GEMS //

NIKI & THE DOVE perform THE FOX at Glasslands in Brooklyn on...

Mon, 13 Aug 2012 13:38:09 -0400

NIKI & THE DOVE perform THE FOX at Glasslands in Brooklyn on June 14th 2012

A flower child at a Donovan show in 68 peppered with a club kid dolled up for a long night at the Limelight – this was my first impression of Niki and the Dove, as the frontwoman emerged from backstage. It seemed impossible to predict what type of music I was in for, however, I was swiftly engulfed in the vibe which was both epic and fanciful. Magnus Böqvist commanded heavy rhythms behind the drums while Gustaf Karlöf crafted dreamy moods on the keyboard. Malin Dahlström’s vocals transitioned sharply between flirty screeches and unconditional war cries. The blend was natural and instinctive and at times, I felt like I was in a cathedral. Other moments, I was adventuring heroically through a dark and enchanted forest, machete in hand. Niki and the Dove reminded me that there’s really only one reason that we all go to live shows – to get lost in the music.

- Graham Savage Wasley

LITTLE SCREAM performs THE LAMB live at The Rock Shopin Brooklyn...

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 11:15:30 -0500

LITTLE SCREAM performs THE LAMB live at The Rock Shop
in Brooklyn on December 2nd 2011

Little Scream’s 2011 release, The Golden Record, is nothing short of outstanding. But live…she is sublime. “The Lamb” performed here, breathes a different color into a track that is otherwise ghostly and foreboding, yet stately. Not only does she lead her band mates in effortless three part harmonies- but she had the moxie to arrange her songs for live performance to include a BASS FLAUTIST! Pa POW! You’ll have to wait for her next tour her catch Little Scream; however…she’s currently on a well deserved break, probably painting. Is there anything Laurel doesn’t do exceptionally well?

- Meghan Currier

LAURA MARLING performs NIGHT AFTER NIGHT at McKITTRICK HOTEL in...

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 11:09:49 -0500

LAURA MARLING performs NIGHT AFTER NIGHT at McKITTRICK HOTEL in New York City December 11th 2011

Laura Marling is the calm and the storm. Her presence and her music are terribly beautiful. Haunting and honest, tragic yet magical, nostalgic, timeless. An old soul through and through, Marling enraptured her audience wielding only her guitar and her voice. Upon taking the stage, her admirers fell into a concentrated hush, hanging on to every note like a prayer. A spell was cast over the old and mysterious McKittrick Hotel (which couldn’t have been a more fitting venue). And as Marling sung into the lights like a lonely heroine, she spun tales like a bard, which were far more ancient than her 21 years suggest. This performance only reconfirmed Laura Marling as a true poet and performer. Watch this rendition of “Night After Night”, which is also featured on her most current release, A Creature I Don’t Know. Prepare to be bewitched.

Meghan Currier

REVEREND VINCE ANDERSON & HIS LOVE CHOIR perform “GET OUT OF...

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 09:34:49 -0500

REVEREND VINCE ANDERSON & HIS LOVE CHOIR perform “GET OUT OF MY WAY” at Union Pool in Brooklyn November 7th 2011

The revival is alive and unlike the church you may remember from childhood.

One trip to see The Reverend Vince Anderson at Union Pool on a Monday night and you’ll understand why most folks around here have joined “The Church of The Holy Unruly.” Being a longtime figure in the Williamsburg music scene, along with his band, The Love Choir, Vince commands his congregation through two late night sets every week, praying to the gods of soul and reggae in what he calls ‘the dirty gospel’. This is it- feel good music, taste good beer (Sixpoint Brewery just honored The Rev with his own beer), and audience participation at unthinkable decibels for a school night.

Its time to get saved everybody!! We’ll see you at Union Pool.

-Bryan Cosgrove

JACUZZI BOYS perform “COOL VAPORS” for the Hardly...

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 16:31:27 -0500

JACUZZI BOYS perform “COOL VAPORS” for the Hardly Art CMJ showcase at Death by Audio in Brooklyn October 21st 2011

The fire-code breaking capacity crowd at Williamburg’s Death By Audio exploded into a limb-thrashing, toe-smashing, beer spraying frenzy, when Jacuzzi Boys frontman, Gabriel Acala, struck the first powerful chords of ’Cool Vapors’.

