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Last Night, Rocker Stalker Said…: The Attic Ends, Bright Light Social Hour, Lights Resolve, Black Taxi at Bowery Ballroom 1/14/12
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Last night,Matt Reich of Lights Resolve asked me post-Bowery Ballroom show, ”So, how was your dream...Last night,Matt Reich of Lights Resolve asked me post-Bowery Ballroom show, ”So, how was your dream show?” My answer was a simple, “Oh my gosh. Awesome!” I wish I could say more, but mostly I just sit and smile when I try. A celebration of Black Taxi’s newest We Don’t Know Any Better, the band pulled out all the stops, and not surprisingly, played to a sold out venue (It actually OVER sold out, almost 800 tickets sold to the 500 capacity venue. Apparently, even coat check was sold out!)
The Attic Ends started off the night with their atmospheric rock; their lead vocalist’s flowing, white night gown get-up floated over the stage and took on the spirit of their songs. Austin-based Bright Light Social Hour got the dance party going and the sweat pouring, with their contagious grooves and tight jam-outs. NY-born rock trio, Lights Resolve shook the stage with heavy guitar riffs, pounding drums, and dark, melodic tracks from their recently debuted record, Feel You’re Different. (Enjoy the live rendition of “Another Five Days” below.). Reich attached a plastic cup to his head with a rubberband in honor of Black Taxi’s penchant for horned animals (Check out recent Black Taxi posters or the new album’s cover. You’ll see what I mean.) It was a good look. At about midnight, the stage went dark, and the men of the hour snuck on stage. The lights revealed Ezra Huleatt’s body paint of multi-colored hand prints, bold streaks, and glitter (which was later sprinkled over the audience), and feathery accessories, as the band launched into an “oldie but goodie,” “Don’t Count Me Out.” Black Taxi touched on favorites from their first album, Things of That Nature, a highlight being “Up Here for Thinking, Down There for Dancing,” during which two generous Kickstarter contributors smashed guitars on stage (See below!). Happy chaos comprised of frantic dancing, jumping, and shouting (I strained my vocal cords) broke out and escalated when the band performed several already-favorite tracks off the new record, including “Friend,” “Do What you Gotta Do,” “Vultures,” and must-hear title track. All in all, it was an epic evening of friends, fans, and good music, the most essential elements to any “dream show.”
Reminisce!
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Black Taxi and Lights Resolve - Bowery Ballroom, New York City, NY (1.14.12) Posted by Matt Arena on 01.16.2012
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Launching their highly anticipated second studio release, Black Taxi partnered up with heavy New Yor...Launching their highly anticipated second studio release, Black Taxi partnered up with heavy New York trio Lights Resolve to piece together a stellar album release show.
Album release shows are usually nights when a band doesn’t share the spotlight, and rightfully so, it’s all about them and their new record. But New York area locals Black Taxi took a different approach to the show launching their second studio record, We Don’t Know Any Better. Adding Austin indie rock up and comers The Bright Light Social Hour as support and sharing the headlining duties with local New York buzz band Lights Resolve, they pieced together a stacked lineup. As much as I hate the phrase “buzz band” it’s never been more applicable than with Lights Resolve. Being hailed by Rolling Stone as the bastard child of Muse and The Bravery, they’ve been growing quickly ever since the release of their much anticipated debut album Feel You’re Different. That said debut album was pretty damn amazing and in my top 10 for the past year, so I was extremely excited to see them billed as a co-headliner. Black Taxi have more of a dancey indie rock sound than the straight up rock of Lights Resolve or even the groovy riffs from The Bright Light Social Hour, but the crowd seemed to be indifferent to the blend of sounds as they were rocking out as hard to the first song of the first band as they were during Black Taxi’s last track of the night. The Bowery Ballroom is one of my favorite venues and it was great to see these bands sell out one of the premiere venues in New York City.
The first act up was a group I was largely unfamiliar with, The Attic Ends, and I was pleasantly surprised with their set. They closest comparison I could think of is Florence + The Machine. Which is odd as I find Flo to be pretty droning and boring, but The Attic Ends used a similar strong female lead but managed to keep it from being repetitive and instead kept their sound fresh. If bellowing female leads are your thing, you’ll be glad to check these guys (and gal) out.
