photos by Greg Cristman; words by Andrew Sacher

"Back from Brooklyn. Full of Oasis falafel and grape leaves. Neurosis blew my mind and ears. Easily the loudest set I've seen a band play." - @HolyShitJustin

Neurosis @ Brooklyn Masonic Temple 1/19

Neurosis made a triumphant return to NYC over the weekend when they headlined a sold out show at Brooklyn Masonic Temple on Saturday (1/19), the same spot they played with Mastodon the last time they were in NYC, almost exactly five years ago. Neurosis are now without their graphic artist, so the lack of visuals may have made the room bit less ominous than it was five years ago (not to say it wasn't still totally life threatening) but the band still ripped like no other. Their 11-song, hour and a half encore-less set was bookended by two Through Silver in Blood tracks ("Eye" to open, "Locust Star" to close), and in between they focused entirely on their atmospheric, Steve Albini-produced era, relying most heavily on their two most recent albums, 2007's Given to the Rising and 2012's Honor Found in Decay.

People have varying definitions on what "heavy" music is, but if their albums don't already, it's undeniable that Neurosis' shows carry the weight of the word. They tore through boulder-crushing chords, razor-in-throat screams, and a storm-approaching atmosphere that you could feel in your bones (and eardrums). Some moshed, others headbanged in place, and others just watched in awe as the band delivered. There were some moments to breathe during the set, like the post-rock passage of "My Heart For Deliverance" and the half-sung intro of "The Tide," but moments like those are equal in intensity to the heavy sections, and are part of what keeps Neurosis so consistently interesting. They never let up during the set to talk to the crowd, and it was rarely ever silent, even while tuning their guitars. Just an onslaught of peaks and valleys that had command over the crowd throughout the entire set.

The show opened with an industrial drone set from No Fun boss Carlos Giffoni and an experimental guitar/drum/sampler duo set from James Plotkin and Tim Wyskida, who were both members of Khanate. More pictures from the show, Neurosis' setlist, and a video of them playing "At the Well" (via (((unartig)))) below...

Continue reading "Neurosis made their return to Brooklyn Masonic Temple (pics, video, setlist)"

Carlos Giffoni, who in addition to running No Fun, records edgy electronic music under his own name, is planning his next release, the "Evidence" 12" for a February 14 release on Ford & Lopatin's Mexican Summer imprint, Software. The 12" includes the 8-minute "Evidence" on the A-side (stream below) which features contributions from Laurel Halo, and "Desire in the Summer" on the B-side. That's the 12"'s cover art above. You can pre-order it at the Mexican Summer webstore.

Carlos has two upcoming local shows in NYC, including one TONIGHT (1/31) at Glasslands, where he'll be opening for Software labelmate Megafortress, and another on Thursday (2/2) at The Stone, as part of Dominick Fernow's curation at the venue.

Speaking of Laurel Halo, she's got an upcoming project under the moniker King Felix, which is also the name of her 2010 EP. The new release is called Spring, and its due out March 19 on Liberation Technologies, a new sub-label from Mute Records. FACT reports that:

A&Red by Patrick O'Neill (former Honest Jon's / Doldrums), Liberation Technologies plans to "extend [Mute's] freedom and vision ... Within this remit the label will work with highly distinctive and pioneering electronic musicians, some established, some new. Citing reference from Mute's original and continuing statement of intent, the label exists to give space to and encourage artists to experiment and challenge themselves, anonymously if they choose".

All dates and stream below...

Continue reading "Carlos Giffoni reveals song from new 12" (listen); King Felix (aka Laurel Halo) releasing LP on Liberation Technologies (part of Mute)"

DOWNLOAD: Prurient - "God Is Truth And Light His Shadow" (MP3)

Cold Cave at Fun Fun Fun Fest (more by BBG)

Hospital Productions honcho, member of Cold Cave, and Prurient mastermind Dominick Fernow will curate two weeks at The Stone in February. Lasting from February 1st - 15th, the shows will feature two artists per night including names like Northern Cross, Carlos Giffoni, Hell Hoarse, Hoor-Paar-Kraat, Yellow Tears, Pharmakon, Stephen Brodsky (who plays Saint Vitus soon), FFH, Yellow Tears, and many more. Full schedule for The Stone during Fernow's reign is below, and all shows are $5.