The Jacuzzi Boys breakneck, asthma inducing set had members of the crowd peeling off just to catch a breath and wipe the sweat from their brows. They should have been selling health insurance to this crowd, and towels, and maybe one of those 5-in-1 bath products.

The set served as a great portrait of Miami’s hottest band right now (fellow GEMS filmed Miami band, ANR definitely share mention as well). With their stellar, more pop-fueled follow-up LP, “Glazin”, and a 30 city tour on schedule, the Jacuzzi Boys are on their way to showing the rest of the country what kind of party a couple of sweaty Miami boys can throw. I highly recommend attending.

The Hardly-Art showcase was a nice break from the un-sound-checked melee of bands that makes up a good majority of the festival these days. The Jacuzzi Boys were the ass-kicking two scoops and a cherry on top of this sundae of a show. I fuckin’ love ice cream and I fuckin’ love this band. Now imagine eating ice cream in a jacuzzi. Go see these guys!! Best party I’ve been to all year!!

- Philip Quinaz

JACUZZI BOYS perform “GLAZIN” for the Hardly Art CMJ...

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 16:31:21 -0500

JACUZZI BOYS perform “GLAZIN” for the Hardly Art CMJ showcase at Death by Audio in Brooklyn October 21st 2011

CHANCHA VIA CIRCUITO performs at Public Assembly in Brooklyn for...

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 16:30:44 -0500

CHANCHA VIA CIRCUITO performs at Public Assembly in Brooklyn for the Damn Zun iBomba party April 29th 2011

More than just a DJ, breakthrough Argentinian producer Chancha Via Circuito embraces a native sound and tradition that has sparked a new movement in South American dance music, reimamgining traditional cumbia music. As this musical campaign spreads throughout the globe, Chancha, along with his mates on the ZZK record label had the chance to bring the tastes of their distant lands to Brooklyn’s Public Assembly. That mission was palpable in Chancha’s live set that evening. The synthesis of electronic percussion and melodic circuitry galvanized the crowd into a hypnotic state of hip-turning and head-nodding deep into the night. You can check out Chancha Via Circuito’s full set on this podcast he put together for XLR8R earlier this year. Stay tuned to the ZZK site for future releases and tours.

- Bryan Cosgrove

ZAKEE performs “DOPE GIRL” Live at Public Assembly in Brooklyn...

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 16:29:53 -0500

ZAKEE performs “DOPE GIRL” Live at Public Assembly in Brooklyn for the Damn Zun iBomba Party April 29th 2011

Here is a bonus video from the ZAKEE show we filmed our first season. His album, Assimilations, is now available on iTunes. For the latest on ZAKEE, keep up with him on twitter: @iamzakee

ZAKEE performs “SPOTLIGHT” Live at Public Assembly...

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 12:57:00 -0400

ZAKEE performs “SPOTLIGHT” Live at Public Assembly in Brooklyn for the Damn Zun iBomba Party April 29th 2011

Perhaps you’ve heard ZAKEE’s name before - Maybe you’ve caught one of his laced out, bass heavy, kuduro flavored dj sets. Most likely you’ve heard his superb production on tracks released by Rye Rye & MIA. Now. Forget all that. This performance is the first taste ZAKEE has offered of his newest project (and forth-coming album on Green Owl Records / Warner Music Group), ASSIMILATIONS, a showcase of his infallible beats & melodies, genius lyrics sang & spat. The show was a beautiful thing to behold, this particular song, Spotlight, is dream like; an urban lullaby, something I’ve heard referred to as “future soul,” an astute title for a divergence of reverberations— influenced & inspired. You’re gonna see ZAKEE out in the world soon & most definitely you’re gonna hear him.

- Jessica Flores

ANR performs “THE ENDLESS FIELD OF MERCURY” at...