After The Attic Ends was The Bright Light Social Hour. Up until about 30 minutes before their set, I hadn’t heard of these guys but was quickly caught up to speed by a friend of mine who had listened to and was blown away by their album. And I was similarly blown away by their performance. They were riff heavy, blues influenced with smacks of indie rock. It was rather different from anything I’ve seen lately and was a huge fresh of breath air, as awful as a phrase that is. To say the crowd was receptive would be an understatement. The entire floor was bouncing along with the band members and they spun and hopped around stage, feeding off the waves of energy from the crowd. The instant they were done, I felt like I had just gotten off a roller coaster. Needless to say, I got their album as soon as I was physically able to. Definitely worth checking out. I almost forgot to mention their awesome beards. It’s hard to not love a band with impeccable facial hair.
Next was Lights Resolve. They are the type of band that I will drop anything to see. I’ve seen them in tiny basements, small clubs, even in a living room so it was a nice change of pace to see them in a place as big as Bowery Ballroom. Bassist Luke Daniels’ (or as he’s commonly known as, The Duke) thumping basslines shook my insides and rattled the floor, something that you don’t get in tiny basements and living rooms. They were loud, reckless and everything that rock music should be. It was a bit odd for me, shooting a band that I really know and love. I was torn between rocking out and getting good shots. Good thing with having one of your favorite bands local is that you can see them 4 times within a matter of months so I was able to take a couple songs off to get some shots. About halfway through the set they were joined by a masked fourth member who helped recreate some of the more intricate guitar work from the album. More similar to a bank robber from Point Break than a guitarist, the addition of another member certainly gave new life to their songs. Lead singer/guitarist Matt Reich does the heavy lifting as he muscles out thrashing riffs while unleashing primal screams on the audience in front of him. Not to diminish the contribution of The Duke or drummer Neal Saini, whose heavy fills and rapid beats that provide a foundation for the bruising sound that is Lights Resolve. I have a soft spot for heavy three-piece bands, and Lights Resolve are no exception. A great band and sounds even better live. Check them out and pick up their debut album Feel You’re Different. Trust me, it’s amazing.
Last act of the night was Black Taxi. Celebrating the release of their second album, they had the full attention of the crowd upon taking the stage. Lead singer resembling an Apache war chief more than a musician (no seriously, he had a headdress and everything), Black Taxi lit up the stage the second they stepped out. Jumpy backing tracks along with dancey guitar riffs, they blend punk rock and electro-dance to come up with a truly unique sound. Equipped with a keyboard, trumpet, and some string apparatus that after two shows I still have no clue how it works, but it sounds pretty damn funky. Taking the stage close to midnight and going late into the night, Black Taxi gave a perfect ending to a night that showcased show of the best new talent in the “alt rock” scene. It’s pretty clear that every band on this billing is going places and it’s only a matter of time before they’re selling out places 4 times the size of Bowery Ballroom.
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IN PICTURES: The Bright Light Social Hour & The Attic Ends Show Review
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This past Saturday, The Bright Light Social Hour and The Attic Ends opened at the Black Taxi CD Rele...This past Saturday, The Bright Light Social Hour and The Attic Ends opened at the Black Taxi CD Release show at Bowery Ballroom. The Bright Light Social Hour was recently interviewed by Untapped Cities in anticipation of the sought after event. Both opening bands, albeit disparate in music style, livened in the crowded scene at New York’s Bowery Ballroom. The Attic End’s dark, indie-pop sound had the crowd swaying while The Bright Light Social Hour’s Austin-rock influenced nature made fans jump up and down. One audience member, upon hearing The Bright Light Social Hour for the first time remarked, “These guys are fantastic! I want this [album] on wax [vinyl].”
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The Attic Ends Kills The Bowery...
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Model, actress & all-around hot girl Sammantha Rex is also the lead singer for the Brooklyn-based al...Model, actress & all-around hot girl Sammantha Rex is also the lead singer for the Brooklyn-based alternative band "The Attic Ends", which killed the Bowery Ballroom this past Saturday night.. If I had to describe their sound it would be somewhat a blend of Bjork and The Cranberries.. They're a really dope group and you should totally check them out, you wont be disappointed.. Plus Sammy Rex is totally ILLYORKER material ,see for yourself...
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Black Taxi / Lights Resolve / The Bright Light Social Hour / The Attic Ends - Bowery Ballroom - January 14th, 2012
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The show celebrating Black Taxi's New CD We Don't Know Any Better was off the hook. It featured 4 b...The show celebrating Black Taxi's New CD We Don't Know Any Better was off the hook. It featured 4 bands, two acoustic guitars being smashed, a brass section and Ezra Huleatt leaping off the balcony. The three opening bands all seemed extremely excited to be part of the celebration. I will be writing more about the show but for now, here are photos of each band and the set lists for Black Taxi, Lights Resolve and The Attic Ends. What follows is in order of appearance.
