I know it's hardly the first house show in Brooklyn, but it was the one I've enjoyed the most. When I was in college I felt privileged to be part of the incredible music scene in Ann Arbor, where the local bands made music that was not only enjoyable but innovative. Even though New York ought to be Ann Arbor x 100 or so, this show was one of the few times since graduating that I've felt that same spirit.
This past Saturday Shayna was kind enough to host the show. Maya and I opened, Huggabroomstik followed, then Shayna's new band 12 Hour Shift, and finally Communication Corporation. I don't know how I missed seeing Huggabroomstik before now, because I've heard their name a lot and seen members playing in other bands, but I was thoroughly surprised and delighted. Pictured above, they had approximately a million things going on at any one time. One guitarist played a guitar with two strings, a drum stick stuck between the strings and the neck, and one pickup pushed partly into the body at an odd angle, and he used a beer bottle as a slide. That would be enough, but he actually played melodies this way! Then there was the girl playing the musical saw, the guy playing some kind of Elmo toy while holding up a triangle for the drummer throughout the entire set, and much more. The music consisted of heavy, psychedelic anthems with a masterfully managed amount of dissonance and chaos. The obligatory "cross-between" assessment would include Built to Spill, Pavement and the Polyphonic Spree. These guys are a revelation.
12 Hour Shift put an excellent bluesy feel on an old rock and roll style. The 4-piece's sound is a mixture of blues, rock, hip hop, folk and soul. It does justice to all of these categories but still manages to have its own original flair. The songs started out with a rough quality but throughout the set they matured into something truly moving. By the end of their set I was definitely a fan. Shayna's vocals were powerful and emotional. Her gritty soulful style set the tone for some of the band's most powerful songs. The bass player is very skilled and has immense speed and versatility. The guitarist has an incredible presence and seems to truly understand his instrument. The drummer is very powerful and his energy is infectious. As this band continues to perform I have no doubt they will develop into something very special. [this last paragraph contributed by Maya, thanks!]
We only heard a tiny bit of Communication Corporation before heading home, but any band featuring a Keytar has to be pretty damn good.
Overall the sound was good, the changes were smooth, and the people danced. A good time was had by all. All we need now is a name for this venue. Any ideas?
