Photos/Review: Codeine @ The Bell House

Codeine @ The Bell House – June 29, 2012
Photos: Jennifer Harmon & Chris / Review: Chris

On Friday night, slow-core progenitors Codeine played their first NYC-area show in nearly two decades to one of the most focused and dedicated crowds of recent memories at the Bell House in Brooklyn. That is to say, during the band’s hypnotizing hour long set you could hear a pin drop during their most quite parts, and you could feel the energy utterly immerse you as they hit their most powerful moments. Many audience members in the front row stood with their heads bowed down and eyes closed, but make no mistake… no one was sleeping. Deeply concentrating on every strum of John Engle’s guitar, every whisper of Stephen Immerwahr’s lyrics, and every crash hit of Chris Brokaw’s drum parts just may be the best way to experience a live Codeine show. The set was absolutely beautiful.

The band’s reunion is somewhat of a celebration of the reissuing of the band’s discography, which includes two LP’s, an EP, and a smattering of demos and Peel Sessions--all of which are included on the deluxe box set which is finally on sale--earning the distinction of Pitchfork’s “Best New Reissues” title. Having seen the box set myself, it’s a beautifully packaged and comprehensive set. The band performed songs from all of their releases, even though current drummer Chris Brokaw (a singer/songwriter in his own rite) only played drums on the band’s debut Frigid Stars (I myself didn’t know if Brokaw or other drummer Doug Scharin would be playing that night until I saw Brokaw behind the merchandise table).

Opener Stephen Brodsky, openly a huge Codeine fan himself, seemed to have his greatest dream come true when he was invited onstage to perform “Cave-in” with the band towards the end of the set. It was a cathartic moment for the guitarist, who thrashed his head around on stage to the song a he played, making it one of the most exciting moments of the night. After the band’s set, which included a two-song encore, Immerwahr and Engle stuck around onstage and chatted with excited fans (myself included). When I asked Engle why they decided to put cats on their most recent tour t-shirt, he just grinned at me and said, “…that’s my cat.”

Codeine will return to New York City on July 15 when they play our other favorite venue, Le Poisson Rouge. Tickets are still on sale. In the meantime, check out the band’s reissues over at the Numero Group, and take a look at a set of photos Jen and I took on Friday below…

Photos: Mermaid Parade @ Coney Island

Mermaid Parade @ Coney Island - June 23, 2012
Photos/Words: Jennifer Harmon

Coney Island is the best spot to engage in people-watching. It's even more intriguing on the busiest day of the year - the annual Mermaid Parade.

I arrived at Surf Avenue around noon on Saturday and quickly joined the crowd of beachgoers flock towards the boardwalk.

What a sight to behold! Families, large and small, with little kids and babies, were there to enjoy the sunshine and spectacle of Coney Island. Clusters of friends in bikinis and neon-sunglasses patrolled the streets and boardwalk for the perfect spot to watch the parade. I had enough time to roam the entire area, observing the children with their cotton candy as blue painted ladies with shell bras floated by. There was lots of skin on display along with electric-colored wigs! I spotted the cutest older couple in bathing suits and fishnet near the Nathan's hot dog stand. They were sipping some beverages with friends and allowed just about anyone to snap their photo. They saw me with my camera and happily posed for me.

At 2 PM, I ended up near 10th street in front of Paul's Daughter. I could stand under the shade and savor my beverage before meeting my friends to witness the parade. We had a spectacular view of the procession and stood next to an interesting couple who were tourists visiting from London. The husband pointed out some of his "favorite ladies" in the parade and let's just say many of them had on pasties, tassels and other strategic bedazzled areas of the body.

We saw pirate zombies and scantily clad mermaid ladies in all shapes and sizes. There were shells, face paint, wild hair, and lots of glitter. We clapped, we laughed, we hollered out to all of our favorite floats and parade walkers. The lineup went on for over two hours with dancing and mini marching bands. A lot of the female contestants were in retro attire while others used the experience to express their own personal style with beads and silk and full body paintwork. Check out the photos and see how everyone expressed their own creativity. I think next year I should be in this parade with my boyfriend and some friends. Think I can make it happen?

Photos/Review: that dog. @ Music Hall of Williamsburg

that dog. @ Music Hall of Williamsburg - May 25, 2012
Photos: Chris / Review: Jennifer Harmon

It was a satisfying and joyful experience to witness ‘90s alt-rockers that dog. during the second night of two very special reunion shows at Music Hall of Williamsburg on Friday, May 25.