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 08:05:00 -0400

ANR performs “THE ENDLESS FIELD OF MERCURY” at Public Assembly in Brooklyn April 6th 2011

There are very few musical qualities that I am a sucker for: 1. men who sing really well in falsetto, and 2. lead singer drummers. I was totally slain by Awesome New Republic the first time I heard “Endless Field of Mercury” –check out the Miami duo’s extended rendition of the song performed live at Public Assembly in Brooklyn. These are two dedicated young men that serve up drama and intensity worthy of a teen movie, and I mean that in a good way.

- Meghan Currier

YC THE CYNIC performs “THE HARDER IT IS” for the...

Tue, 24 May 2011 07:00:00 -0400

YC THE CYNIC performs “THE HARDER IT IS” for the “Fall FWD” mixtape release party
at Southpaw in Brooklyn on March 1st 2011

YC the Cynic’s impeccable breath control and vocal clarity give his live show an intimate feeling, inviting the crowd into his world…a world they leave undoubtedly thinking to themselves one thing: “this kid can rap!”. At the release party for 2nd mixtape, Fall FWD, at Southpaw, the crowd packed in, reciting YC the Cynic’s lyrics, and throwing their hands up whenever he asked. He performed for over an hour, bringing out special guests, and delighting his fans, deftly shuffling through his relatively young catalog, with a few impressive a cappella verses thrown adeptly into the mix. The crowd cheered his name as he walked off the stage, begging for an encore. It was a performance and a response fit for a veteran; it was his first ever headlining concert.

-Alex M. Damashek

MY GOLD MASK performs “YOUR COO KA CHOO” at Public...

Tue, 03 May 2011 12:39:00 -0400

MY GOLD MASK performs “YOUR COO KA CHOO” at Public Assembly in Brooklyn April 6th 2011

My Gold Mask is Chicago based Gretta Rochelle and Jack Armondo. Yes, Rochelle’s soaring vocals have been said to echo the likes of early Karen O, Blondie, or Pat Benatar- but it’s My Gold Mask’s stage presence that transcend comparison. MGM is honing in on their own thing, and a potent mixture of high rock drama, energetic lyrics and deconstructed instrumentation make them a unique live act that must be experienced first hand. They are definitely a band to keep an eye out for, and who doesn’t love a lady drummer that can really wail?

- Meghan Currier

DIRTY BEACHES performs “SWEET 17” at Glasslands in...

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 23:09:00 -0400

DIRTY BEACHES performs “SWEET 17” at Glasslands in Brooklyn March 3rd 2011

I first stumbled upon Dirty Beaches (Alex Zhang Hungtai) about a year ago, trolling around the internet too late at night. I was instantly hooked upon hearing “Paris” – a strange fuzzed out trip through the great American west. And my head exploded when I learned that this lo-fi ghost of a crooner was in fact a Taiwanese kid transplanted throughout Canada. This was perhaps one of the best (DIY ) shows I have seen in years. YEARS! Greaser hair was combed gratuitously, beer bottles flew, contained moshing erupted, and Alex climbed to the second floor of Glasslands. Swooning so hard. His latest LP, Badlands, is out now. This is retro-weirdo rock n’ roll at its finest…

- Meghan Currier

STEVE ARRINGTON & CHIN CHIN perform “JUST A TOUCH OF...

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 09:21:00 -0400

STEVE ARRINGTON & CHIN CHIN perform “JUST A TOUCH OF LOVE” at Southpaw in Brooklyn on February 18th 2011

I tried to convince a few friends to accompany me to the Steve Arrington concert. Their response was “who?” I knew Watching You (Walking down the street watching ladies…) and as a Tribe fan growing up I knew Beddye Bye. But wow…talk about tip of the iceberg. This man’s gonna be putting his great-grand kids through college off of his publishing. You don’t need to be a rap nerd to enjoy this show, though. His first concert in 25 years and not only is Steve’s voice pristine but still funky. And he didn’t have to run it through a synthesizer. Church.

- Shaka King

LITTLE SHALIMAR performs “LADY” at Southpaw in...

