Live Review: Don Giovanni Records Showcase @ Bowery Ballroom 2-6-10

Photos and Story by StarBeat

Groucho Marxists @ Bowery Ballroom 2-6-10

The New Brunswick, New Jersey scene got a little bigger last Saturday. Music fans gathered at one of NYC's finest venues, Bowery Ballroom for the third Don Giovanni Records showcase. It was great seeing so many familiar faces, including fans from the NB scene, promoters and writers such as Jim Testa of Jersey Beat, musicians, friends, and bands members playing the show hanging out. It was also nice to see the interaction among musicians who both watched bands and ran their own merch. The open venue was the perfect spot for this punk show. Those used to seeing these bands at basement shows were in for a treat. The great sound, high ceiling, lack of a barrier, and lack of a bouncer made for a fun night of dancing, getting on the stage, crowd-surfing, and for once, being able to hear all the vocals from the bands. The sold out crowd got to witness Groucho Marxists, Black Wine, The Measure SA, Jeff: the Brotherhood, Screaming Females, forgettors, and Shellshag for a mere $13.

Bowery Ballroom is one of those venues where trust is important, but that's also something that's key in the punk rock community. There were no bouncers, so fans had to watch out for themselves and each other. No one was upset with the crowd surfing or the somewhat obnoxious dancing on stage by a familiar character seen at many New Brunswick basement shows. The guy got on stage three times to my recollection. The first to dance alongside the guitarist of Jeff: the Brotherhood, finally being escorted off stage after a minute or two, a second time to tell the audience if they found a cell phone to return up front, and a third time to sing a song part of "I Do" with Marissa of Screaming Females. I don't really know what the reaction was up front, but the crowd response up front right from enthused.

 
Groucho Marxists went on at 8pm. The pop/punk band had a catchy, dose of tunes that inspired one guy to dance harder than I would've expected for this band. Nonetheless he was clearly into the music. At this point people were still making their way into the show. The band's 30-minute set was tight.

Black Wine feature members of The Ergs, Full of Fancy, and Hunchback took the stage for a  punk, rock n roll set that sounded like all these bands rolled into one. The band played songs from their latest self titled release. At one point someone in the crowd said: it's good to see a female drummer. That was followed by: I don't always see a male guitarist. Miranda just smiled and with a laugh said: leave the poor guy alone. It was nice seeing her smile throughout the set. That's something that always gets me more into the show. To see the musicians enjoying themselves. She clearly is a musician, also playing guitar in Full of Fancy. The trio also had a grunge edge that delighted the 90s fan in me. It was nice hearing three different vocals- it made the songs exciting. I like not hearing the same stuff over.

Next was the Measure (SA) who we caught at Bosnia in New Brunswick back in December. Their set was tight squeezing in 4 new songs plus songs from their latest, Songs About People and Fruit...and Shit. Of course that included “Revisionist” and “Drama Free Youth.” They also played their “hit” from their new album called “Fear of commitment.” They closed with a new song, a slower one that I'm told is the last song on their new album. The singer/guitarist from Groucho Marxists was playing drums for the band, too. Seems a lot of guitarists like drums and vice versa. It was great hearing the male/female vocals in play. The sound was great during their set.

By the time Jeff: the Brotherhood came on the room was pretty packed. The band opened with this gnarly guitar intro that went right into the incredible groovy and catchy “Heavy Days.” Jake was quite the rockstar, standing on an amp and just playing his little fingers off. They knocked off their best songs first, including “U Got the Look” and “Bone Jam.” They also announced a Brooklyn show on Feb. 23rd with Screaming Females and Stupid Party. Jeff: the Brotherhood were spot on. The crowd wanted to feel every moment of them and judging from the comments I overheard and all the head bopping and headbanging, I'd say the crowd dug this Nashville duo.

Screaming Females were next. It's always a pleasure seeing this band. I've seen them over 10 times and each time they've delivered a different set. That's something I can't say about bands I see multiple times. They started with four new songs, then two from their Singles Collection- “I Do” and “Pretty Okay.” After they went into “Buried in the Nude,” “Bell,” then the delicious “Lights Out.” The crowd exploded for the last three songs, two-stepping, singing along, and bopping about. 

Sadly we missed forgettors and shellshag. You can check out video from the show here.