StarBeat Music: Knitting Factory

Although only vaguely familiar with the work of Kathleen Hanna from her time in political dance-punk trio Le Tigre, I boldly decided to purchase a ticket to see Rah! Rah! Replica, a tribute to celebrate the music of Hanna, and also a benefit and video shoot to support a documentary by Sini Anderson. It seemed fun and a good way to get to know more of her music, even if they were just covers.

You might already know that Hanna is considered a feminist icon in the punk rock world and is a founder of the '90s Riot Grrrl Movement. She's a political activist who has worked to respond to sexism in punk and has a do-if-yourself ethic. She's a rebel girl, speaking out about the issues that matter to her without fear. This is inspiring. She's a voice to those in need and that's a powerful thing. But we haven't heard from her much recently. She's done collaborations here and there and some production work for Christina Aguilera's last album Bionic, but none of her own music. So why are we hearing about her now? First, a documentary is being made about her career. Second, there's also Hanna's new band, which world premiered a new song and played some music from her project Julie Ruin and even threw in a Le Tigre song. The band featuring Kathi Wilcox from Bikini Kill and they called themselves The Julie Ruin. Cool, right?

The sold out show was packed with presumably big time Kathleen Hanna fans from New York or currently living in New York and fans of all ages in a true sort of D.I.Y. setting, even though this was not at what you'd consider a D.I.Y. space. The venue gave me a similar feeling to that of the old Knitting Factory's tribeca NYC space: a venue you could be free to express yourself in with no barricade or security guards or idiots in the crowd. Everyone takes care of each other. For this tribute to a punk feminist icon there was more dancing and singing along than highly spirited punk fist pumping, two-stepping, and most pits. I'm not sure what the crowd reaction was to Bikini Kill and Le Tigre in their heyday, but the show seemed to lack a crowd energy. at points. Sure there was cheers of excitement and moving but I felt like something was missing. There was no need to worry about getting hurt or pushed or anything and for a sold out the room was comfortable, packed which is a testament to the respectful crowd and nature of the music of Hanna. But part of me just wanted to go nuts for some songs but it didn't seem appropriate. Everything was happening so fast, and I was trying to document it, and pay attention to the music and performers all during any particular song. Though, I picked a few opportunities to enjoy the music. I sang during Toshi Reagon's version of "Keep on Living" and danced around to Care Bears of Fire's stellar, loud, fun, punk rock performance of "My, My Metrocard" and headbanged d to Hilly Eye's angsy version of "Bang! Bang!" These were some of my standout moments where I was able to let loose.

Now, the only known similarity between everyone at this show was an interest, perhaps, a love or like for Kathleen Hanna's music. Some may have just liked Bikini Kill, others Julie Ruin, or like myself Le Tigre. So does it matter who made up the audience? I think not, but the different types of people in the crowd does speak to perhaps the market or appeal of the music that was brought to perhaps only a few different types of people, if the 300 people in the room was to be taken as a sample of who likes Hanna's music. I feel that the issues and concerns Hanna speaks of could appeal to all kinds of people, like women of color, to provide just one example. But where were the Hispanics at the show? I don't think I knew or saw any, except a friend who is half Puerto Rican. But a conversation with fellow writer, friend, and one of the night's performers, Amy Klein, made me think about why there are so few Hispanics at the shows I attend, including this one. I wonder if it's a problem. While I know fellow Puerto Ricans from my hometown of Newark, NJ who are into punk they don't often have a chance to go to shows. I'd think that the ideals of Hanna, particularly heard in the Riot Grrrl Manifesto, which was brought back to life with a reading from Kim Gordon of Sonic Youth, speaks to many voices. While not particularly moving in the way it was recited, the words Gordon spoke were moving and surprisingly this was the first time I heard the manifesto. I want to print it up in tiny zines and leave it in public spaces. I think it's that powerful.