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 08:50:00 -0400

LITTLE SHALIMAR performs “LADY” at Southpaw in Brooklyn on February 18th 2011

Little Shalimar is: a guy named Torbitt Schwartz, part of one of my favorite bands Chin Chin, a great DJ, a multi-instrumentalist, a great producer. Little Shalimar is ultimately a great solo-project from a guy who could pretty much sit at home and be entertained by a seemingly-endless bag of talents and ambitions. But, fortunately for you and me, he chooses to gig a few nights a week, record a shit ton of music, DJ great parties, and collaborate with some of the finest musical acts and creative individuals today. His musical appetite and curiosity seems to be insatiable, and his latest record will attest to that. Funky, soulful, electric, gritty - these are all probably magnets on his fridge. If he has a fridge. I’m pretty sure he has a fridge. Maybe not magnets. Just watch this shit. If you don’t know, heres your chance.

- Philip Quinaz

MALUCA performs “HECTOR” at SOB’s in New York...

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 09:04:00 -0400

MALUCA performs “HECTOR” at SOB’s in New York City for Dominican Independence Day February 27th 2011

Maluca is a performer that works the room rather than the stage, intimately connecting to her audience. Her music is electric and eccentric, as is her personality and style. If you’ve missed out, download her China Food Mixtape now and catch up. WEPA!!!

- Philip Quinaz

PORCELAIN RAFT performs “I FOUND A WAY” at...

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 11:04:00 -0500

PORCELAIN RAFT performs “I FOUND A WAY” at Glasslands in Brooklyn for the PopGun Unofficial CMJ Showcase October 23rd 2010

Hopeful, yet incredibly poignant, the work of Porcelain Raft (Mauro Remiddi’s current solo project) is a cinematic dream, just begging to be snatched up by music supervisors everywhere. This is no surprise, however, as Remiddi has been an active composer for screen, stage and himself for about fifteen years now. With the ability to weave listeners into his dream state, somewhere between heartache and drunkenness…Porcelain Raft creates spaces that are just out of reach, and not quite ones own although you desperately want them to be. From his collaborations with video artist Ra Di Martino to becoming the latest FADER darling, I have a feeling we will be hearing much more from Porcelain Raft in a big way. Go buy his EP now and listen on repeat.

- Meghan Currier

JANKA NABAY & THE BUBU GANG perform...

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 09:39:00 -0500

JANKA NABAY & THE BUBU GANG perform “TOPSULBAH” at Southpaw in Brooklyn for “Jam for Jeneba Benefit” December 6th 2010

As a life-long humanitarian and educator, this Janka Nabay performance was particularly precious at the benefit for RETRACING JENEBA, a feature length documentary about fellow countryman Joseph Kaifala and his push for educational initiatives in war torn Sierra Leone. Every Janka Nabay performance differs from the last. Yet his ability to transport, to conjure the ancient bubu music of Sierra Leone in a modern, booty-shaking celebration of synths and social consciousness always remains consistent.

- Julia Maryanska

THE LONDON SOULS perform “STEADY ARE YOU READY” Live...

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 08:54:00 -0500

THE LONDON SOULS perform “STEADY ARE YOU READY” Live at Cameo Gallery in Brooklyn December 5th 2010

Film by Giovanni P Autran and Charlie Porter

It may be hard to believe by the sound of it, but this band is a trio. Don’t be alarmed if standing in the crowd (or full-body rocking out) makes you feel you’ve been teleported to some concert in the late 60s. At these shows one experiences rock history and future all at the same time. With Kiyoshi killing it on bass, Chris smashing apart the drums (and often drumsticks) and Tash violating guitar, you are in good hands. The London Souls performance at Cameo is infectious. Go on, get it.

- Paula Vecino

BOMBA ESTÉREO perform “RAZA” live at the Bandshell...

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 09:29:00 -0500

BOMBA ESTÉREO perform “RAZA” live at the Bandshell in Prospect Park for CELEBRATE BROOKLYN! JULY 23rd 2010

Film by Giovanni P Autran and Yamin Segal

In life there are nights that will stick with you forever. For me one of those times will be the first night I saw Bomba Estéreo perform live. On a humid, wet night in Brooklyn, through the strobe lights and under a light rain, it was impossible not to be absorbed by the unique blend of Electro-Cumbia and Champeta emanating from the Prospect Park Bandshell. For those who have had the fortune to see this Columbian quartet perform live I hope this film brings back some good memories. For those who haven’t, it’s time!

- Yamin Segal