Fernow's East Village noise/black metal mecca Hospital Productions closed in December, with Fernow reportedly moving to Los Angeles and selling the remaining stock to Apop in St. Louis.

Dominick's band member in Cold Cave, Wes Eisold, recently played shows with his old band American Nightmare.

Prurient recently released the double 7" Wrapped in the Flame of Illusion, Masked in the Clay of Behavior via Dais. Download a track from that release above and stream it below alongside a listing of all upcoming events at The Stone.

Continue reading "Dominick Fernow curated part of February at The Stone"

by Andrew Sacher

Megafortress

Megafortress (aka NYC musician Bill Gillim of Tigercity) is releasing his self titled EP on January 31 via Ford & Lopatin's Mexican Summer imprint, Software. There's definitely a How to Dress Well vibe going on with Gillim's simultaneous understanding of ambient electronics and soaring falsetto vocals, but they differ in that Megafortress shies away from any type of beatwork, relying only on his voice, sampled bells, and synthesizer. Check out the lead track, "Green Child," which you can stream and watch the video for below. The album artwork and tracklist are also below. You can pre-order the vinyl at the Mexican Summer webstore now and an MP3 download is coming soon.

Megafortress has one show coming up and its in his hometown of NYC on the album's release date, January 31 at Glasslands. The bill also includes his Software (who is co-presenting the show with PopGun) labelmates Slava and Giffoni, in addition to When the Mountains Turn Blue and DJ Joel Ford (of Ford and Lopatin). Tickets are on sale now.

Slava also plays 285 Kent on January 20 with Huerco S, LF WInd (of Teengirl Fantasy), Innergaze, and Terekke.

Carlos Giffoni also plays The Stone on February 2.

Also catch Software co-owner Daniel Lopatin when Oneohtrix Point Never opens for Tycho at MHOW (2/4). Tickets are still available.

Video, stream, album art and tracklist below...

Continue reading "Megafortress releasing EP on Ford & Lopatin's Mexican Summer imprint, Software (song stream & upcoming show)"

Forma

If you've noticed that The Stone has been putting on some pretty great shows this month like Laurel Halo and Metalux, among others, that's because August 2011 is being curated by noise master Carlos Giffoni (of No Fun Fest) and Pi Recordings founder Seth Rosner. (not that any month at the Stone is ever bad.)

Their curation continues throughout the month and includes Spectre Folk and Forma TONIGHT (8/6) after Forma plays Warm Up with Simian Mobile Disco during the day.

Other artists playing throughout the month include White Out with Ikue Mori, Noveller, Oneohtrix Point Never, C. Spencer Yeh and Meg Clixby, Fieldwork, Sickness, Driphouse, Nautical Almanac, and others. Check The Stone's Calender for full show lineups throughout the month.

Some Forma song streams below...

Continue reading "Carlos Giffoni & Seth Rosner curated the Stone (Forma play after PS1 tonight)"

by Bill Pearis

DOWNLOAD: Seapony - Dreaming (MP3)
DOWNLOAD: Seapony - Blue Star (MP3)
DOWNLOAD: Eternal Summers - Prisoner (MP3)
DOWNLOAD: Kindest Lines - Destructive Paths to Live Happily (MP3)

Seapony

It's year three of the Northside Festival, which for one weekend a year makes Williamsburg's music scene just a little crazier than it already is. This first night (tonight) is maybe the strongest overall, in that there are a lot of great showcases set up where -- if you don't have a badge -- you can stay put and get a quality night of music. Or if you do have a badge ($70 bucks, a good deal if you plan on going all four nights) -- some tough decisions. These are my personal picks, and not a comprehensive guide. Clearly lots more is going on (and even more shows that aren't part of Northside).

