As one of the larger shows going on during CMJ last week here in New York, Portugal. The Man played Terminal 5, along with Givers and Alberta Cross.
Alberta Cross kicked things off as the room, already half full, continued to fill in. As one of their first orders of business, the band dedicated their song “Rise From The Shadows” to their hosts, Portugal. The Man.
As CMJ was wrapping up on Friday and Saturday the irresistible pull of seeing some new acts and old favorites kept the energy going. Bands like Fort Lean and Cold War Kids had people coming out in droves.
At the Neon Gold party at Santos Party House, marathoners and fans alike took over both floors. The night promised some great acts including Fort Lean, Is Tropical, Walk the Moon and Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs.
First up was Fort Lean. It was a shock to see why this Brooklyn band was so hyped. No synths, no reverb, no nods to past noise gods to be found. Instead, there was straight-forward Americana with guitar driven songs and a great stage presence made this act easy to enjoy. This was the best kind of discovery as good craft goes a long way. Songs were not fussy or overly layered, instead they were textured and polished. The New York Times wrote about them and expect plenty more from this band in the near future.
Is Tropical is anything but. Signed to Kitsune, this band is intense and bass heavy. Sludgy insistent bass lines raced forward propelled by pounding drums and icy synths. Aesthetics and mystery shrouded the band and songs as each member concealed their face. Dark and bombastic, fans were behind this dark dance trio.
CMJ lived up to its marathon moniker. For five nights, hundreds of bands played, most more than once or twice. Some new discoveries were made while veteran acts were revisited. All in all, CMJ was a success for any music fan.
Kicking things off on Tuesday, there was a slight miscommunication as the Zola Jesus show at the Knitting Factory was not a showcase. Luckily, there were plenty of options nearby. Making my way to Cameo Gallery, I just missed Zambri but managed to catch Wise Blood and Headless Horseman.
Portugal. The Man @ Terminal 5
With Alberta Cross and Givers opening, expect this show to never stop rocking. Portugal. The Man as a band is built for the stage and should send fans off happy. Badges are limited, so if you are going as part of CMJ get there early to ensure entry.
Sub Pop/Hardly Art @ Mercury Lounge
The Dum Dum girls are the special guest headliner for this pretty awesome showcase. J. Mascis is the other big name on the bill, and while he is going acoustic, its still worth it to check him out. Still Corners and X-Ray Eyeballs round out the bill.
Iamsound @ The Delancey
Active Child, Lissy Trullie and Porcelain Raft make up this showcase. It offers plenty of diversity and with Active Child playing some larger venues during CMJ, this is a good chance to see the band in a smaller venue.
Fenway Records at The Studio at Webster Hall
We are Scientists headline this showcase. Its a small show that features The Static Jacks but it won’t disappoint in terms of energy.
Friday 10/21
Kanine @ Cake Shop
Zambri and Eternal Summers are two buzzed bands hitting CMJ, so what’s better than seeing them in one place? Royal Baths and X-Ray Eyeballs make this show even better.
Neon Indian @ Webster Hall
This is going to be quite crowded and should be on the list of many CMJ goers. Having seen Neon Indian twice over the summer and their new material, their live show is definitely worth catching. Neon Indian – Polish Girl
Santos Party House
Neon Gold takes over upstairs with Gordon Voidwell, Fort Lean and The Knocks for a nice eclectic start to the night. Down stairs features Is Tropical, French Horn Rebellion, Savoir Adore and Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs. Definitely not a bad way to spend a Friday.
The CMJ Music Marathon is upon us. Starting tomorrow, multitudes of fans, bands and industry types will fill venues throughout NYC. It’s a time for excitement and panic because of all the choices. We thought a day-by-day breakdown would be nice, offering you broad view of what’s in store. Get ready, here is part 1 covering Tuesday and Wednesday. Plan accordingly.
Tuesday, October 18
CMJ Kicks off with a bang. Some easy choices as well as some hidden gems. Here is our take on what’s important. You can also view the full schedule at schedule.cmj.com.
Live4Ever Showcase at Brooklyn Bowl
Great UK acts and some late night DJ’s? Yes please. Live sets from The Duke Spirit, Figo, Damn Dogs, Pint Shot Riot and DJ sets late into the night with LA Riots, VHS or Beta and Boyhollow. The show is free with a RSVP and to CMJ badge holders. Doors @ 6pm.
Zola Jesus at Knitting Factory
Zola Jesus just released the pretty awesome Conatus and this is the first chance to catch her at CMJ. Packing a big voice and even bigger songs, catch her at the small Knitting Factory and let it wash over you. If you can’t catch Zola Jesus on Tuesday, you can see them again at Le Poisson Rouge on Wednesday (although it’s not a CMJ show). Doors @ 7:30pm Zola Jesus – Vessel
Computer Magic at The Delancey
There’s this great solo electronic-pop artist Danielle (“Danz”), aka Computer Magic came down to join us living in New York, coming from upstate, and we’re glad she did. Set time 9:40 p.m.
Wild Flag at Bowery Ballroom
This show will be well attended. Show up early, got a good spot and enjoy. Carrie Brownstein and company deliver a wild live performance. The show is sold out, so the only way to get in is with a badge or scalping a ticket. Eleanor Friedberger and Hospitality open. Doors @ 7:30pm. Wild Flag – Glass Tambourine by Off Air
Public Assembly
I’m cheating a bit on this since there are two showcases going on at Public Assembly. Mexican Summer has a showcase in the Back Room featuring Light Asylum and Radio People. In the Front Room, Car Park/Paw Tracks has their showcase featuring Class Actress, Dent May and Cloud Nothings. Doors @ 7:30pm for both shows.
Titus Andronicus
Popgun Booking and Stereogum are throwing quite the party at Glasslands. Titus Andronicus and Delicate Steve are playing along with Chelsea Wolfe and Hollerado. Doors @ 8pm.
