos by StarBeat

Ume

October 23, 2009

The first band I saw of the day was Austin's Ume, a trio who rock so hard it's ridiculous-in the good way. Singer Lauren is so intense. The band reminds me of a heavy The Start, the Aimee Echo fronted band from L.A. CMJ described them as "An attention-grabbing trio with strong guitar and a punk edge," and I'd have to agree. What stood out was how much Lauren would move around and how loud they sounded for just a three-piece. She'd head bang, totally rockin' out and her vocals were so strong. Eric and Jeff rocked to. The night before they played a VICE party at Public Assembly and apparently did an encore- now I see why.

Naam

After them Naam went on. I can attest that they do indeed destroy faces. This groovy, psychedelic rock will leave you with goosebumps. Fuckin' check out this band.

Next I headed to Crash Mansion for the second Beyond Race showcases where I saw the circus-punksters Kiss Kiss at their tightest yet, Helado Negro with their indie Latin goodness, and Pete and the Pirates with their folk rock from the UK. Kiss Kiss were impressive and I couldn't help but headbang. Felt like the only one doing so, but that didn't matter, I kept going.

Next I made a pit stop to Yippie Cafe where the Agent, Hostage Calm, Coughing Fit, Deafeter, and others would play. But the show was running late, so I didn't have a chance to see any bands. I did met up with some cool friends, which was nice. I was then off to Public Assembly where I saw Emilyn Brodsky solo, Kiss Kiss, and ShiraGirl. Emilyn was entertaining, good seeing her twice in two different settings. Kiss Kiss thankfully played a different set then the earlier performance at Crash. ShiraGirl put on a hell of a show. They get tighter each time I see them. They played a bunch of songs off Spit! Scream! Sing!, as well the new single "Sick Day," and a cover of "Suck My Kiss." Also, they did a mo-town inspired intro to "Anthem" and closed with the heavy "Lights Out." Lead singer Shira would jump all over the place, pump up the crowd, and get into the crowd and sing to people. It was great.

I don't have photos but I also caught part of the Infinity Cat Records showcase at the Charleston. I saw Heavy Cream plus JEFF the brotherhood again! Good way to end the night, on a groove. That's rock n roll. Being pressed up against others in a basement of a bar rockin' out to an awesome band with a $4 yueling in one hand and raising your first with the other, yelling out the lyrics to the songs and not giving a fuck, if just for that moment. CMJ was crazy. Let's see. Official/unofficial/pre/anti CMJ shows from 10/19-10/23: Saw 34 bands. 5 bands twice. 13 venues. 5 days. NYC.

Thanks to everyone I met and all the bands I saw for moving me in some way! It was an awesome experience.

More pics below.

Ume @ Fontana's

Naam @ Fontana's

Pete & the Pirate @ Crash Mansion

Helado Negro @ Crash Mansion

Kiss Kiss @ Crash Mansion

Emilyn Brodsky @ Public Assembly

CMJ 2009 Day 3 Photos: Red Collar, Look Mexico, Bridge & Tunnel, Bodega Girls, and more

All photos by StarBeat

Red Collar

October 22, 2009

Red Collar are one of the most intense live bands I've see. The way this 4-piece North Carolina band get into the music and interact on stage is amazing. So energetic, so fun to watch, and so passionate. This how a band should perform. Despite having a drummer with an injured hand, they still played and they still managed to sound great. This band knows how to rock with their catchy songs and heartfelt lyrics. Mike Jackson, Beth Kutchma, Jason Kutchma, and Jonathan Truesdale, bravo. Thanks for a kickass show.

Look Mexico

Bridge and Tunnel

The band played as part of the Syndicate/ Punknews.Org showcase. I also caught Look Mexico and Bridge & Tunnel who sounded great. I finally bought Bridge and Tunnel's bicycle t-shirt (see below) and got a sticker to. It was great conversing with Beth of Red Collar and Rachel and Tia of Bridge & Tunnel. The sound was excellent at The Studio. One of the coolest things was when Matt of Look Mexico got off stage during the set and sat on the floor, playing guitar and then slowly more people sat around him, including Rachel of Bridge & Tunnel and one his players. It was really great seeing an awesome set of bands!

Next, I headed to the Beyond Race Magazine showcase to see Bodega Girls and JEFF the brotherhood. Bodega Girls killed it again. This band know how to get people dancing. "Combat Zone" was awesome. They definitely put on a show. JEFF the brotherhood sounded great to with their garage rock sound. After, I headed to Music Hall of Williamsburg to see Mumford and Sons, an indie folk band from London with some great songs. I easily got into "The Cave." It's such a hopeful song: And I'll find strength in pain/ And I will change my ways/ I'll know my name as it's called again. It was great hearing banjo in their songs and boppin' about. After their set I ran to Glasslands Gallery for the Death+Taxes party that Real Estate was also on. The Vancouver garage rock duo, Japandroids would be performing. They played a great mix of songs off Post-Nothing including "Heart Sweats," "Crazy/Forever," and "Young Hearts Spark Fire." It was a fun night. I also grabbed of Dave's drum sticks that landed close to the stage.

See below for more pics with Red Collar, Look Mexico, Bridge & Tunnel, JEFF the brotherhood, Bodega Girls, Mumford & Sons, and Japandroids.

Red Collar @ The Studio at Webster Hall