From Kaia Wilson's acoustic rendition of the obscure Suture song "Pretty Is," straight to Bridget Everett's energetic and sexy performance of Le Tigre's "After Dark," the sets were awesome. Toshi Reagon got the crowd singing with "Keep on Livin," and She Murders (featuring Coco, Kim Gordon's daughter) made fists raise with "Rebel Girl." Overall, it was a fun night and got me more interested in Hanns's music. I told JD Samson how great This Island sounds on vinyl, which was pretty cool!! On another note, Hanna still make catchy as hell music! The night made me think about my place within this feminist punk rock world and made me realize how much I like dancing to Le Tigre. If there's something I can say about her music is that it allows me to feel comfortable, free, unafraid, and that ,my friends is a beautiful thing. So there's my take.

Murray Hill introduced The Julie Ruin saying:

....The best part I loved about the Le Tigre shows is the energy of all the young kids. (cheers) That's right. And all the different kind of people that the band and Kathleen brings together. This music and Kathleen actually means something, ladies and gentlemen. When entertainment has a message and a fun fucking message, you know what I say to that ladies, and gentlemen: showbiz. Alright kids, are you ready? The world debut. Ladies and gentlemen, and gay people and queer people: The Julie Ruin!

See below for photos, the Riot Grrrl Manifesto, and complete setlist from the evening.

All Ages CMJ Show Recommendations

Maxwells
1039 Washington St
Hoboken, NJ
http://www.maxwellsnj.com

Wed. 10/20 The Gay Blades/The Dance Party/The Chain Gang Of 1974/Brick and Mortar 8 p.m. $8

Fri. 10/22 The Mommyheads/Stuyvesant/Jenifer Convertible/Shirk Circus 8:30 p.m. $8

Sat. 10/23 Corin Tucker Band/Screaming Females/Hungry Ghost 7:30 p.m. $16

Knitting Factory
361 Metropolitan Avenue
Brooklyn, NY
http://bk.knittingfactory.com

10/21 Unoffical CMJ Day Party
The Secret History, Submarine Bells, Takka Takka, Diamond Rings, Summer People 12:30pm Free

10/23 Panache Booking Showcase
AIDS Wolf, Ty Segall, Turbo Fruits, Heavy Cream, Pujol, Tôg, Circle Pit, SCREENS 7:30pm $10

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Live Review: Screaming Females in Brooklyn (setlist, photo)

Yes another Screaming Females entry and I wasn't even actually at the show. Screaming Females played their record release show at Knitting Factory on Wednesday night. Since it was a late one, I wasn't able to make attend. But I was pleased to hear that the venue would be broadcasting the show live on-line. The quality turned out pretty great, both sound wise and picture wise. In true, record release form, the band played all of "Castle Talk" excluding the less rockin', lighter "Deluxe." The set was filled with a cool introduction, two songs, the full album, and a two song encore. The four non "Castle Talk" songs were pretty obvious for anyone who knows the band. Right now the stream is still up. It might still be up when you read this, so if you're interested go here. Even seeing the band on-line, I still get chills and can't help to think they're so great live. What makes them great like I've said before is that there is no bullshit to this band. The band plays song after song, with improvised guitar played, and spot on beats. The way Marissa Paternoster shreds and plays her guitar is great to watch, the way Mike moves about while playing his groovy bass is dancebable and the way Jarrett gets funky on his drums is delightful.

Something that struck me was what Marissa had to say to the crowd, not once but twice:

"you guys gotta calm down... you can dance but don't hit anyone..." AND then immediately after "Nothing at All" ends Marissa says: "I want you guys to have fun, but you guys look like you're hitting each other and there's a lot of little people like me trying to watch and I don't want them to get hurt. So try and be gentle, please. It's also distracting because it's scary as shit."

Marissa is addressing show violence. Shows should be fun! This is something that very recently I've been discussing. It's great that she spoke up about that and the crowd responded with "Yeahs' and "whoa's," like they were happy that someone said what needed to be said. We go to shows to have fun, so let's have. fun Not mess up other people's good time with drunkenness, obnoxiousness, or the like. It's not right and it's great Paternoster didn't accept that.

