Tons of bands play Bowery (2/15)
The Bowery Ballroom was host to a pretty impressive lineup last night. Feeling a bit like a SXSW showcase, fans were entertained by the likes of Sam Champion, Drug Rug, The XYZ Affair, and Salt & Samovar, four young, highly talented bands. And after watching them all last night, I wouldn’t at all be shocked to see all four of these bands explode onto the music scene in the coming months…
Despite being the first to take the stage, the Brooklyn natives were bursting with energy and intensity. With a jam band mixed plus Ryan Adams sound, Salt & Salmovar entertained those present with stunning guitar solos and passionate folk influenced vocals. And lets just say they set a standard for the band’s to follow, a challenge that was indeed met.
Easily the most entertaining band of the night, The XYZ Affair are going to be one of those bands that gets really big really quick. They have all the likable characteristics. From a catchy pop meets punk sound to quirky on stage dancing moves, the band offered the total package in onstage entertainment. They also provided the evening’s most interesting moment with a cover of Earth, Wind, and Fire’s “Reasons.” The currently “unemployed members” of XYZ are coming to a city near you soon. They will also be at SXSW.
When I first gave this Boston band a listen, I envisioned a quirky Mates of State-esque pop duet. Perhaps I was on the wrong myspace because in reality, the best word to use when describing Drug Rug is “raw.” The five piece bluesy rock band raced through their short 30 minute set with a punch of grunge meets punk. Yet the unusual innocence and cuteness of frontlady Sarah Cronin’s vocals gave the band a down to earth feel…
Unfortunately, my camera died before Sam Champion came onto stage. But I was still able to experience the catchy, cool unique sound that has led many to hype this band as one of the next big things.
So Sam Champion apparently isn’t named after the local-turned-national weatherman. Yeah right. Either way, the band Sam Champion revels in an array of 70’s arena, southern, and hard rock with many deviations to 80’s pop rock (including a cover of Jackson Browne’s “Somebody’s Baby”). It’s easy to see why they’ve been a New York happening band for awhile, but they also really should have taken off by now. What’s the hold up? This is prime material for major success.
Sam Champion will also be hitting up SXSW in March…
Check Out:
The XYZ Affair - “All My Friends”
Drug Rug - “Day I Die”
Sam Champion - “Your Party Was Yesterday”
More Photos…
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Aug 27th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
[...] CoS favorites and recent interviewees Sam Champion will be the next music outfit to follow in the steps of The Walkmen and release its upcoming album, Heavenly Bender (September 2), via AimeStreet.com. In fact, for the price of $3.00, the New York based outfit pretty much blows The Walkmen’s $5.00 cost for You & Me out of the water. Though then again, that one was for charity, so we can call it even. [...]
Jul 15th, 2008 at 12:40 pm
[...] you remember, we first mentioned our love of The XYZ Affair’s infectious enthusiasm, hilarious dance moves, and memorable [...]