Live Review: P.S. Eliot / The Two Funerals / Very Okay @ Lulu's, Brooklyn, NY 3-16-10

P.S. Eliot @ Lulu's 3-16-10

Sleater-Kinney sticker on Shannon of The Two Funerals guitar. Bikini Kill patch on Katie of P.S. Eliot's backpack. Clearly these are some feminist ladies. While Shannon's feminist overtones are evident in her lyrics, especially during a new song “Boy's Club” which she introduces is about punk being seen as a place where boys primarily play, it's harder to hear the influence in P.S. Eliot's music. Despite the two band's different sounds, they went together nicely on the bill. 

Local act, Very Okay, featuring members of notable Brooklyn bands, played their first show this evening. The band featured Cynthia of Zombie Dogs on guitar and vocals, Jared of Gent Bent on guitar, KW on bass, and Angie on drums, both formerly of Cheeky. The band had more of rock feel with some punk and indie hints thrown in. The line that stuck out was during the last song of the roughly 4-5 song set that went “It gets so crowded in here.” It was nice to see members of Cheeky playing together. It's good to know that they are still pursing music. Angie continues to involve herself  in many projects musically and it's great to see her back on drums! Every one of her project's (Little Lungs, Scantron, Each Other's Mothers) has always been top notch. I would've expected something a little heavier based on where the members came from, but for what it's worth the band sounded pretty good. I'm excited to hear recorded material, if that's planned.

The Two Funerals from Richmond, Virginia were up next. I personally hadn't heard their music except for a few songs on their MySpace page. The band ripped through a tight punk, riot-grrrl sounding set. They play the aforementioned “Boy's Club” and another new song called “Last Time,” which will appear on an upcoming release. “I'm still gonna write the record,” singer Shannon said, even though she's been seeing more women musicians within punk. The song comes from the band's forthcoming release of the same name, Boys Club, which will be released on The Cottage Records in late 2010. Drummer Dominique was wild on the drums. It was interesting to watch her just rock out. Her drumming was quite impressive, loud, and fast. Kyler from the instrumental rock band, Field Day, who fills in for Abby on bass did a supper job. It's clear from the band Tell Yr Story 7'' which I picked up that night that they write songs of empowerment and change. The record says this "is for everyone who has a story they need to tell but no one will listen...so tell yr story!." It 's nice to have that sort of encouragement. That sort of realization that you're not alone. That sort of inspiration. If you're into punk, garage, or riot-grrrl, this band is for you.

P.S. Eliot from Birmingham, Alabama was next. Their style of music is a bit difficult to classify. I would not classify them as 'punk,' especially in the traditional sense. I think the music is much sweeter than a rough edged sound that is usually politically charged, in some way. Indie-pop perhaps? Fuzzy folk punk maybe? I'm not sure. But this band is good. They certainly came a long way since I saw them in a basement in New Brunswick last summer. Katie's lyrics seem to reflect stories about love and distance. She really appeals to the senses in her lyrics, which is something that's nice to hear.

The set started with the simple guitar strung, story-like song of “Tennessee,” that highlighted Katie's nice voice. “I've got affection to criticize, monogamy to abhor,” she sings. After they go into “We'd Never Agree” and then “Hail Mary.” Early on Katie mentioned she doesn't like playing on stages, because it can be awkward. She said something like: I'm having a lot of fun, though. The band followed up with a new song “Bear Named Otis,” which was the only new song they played. The song is from the band's awesome new 7'' Living in Squalor. It's catchy and it's rockin'. I would've liked to hear more new songs, but the setlist was pretty good. Following was my favorite “Like How Your Are,” and closing the set was “Trouble Medium.” Big Soda, featuring Brian of Cheeky, was last but I had to dash home, so I only heard "The Flood," which you can listen to here.

It was an interesting night with some odd feelings. But overall it was nice talking to musicians and seeing some good, free live music. It's somewhat alarming and warming at the same time what some bands will do to tour.  P.S. Eliot reported having some vans issues, yet stuck it out and made it work. This admirable push to get on the road despite lack of funds, proper transportation, or sleeping arrangements is what I see many band's struggling with, yet in the end we all get quality music that's passionate and that's what keeps me coming back to support these bands. They love what they do and it truly shows in their interaction and performance.

The Two Funerals

P.S. Eliot