Screaming Females will perform with Titus Andronicus & Free Energy at Webster Hall on Sept. 25. 7pm. See below for setlist.

Screaming Females album out 9/14, "I Don't Mind It" video + NYC show

Screaming Females release their fourth album, Castle Talk, on Sept. 14th on Don Giovanni Records. The album features grungy, groovy, punky, played out guitar laden songs with infectious bass lines. Notable tracks include "Fall Asleep," "Sheep," and "Ghost Solo." You can pre-order the album here.

The band hit Brooklyn for their record release show on Sept. 15 with Shellshag and Big Eyes. Tickets are just ten bucks. Get them here. Check out the band's latest artsy video above.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Azure Ray releasing new album, announce U.S. Tour Dates

Azure Ray are touring this fall to support a new album that comes out on Sept. 14! Maria Taylor and Orenda Fink have had their solo music going on for several years now, but the two have been working together on a new album with their band and are going to perform in New York this fall. Their sound has been classified as "dream-pop" in the vein of Twin Sister today. On November 13th the pair perform at Mercury Lounge on November 13th. Tickets are on-sale Friday at noon. They also play The Knitting Factory in Brooklyn on November 14th. Tickets go on-sale Saturday, July 17th at 10am. Details on the new album below.

It’s been six years since celebrated female duo Azure Ray released their critically acclaimed album Hold On Love. The highly anticipated new full length from Orenda Fink and Maria Taylor is a sublime future classic titled Drawing Down the Moon, set for release on Saddle Creek on September 14, 2010. The record was produced by Eric Bachmann at Echo Mountain Studios in Asheville, North Carolina, mixed by Michael Patterson in Los Angeles, CA, and features guest appearances by Andy LeMaster and Liz Durrett. With three prior full-lengths and an EP, the duo drew fans from around the globe with their transcendent songwriting and stunning vocals, and Drawing Down the Moon is an even more impressive and beguiling delight. Their undeniable talents lie in balladry so breathtakingly visceral that it soars straight through the ears into the veins until it pumps firmly into the heart. Azure Ray are famed for their bittersweet melancholy and Drawing Down the Moon is a perfect ode to their harmonious musical gifts.

Tracklisting and full U.S. Tour date below.

Living Days playing NY Eye & Ear Fest this Saturday + free download

DOWNLOAD: Living Days - Go Oblivion

Take the soundtrack of a John Hughes’ movie, mix it with a little Gary Numan, and a dollop of The Cure, stir well and what you’ve got is a ball of new wave fury that is NYC’s LIVING DAYS. Made up of members who formerly played with Matisyahu, Coco Rosie, and Lee Scratch Perry, Living Days now have a new album coming out called Make Out Room (release date TBA).

Living Days performs at the Knitting Factory in Brooklyn on May 22nd, as part of the NY Eye & Ear Fest. The fest features Blank Dogs, Passions, Liturgy, Loose Limbs, Mirror Mirror, and many more bands. Tickets are available here. Living Days perform at 8pm.

Friday, May 14, 2010

Live Review: Junior Battles @ Knitting Factory 5-10-10 w/ BTMI, O Pioneers, & Thousandaires

Junior Battles @ Knitting Factory 5-10-10

Photos & Words by M.M

If Junior Battles is any indication of a good Toronto punk scene, then the four members in this band make me want to check out more music from the area. With an old-school New Found Glory tinged pop-punk flavored sound with vocals from all the members, Junior Battles provided a fun performance at their Monday night show at Brooklyn's Knitting Factory -- the band's first NYC show!

Jennifer O'Connor announces NYC show on June 17 + posts new song

DOWNLOAD: Jennifer O'Connor- How I Will Get By

Brooklyn singer-songwriter Jennifer O'Connor has announced her first NYC headlining show in over a year at Knitting Factory. The show is on June 17 with Amy Bezunartea and Michael Brodlieb's Big Stuff. Tickets are only $10 here. She also posted a demo of a new song, which you can download at the above link by right clicking and hitting "save link as."

