The last time New York saw a 7th of June this hot, the Bowery Ballroom hadn’t yet been built. It was 1925, and Delancey Street on the Lower East Side was bustling with energy: this neighborhood was once the most densely populated place on Earth. 83 years later and the Ballroom is legendary – and tonight no less densely populated, as we launch our first ever Last.fm/Presents US live shows, in partnership with The Bowery Presents and a headliner who first appeared on our Hype Chart last August.
Kicking things off, The Explorers Club slice out guitar solos with the same sincerity they harmonize on every Beach Boys-esque “ooh” and “aah”. During “Don’t Forget The Sun” (as if we could today!) they croon, “I wish this summer sun could last the whole year long”, their voices lulling us like sunstroke’s setting in.
Flowers Forever, a recently-formed side project of Tilly and the Wall’s Derek Pressnall, takes the stage next under eerie purple-green lights and cut-outs of disembodied heads. Though dense and dark, Flowers Forever’s set is shot through with melody, and lifted by lilting vocals that evoke the Omaha scene (think Conor Oberst, Tim Kasher) they emerged from.
Lightspeed Champion follows, and despite an impressive US breakout at SXSW, critical praise for his album Falling Off The Lavender Bridge, and a spot on the Conan O’Brien show the night before, LC’s Dev Hynes displays a refreshingly self-deprecating “who, me?” attitude. He weaves between full band accompaniment (including Keith Murray of We Are Scientists on the opening song), solo guitar, and a stint on the keys, indulging in friendly banter with the audience throughout. When a fan calls out for Dev to comment on the finale of Lost, he sidesteps the request, assuring us we wouldn’t want him to get into it, and breaks out instead into his trademark Star Wars medley.
We captured the Lightspeed Champion performance on video, and you’ll have the opportunity to see it, along with an exclusive interview of Dev, over at Last.fm/Presents soon. Also, stay tuned for the chance to win a signed gig poster.
Thanks to everyone who made it out to the show last Saturday. Our series of US shows continues on Wednesday July 9th with Fleet Foxes and The Dutchess & The Duke at the Bowery Ballroom. See you there!
Comments
paradiddolo
11 June, 16:40
They’re awesome, I’ve already seem them live here in my country, gorgeous =D
Rupert
16 June, 11:20
brilliant, looking forward to checking out the videos!
Alex
3 July, 10:58
Real True Band “Lies unKnown”
Forget about tuning in to another band that sounds like the last ten you’ve just heard. “Lies unKnown” is a real true to life Detroit Rock & Roll Band. Originating from the surrounding suburbs, they have united together to bring you some of the best music the Motor City has to offer. Through their live performance at nightclubs, concert theaters and all age events, “Lies unKnown” is gaining recognition while connecting with an audience of all genres. The album tracks are available for download on iTunes, Napster, Rhapsody, emusic, LALA and other digital platforms. The full length album can be purchased from the following websites: http://www.myspace.com/LiesunKnown and http://www.darkgreene.com/.
Home is definitely center stage for the front man, singer/songwriter/guitarist “Justin Alexander”. As the driving force behind the band, he pours out his soul in each song of his performance. His ability to capture and address the attention of the listener is reminiscent of many legendary artists of the past. He was born in the city of Detroit on August 16, 1988. His parents were performing musicians, so, Justin started cutting his teeth on Rock & Roll from day one. But, by the age of five his parents separated, Justin’s heartaches, hard times and life experiences would become his writing template. Heartache seems to run like water in the streets and the pain expressed in his songs are of a broken home and an attempt to recapture what was lost. “Justin’s” lyrics tell of a path that one has to live to be able to write about.
Bassist “Sara Cole” is probably one of the hottest things that you will ever see with four strings and a skirt! But don’t get fooled by the visual appeal, “Sara” is half of the rock solid driving foundation for “Lies unKnown”. Passion, Emotion and Precision (PEP) are the only words that define “Sara’”, she is prepared and ready for what ever the moment brings, and she definitely delivers the element of surprise to her audience. As a lead guitarist “Jamie Allen” sets the stage with action, enthusiasm and fire. His approach on stage becomes contagious for anyone watching him perform. “Jamie’s” chops are a compliment to the music of “Lies unKnown”. Flavorsome melodic guitar riffs and superb backing vocals are the principal rudiments to any great live act. These undeniable qualities bring his performances to a new echelon.
“Joe (Joe Pizzazz) Piazza” drummer for “Lies unKnown” has the potential to steal every girl’s heart. Lighting up a stage seems to be effortless as he displays his charismatic persona that magically lures ones imagination. But, the business of performing live differentiates him from any other; he is all about giving an instinctive hard hitting performance. And, the fans have the satisfaction of experiencing the magic, when he hits it.
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