In Cadeo, Southpaw, Brooklyn. May 1, 2008.
Good ol’ Strapp is so great at giving us the show experience. Whenever he goes to see a show and writes about it, I wish I was there too! Check out his review of In Cadeo after the jump.
Thursday Night I went to see In Cadeo play their debut show at Southpaw in Brooklyn, Park Slope to be more exact. In Cadeo is Jared Scott, Dan Neustadt, Pete Sustarsic and Travis Tonn. Four dudes from all over the US that have found their way together via various bands throughout NYC. Some of their lyrics and even their sound conjure up ideas of an Orwellian dream gone crazy. Not directly as in his books but more subtle like the references in Pinky and the Brain or Tiny Tunes that come to you later in life. Think of sadness and sunshine trapped in a period that’s battling between war and peace. Words that speak of redemption and success even if they are involved in a battle against opression or ignorance. Their sound battles between being aggressive and smooth. I was lucky enough a couple months back to shoot photos of the guys in their practice space in the Lower East Side. Today was time for put up or shut up. Well I guess you could put up again but it wouldn’t be the same.. First shows have a 50-50 outcome. There’s no inbetween. It’s either a great start or it’s all down hill. I defy whatever theorems or scientific laws I am trampling over.
The problem for me is that my Thursday morning was spent playing GTA IV from 12am to 8am, vicariously in the surrounding area and environments near where I would be venturing to in real life. I kept getting confused if I was Meik or Nico. Constantly checking my cellphone to see if my cousin Roman from the old country would call, but alas he is imaginary or rather licensed property of Rockstar North. Luckily we weren’t near the Port since my other obsession Deadliest Catch has me worried about the count crab and looking bearded as if I’ve been out to sea for months. I’m a little confused right now because I haven’t really slept in the last 48 hours(100% my own fault). After some NJ transit naps and a slight MTA rest I arrived at 5th Ave to find Southpaw. A venue that is very simple on the outside with a no frills black and white sign. Inside the venue walls are covered with old LP covers ranging from John Cougar Mellencamp to John Denver. It was actually much more diverse those were just the two I could remember Since I told Travis from In Cadeo that I don’t know a man named John Mellencamp only a Mr. John Cougar Mellencamp. But besides those shenanigans the venue had a wide main room, a long bar and a weird elevated seating area.
Prior to In Cadeo’s set I sat down at the bar looking for angle to pick up for this show. Possibly referencing American Gladiators, Captain Planet or Kate & Alley. I haven’t been really good at keeping up with my memorable Kate & Alley quotes, wooops. I basically just wanted to document a night that is probably the most important for any band, since it lays the foundation for a band to become ever evolving or still static. I believe it’s evolution in regards to this stage. First shows are usually filled with best friends and strangers so you can get the most upfront criticism you need.
The club was empty when I arrived but gradually started to fill more and more. When I was getting my camera gear ready I kept staring at this guy in the corner that I swore was Colin Meloy from The Decemberists during the first two bands. But I wasn’t totally sure and I didn’t feel like getting beat up. But I was tapped by Franz Nicolay from The Hold Steady who stopped by to see the show. Franz is an amazing guy who I’ve shot photos for and enjoyed some great conversations. It’s funny how you can be listening to a band one day and then just hanging out with them the next.(Time frame may vary). We discussed the whole John Varvatos situation and had some other fascinating music chatter. Transcripts of the convo are not available but copies will be released in betamax.
In Cadeo’s set started off smooth avoiding any technical complications or team slip ups. They played “The Archer” early in their set which is one of my favorite songs. It’s a tune that just builds up from being smooth and poppy until it erupts with a chorus shouting “Well all the Sinners think they’re Saints and All the Saints know they’re Sinners”. A song that would fit in perfectly at the beginning or end of any Wes Anderson flick. “Communist Lecture” has some empowering lyrics touching on loneliness, acceptance and unbridled devotion. It started with echoing guitar notes that gradually build upon each other. One line that grabbed me was “I won’t let you be alone”. It’s a song that just gets more and more powerful as Jared whales away on the guitar solo, Pete pounds the drums harder and harder, while Dan and Travis deliver some low end destruction. A song like “Vultures” which has almost whisper-esque qualities on their debut Ep comes out more powerful live. It’s playful lyrics and tone join together and had me amazed by how clearly they pulled it off. Lights and a little beverage can change a quiet slow song in to a powerful tear jerking screamer. “Passing” is a song pack full of emotion and a breakdown near the end which has some enthusiastic cursing. It had a conversational tone that let feel the empowered intimacy.
I was snapping photos for a good portion of their set. Singing along even when my chest was getting pounded by the subwoofer. The venue was pretty good for taking photos. A high stage that is well lit. Though Pete, the drummer, and his kit were tucked in the back a little. Slightly hard to get any head shots without cymbals blocking. The songs cry out for crowd sing-a-longs, folks running around in circles, or the look of accomplishment once you’ve finally assembled your IKEA dresser. Sure that wooden structure may be tipping over all the time and slightly dangerous but the risks these songs take live by becoming louder and heavier only increase the strength and quality to the band’s sound. Most of their songs have an orchestral feel since one instrument or voice starts their pieces and gradually add parts which build up until they explode.
The guys moved around well on stage and played off each other in strong fashion. Whether Jared was reaching near Dan to tickle the keys or the guys were harmonizing over each other. Even some of their newer songs which I had not heard prior were quite pleasant. All of the guys played in a manner that had their sounds mixing together perfectly rather than clashing for attention. Which may have been the case of a good space with a great PA. On their last song In Cadeo jammed out a little and took a bow after pulling it together for a successful Grand Opening. I would have to say it was a success. There may have been some guest list issues but that’s another story.
Here’s some of the photo highlights.
But my journey home took not only several hours, routes, vehicles and search parties but it got confusing.
I trailed the band lending a hand with equipment as I was going back and forth with some questions.
Regarding song structure, goals, and show response.
With the gear deposited and a Caravan parallel parked we jetted to Manhattan via cab.
Crossing the Brooklyn Bridge had me considering that I may be headed to Liberty City instead.
Later on we squandered to find out that the club formermly known as Midway was delierved the giant orange business closed sign from the city.
I was going to take a photo of it but worried about the $500 if I accidently tampered with it.
Further down the road some pizza, beer, and fizz soda were enjoyed by myself and Jared Scott.
After a laptop viewing of R. Kelly’s Trapped in the Closet 1-6 and Real Talk I began my expedition to the 4am Bus.
It was mired like any other Indiana Jones exploration as I was completely scared by 10 rats on Ave C,
Having some extra moments I paused at B-Side for a quick Guinness pit-stop.
When I was challenged to a game of Foosball as the Sounds were blasting at 3:30am I knew it was time to grab a cab.
You haven’t seen the city unless you’ve made it down to the underbelly of Port Authority in the wee hours.
So as I waited for the NJ Transit bus I stared at this sign and wondered. Why not?
The bus was late and then the driver walked away after parking as I expected a total riot to erupt and on the ride out I think we even scraped the tunnel wall.Not sure if I actually sitting at home hallucinating or if I really am in a bath rob in AC at the Borgata…
Well I’m going to go play some black jack and get something from the buffet.
If it’s not real then I’ll probably just wake in about six hours in my shorts on the front lawn.
I can’t wait to find out. I just hope I don’t start having those past, future and present flashbacks like in Lost.
Only a few hours ago I was enjoying In Cadeo’s first show at Southpaw and I hope you see their next show.