Also, O'Connor recently started a blog entitled "Things I've Never Done Before Today," which she writes in daily. Check it out here.

Upcoming Shows:
5/17 @ Johnny Brenda's, Philly, PA
6/9 @ Iron Horse Music Hall, Northampton, MA
6/17 @ Knitting Factory, Brooklyn, NY

Monday, February 8, 2010

Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls Rock n’ Roll Auction in Brooklyn this Tuesday

This Tuesday, Feb. 9 Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls presents its Annual Rock n’ Roll Auction at Knitting Factory in Brooklyn, N.Y. It's hosted by Mr. Murray Hill and features performances by Kaki King, camper band, Saffire, Erin McKeown, and special surprise guests. Silent, live, and online auctions of fine goods and services, including guitars signed by Sheryl Crow, Rosanne Cash, Amy Ray & Kaia Wilson, and a mic signed by Tori Amos. Special items from Brooklyn Brewery, New York School of Burlesque, Gotham Girls Roller Derby, Pimps & Pinups Salon, plus jewelry, kid stuff, autographed CD’s, gift certificates and more. Proceeds benefit Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls, a non-profit music and mentoring program for girls and women in New York City.

Tickets are $25 for general admission, and $75 for V.I.P. More info and tickets at: http://www.williemaerockcamp.org/auction.html

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Yula Bee'ri Knitting Factory Residency every Wednesday in January + New Music Video

Every Wednesday in January starting tonight at 7:30pm Yula Bee'ri will be playing for free at The Knitting Factory front bar in Brooklyn. The Israeli musician is know for her involvement with Star Fucking Hipsters, NaNuchKA, World/Inferno Friendship Society and Yula and the eXtended Family. Her January residency will highlight her new solo project, a piano driven mix of alternative, punk, electronic and soulful melody.

It's the first time they are introducing live music in the front bar space. There is also a happy hour special: $3 tap beers, $4 well drinks $3 Mikes Hard Lemonade, Tetleys Ale and HeBrew Ale. The new Knitting Factory is in Williamsburg Brooklyn right off the Lorimer L train stop. The show is 21+.

For those that want to see her full band, Yula plays a free show with the Extended Family and Gato Loco at Rockwood Music Hall on Jan. 14.

Also, she has a new video off "Back Off America." See it below.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

The Reveling Release "3D Radio" + Play in BK on Friday w/ A Wilhelm Scream

The Reveling from Brooklyn deliver catchy, head bopping punk tunes with an exploding, audible bass line that rips, on their latest release entitled 3D Radio. The 4-piece manage to capture the melody of rock, the vocals of punk, and the story-like, hopeful lyrical style of folk in these 4 songs. "Breadline" is the standout and opening track with fast parts, blaring bass, compelling beats, and catchy lines. Guitarist and vocalist Sean Morris voice is consistent with his rough and sweeter styled vocals. The band is rounded out by Dave Kramer on guitars and vocals, Dennis Murphy on bass and vocals, and Jay Weinberg on drums. The closing track "A Recurrent Rescindment of Self" finds Sean singing nicely with such conviction. These guys know how to play and that's shown well through this EP.

The album is currently available on-line, but the official release is Dec. 1. But those that attend the band's show this Friday at Brooklyn's Knitting Factory will receive a free copy of the cd between 7:30-8 p.m. The Reveling perform with A Wilhelm Scream, Living with Lions, and The Riot Before. Tickets are $10. All Ages. The Reveling go on at 8pm. More info and tickets available here.

3D Radio Tracklisting:
01. Breadline
02. Gift
03. The Faces We Know
04. A Recurrent Rescindment of Self

Below is a video from the band's RXP appearance earlier this year.

--
Relates Entries:

* November 2009 Shows: New York City
* Exit She Calls and Sean Morris in NYC
* Bayonet (members of Senses Fail & The Banner) post update
* Fake Problems, Gay Blades, & Let Me Run 12/1

Sunday, August 3, 2008

The Material/ The Scenic/ The Goodnight Anthem @ Knitting Factory, NYC 7/30

The Material @ Knitting Factory, NYC - July 30, 2008
photos by C.W.