Radical Dads

NYC Popfest has put together a really good show at Bruar Falls tonight featuring Eternal Summers, Reading Rainbow, The Secret History and Seapony. I highly recommend all four bands, but do consider going early (8:30) for Seapony who are here from Seattle and should appeal to those who covet 7"s from Sarah and Creation Records. MP3s from Seapony and Eternal Summers are at the top of this post.

Over at Union Pool,  Tiger Mountain booking (aka Skippy who books the Rock Shop) has a quality line-up of locals for ya. If you're looking for a great way to kick off your night, go here at 7:30 for Hospitality who make winsome but not unmuscular pop. Highly recommended. Later on in the evening is '90s indie rock loving Radical Dads whose great debut, Mega Rama, was released this week. (But not on vinyl...boo!). Pursesnatchers (Doug from Dirty on Purpose's band) finishes the night. Also playing: Lady Lamb the Beekeeper and Indian Rebound.

Kindest Lines

Meanwhile at Public Assembly the good folks of No Fun Productions, The Bunker and Wierd Records, have an evening of minimal synth, coldwave, industial and other dark arts planned. Performers include noise and sound artists Rene Hell and Carlos Giffoni; the ethereal, danceable sounds of Laurel Halo; synthpop traditionalists Xeno & Oaklander who make their music with seriously old-school sequencers and keyboards (patch bays are involved); and New Orleans' Kindest Lineswho make pop music that should appeal to fans of early New Order (and, yes, The Cure).  There's also a host of acclaimed DJs spinning in-between sets.

X-Ray Eyeballs

Primo Chicago garage label HozAc Records is hosting the debauchery at Shea Stadium tonight, with Xray Eyeballs (who also play the Kanine show Friday at Knitting Factory), the K-Holes, Making Friendz and My Teenage Stride in there as well to pop things up a bit.

Randoms: I also recommend catching Zaza at Coco66 (11:45, dark and sexy) and Mr. Dream at Glasslands (Midnight, '90s indie rawk).

Again, just my picks. Do go see some music tonight!

Continue reading "Bill's Northside Fest picks (Day 1)"

by BBG

Oren Ambarchi is a composer and multi-instrumentalist with longstanding interests in transcending conventional instrumental approaches. His work focuses mainly on the exploration of the guitar, ...[and he] has performed and recorded with a diverse array of artists such as Fennesz, Otomo Yoshihide, Pimmon, Keiji Haino, John Zorn, Rizili, Voice Crack, Jim O'Rourke, Keith Rowe, Phill Niblock, Dave Grohl, Gunter Muller, Evan Parker, z'ev, Toshimaru Nakamura, Peter Rehberg, Merzbow and many more. Since 2004 Ambarchi has worked with American avant metal outfit Sunn 0))) contributing to many of their releases and side-projects including their Black One album from 2005 and the recent Monoliths & Dimensions release.

Oren Ambarchi will play two NYC shows, his only two US shows for that matter, as part of a short string of dates (that does include some shows in Canada).

The first NYC show will be a solo show for Ambarchi on December 2nd at Le Poisson Rouge with Northampton Wools (aka Thurston Moore & Bill Nace) and Carlos Giffoni. Tickets are on sale. The second will feature the only US collaboration between Ambarchi, Keith Rowe, and Crys Cole at Littlefield. Loren Connors will support on the 12/4 performance, and tickets are on sale.

Northampton Wools also play the Rock Shop this Friday (11/12).

All Oren Ambarchi tour dates, and some video, is below.