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Modern Man - The Attic Ends - Archeology -- Rock'n'Roll Hotel - July 10 2011
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The Attic Ends - From Brooklyn comes this interesting four-piece. But of course being from Brooklyn ...The Attic Ends - From Brooklyn comes this interesting four-piece. But of course being from Brooklyn means they have a diverse history which I recommend you read about at their website. They have drums, guitar, keyboards and a female singer. They come out strong with a thick shimmering rock sound that reminds me of early Banshees in a happy mood. Probably LA's Midnight Movies is the closest sound I have in my collection with a sound that is steeped in moody rocking psychedelics. The sound is a bit off early but seems righted by the second song when the vocals come through more clearly and the keyboards are better balanced. They walk a tricky tightrope just as the Doors did by having bass keyboards. I think perhaps using a real bass player may, like the Doors did, may be a way to go long term. But for now, that is a minor complaint as this set was very good. The singer can really wail away and has boundless energy. The three players lay down a thick steady interesting sound throughout their half hour set. The crowd is going nuts and the vibe is great. There are good things on the horizon for this band and I have a feeling they will be back.
DAVID HINTZ
WASHINGTON, DC, UNITED STATES
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Rockstar weekly features The Attic Ends
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Say Yes... To The Attic Ends
http://www.rockstarwe...Say Yes... To The Attic Ends
http://www.rockstarweekly.com/weekly/week5/
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Featuring: The Attic Ends
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Stepping into Spike Hill, in Brooklyn, NY I wasn’t sure what to expect. “The Attic Ends” is consider...Stepping into Spike Hill, in Brooklyn, NY I wasn’t sure what to expect. “The Attic Ends” is considered an Indie Rock band, a bit away from my norm so I was definitely excited to see what this band had to offer. I was pleasantly surprised with the eccentricity & the feel good energy this band had. It captures your attention even if you’re not up to listen. Samantha Rex’s voice is hypnotizing & sensual, you find yourself wanting to hear more songs & immediately plugging it into your iPod. The band members are Jan Christiansen on the keys, Pete Hur on the guitar & Bob King on the drums. A band that meshes together perfectly with the different rhythms & diverse musical backgrounds all come together to form the amazing group “The Attic Ends”
Samantha Rex was a pop star in Germany and came over to the USA to start new & venture into a different style of music & with a different vibe & energy. After many adventures and travelling cross country from California to New York. She found her nitch & the band was formed.
Here is just a closer look at what The Attic Ends is about. This all after a high energy live video shoot of their hit single “Home”. With adrenalin still at an ultimate high, I had a one on one with Samantha Rex the lead vocalist of the band.
Who Influences your style of music most? diverse mix of people from Stevie Nicks, Portishead to RadioHead meets The doors.
What genre of music would you consider your group & yourself? Indie Pop Rock
How do you see yourself & the group developing in the next few months & years? Taking over NYC! Proud to be an unsigned independent band. Planning to remain with no label. Prefer to develop the bands style & developing as an independent band creating & growing out their own style. Once they are ready in the future then they can develop within a label.
What would you consider your “I Made it” moment? Once we’re on tour for 3 years non stop. To touch people and know that we are strengthing woman everywhere. That moment will be when we know we made it.
What message do you have for your audience? Why be sad when you can be happy, embrace sadness to understand joy. Music is the epitome of every emotion don’t want anyone to feel alone & with my music they will have someone.
What shows do you have coming up? We will be performing in Mercury Lounge May 28th, The Bitter Ends On June 18th , hopefully touring all over the east coast. & end of July we will be making our presence in Germany.
There you have it folks your first look at “The Attics End” as told by ElizTalks! Don’t forget to check out the links below for more information on the band for bookings & shows.
Twitter: @theatticends
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Attic-Ends/178855965480291
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/theatticends
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Still Wondering, Still Wandering: The Attic Ends
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Still Wondering, Still Wandering: The Attic Ends
The Attic Ends has no ceilings the sky is not ...Still Wondering, Still Wandering: The Attic Ends
The Attic Ends has no ceilings the sky is not even the limit for this soulful band that mixes metaphysical lyrics with visceral production. I had the pleasure of attending their concert last Friday at Arlene’s Grocery on the Lower East Side.
The band is spearheaded by Samantha Rex a deceptively talented singer who toured with a German pop band as teenager. She stepped on the stage in a white sheer chiffon Victorian inspired chemise, and all eyes were affixed on her. She softly asked for some volume, in this light airy voice and I felt like I was entering a dream. She oozes femininity while simultaneously intoxicating your senses en wrapping in their world for the set.
