Matt and Kim played likely one of, if not their largest, headlining show to date at Pier 54 in Hudson River Park on Thursday, one of three free concerts they are hosting this summer. The band later said they played to about 5,000 according to a post on their twitter account. The other shows will feature bands like Ted Leo and Yeasayer.

Team Robospierre (pictured below) opened the show with some punk rock that reminded of a Atom and his Package meets Rancid. I’ll let you decide for yourself if thats a good combination. After a DJ set from Flosstradumus, Matt and Kim took the stage with large screens behind them projecting images of the band and animations of leaf like shapes falling on top of each other in a rapid succession.

The band played a good mix from both their full lengths. While they played the songs competently, their weaknesses definitely peak through when playing to such a large audience. The simple set up of just a keyboard and drums works very well in a small club setting where people surround the band on the floor, but when playing outdoors to 500 people the music just sounds to empty. An addition of a touring bass player or some backing tracks could go along way. “Daylight” was a good example of this because the songs bigger sound definitely went a long way. Regardless, the band always seems to be genuinely appreciative and excited ( as always) to perform which is definitely a breath of fresh air these days.

All photos by Linda Wildemann

The Bouncing Souls played an intimate and inspiring acoustic set at Generation Records on Saturday, April 18th, which was Record Store Day. Being a fan of the band for 10 plus years now, having the guys down in the basement at the store was a huge deal for me. The guys were super friendly and stoked to be playing at the store. I loved every minute of it.  I really hope a lot of you made it out. It was a special day.

Check out the rest of the pictures after the jump.

Continue Reading

Priestess

All photos by Bill Shouldis

Here are some shots that Bill Shouldis took at the first day of SXSW ’09. More after the jump.

Continue Reading

The Gaslight Anthem and Heartless Bastards played to a massive sold out crowd at Webster Hall. Check out a few photographs below.

Continue Reading

You ever have one of those moments where you are sitting at your apartment, wondering whether or not you should go out and see a band that night? You think you’re too tired. You’re not looking forward to waiting for the train. You just opened a bag of chips, whatever the hell have you. My friends, I beg you, unless your guts are wholly opposed to it and Lost marathons are just too tempting, go out and see that band because you never know when you’ll see a show that blows your hair back.

The other night, I had one of those moments. I’d had been looking forward to checking out The Homosexuals at the Mercury Lounge for quite some time. I almost decided not to go out but I went anyways and christ, am I thankful I did. The band were one of the best live shows I’ve seen in a long time. I found myself smiling the whole time and bobbin’ my head endlessly. It was the type of show I would have kicked myself for missing.

I mean, I guess to start with The Homosexuals, you gotta talk about their lead singer Bruno Wizard. He is the leader and lone original member left in the band. The 58-year-old has more stage presence, charisma, and power than most, so naturally, he is the star of the show. The backing band were equally amazing though. One of my favorite moments was when the bassist totally ate shit but didn’t miss a note and got back up acting as if it was all of part of the show.

I’ll admit, I didn’t know that much about the band two months ago but I was truly taken aback by the power they unleashed on stage that night. Count me amongst the coverted. The message here…GET OUT OF YOUR APARTMENT AND GO SEE THAT BAND. Hey, and hopefully, it’s The Homosexuals or something even remotely close to being as good.

You can purchase the band’s recent 10″ Love Guns? over at Serious Business Records.