A devoted legion of fans turned out to the popular live music spot in Brooklyn. Although we missed Fred Armisen launch the sold-out show the night before, we were certainly entertained by the two comedian openers, Kurt Braunohler and Baron Vaugh. Laughter engulfed our bodies for almost an hour, producing the perfect segue for that dog. to grace the stage.

With beers (or vodka tonics) in hand, we watched the lovely ladies rock out alongside their impressive drummer, Tony Maxwell, who has not picked up the drum sticks in 15 years and is better than ever. That dog. immediately launched into some of our favorite punk and power-pop songs, including “Grunge Couple,” “Old Timer” and “Never Say Never.”

Photos/Review: The Cranberries @ Terminal 5

The Cranberries @ Terminal 5 - May 2, 2012
Photos: Trista Hou (Binshu Hou) / Review: Jennifer Harmon

It was indeed a nostalgic journey back to the nineties as The Cranberries lit up the stage Wednesday night inside Terminal 5. The 3,000-capacity venue was packed wall to wall with concertgoers, many in the age bracket of 30 and up, who enjoyed a libation or two before the show and then hopped in a yellow cab to the venue. Cozy couples and clusters of friends approached the entrance and raced inside to catch the band.

It was 9 PM sharp when the lovely Delores O’Riordan appeared beside her bandmates, guitarist Noel Hogan, bassist Mike Hogan and drummer Fergal Lawler. The alternative rock band from Limerick, Ireland, made the right choice by kicking off the party with a true fan favorite, “Dreams,” from Everybody Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We?

Photos/Review: The Cribs @ Music Hall of Williamsburg

The Cribs @ Music Hall of Williamsburg – April 13, 2012
Photos: Chris / Review: Jennifer Harmon

The Cribs returned to Music Hall of Brooklyn on Friday the 13th, two years after their last NYC appearance at the same venue. Following stops in Portland, Seattle, Minneapolis, Chicago, and Canada, The Cribs felt right at home at the familiar concert hall.

I was ecstatic to discover the indie punk band is indeed going back to its old school roots. Following Johnny Marr’s exit from the group last year, twins Gary (on bass, vocals) and Ryan Jarman (guitar, vocals), along with their younger brother Ross on drums, are back to touring as a trio. While we all loved watching the former Smiths guitarist rock out with The Cribs, there is no denying that the brothers pack more punch as a trio.

My first encounter with The Cribs came in the summer of 2007 at Lollapalooza in Chicago. Under the sweltering sun in Grant Park, I quickly fell for their beguiling good looks, stinging guitars, and infectious vocals.

Photos/Review: Sharon Van Etten @ Mercury Lounge

Sharon Van Etten @ Mercury Lounge - January 18, 2012
Photos: Chris / Review: Jennifer Harmon

Brooklyn-based singer/songwriter Sharon Van Etten delivered a beautiful, heart-stirring performance at The Mercury Lounge last night, sharing for the very first time new songs from her third studio album Tramp, which will be released February 7 on Jagjaguwar.

We stood quietly in the perfect spot nestled close to the stage, prepared to savor every word. At around 8 PM, the lights dimmed and Sharon Van Etten and her band made their entrance. Dressed in all black, the lovely raven-haired singer captivated us immediately. After greeting the audience and adjusting her guitar strap, she launched an hour-long set, playing the new album in its entirety, filled with alluringly anguished vocals mixed with ripe, full arrangements of guitars and drums.

“I loosen my grip from my palm and put it on your knee/You’re the reason I’ll move to the city. You’re why I’ll need to leave,” she sang during the heartbreaking tune, “Give Out.”

She became one with the guitar, allowing her dark locks to cover the left side of her face as she bent forward. Under the shinny haze of the red and blue stage lights, I was mesmerized by the way Sharon’s body and voice showcased such a wide range of happiness, fear and pain.

With a guitar pick in her mouth, we did not mind the fact that she apologized to the crowd at least a couple of times for “being clumsy” in between songs. Her voice was outstanding, showcasing powerfully passionate lyrics on all of the songs from the new album. The foursome sounded superb at Mercury Lounge, with the luscious mix of guitars and vocals, and even a harmonium, ukulele, and an omni chord in the mix.