The "Pop Til You Drop Tour" or as I called it, the triple "the" tour rolled around to NYC’s Knitting Factory where The Material, The Scenic, and The Goodnight Anthem performed for a feel good night of delicious and danceable pop-rock. It was nice seeing the bands talk to fans, talk to each other, and walking around making themselves present. Before the show started I was able to talk with Colleen, The Material's lead singer. The band has garnered the attention from PureVolume and Alternative Press Magazine two starting points for what looks to be a nice foundation for a good career ahead. They’re from San Diego and are unsigned, but perform strongly

The first two bands up were from Philadelphia, PA. The Goodnight Anthem provided a nice dose of pop-rock. They had a lot of energy, which was impressive and also were very appreciated and spoke to the crowd. They played song of their EP “Nights to Know You.” You call tell the members were happy to be playing and they all moved around, especially lead singer Tony. This 4-piece certainly rocked and is worth checking out.

For some reason the Scenic were the only signed band on this tour, but they didn’t headline tonight. At this point the room was nicely filled for a Wednesday night. Recently signed to Victory Records, these guys played songs off their “Find Yourself Here” full length. It was a shame The Scenic and The Goodnight Anthem only got about a 25-minute set, much too short for the eager fans and myself who couldn't get enough and expected more.

By the time The Material came on it seemed like a few people had left, which was unfortunate as they put on a great show. The band performed songs off its “Tomorrow,” EP such as “The Long Way Home,” and “The Truth About Reality.” They’re an alternative-pop rock group, for fans of Paramore, The Academy Is, and Envy on the Coast. The groups sound comes together well, often having a nice melody, which explodes into a catchy rock break down. The band seemed excited to be performing its first "real" NYC show. The first time was for the Dew Circuit Break contest. With the move to the side kind of beats the crowd quickly got moving. The sound was alright during the sets, but could’ve been better. I could barely hear the keyboard during the Material and Colleen’s vocals at points. Good set.

THE POP TIL YOU DROP TOUR- 2008 REMAINING DATES
W/ THE MATERIAL, THE SCENIC AND THE GOODNIGHT ANTHEM
Aug. 4 SWAYZES- Marietta, Georgia
Aug.5 BACKBOOTH, Orlando, Florida
Aug. 6 TRANSITIONS SKATE PARK, Tampa, Florida with Vega Under Fire
Aug. 7. THE TALENT FARM, Permbroke Pines, Florida w/ Vega Under Fire
Aug. 8 THILLZE ARCADE, Palm Coast, Florida w/ Vega Under Fire
Aug. 9 THE CAPITOL, Ocala, Florida

After this tour, the Goodnight Anthem do a few more dates with The Scenic. The Material play more shows, then start “The Everlasting Sound” Tour in the fall with Blameshift & And Then There Was You. These bands know how to keep busy. Check out the bands MySpace pages for details.

The Goodnight Anthem

The Scenic

The Material

Sunday, June 29, 2008

Bomb the Music Industry! @ Knitting Factory, 6/24 review

A sense of camaraderie and unity filled the sold out tap bar space at K nitting Factory for the Bomb the Music Industry! show. All the bands were friends of each others, helped each other by sharing equipment, and all provided some type of punk music that proved to be a fun time.

Cheeky, a 4-piece from NY played upbeat/ garage punk that really got me pumping my fist in the air and bobbing my head. They played songs off their Choke on a Cheeseburger ep, notably “Get Outta Here,” which closed the set.

Bridge and Tunnel featured an indie/ rock punk brand of dual female/male vocals. They put on a great set. It sounds like their influences are Cursive and Hot Water Music.

Lemuria was lighter than the other bands. The vocalists sounded okay at points, but I couldn’t here the vocals too well. Singer Sheena said how thankful she is to be on the show with some awesome bands. Her vocals reminded me of Crissie of Element 101. The show toned down at this point, but it was lovely.

