I endured quite a music marathon last night at Mercury Lounge. Nine Black Alps, Sam Champion, Hard-Fi and The Cribs. With so many UK representatives, it felt much like a CMJ showcase or something. We showed up a little after 8 and there were already two lines, the longer of which was heading east down Houston and wrapped around Essex a bit. Apparently NBA made such an impression on Saturday at Siren they were able to sell out Mercury for the early set. The only time I had seen the place so full so early was when the Killers played there last Summer. Pretty impressive. I was completely unprepared for this. Fortunately I ran into a guy I knew who happened to have a +1, else I prolly would have just left and not even known what I had missed.
I walked in on the middle of the Nine Black Alps set. They were really superb. What everyone says is true. They look, act, and sound like a young, British Nirvana. I don't think the comparisons are nearly as clear on the record until you see them in person. Very strong set to a fairly packed room.
You can listen to a couple tracks on their MySpace page.
Sam Champion was next, who were clearly the oddball band on the bill. (read: from Brooklyn, not the UK) They were solid. Quite a mellow departure from the rest of the acts. Good stuff tho.
Then followed Hard-Fi. These guys were the star of the show. First time in New York and they were fresh off the news they got a Mercury Prize nod. Tons of fun. Their hornless nu-ska is part of it, but they can't be labeled that easily. They are UNIQUE. Bring a lot of different sounds in. The album has some soaring high points, but I still need to give more time. They are can't miss live tho. Go see them at Rothko tonight. I've got more pics of the band on flickr. Here is my fav off the album.
The Cribs were last, and while I enjoyed what I heard, they were LOUD! My ears hurt. The lead singer apparently busted his lip or something at the beginning of the show and his mouth was covered in blood. After a few songs (including my favorite...see below) I had enough, knowing I'd see them opening for the Kaiser Chiefs on Thursday.
Shame I missed it. Sounds like it was a great evening at the Merc.
Posted by: Coolfer | July 20, 2005 at 11:13 AM
it wasn't sold out... there were no tickets to buy. pure guestlist. by the time the crbs got on, enough people had left that they let the line in, but noone who was there to buy a ticket to see hard-fi got in.
Posted by: bill p | July 20, 2005 at 11:26 AM
They were fucking amazing. I must have been standing right next to you. Sweet picture.
Posted by: cara | July 20, 2005 at 11:59 AM
Hard-Fi were incredible. I must have been standing next to you as well, since my photos are at the same angle and viewpoint.
Posted by: Christopher | July 20, 2005 at 12:23 PM
Nice to know the shows were good. I have been listening to all of these guys and wondered how they would come across live. Hope they come down to baltimore sometime. I am loving everything I hear from hard-fi...catchy as all hell. Thanks for the review and pics
Posted by: Ryan | July 20, 2005 at 01:06 PM
Saw this bill in Boston the night before...
HARD-FI Next big thing...believe it!
NINE BLACK ALPS Not bad, couold do ok
THE CRIBS Overrated UK band wanting to be American....and I think we already have quite a few overrated bands of our own thank you!!
Posted by: Kevin | July 22, 2005 at 04:01 PM
saw this gig too, but had a few different thoughts...
HARD-FI are the most overexposed, over-hyped band of, erm, well this month. chav-tastic darlings of Q magazine. one catchy song, but no good ones.
THE CRIBS are the best band in the UK, two years running. they can write pop songs that make anyone else in town drool and have a live show that make me feel like a thirteen year old fangirl. trying to be american? please. the boys are from wakefield. that's in northern england, where a lot is happening in music right now. and you can see that influence far more than an american one.
oh, and apparently ryan's mouth almost always bleeds at shows because he ends up hitting it against the mic while he's singing. just so ya know....
Posted by: joel gion | July 23, 2005 at 02:12 AM