Blu @ Deitch Projects

Written by SMKjr Tuesday, 13 October 2009 16:53

The folks over at the Deitch Projects bring together another impressive mural from an international street artist, Blu.  Months back they brought Os Gemeos to town for the Bowery mural and this latest mural doesn't disappoint.  Go out to the Deitch gallery space in Long Island City in Queens to take a look.  For those not in the NYC area, this time lapse video will have to do.

Mayer Hawthorne @ Brooklyn Bowl

Written by L. Vicious Sunday, 04 October 2009 00:00

My hats off to the new kid on the block: Mayer Hawthorne. His debut record was recently released on Stones Throw and he is now the Maestro of his Lonely Hearts Tour. Mayer and The County are sure to impress and just like Justin they’re bringing sexy back. With sold out shows at both NYC’s Mercury Lounge and The Knitting Factory, they were able to squeeze in another gig at Williamsburg’s new Brooklyn Bowl…which is a stellar venue by the way. They played everything you wanted to hear off his new album and more. However, the highlights for me was the reggae version of “Just Ain’t Gonna Work Out” then the smooth as fuck “Green Eyed Love” and then homeboy sending us off with “The Ills”. I urge you to check these guys out when they come to yo hood, they will definitely be around for a minute and soon enough will be pop music.

More Pics after the jump...

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Show Review: Himalaya

Written by Cristiano Andrade Monday, 28 September 2009 17:54

Bring out the fuzz! Public Assembly in Williamsburg didn't attract the local precinct on (date) but Himalaya brought the noise. The sonically advanced crew ripped through various elements of their psychedelic roots. The guitarists' chemistry filled the foreground with pleasant melodies over downer/reflective lyricism and fuzzy synth-chords. The rhythm section kept the sometimes, lingering spatial sound together as we grooved along. Himalaya also made certain our eyes were satiated, not only by the talented keyboardist/singer, but with spectacular art projection. The band's video design and timing were spot on throughout, giving us a much needed lack of boredom and redundancy. Big-ups to Himalaya and check these cats out at your local hip venue.

That Handsome Devil

Written by L. Vicious Wednesday, 23 September 2009 20:33

That Handsome Devil is a lovely mix of Rock, Rap, Swing, Rockabilly and much more. Hailing from Boston, MA and now residing in NYC these cats are sure to keep bringing the noise. With their eclectic sound there is sure to be something they deliver for you to vibe with. Critics have described them by using a mashed-up cornucopia of artists. The last gig I saw oozed Gogol Bordello and The Dead Kennedy’s. That Handsome Devil will be performing at Santos Part House on October 15th here in NYC. Be sure to check them out. These photos are from a recent gig at Trash bar in Brooklyn.

New Banksy

Written by SMKjr Monday, 21 September 2009 00:00

Love this new piece by Banksy in Croydon (London). Morte photos at Arrested Motion

Iron Lyon - Time Capsule

Written by Hannah Wednesday, 09 September 2009 13:35

Going from a Western Massachusetts native to one of Brooklyn's very own is no easy feat, but DJ Iron Lyon is making all the right moves. Being principally known for his talents as a DJ/Producer, he dropped his debut album as an MC this summer and we're here to praise his hard work. Paying homage to his love of Hip Hop, his lyrics extend from the heart and shed light on the way of the DJ in present day New York. Featuring guest appearances from Tableek, Vordul, Craig G and C-Rayz Walz, this eclectic group lends their talents to create a new sound with an old head bobbing classic twist. Lyrically, the album might be lacking in depth, but the beats are not to be messed with. The track to look out for is "Change." With a fitting Sam Cooke sample and a heavy chorus, this song is truly good music. This is still underground Hip Hop at it's best, but we're looking forward to Iron Lyon's next move to see what the future holds.

Another New Elbowtoe in Brooklyn

Written by SMKjr Tuesday, 01 September 2009 00:00

Yet another new piece in Brooklyn from Elbowtoe.

Review: Company of Thieves

Written by Courtney Dudley Thursday, 23 July 2009 22:55

Company of Thieves' Genevieve Schatz bounced on stage to a packed house at Mercury Lounge on August 27, waving sheepishly to the diverse crowd, ranging from blonde teeny boppers to wrinkled old scene pros. Sweet and sugary she may seem at first, with a softness similar to the infamously shy Regina Spektor, but as soon as she opens her mouth and the guys lay it down heavy behind her, you realize shes more likely to be found taking shots of whiskey with the likes of Grace Slick and Joan Jett. She and the other dudes of the up and coming band, Marc Walloch on guitar, Mike Ortiz on drums, Mike Miamone on keys and Bob Buckstaff on base, pulled out all the stops for the fully engrossed crowd that seemed to hang on every syllable the lovely Ms. Schatz spoke, sung, or screamed. The ever catchy "Oscar Wilde" was an apparent hit (no surprise here-- the song was aired on an episode Gossip Girl, prompting every teeny bopper from coast to coast to download it from iTunes before the next commerical break), with just about every person in the room at least mumbling along to the lyrics, if not going into a full out kareoke sing along. It would be hard not to be swooned by Schatz' energy; she continually leaps from one side of the stage to the other while her counterparts rock their respective solos, stopping at the mic to belt out choruses with doe eyes and dramatic sweeps of arms. Although many bands with frontwomen seem soft, the entire band rocked out hard, long and loud, leaving the stage soaked in sweat and waving to an adoring, equally sweaty but totally satisfied NY crowd.

http://www.myspace.com/companyofthieves

Review: Mayer Hawthorne

Written by L. Vicious Thursday, 23 July 2009 22:55

Mayer Hawthorne brings new-eyed soul to the table. This dude from Michigan turned LA transplant has clearly rubbed Peanut Butter Wolf the right way by getting signed after homeboy only heard two tracks. Mayer was recently signed to Stones Throw and his debut album just hit the shelves. He is a multi-faceted artist that plays most if not all the instruments you hear on the record and on top of that he sings like a bird. The sound he delivers is smooth like buttah and before you know it the album is over. Hawthorne has produced a solid piece of work here and I’m sure …the likes of “Just Ain’t Gonna Work Out” and “Your Easy Lovin’ Ain’t Pleasin’ Nothin” will prove to be classics. He has definitely brought it back with a fresh sound. I was giving the album a couple spins the other day and my roommate asked if I was “sweating to the oldies” and I said, “matter of fact this shit just dropped”, that being said…he has successfully captured an era and positioned himself well in the music industry.