She thanked the crowd numerous times for coming out on hump day - on a cold, winter Wednesday night. “But it’s still early so you can go on a date and have dinner still,” she told us.

It was not surprising that one female fan was close to tears. Sharon told her, “It’s okay to cry.” Her distinctive voice digs into your soul. At this small, intimate venue, I glanced around and observed how multiples faces in the audience appeared hypnotized by her voice and the lyrics off of the new album. At times, I felt overcome by sadness and regret but I also experienced a deep sense of satisfaction and hope. I longed for more.

“I am alone in this room with you/I tried,” she sang out during the last song of the night.

Sharon’s latest gig at Mercury Lounge performance is proof that this New Jersey native has taken her songwriting abilities to the next level. Her new material is a brilliant experience of everything she has created thus far. I can’t wait to see what happens next.

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Tramp is currently available for preorder over at Jagjaguwar's website. Sharon will be playing Bowery Ballroom on February 24 and then Music Hall of Williamsburg on February 25 and 26. Tickets are still available for all three. Below, take a look at a full set of photos from last night's show...

Photos/Review: ATP I'll Be Your Mirror - Day One (Chavez, Shellac, Jeff Mangum, Bonnie 'Prince' Billy)

Chavez

Shellac

Bonnie 'Prince' Billy

ATP I'll Be Your Mirror @ Asbury Park, NJ (Day One)
Photos: Chris, Nadia Chaudhury & Jennifer Harmon
Review: Chris & Jennifer Harmon

Well, the festival we've been writing about for months now is finally upon us, and it's off to a good start. Despite having to check-in at four different places before actually getting into a venue to see some music, everyone working the festival has been really friendly, and it's clear the attendees are all here because they're dedicated music fans. All Tomorrow's Parties has long held the distinction from other music festivals by accepting absolutely no corporate sponsorship, and for also booking talent that is geared towards die-hard music nerds. It's no wonder it's already been one of the most pleasant festival-going experiences I've had (never mind the non-stop pouring rain).

Photos/Review: Matt & Kim @ Terminal 5

Matt & Kim @ Terminal 5 - June 29th, 2011
Photos: Chris; Review: Jennifer Harmon

Brooklyn’s very own dance-punk duo Matt & Kim returned to the Big Apple Wednesday and rocked the night away at Terminal 5.
 
The couple, known for their thousand-watt smiles, has matured as performers and songwriters since their initial start together in 2004. Their fan base has exploded too, compared to when I first caught their enthusiastic act at Lollapalooza in Chicago in the summer of 2007. Back then it was a small day show and not that many people knew anything about the pair. What a difference a few years makes. There were at least 3,000 fans in attendance at the all-ages show, which sold out three months in advance of the gig.
 
The two-piece burst onto the stage with Jay-Z’s “Empire State of Mind” blaring in the background. “Let’s hear it for New York,” Matt & Kim sang along with the words of Alicia Keys. The couple quickly took their spots on a small platform set up on the stage.  They only needed a few square feet to rock out. Frontman Matt Johnson quickly got comfortable on keyboards while drummer Kim Schifino settled into the seat behind her silver drum kit.
 
“This is the best tour we have had in our whole life,” a characteristically giddy Matt exclaimed to the audience. “This is the best city in the world!”

Photos/Review: Dinosaur Jr. @ Terminal 5 (w/ OFF!, Fucked Up & Henry Rollins)

Dinosaur Jr. performing Bug @ Terminal 5 - June 23rd, 2011
Photos: Chris; Review: Jennifer Harmon

Fans were mesmerized last night from the very first moment alt-rock trio Dinosaur Jr. hit the stage at Terminal 5 to perform Bug in its entirety. Luckily we were able to cover the performance in conjunction with Vancouver music blog, the Backstage Rider. Visit BSR for even more photos from last night's show.

Singer-guitarist J Mascis said he was glad to be back in New York, the place where the band has always felt the most at home. It was crystal clear the audience reciprocated the love for Mascis along with bassist Lou Barlow and drummer Murph.

The massive three-floor venue was packed with an eclectic crowd of young and old concertgoers, including preppy guys and plaid-clad fellows. Some couples even brought along their kids, also lovers of kick ass rock music, who sat with their legs dangling from beneath the balcony - probably one of the best views of the stage.