Black Midi at Union Pool
photo by P Squared

Black Midi made their NYC debut @ Union Pool w/ Russian Baths (pics, review)

Riding a wave of SXSW buzz, very young UK noisemakers Black Midi hit Union Pool on Wednesday night (3/20) for their NYC live debut. Sporting cowboy hats purchased in Texas, and giant Xs on the right hands, the four-piece made quite the racket, fueled by some impressive playing and nervous energy. The group’s skronky sound is in line with the likes of Lightning Bolt and Deerhoof (especially in Morgan Simpson’s powerhouse drumming) with their manic, proggy songs taking left turn after left turn, while vocals and hooks mainly took a back seat. Signed to Rough Trade, Black Midi only have a few singles to their name and it will be interesting to see where they go from here.

Opening the night were local stalwarts Russian Baths who impressed with a set of heavy riffs and noise that is very much in the Sonic Youth tradition. Check out pictures from the whole night at Union Pool in the gallery above and you can check out Black Midi’s Dan Carey-produced “Speedway” 12″ below..

Black Midi play Brooklyn again tonight at Alphaville with Eartheater (sold out).

photos by P Squared