The Ergs! From New Brunswick, New Jersey were up next. They were a band I remember reading about on Jersey Beat, and whom Jim Testa and my friend said I would enjoy. Boy, were they right. The band had the crowd all over the place, dancing and having a ton of fun. There was even crowd surfing and someone pretty much climbed the ceiling, ha. Fun, fun passionate punk.

Bomb the Music Industry! played an overall great punk set, despite some problems. They came on unprepared and with broken equipment. They started rather out of sorts. It picked up and the music was fun, but everything was random and I got turned off from them. There were a bunch of hardcore fans that danced through the entire set and sang along, which was nice. BMTI make all its music free. You can find the download link on their MySpace page.

Check out these bands, they're great.
7/2 Lemuria with The Loved Ones @ Asbury Lanes in Asbury Park, NJ. $8
7/5 Cheeky with Screaming Females @ Maxwell's in Hoboken, NJ. $8
8/17 Bomb the Music Industry! with Rancid @ Irving Plaza in NY, NY- SOLD OUT.
8/23 The Ergs (headline) with For Science @ Maxwell's in Hoboken, NJ. $8

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Maria Taylor @ Knitting Factory, NYC 6/18- review

Maria Taylor performed at the Knitting Factory to a modestly sized, passionate, and excited crowd, for an evening of lovely, lush, acoustic/ indie folk rock. Opening was friends Johnathan Rice and Nik Freitas. The sound was excellent, especially when Maria started. Her voice was clear and beautiful. Most of the musicians collaborated with one another, including Freitas playing guitar for both Rice and Taylor, and Taylor playing drums for Rice. Good indie rock, new songs, and near swooning was in store at this show.

Nik Freitas performed some very nice songs lyrically and acoustically, but the vocals didn't seem right. Though, his presence wasn’t that captivating the lyrics really touched me. After a few songs he really shined. Songs included, “All the Way Down,” and “Sun Down.” He recently opened for Rilo Kiley and will be playing with Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band this summer. Good for him.

Next was Johnathan Rice who played a sincere, heartfelt set. Maria played drums for him. His lyrics seemed to be about dealing with loss and love. He clearly is one who has gone through a lot of struggle and it's heard in his songs. Although not my typical taste, I enjoyed Rice and it was nice to listen to something a little different. He's dating Jenny Lewis of Rilo Kiley. Good for him.

Maria Taylor was lovely and captivating, for her light rock/ acoustic performance. She started with a stripped down version of “A Good Start,” coming off her 7-song digital EP Savannah Drive. The EP is a collection of favorite songs from 11:11 and Lynn Teeter Flower and new songs, all performed acoustically. She played four new songs, including the self titled track to her new album "Lady Luck," a cover of Skeeter Davis’ “End of the World,” and “Song Beneath the Song,” “Clean Getaway,” and “The Ballad of Sean Folley." "Xanax," a near 6-minute power start of a song about fear "ended" the set. The band really jammed on this one.

She was comical at points, like when someone in the crowd shouted, "You look really pretty," and she replied, “Thanks, that’s weird considering I really haven’t slept or bathed in a very long time (laughs). Must be the red wine."

The encore was mostly by request and started with “Speak Easy.” Somewhere in this set Taylor invited her sister up to play percussion and sing. It was cute. Next was “Replay,” which someone shouted they wanted to hear. Maria was unsure about playing it. Though she reacquainted herself with the song, said it was her first time playing it on this tour, and that she might forget the lyrics so the crowd has to help her out. "Replay" is filled with great lines:

“So with dignity and grace/ Boy you'd have to erase/All the things in your mind/that replay and replay and replay and replay and replay/The things that made you cry/that you forgave, you let go by/or you will push the one that you love out of your life/out of your life.”

