As Deli runners, we are supposed to allot a day in Brooklyn during the CMJ Marathon. Yesterday was my BK day – and what a perfect day to go Williamsburg! I was ready to get my game on early, so I headed over to the Neon Gold showcase at Public Assembly. Overall, I saw a shit ton of wonderful acts. The standouts to me though were the first three of the afternoon: Savoir Adore, Body Language and Alex Winston, and then Ava Luna in the evening. All four are local, talented and extremely enthusiastic performers, in their own unique ways. Ultimately, these musicians are just happy to be up on stage, doing what they love – and as an audience member, that’s always incredible to experience.
Savoir Adore are a four-piece band but it’s the two lead singers, a girl and a guy, whom are a real delight to listen to. The girl, Deidre, has a very charmingly feminine voice: a nice addition to the upbeat, catchy instrumentals; however, for me, it was the guy, Paul, who made quite the impression. He has a gorgeous, versatile voice live – whether he’s working, flying solo, etc, he sounds great. I am really feeling this band. And I can’t get their single, “Bodies,” out of my freaking head!
Body Language was next – another 4-piece gem! BL sounds different live, better I think, than their recorded stuff. Live, the band has a very visceral presence – they really live up to their name – focusing on soulful instrumentals with lots of clapping and banging and even more soulful and funkalicious vocals, (damn those white boys got swagger!). The lead singer, Angelica, has a beautiful voice – it’s full, rich and extremely warm. Such a stellar band.
Next up was Alex Winston, another young woman with some great pipes. She’s poppy with traces of Motown and American, with vocals kind of reminiscent of Cocorosie. Her show at Public Assembly was one of the first she has done live (which was evident in her jitteriness and cute banter with the audience). Seeing her perform for first time was refreshing; it’s clear she’s working her ass off to get heard.
Later on I saw the wondrous Ava Luna. With comparisons to TV On the Radio, this group is pretty off the chain quirky, creative and super funky. There’s lots of texture to their music, and very tangible range. They belt out harmonies, pump up the synth, and create some very modern, eccentric, buzzing sounds. Overall, the showcase was kickass and I saw a lot of great bands (Emil & Friends and Oberhofer as well). Woo! Later on in the night, I hit up an awesome show at an old Firehouse in LES. The headliners of the night were LA indie darlings, the Local Natives (I heart you), and Jersey-based Titus Andronicus opened up with a great set.
These indie rockers have garnered some major buzz recently, including praise from even the pickiest and snobbiest contenders (read: Pitchfork). But the praise is deserved, because these guys are very talented, emotionally intense and noise-heavy. I’ve never seen them live and am glad that I caught them for CMJ. By the time I saw them, things were hazy, but I do remember them being loud, in a good way, and some major rocking out. – Alex Vann