Continue reading "Oren Ambarchi touring, playing 2 special NYC shows"

Kylesa @ Irving Plaza earlier in May (more by Chris La Putt)

tonight in NYC
* DANCE
* Diane Cluck @ Sycamore
* Forro in the Dark @ SOBs
* Dub Is a Weapon @ Zebulon
* Mountain Jam in Hunter, NY
* I Was A King @ Permanent Records
* The Hood Internet @ The Bell House
* Tortoise, Bird Show @ The Bell House
* Ravens & Chimes, Mia Riddle @ Joe's Pub
* KRS One, Kool Herc @ Santos Party House
* New York Ukulele Festival @ Baruch College
* Carlos Giffoni/Okkyung Lee @ Issue Project Room
* David Amram @ Brooklyn Conservatory Concert Hall
* Pelle Carlberg, The Drums, Las Palabras @ Union Hall
* X, Steve Soto & The Twisted Hearts @ Bowery Ballroom
* They Might Be Giants, Mixel Pixel @ (Le) Poisson Rouge
* Secret Chiefs 3, Kayo Dot @ Music Hall of Williamsburg
* Moderat (Modeselektor + Apparat) @ Music Hall of Williamsburg
* Black Star, 88 Keys, Black Violin @ Nokia Theatre Times Square
* Kylesa, Stinking Lizaveta, Unearthly Trance, Darsombra @ Cake Shop
* Screaming Females, Shellshag, Pregnant, Mimi & Christian @ Maxwell's
* Rural Alberta Advantage, I Was A King, Elevator Fight @ Mercury Lounge
* Todd Barry, Eugene Mirman, Matthew Caws (Nada Surf) @ Highline Ballroom
* Roosevelt Live w/ Alex Battles and the Whiskey Rebellion @ Roosevelt Island
* J.A.C.K., Coin Under Tongue, Kill Kill Kill, Plowing Mud Forever @ The Cameo
* Willie Mae-Ra-Thon w/ Pterodactyl, Grass Widow, Taigaa!, Querent @ Bruar Falls
* Earth Crisis, Crown of Thornz, Indecision, Killing Time, Bold, many more @ Studio B
* Little Wings with Kath Bloom, Bow Ribbons, Little Gold, Stallion Juice @ Monster Island

1990s were supposed to play Southpaw tonight.

Tickets are on sale for some special Steely Dan shows at the Beacon Theater.

Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Walter Becker and Donald Fagen have announced that STEELY DAN will bring their 2009 U.S. Tour to the Beacon Theatre for four nights of special setlist engagements.
The first three performances will be "Classic Album (Plus)" Nights where three landmark albums will be performed in their entirety along with selected additional favorites each night.
July 28 - Aja
July 29 - Gaucho
July 31 - The Royal Scam
The fourth night is an Internet Request Night where the setlist will be determined by internet votes from ticket-holders for the show.
August 1 - "Takin' It to the Seats"

Tickets are also now on sale for a similar type of Cult show at Terminal 5.

Mos Def and Talib Kweli perform as Black Star tonight for two sets at the Nokia Theatre Times Square.

Amanda Palmer & Neil Gaiman, who have a show coming up together at Housing Works, are performing a very short set together tonight at the Highline Ballroom show.

No Fun Fest curator Carlos Giffoni unwinds from the three day fest with a set at the Issue Project Room, performing with cellist Okkyung Lee.

WAVVES freaked out.

There's an afternoon BBQ at Monster Island today, which segues into "the final Animal Train party ever at Glasslands."

MONSTER ISLAND
4PM TO 10PM
ALL DAY MUSICAL BBQ

Paul Metzger, Elaine Evans, Colin Langenus and Marc Orleans, Perfect Weiners and Butts, Amen Dunes, Kyle Swick, Chef Kyle Hepp

THEN AT GLASSLANDS
10PM TO 4AM
ANIMALTRAIN PRESENTS

DJ jon spencer, DJ Jonathon Toubin, GoGO dancing, Preacher and the Knife, Try Cry Try, Secret Project Robot A/V, Live With Animals Circus Set

New York composer/multi-instumentatlist/raconteur/institution David Amram plays tonight and Sunday at the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music Concert Hall. Part of tonight's program celebrates Amram's ties to Jack Kerouac (which include appearing in and scoring the '59 Beat film Pull My Daisy) with "Readings from On the Road: John Ventimigilia of "the Sopranos" reading the poetry of Jack Kerouac with Amram's music." Pull My Daisy, and Amram discussing the film, below...