This verse speaks perfection for me and I love it when I am able to connect with an artists lyrics in this way. She had the crowd choose either "Two of those two," or "Leap Year." The crowd choose the tear jerker, about a long distance relationship. "I will wait for you/ But please come soon."

Monday, June 9, 2008

Blacklisted @ Knitting Factory, NYC 6/8

Being alone at a hardcore show isn’t as bad as I thought it would be, as I came to experience tonight after seeing Blacklisted, Ceremony, Life Long Tragedy, and Sabertooth Zombie in an early night performance at Knitting Factory in NYC. It went down at the club’s 200 capacity tap bar space. The audience was ready and pumped to witness the onslaught of these bands.

I missed the first band Condominium, but caught most of Sabertooth Zombie, whose brand of hardcore, surprisingly included a real rock n’ roll vibe with punk sounds to. Next was Life Long Tragedy where kids started jumping on each other, close to the foot high stage, hanging from the ceiling, two stepping, and shaking heads. It was with LLT where I saw the crowd really come alive. Ceremony came on motivating with its fast and short songs, causing me to move around and shake a bit at points during the intro and sweet bass parts. Blacklisted closed with a short, but energetic set, playing songs exclusively off their latest release, “Heavier Than Heaven, Lonelier Than God.”

I enjoyed watching the crowd get into it, screaming lyrics, and dancing around. I just wished the band would quickly flow from song to the next. I wanted to keep moving, but felt awkward when all of a sudden the music would stop and I had to get back into it again. But, it was great to finally experience a show at the tap bar for the first time. It was such a release. I needed this show.

Friday, June 6, 2008

Northern State @ Knitting Factory, NYC, 6/3- pics and review

Photos & Story by Star Child

To close their headlining tour, Northern State performed at New York City’s Knitting Factory with a tight line-up that while different fit.

Opening the night was Brooklyn’s Peculiar Gentlemen. This outfit featured seven members- three backing vocalists, a singer, bass player, keyboardist, and drummer. Talk about a band! PG had a fun, old school sound with a soul and rock vibe. The backing singers were beautiful and each got their chance to shine, singing and rapping their own song. It was refreshing to hear a band like this and definitely impressed me.

Next were The Gay Blades, a duo who played insanely well and whose lead singer was all over the place. For a mere two members the bands sound was loud and intense, with the frontman doing all he can to incite a reaction from the crowd. He was entertaining and knows how to put on a show.

Domino, the next band, was female fronted and much lighter than the previous acts. However so, they provided a lovely sound.

Long Island’s rap trio Northern State got the energy level back to the room when they got into “Mic Tester.” Most of the songs were off their latest release, “Can I Keep This Pen?” Other songs included “Ooooh Girl,” “Better Already,” “Iluvitwhenya,” and even a cover of Radiohead’s “No Surprises” and “Girl for all Seasons” off their previous effort. Each lady provided their own brand of lyrical prowess and rapped with style. The energy was in the air, but the constant breaks, chatting about irrelevant topics, and complaints about the bright lights took away from the vibe of the show. Nonetheless the girls were excited to be home and played for a good audience on a Tuesday night. They closed nicely with “Sucka MoFo.” NS brought a very danceable and catchy evening of fun that had people bobbing their head and dancing.

What impressed me was the genuineness from Sprout when she said, looking to the crowd with a smile, “I know this sounds lame, but I just want to go in the crowd and personally thank every mothafuckin’ one of you for being here.”

Northern State is Spero, Hesta Prynn, and Sprout. The group has three albums out, including their latest “Can I Keep This Pen?, released on Mike Patton’s Ipecac Recordings. They worked with Chuck Brody and Adrock from the Beastie Boys for the release.

Last year the band toured North America with Tegan and Sara. They’ve also performed with The Roots, Le Tigre, Talib Kweli, Gym Class Heroes and Cake.

Thursday, January 3, 2013

1/8 Bern & the Brights @ Knitting Factory, Brooklyn

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Rah Rah Replica: Kathleen Hanna Tribute Show @ Knitting Factory 12/11

Monday, October 18, 2010