Sam is the spirit and the band is the chaser, Pete Hur on guitar seduced the crowd with dramatic introductions and solos throughout the set harmoniously intertwining his chords with her voice. Classically trained pianist Jan Christiansen added sweet melodies with a touch of bitters with great riffs, that seemed like they were apart of the act but I sensed were improvisations, as if he were lost in the euphoria of the music they were creating. Bob King rounded out the cast adding just the right kick to take the whole experience down.
As I looked around the crowd they seemed almost hypnotized by the sounds that flowed from the stage, it was organic and ethereal almost like the band was making love to the audience, engaging in something natural yet sexual, and in that 30 min set we became one. Needless to say after they were done several folks went out to have a cigarette. This is definitely a band you want to watch out for.
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The Attic Ends: Say Yes To Me – Our guilty pleasure of the week, hands down. --
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The Attic Ends: Say Yes To Me – Our guilty pleasure of the week, hands down. Samantha Rex fronts bi...The Attic Ends: Say Yes To Me – Our guilty pleasure of the week, hands down. Samantha Rex fronts bi-coastal indie-pop group, The Attic Ends and she does it so very very well. There’s a great balance between black & white and color film found in the video for “Say Yes To Me”, while locations are split mostly between a sunny coastline and what the viewer believes to be Samantha’s apartment. Focus shifts in and out while Samantha’s beauty is outshined only by her shimmering vocal offerings. There’s lots going on here, and we highly recommend keeping a careful ear to the street for more from The Attic Ends in 2011 and beyond.
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Exclusive Interview with Attic Ends based in New York, America. This combo will have you shakin’ as there music moves your body, with there punk, pop and rock music. Click here for the full interview.....
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Are you a bumblebee, or do you see yourselves as stargazers?
Half of us are are stargazers, and ...Are you a bumblebee, or do you see yourselves as stargazers?
Half of us are are stargazers, and half of us are bumblebees, which keeps us balanced. You put a task in front of a bumblebee, they go from flower to flower getting it done. They can’t help it! That’s how they are programmed. But none of us are that short sighted. Stargazers live and breathe to make their dreams come true. When we are not flower hopping we are always looking-up.
Has the struggle to maintain and grow as individual and collective creative souls within the music scene any easier as time goes on?
It has definitely gotten easier. Once you are completely dedicated, which we all are, you can find your voice. As a group, we feel like we are just now finding our sound. We feed each others’ creative souls and foster each others growth by challenging each other and holding each other to task. We expect a lot from ourselves and having that support is what any creative soul needs to even be able to breathe in this crazy industry full of incredibly talented people and also so many charlatans. We need to trust each other to make sure we stay in the former category.
What project are you currently working on?
We are about to shoot our next video for the title track of our first cd Home, which was released on iTunes in December ‘10. We have been rehearsing, gigging, and supporting Home. We are really excited about writing songs for our next record. All kinds of ideas are flowing and sneaking themselves into the rehearsal studio. We are blessed to be in a position where we have discovered our sound and new riffs, beats, and melodies are just flowing naturally. For all of us, that’s our favourite part of playing in a band and we are having a lot of fun with that right now.
How has this project been that you’re you are working on?
Adventurous, heart-wrenching, soul-searching, glorifying, triumphant, nauseating, confirming, validating, terrifying, exciting... It runs the gamut of human emotions, there are sometimes tears and a lot of high-fives!
Is your world opening-up to more exciting things?
Hells Yeah!
Are you leaving your nest, to fly around the world with your band and
music?
Yes. That’s all we ever wanted to do. We love New York. We love Brooklyn. But we want to go to places like London, where so much great music that we all love has come from! We hear so many great things about the scene in Europe and we are definitely up for the adventure.
What’s the biggest thing you’ve done as individuals and as a band?
We wrote and released a cd onto iTunes in less than a year. That cd has been accepted by Pandora, and we are very proud of that. We are about to shoot our third video as well. We feel our biggest accomplishment has been that we have done so much ourselves, as an indie band.
Anything else you would like to say to our readership?
Music is one of the most important things in human life. Music is emotion, and we hope our music can touch some people out there. We look at it as a privilege to be able to contribute music to people’s lives, and we take it very seriously. We hope we can inspire people and help them get through experience they are going through. We have always turned to music, listening and eventually creating it as an outlet for emotion in times of pain and joy. Sharing it is what connects us all. That may sound a little cheesy but nothing is truer!
supersonic