What else?

Continue reading "What's going on Saturday?"

words by Black Bubblegum, photos by Lori Baily

Bastard Noise

"LOUDER!" "TURN IT UP!"

After leaving Melvins at Webster Hall on Friday (May 15, 2009), where the thundering basstones of Trevor Dunn were vibrating my chest, it was a little odd that the sounds emanating from British power electronic terrorists Grey Wolves over at Music Hall of Williamsburg in Brooklyn, were comparatively silent. As their No Fun Fest set went on, the volume would increase from "mildly harsh" to "razor sharp", but one thing stayed constant: the squalls of caustic harsh noise squelching out of the PA.

Sound fun? It was. Behind that backdrop, Grey Wolves spewed caustic lyrics about hate, terrorism, and a desire to "fuck the pain way", and not like Peaches sang playfully in 2000. In between the confrontational lyrics, the vocalist sneered and grabbed his crotch, but not in the Jackson Family manner, the kind that would make your mother call the po-po. Intense, immense, a tad shocking, and completely enjoyable.

After Grey Wolves, my journey into the Melvins past would continue with their ex-bassist Joe Preston and his solo project Thrones. With a looping pedal, drum machine, and some sort of vocal harmonizer (anyone know?), Joe churned out compelling and doomy rhythms, leads, and everything in between, making for a fascinating one man show. I had originally thought that the Wolves In the Throne Room/A Storm Of Light show coming up with Krallice at The Studio @ Webster (5/26, tickets here) was the definite winner of the NYC shows on that tour, but after seeing Thrones on Friday, its a toss up... unless I make it to Coco66 on 5/21 to catch him with Blues Control, then I may go see him again with WITTR at Europa on 5/22 (tickets here)

The last act for the evening was Bastard Noise, the noise project of fallen powerviolence legends Man Is The Bastard. I caught a few songs from the noise-terrorists, enough to see Eric Wood thrashing around like a madman and require another listen from their awesome new album Rogue Astronaut.

How were all the acts who came before them? For poor Raglani, it was his last with his gear. Pictures and video from the whole night below...

Continue reading "No Fun Fest @ MHOW - night 1 in pics, video & review "

No Fun Fest 2009. May 15,16,17 at Music Hall of Williamsburg in Brooklyn. Daily Schedule,ticket info/prices will be announced by January 12.

Full lineup below...

Continue reading "Sonic Youth, Merzbow & Bardo Pond playing No Fun Fest 2009 (full 3-day, Brooklyn lineup)"

Photos by Lori Baily

Monday, December 1, 2008
7:00 p.m.

Film Screenings & Events
Thurston Moore Introduces Early Music Videos by David Bowie
Theater 1 (The Roy and Niuta Titus Theater 1), T1

Held in celebration of the recent gift from the David Bowie Archive of music videos to the Museum, this program presents a special selection of works by the celebrated musician, actor, and producer. Bowie, who began playing the saxophone when he was thirteen years old, worked as a commercial artist before studying mime and, later, playing in bands. In 1969 he co-founded Beckenham Arts Lab in South London, a crucible for experimentation that hosted artist studios, poetry readings, and events such as light shows, theatrical and dance performances, and puppet shows. For several of his videos, Bowie collaborated with the photographer and filmmaker Mick Rock, best known for his photos of 1970s glam and punk icons including Iggy Pop, Queen, the Ramones, Lou Reed, and the Sex Pistols. Thurston Moore, of the "No Wave" band Sonic Youth, provides commentary throughout the program.

More info and tickets for that are HERE. More pictures of Friday's show at Glasslands Gallery in Brooklyn (11/7), below...

Continue reading "a Thurston Moore/David Bowie MoMA thing & Glasslands pics w/ Zeena Parkins, Carlos Giffoni & C Spencer Yeh"