Posted by The G on April 14, 2011 under Encounters with G, G Reviews | 
Photos by G.
Nathan Nicholson of The Boxer Rebellion
On April 13, 2011, The Boxer Rebellion rocked the roof off New York’s Bowery Ballroom. After great sets by Zach Williams and the Bellow and We Are Augustines (more on each band coming soon), TBR hit the stage at 10:30 and played for 2 hours! Mixing old material with songs from their latest album “The Cold Still,” The Boxer Rebellion kept the audience mesmerized for their entire set.
The Boxer Rebellion
The Boxer Rebellion’s music takes you on a journey and each of their 3 albums are meant to be enjoyed as a whole instead of the typical “hit and album filler” formula that so many bands adhere to. I loved the whole show and highlights for me were “Spitting Fire,” “Semi-Automatic,” and “If You Run,” (which was featured on the “Going The Distance” soundtrack). After the set, the band hung out at the merch table and greet fans. Lead singer Nathan Nicholson was extremely cool. See a photo of my encounter with him as well as the set list after the jump.
Read more of this article »
Tags: 2011, April 13, Band, Bowery Ballroom, Lead Singer, Nathan Nicholson, New York, Photos, Review, Setlist, The Boxer Rebellion
Posted by The G on February 28, 2011 under Encounters with G, G Reviews |
Photos by G.
Matthew Iwanusa of Caveman
On February 26, 2011, New York’s afro-beat/new-wave band Caveman opened for White Rabbits at a sold out show at New York’s Bowery Ballroom. Lead singer Matthew Iwanusa announced that it was almost one year ago to the day when Cavemen played their first ever show. This was my first exposure to their music and I liked what I heard. Their bio describes their sound as “equal parts chamber pop, dreamscape, and horror film score. At a Caveman show you will hear four-part harmonies, spaced-out guitars, synths, and, yes, much drumming.” Good stuff. I was unable to locate free mp3s for you, but you can stream a bunch of songs on their myspace page (link is above).
Caveman
I met lead singer Matthew Iwanusa of Caveman after the set and he was very cool. You can see a photo from that experience as well as the setlist after the jump. Thanks again Matthew and best of luck to Caveman.
Read more of this article »
Tags: 2011, Band, Bowery Ballroom, Caveman, February 26, Images, Matthew Iwanusa, New York, Photos, Review, Setlist
Posted by The G on January 28, 2011 under G Reviews |
Photos by G.
Cloud Runner featuring Matisyahu (seated)
Matisyahu, the Hasidic Jewish reggae musician, rounded up some of his friends and former bandmates and formed the super group Cloud Runner. They performed their second ever show on January 27, 2011 at New York’s Bowery Ballroom. Though they claimed they were just “messing around,” the band was so tight, you’d think they’ve been around for years! Aside from techno, country and classical, pretty much every style of music was heard on the stage. The band played free-form jams that were like mini-rock operas and it was amazing! Matisyahu sang, rapped, beatboxed and sang reggae during the course of the over 2 hour show.
Matisyahu
It is unclear if Cloud Runner will be playing more shows or if it was just a bunch of friends (and extremely talented musicians) just having fun for a few nights. However, if more shows are announced, I definitely recommend you see Cloud Runner!
See the setlist after the jump.
Read more of this article »
Posted by The G on January 20, 2011 under G Reviews |
Photos by G.
Michael Fitzpatrick of Fitz and the Tantrums
When I arrived at the Bowery Ballroom in New York to see LA-based band Fitz and the Tantrums on January 19, 2011, I had no idea what to expect. Aside from knowing that the show was sold out and that Samuel, a pop/soul singer I’ve seen before and loved (and more on Samuel coming soon) was the opening act, I knew very little about this band on the rise. Their music has elements of soul, indie rock and jazz and when you put that combination together, you’ve got a night of fun live entertainment. Lead singer Michael Fitzpatrick has a great stage presence as he dances around and kept the crowd engaged the entire night. He shares vocal responsibilities with Noelle Scaggs who has a great voice and watching her shake her groove thing was infectious! The band was tight and they said multiple times how happy they were to be playing for us in New York. The feeling was mutual as the last time Fitz and the Tantrums played Manhattan, it was at a much smaller venue. Making the night extra special was the fact that Michael Fitzpatrick’s parents were in the crowd.
Fitz and the Tantrums
The band played a couple of new songs that were apparently written less than 2 weeks ago. Fitz asked the crowd if they should keep them in the repertoire and the audience response was an overwhelming YES! A cover of Eurythmics’ “Sweet Dreams” was also played and a video of that will be coming soon. The final song of the night was “Moneygrabber” and Michael Fitzpatrick broke the song down and asked everyone in the audience to get as low to the ground as possible. Everyone followed his instructions and when he gave the word, the audience broke free into reckless abandon. It was pretty awesome! Speaking of “Moneygrabber,” you can grab your own free mp3 of the song for no money by signing up on the band’s mailing list on their official website! Fitz suggested we all say hello to him and the band on our way out of the venue and pictures from my encounter with Fitz and Noelle Scaggs will be coming soon. Stay tuned. Also stay tuned for Fitz and the Tantrums when they come to your town. I hope you have as much fun as I had.
See another photo and the setlist after the jump.
Read more of this article »
Tags: 2011, Bowery Ballroom, Fitz And the Tantrums, January 19, Lead Singer, Live, Michael Fitzpatrick, New York, Noelle Scaggs, Pictures, Review, Setlist
Posted by The G on November 25, 2010 under G Reviews |
Photos by G.
Foxy Shazam
When a band has the name Foxy Shazam, I found it impossible to not go see them live. I’m glad I made the decision. When the Ohio rockers played at Bowery Ballroom in New York on November 24, 2010, it was quite a site! This band is insane! Their music is rockin’ and I loved every second of their show. Lead singer Eric Sean Nally kicks the mic stand and dances around it in a way that would make James Brown proud. He does flips, pushups and spins around the stage while he sings! At one point he asked the audience if anyone had any cigarettes. Someone in the front pulled out a pack and Eric Sean Nally took 4 smokes from that person. He lit them all, took a few puffs while singing and then ATE THEM! I have video for proof! Stay tuned. Eric also told quite a few tall tales where the story would last for quite awhile, and the punchline was obviously total bullshit. For example, he talked about how much money the band makes and then he said he spent his entire share on fireworks! What does all this mean? If Foxy Shazam comes to your town, don’t even hesitate about seeing them live!
FOXY!
See another picture and the setlist after the jump.
Read more of this article »
