"Too Fake" might sum it up

There's no doubt that the Capitol/Virgin-signed Portland, Oregon band Hockey have some catchy songs, but my current take on the self-described "New Wave / Soul" group is undecided, but leaning towards..."too fake"?.

"Too Fake" is actually the name of the first, LCD Soundsystem-biting, track streaming on their MySpace. It's also the name their 7-inch single being released on March 2nd. In September, they received the honor of the Guardian's Band of the Day...

Too Fake presents Hockey's funky verbosity in all its glory, all hi-hat and harangues, forming an arresting statement of intent that sees the frontman declare in no uncertain terms, "I've got too much soul for you and it's breaking my heart in two!", 3am Spanish is a tumble of narcotic imagery and nagging hooks, like Mink De Ville had they spent longer at Studio 54 than CBGBs. Curse This City isn't miles removed from Primal Scream when they do funky while Work, possibly the best track, recalls the Stones when they went disco circa Miss You, and Preacher, like much of Mind Chaos, is maddeningly infectious. Song Away, one of many potential singles on the album, is almost too memorable - you can imagine radio going mad for this song about songs, with its references to "Roxy Music" and "80s grooves", and driving you mad next summer.

What are they like live? I know they were here for CMJ. Did you catch them? Regardless, they are back to play, not one or two, but FOUR NYC shows in the next four days.

The first is tonight, Wednesay January 21st, at Union Hall in Brooklyn. They play on what is actually an interesting three-band bill that's rounded out by Oklahoma's Colourmusic and Oregon's David Karsten Daniels who just finished some dates with Frightened Rabbit.

NYC show #2 is Thursday at Santos Party House. They share that bill with Cale Parks of Aloha and now-solo-on-Polyvinly Records fame.

The third one is Friday at Mercury Lounge. Futurecop!, Hey Willpower, and Theophilus London are also on that bill.

Last but not least, number four is at Pianos on Saturday. At that one they go on right before (Olga) BELL

All dates below...

Continue reading "Hockey play 4 NYC shows starting today, 2009 Tour Dates "

words & photos by Natasha Ryan

Saturday Night (1/17) Frightened Rabbit played a sold out show Bowery Ballroom, featuring openers Right on Dynamite and David Karsten Daniels.

Right on Dynamite is a 3 piece pop garage-rock band from Brooklyn. The band has received quite a few comparisons to The Strokes, which I think are a bit strange, as the overall sound leans more towards the emo-punk spectrum, seen in tracks such as "Mantra for Madness". They had a very energetic set with lots of handclaps, stomps, tambourine shaking, and playful hooks. The vocals reminded me of bands like Penfold, but with added choruses ranging from falsetto cooings to "do it do it" harmonies. I would recommend "Changing of the Guards" if you decide to check them out.

David Karsten Daniels, a nomadic singer-songwriter currently based in Portland, Oregon, was an interesting contrast to the opener. His songs frequently started with slow builds that climaxed to spastic guitar arrangements bolstered by powerful rhythms and additional vocals from his drummer, and then would slowly fade back out when Daniels came to the front of the stage to sing off mic. Other songs were sparser, sweet melodic ballads with clever story-telling lyrics. Although there were lots of howls and excitement in the front row, during the quieter moments loud bar conversation could be heard in the back. Stand out tracks were "Falling Down" and "Jesus and the Devil".

Frightened Rabbit. The very humble indie outfit from Glasgow, Scotland talked about how they weren't accustomed to playing in front of large crowds, but their engaging stage presence intended otherwise. They played their set wrapped in darkness, spare a few flickering strobes, giving the illusion of an arena show. They opened with the favorite "The Modern Leper", and played a few songs from "Singing the Greys" towards the end of the set before performing a 3 song encore.

(Editor's note: I got there just in time to see Frightened Rabbit. Bowery was crazy packed for their set, and as Natasha pointed out, the large amount of people made a strong impression on the band. The crowd also let the band know how much they were loving every minute of the show. I think it's safe to say 2009 is going to be a very good year for this band.)

Since Bowery, Frightened Rabbit went on to play an inauguration-eve show in Washington DC, and are back in NYC on February 2nd to play an all-request, acoustic show at Le Poisson Rouge. Honestly though, I hope they don't actually play that entire show unplugged. It will still be good, but maybe not AS good. Tickets are on sale. David Karsten Daniels is back in NYC this Wednesday to play Union Hall. More pictures from Bowery, and the FR setlist, below...

Continue reading "Frightened Rabbit & David Karsten Daniels @ Bowery Ballroom, NYC - pics & setlist"

David Karsten Daniels w/ his (frightened?) rabbit

David Karsten Daniels is a songwriter/composer/performer who has lived in too many places to really be from anywhere. He currently resides in Ashland, Oregon with his lovely wife and schizophrenic pet rabbit. He's spending this winter film scoring, snow shoeing and writing songs (about rabbits) for a collaboration with Richmond VA's Fight the Big Bull. Most recently, he's put out two albums and a few singles on Fat Cat Records.

David Karsten Daniels is out on tour, currently with his Fat Cat label-mates Frightened Rabbit, and then soon for a few more shows without them. Catch him tonight, Saturday January 17, at Bowery Ballroom in NYC, and then again this Wednesday, January 21st, with Colourmusic and Hockey at Union Hall in Brooklyn. All dates and a video below...

Continue reading "David Karsten Daniels (from Oregon) - 2009 Tour Dates"