I headed over to Brooklyn for the second day in a row to check out an eclectic lineup at Brooklyn Bowl. First on the bill was Jersey-based Andrew Cedermark, a guitar-focused singer/songwriter. The music was slow – quite the change of pace for someone who used to play the guitar for Titus Andronicus. Cedermark has shifterd from the oober-rock sound, concentrating on music that is fuller and deeper and more reflective. Following Cedermark were more boys from Jersey, a.k.a Big Troubles.
This four-piece group is loud in a lo-fi, shoe-gazy kind of way – if that makes any sense. They were instrument heavy, emphasizing stretched and smeared guitar sounds, fuzzy vocals and a showing off that made-in-the-basement vibe. Next up was Cali-based Baths. Made up of the young and talented Will Wiesenfeld, the sound is all about texture – and within that texture, range. Wiesenfeld mixes counterpoint beats with punched-up synth and echoing, mechanical harmonies. Baths is very technical and detail-focused, with on emphasis on magical and beat-thick tracks.
I then saw Brooklyn-based Tanlines, a nice warm up on a chilly October evening. The duo played some tropical, upbeat, and pop-heavy tunes. Overall, really fun to listen to live.
Later on, I celebrated CMJ at Glasslands with awesome music. This is probably my favorite venue in NYC – it’s intimate, cozy and completely built on art. NYC-based duo Cults have been quite the underground sensation since the release of their wonderfully sweet indie pop single “Go Outside” – and the buzz is definitely deserved. Their Myspace is sparse (and unofficial, and made by the fans) and both the details of their whereabouts and who they are is pretty under the radar. But that’s what also makes them charming. So it was quite the treat to see these guys in action. There’s a perfect airiness to their music – it’s romantic, glowing, subtle and absorbing. The vocals evoke Swedish pop and memories of dreamy childhoods. Cults are modern, creative and introspective. And I’m looking forward to seeing them again. – Alex Vann
