Pearls On Canal Street.....

In a situation in which our presence was demanded at two places simultaneously, we did our absolute best to bring you all the action from an uncharacteristically wonderful Friday night. Off we went to Pearl and Canal Street Tavern...

...first up was an early start over at Pearl. Yes, they actually started before 10. Up first was the noise rock trio, Caverns. Suffering through extended technical difficulties, the trio bowed out earlier than expected, but showed some promise once the ghosts are driven from the machines....

...next up was The Forms from Brooklyn, with their impeccable post-punk/indie pop that would have drawn in fans of Les Savy Fav or Berlin-period Bowie. In addition to the remarkable tracks on their new self-titled disc, the band also regaled us with a fine rendition of Nirvana's "All Apologies". I guess we're allowed to do grunge covers now....



....with the knowledge that we would need to be over at Canal Street Tavern soon, we tried to catch a few tunes from Human Reunion before taking our leave. As expected, the band was in fine form, with Jeremy Fredricks lambasting the audience in his trademark style and the requisite blips, screeches, and twisted rhythmic attacks coalescing into what we can only conclude resulted in a show we're sorry we had to leave...(yes, we went black and white on this one...why not?)...



...although we left Pearl early in an attempt to catch at least part of Captain of Industry's opening set, we failed. Miserably. Our loss. We were looking forward to catching the band before they head off to NYC to begin work on their much-anticipated third album....although we missed COI, we were in for a real treat as Southeast Engine prepared to delve into material off their incredible new album, A Wheel Within a Wheel. From the first note, it was easily apparent that this septet meant business. Frontman Adam Remnant commanded the audience's attention with his intimations and allegories as his band charged and chugged and restrained in all the right moments. With a nearly packed house, this was an incredible homecoming show for these Oakwood lads....




...if you'd like to see more photos from the evening, wander over here....