All photos by StarBeat
Screaming Females headlined concert promoter, Bowery Presents smallest venue, Mercury Longue, last Tuesday night. But it wasn't their first time with these promoters, they opened for the Dead Weather at Terminal for two sold out nights over the summer. As per usually in my experience with shows here, the room was quite empty upon arrive at doors, but as the night went on more people starting showing up. The night was a tasty treat for New Yorkers because Screaming Females typically play either in Brooklyn, Hoboken, or New Brunswick when they tour locally. Actually the first time I saw the band was last summer at The Tank in NYC. It was my eleventh time seeing the band, but they managed to put on the tightest, longest set I’ve seen them play. They always manage to put on a different set and still leave me wanting more. Since the room was packed there wasn’t much room for two stepping or jumping on people’s backs, but it was still fun. But let’s back up a bit, there were three opening bands,
Black Wine,
Ex-Wife (formerly You Without Teeth) and
Shellshag.
Black Wine recently signed with Don Giovanni Records and features members of Hunchback, Full of Fancy, and the Ergs. The band pummeled through their 30-minute set with strong punk rock songs that really focused on the guitar. Jeff’s playing was awesome and it was great seeing Miranda rockin’ out on drums.
The two piece of Ex-Wife was up next. Most knew them as You Without Teeth from New Brunswick, New Jersey but the band recently changed their name. I wonder why. Maybe the name was too close to mewithoutYou? Anyway, they played a solid punk/hc set.
Shellshag from Brooklyn up next. I didn’t expect too much from them. I’ve seen them a few time and they never impressed me. Some of their songs are okay but I just can’t into the drums and vocals. It’s interesting that there seems to be so many 2 and 3 piece bands nowadays. It’s great because it saves money when touring and these bands know how to sound loud. Much of the crowd seemed into Shellshag, though. Their last song was great and they were entertaining.
Finally, Screaming Females started with older song “Starve the Beat,” before going into the new, boppy, fast “Bell.” They played a bunch of unreleased, new songs and a few off of Power Move and a an oldie “Baby Jesus.” The tight set was closed off with the jammy, guitar-driving “Lights Out." It's always great seeing the band jam out, hearing Marissa sing, scream, and shred, and the band playing super tight. This time was a treat to hear 10 songs in a wonderful sound, nearly sold out venue. The band play hometown New Brunswick next Tuesday with Dead Dogs and SLAW.
Pictures, tour dates and setlist below...
Black Wine Tour Dates:
September 11 - The Terrordome - Philadelphia, PA
September 18 - Court Tavern - New Brunswick, NJ
September 20 - Don Pedro - Brooklyn, NY
September 25 - Alligator Greenpoint - Brooklyn, NY
November 17 - Court Tavern - New Brunswick, NJ
Shellshag Tour Dates:
September 28 - SUNY Purchase - Purchase, NY
October 16 - Santo's Party House - Brooklyn, NY
October 31 - The Fest - Gainesville, FL
Screaming Females Tour Dates:
September 15 – Casa - New Brunswick, NJ w/ Dead Dogs and Slaw
September 23 -Maxwell's - Hoboken, NJ w/ Mattress, The Measure (SA)
September 24 - Black Cat Backstage - Washington D.C.
September 25 - Pi Lam - Philadelphia, PA
September 26 - Death By Audio - Brooklyn, NY
September 27 - ASS20 - Providence, RI
September 28 - Middle East Upstairs - Cambridge, MA
September 29 - Space Gallery - Portland, ME
September 30 - Casa Del Popolo - Montreal, QC
October 1 - POP Montreal - Montreal, QC
October 3 - Majestic Cafe - Detroit, MI
October 5 - The Hideout - Chicago, IL
October 6 - The Gargoyle - St. Louis, MO
October 7 - Coughy Haus - Beloit, WI
October 8 - Ronny's - Chicago, IL
October 9 - Grinnel College/Gardner Lounge - Grinnel, IA
October 10 - Earlham College/Comstock Room - Richmond, IN
Screaming Females @ Mercury Lounge in NYC - setlist
1. "Starve the Beat”
2. “Bell”
3. “New song 1”
4. “Fun”
5. “Starving Dog”
6. “New Song 2”
7. “Adult Army”
8. “Halfway Down”
9. “Baby Jesus”
10. “Lights Out”
