Next was Nero's Day At Disneyland. Its kind of completely backwards that the first time I finally catch this is in Texas because this guy is from Oakland. Anyway, I was kind of reeling from being on my knees between the two drum kits to get photos of Foot Village so the sheer cartoon virtuosity of this music didn't hit me right away. But once it did I was blown away. This guy plays crazy piano with the flare of a totally insane inbred Germanic prince or something and he embellishes it with some screwed up electronics a la Venetian Snares. Completely hyper,insane and overly indulgent, true to his namesake. I was so into it. Don't be dumb like me. Nero's Day at Disneyland is out of Oakland so there is no need to travel hundreds or thousands of miles to catch this, which you should definitely do.
Sadly, I didn't get any photos of Kevin Shields and her sewing machine of doom. But, it was a pretty neat performance and I kind of loved watching the crowd head banging to her harsh noise thrash in rhythm with her hand motions on that machine. Maybe you had to be there though.
And then, for something completely different, Devon Williams played some seriously gorgeous pop music. Ok, actually first they played a few covers including a messy but totally spot on cover of Alex Chilton. Then they played some seriously gorgeous pop. What I like about the live set up of this band is its so rock 'n roll. The recorded stuff is pretty and orchestrated and sweet and earnest (in a good way) and melodic and people make comparisons to Nilsson, but live the band is really dynamic, the guitar is assertive, and the songs are bursting with energy. I get excited watching it.
Showing posts with label devon williams. Show all posts
Showing posts with label devon williams. Show all posts
2008/03/20
SXSW: Deathbomb Arc/The Smell showcase (pt. 2)
2007/09/11
Photos: Colossal Yes, The Mantles, Devon Williams
This show was fun. Apparently The Mantles have been around for a year, can fill the Hemlock, and have a record out. They play a garage-y kinda paisley underground fair. A garage rock band from Oakland? I liked them though. This was the first time I'd ever heard of them -- I'm so out of touch.
Anyway, Colossal Yes is, apparently, half of The Cuts -- Andy and Garrett (aka Sgt. Party! of the excellent Rockpile) -- although their myspace doesn't claim they've ever played with Andy before. Wow, a special show! It kinda was, these guys couldn't stop laughing the whole time and I ended up having a great time watching them even if I don't really 'get' Colossal Yes and their soft rock stylings. I should say I don't really 'get' soft rock stylings at all. I don't, so stop talking to me about Steely Dan already!
Oh, and Devon Williams from down L.A. way was my favorite act of the evening. They played sweet pop songs with some nice string arrangements, with some nice reverb laden guitar (a la the early Church sound) and held down by a strong rhythm section. Kinda awesome, check out Elevator or How Could I Not on the myspace.
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