My Heart to Joy, Snowing, Slingshot Dakota, Prawn, and others @ Meatlocker 2-21-10

Prawn @ Meatlocker 2-21-10

Montclair has been hosting underground shows of all genres for some time now. On Sunday, Feb. 21, I went to just my second show at this somewhat dingy, but comfortable place called the Meatlocker. For just $6 fans were able to see My Heart to Joy, Snowing, Slingshot Dakota, Prawn, Acres, and Baby Pilot. 6 bux for 6 bands at 6pm? Not a bad deal at all. Three locals, three touring bands.




The night started off with Baby Pilot, who had an unusually annoying screechy, screamy vocalist. The music was alright but the vocals made it difficult to get into. Next was Montclair's own Acres. They had a nice tingly guitar, with screamy and singing vocal parts. They played songs from their Silos EP. Next was Prawn who were great with their post-rock sound, in the vein of Moving Mountains. The songs were slow at times with great guitar parts that made for a relaxing, but awesome time. The band was great to watch, also.

Next was Brooklyn's delightful duo, Slingshot Dakota. I believe it was their first time playing in New Jersey and they were greeted warmly, as fans walked up to them, thanked them, and the band said so during their set. From here to the end of the show, the bands performed on the floor, with fans watching from the tiny stage and all around the band. They started with the powerful, catchy, and sweet"The Golden Ghost," then "Wave" and "Ohio." Everyone's been super fucking nice" said keyboardist/ piano Carly.  They were also nice about letting people know they didn't want anyone smoking during their set because Carly was a little sick. Folks complied and they said "thanks" afterward. They closed with "Until the Day" Part 1 and 2. Their message is simple: be respectful, love your friends, embrace all ages, and enjoy what you have. 

Snowing from PA were next. They had a math-rock sort of sound with a bunch of melody. Sadly you couldn't hear the vocals too well at certain points. They played some new songs and "Sam Rudich" from their Fuck Your Emotional Bullshit demo. The crowd really seemed to enjoy them.

I was less familiar with My heart to Joy, but they had a similar indie-rock/post-hardcore sound. They had covers of Blue Oyster Cult's "Don't Fear the Reaper" and if memory serves me correctly Nirvana's "Territorial Pissings." The crowd enjoyed "Don't Fear..." and during the beginning of Nirvana, which they played to make up for sound issues, I got pushed to the side but then the crowd calmed down. I would've thought the crowd would go nuts, but they simply stayed in their place enjoying the song. Overall,  it was a great night.

Prawn
3/26 @ The Saint, Asbury Park, Nj w/ Chemtrail, Delft, American Dollar

Acres
3/13 @ Silent Barn, Ridgewood, Queens, NY (Benefit for showpaper)