Users at The Gutter

A few months ago we had the sad pleasure to be at Alex Schaaf’s final show as Yellow Ostrich.  Last night we had the immense joy to be at his very first show with his new band, Users.

Users took the stage at ten at The Gutter in Greenpoint last night playfully joking with the crowd that not only was this their first show but the first time they’ve ever played together. “Watch me for the changes, and try and keep up, okay?"

As far as first shows go, this was a good one! They played the two tracks they’ve released so far, “Idol” and “Denmark” along with a handful of brand new tunes, songs with titles like “Why Not?” and “Ambulance.” We’re looking forward to more tunes and more shows from these guys. In the meantime take a listen to “Idol” and “Denmark” below and check out the rest of the photos.

 

Catfish and the Bottlemen

Last night we caught Catfish and the Bottlemen at Brooklyn’s Knitting Factory. The guys ripped through their set with songs off their debut album “Balcony”. Throughout the set, leader singer Van McCann apologized for his voice, saying it was rough and he wasn’t feeling 100%, which probably explains the louder and rawer version of their live set. Watching McCann move about the stage, you get the distinct impression they’ll be playing to larger crowds and even larger venues and that when they do they’ll be  twisting his body across the stage as they play. If you're a fan of Catfish, check out Peace, who we were reminded of during the set last night. Check out some photos below from last night’s show, taken by both Chelsea and Donald .

Will Butler and TEEN at Bowery Ballroom

We had the pleasure of catching Will Butler and his great band at Bowery Ballroom last night, ahead of the release of his first solo LP next Tuesday. The album is streaming on Spotify right now, and while it may not sound that much like the Butler's more famous project (you may have heard of Arcade Fire?), it certainly holds its own. Give the record a listen, and check out our pics from this killer show. Also check out his opening act, TEEN, a female four piece that wowed the crowd with their set. Photos and show review by Chelsea Mae Hassman.

Will Butler

TEEN

New Album Alert! "North Highlands" by North Highlands

Friends and alum of the couch, North Highlands have released their second/last/posthumous album, "North Highlands." The gang played on the couch almost five years ago in Big Ugly Yellow Couch's first home.

While we're sad to see the band members go their separate ways we are eternally happy that they left us with such a beautiful album to remind us why we loved them in the first place. As I write this the sweet sounds of Brenda Malvini's voice fill the room, Jasper's and his drums are locked in the sweet groove, and the guitars and bass of Mike, Daniel and Andy's give it life.

Take a listen to this gem of a record here and go check out their Couch Session.

Soundcloud | iTunes | Spotify

Father John Misty's St. Valentine's Day Massacre

 

Father John Misty played a few shows around NYC and Brooklyn in the last week, and I was lucky enough to catch his stellar Bowery Ballroom performance on Valentine's Day. Taking the stage just after 10, Josh Tillman and his support launched into the title track on I Love You, Honeybear, and right off the bat Tillman's trademark antics were on display with mic-stand swinging, knee drops, kick drum jumps, and dancing similar to Francis and the Lights' Francis Farewell Starlite. Backed by a 6 piece band, the hour and forty minute set was filled with face pounding guitar riffs, seated quiet serenades, and even a mariachi trumpeter for a song, upon whose departure from the stage Tillman joked "I've got him paid for six hours, so if you have a party or event you'd like to borrow him for.." The setlist had a wide selection of tracks from the just released Honeybear and 2012's Fear Fun, and an added bonus cover of Leonard Cohen's "I'm Your Man" during the encore. Between songs Tillman engaged with the audience, "Does anyone have any questions I could answer?" After brief moment of quiet, the crowd began shouting questions all at once, to which he replied, "You're going to have to elect a representative." Someone replied, "What's your favorite Beatles song??" to which Tillman chuckled, and said, "Freebird. No... I don't know. All of the ones I'm ripping off tonight."  -- Photos and show review by Chelsea Mae Hassman