NYC Popfest Night 1: Burning Hearts, Speedmarket Avenue, Dear Marje, Heaven's Gate, The Marshmallows (pics, video)
photos by Chris La Putt; words by Bill Pearis
Speedmarket Avenue
Like years past, NYC Popfest 2012 kicked off with a show at Cake Shop. Finland’s Burning Hearts, who played Popfest in 2009 as well, headlined the night with a set of shimmering guitars and warm synthesizers. Also from that general part of the world were Sweden’s Speedmarket Avenue who debuted a bunch of strident, emotive new material (and a new line-up) at Cake Shop.
The rest of the Thursday’s opening gala was all local: Dear Marje came out of hibernation for a set of charmingly shambolic tunes; Heaven’s Gate treaded the line between shoegazy pop and bluesier material; and openers The Marshmallows recalled the ’90s heyday of indiepop.
More Popfest coverage is on its way. Check out more pictures and some videos from Thursday’s show below…
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The Marshmallows
The Marshmallows – “Battle of the Sexy”
Heaven’s Gate
Heaven’s Gate – “Alex Division”
Dear Marje
Dear Marje – “Soft and Sweet”
Speedmarket Avenue
Speedmarket Avenue – “Way Better Now”
Burning Hearts
Burning Hearts – “Into the Wilderness”