Wrap Up: StereoactiveNYC/Hot Rocks Official CMJ Showcase — PART ONE
Saturday night was a big night for us. It was the first time we’d ever presented a showcase as part of the CMJ Music Marathon. And with nine bands playing from 6pm to 3am, we knew it was going to be a monster of a night. In the end, we’re hard pressed to think of any ways in which the night could have been much better. From beginning to end, every single band was great and the audience — filled with wonderful friends and completely new faces — was spectacular. Really, any time we start organizing a show, we try to put together something we’d like to go to with our friends. And, in that regard and so many others, we were lucky to have just about as close to a perfect line-up as we could hope for on Saturday night.
Chop Shop
First up was Chop Shop. As we’ve said before, this band is one of our favorite discoveries of the year (thanks to Mancino for the introduction, by the way). Still relatively young, in the brief time we’ve known them we’ve already witnessed quite a lot of development. They started out with an impressive sound and stage presence and built on it with the addition of Rebecca Capua on keys, cello, and additional vocals. On Saturday, they got things off to an amazing start, playing to an already quite sizable crowd that only grew as they continued their set. Each time we’ve seen the band, we’ve been more impressed than the last, so no surprise that this was the most impressive set we’ve seen yet. Unfortunately, they won’t be playing live again for a little bit as they take a break to continue working on new recordings, but you can bet we’ll be letting you know when they’re back out there playing again. After all, we’ll be anxious to see them again ourselves.
Chop Shop (above) kicked things off with a bang. They brought with them a nice sized crowd of fans and perfectly set the tone for the rest of the night with their charisma and energy.
The Secret Life Of Sofia
(photo by Ear Farm)
Next up was The Secret Life Of Sofia. We’ve been talking about the shift in their sound ever since they came out of hiding back in May. Well, it’s safe to say the shift is complete. It’s no longer the “new TSLOS sound.” It’s just “the TSLOS sound.” They’ve hit their stride and it’s quite impressive. With fifth man — and, we hear, possible permanent member — Dan D’Ippolito in tow to switch off various guitar, keys, and backing vocal duties, the band took to the stage for what ended up being the best show we’ve seen or heard from them not only since the hiatus, but ever. Seriously. But don’t take our word for it…
The Secret Life of Sofia (above) delivered their best performance to date. At least, for the shows I’ve seen them play – this was it. The band is truly finding themselves within their new songs and I literally got chills at one point. Sounds silly? It’s the truth. I love this band. When their new album comes out, watch out world.
I unfortunately only had time to catch a few songs, but what I heard was quite beautiful. Their stage was adorned with the previously mentioned flourescent lanterns, but no projections this time. Still, these guys are a band to keep an eye on.
Gold Streets
The third band of the night was Gold Streets. We’ve done a lot of shows with them recently and, every time, they bring an energy and confidence that makes each performance unique and fresh. Saturday was, of course, no exception. The band easily sustained the level of what was already an energetic night, playing the hell out of every song.
Gold Streets (above) hit the stage with their trademark groovy bass and split male/female vocals and got many people shaking and moving along with their Cocteau Twins meets Veruca Salt vibe. God how I love a Rickenbacker bass.
More to come…
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