Strapp is at it again, this time trekking all the way to Brooklyn from NJ to see Vivian Girls, Abe Vigoda, Woods, and Fiasco at the Silent Barn. Naturally, his review makes you wish you were there and the photos are just the icing on the cake(shop):

So I was trying to research this show for the Vivian Girls this week since I would miss there Cake Shop performance. Well I found out they were playing this venue called Silent Barn. I figured it was probably in BK near Bedford. Haha, roll again. I was getting kind of confused since there was no website. But eventually I tracked down the info and plotted out my course to Wyckoff. Well I could tell this was going to be a little far out when I realized I was taking the L train to the 14th or 15 stop. Dinner and beverage was not acquired using traditional methods. I ordered in spanish via some Comida truck near a city car impound. I wanted the Cheese patties but had to order the Chimichurri de bistec instead. The lady was so nice and I got an amazing sandwich out of it. Oh those language barriers can be fun some time. I found the venue and realized this was a brown bag affair for the show so it was time for a quick stop at the deli for some Modelo tall-boys.

When the show started the name Todd P came to fruition. I remember reading about his no traditional means for booking, especially for using unique venues and locations. Which I have to say this definitely was. The walls were decorated with murals of art and splendor that would remind me of going to Kiddie City or any toy stores with youthful themes in the 80’s. Rainbows and some mythical creatures to be exact. It was a little weird walking in to the bathroom and realizing that this was also someone’s shower(very spacious). But at least it had a little tikes crocodile xylo-keys…

My main reason for this sojourn was to finally see the Vivian Girls live. They have a sound that is fast and frenzied. The girls bring some punk aesthetics to the stage that are both eruptive and sophisticated. There’s something about girl bands that’s been catching my attention a lot recently. I don’t know if it’s the harmonies or soft voices but something about that is good for a fiery clash. During their set I was kneeling between beer bottles and cans while making sure I didn’t yank out any wires or knock over the mic stands. There song “Such a Joke” reminded me in many ways of the sound Imperial Teen brought especially in the track “You’re One”. There’s so much I’d like to learn and find out about these ladies. When I was shooting the photos I documented so much info that I did not notice during the set. They have some pretty amazing tattoos like a forest of Pine trees, an amazing cheeseburger, a Ramones outline. Cassie Ramone is a great guitarist has a great presence with some very alluring vocals. Frankie Rose is their amazing drummer and part-time bassist. We saw her last week helping out Crystal Stilts at the WBAR-BQ. Kickball Katy is named after one of my favorite youth pastimes while also laying down crazy bass lines.

I don’t care what anyone says, I love the Ice cream soda(sundae) tattoo on Kickball Katy’s left arm. Katy kind of reminded me of the girl from that 70’s show, Laura Prepon. Tall stunning and very energetic. I didn’t expect her to step behind the drum kit during the last two songs. Once she started warm up I knew this was going to be good. Tall red haired female drummers who beat the crap outta drums. Yeah well, I could write a novel about how I feels towards that combo. There’s just something about bands who have an amazing sound, live stage presence and are pretty hot. With that said I am now awaiting to get some angry emails from some boyfriends. I only battle using old time fisticuffs or Jenga. The Vivian Girls’ set was just crazy looking back on it as they pretty much played in someone’s kitchen/living space with the fridge to the right and sink in the back. When I was on the ground shooting you could definitely feel it like a trampoline. But that’s the feeling I love at shows when it’s slightly dangerous or something crazy could happen. Cassie’s voice has some siren-eque qualities straight out of Homer’s the Odyssey. It was enchanting. I really like the feeling when I could just lose myself in a moment. It’s a sound that’s hypnotizing and had me and others staring throughout she show with jaws fully dropped. When the Vivian Girls were finished the crowd definitely wanted to hear more and the band all had smiles on their faces. But alas rue the chance of any possible noise ordinance violations.

The other three bands that played were pretty darn good and I would like to pass on these kind words about them.

Abe Vigoda out of California pulled the crowd up close. I got bumped to the back during the time on stage. But they were full of energy jumping around like energizer bunnies and made sure the kids new they were well appreciated. At one point I was trying to climb the radiator or the Washer and Dryer to get a better angle for photos. It’s kinda hard to do with a camera in one hand a 40oz in the other. But let me just say this, it can be done. The boys from California properly mix the essence of Punk and Tropical sounds live. Drum beats with a high tempo and even a sprinkling of cow bell. A mixture of spastic energy and crystal clear tones. It was straight up just fun music you needed to hear live.

Woods played a lo-fi swirling sound of clicks, hums, whispers, and strums. A love letter to a period of searching through confusion. Playing in minimal light soothed these guys perfectly as their music has a dark foreboding sound that takes you on an imaginary walk through a scary forest. It was rock music for the outdoors that you would definitely want to supply with a campfire. A Drummer, DJ and guitarist. A unique setup that I have not seen recently but worked together in a way that felt very organic. In the same vein or domain of The Eels these guys have a beautiful echoing sound that can at times be a little spooky. “End to End” was probably one of my favorite songs during their set because of all they layer that is involving. Their singer uses a blues harmonica microphone which adds to the depth in his vocal range especially when singing the high falsetto notes.

Fiasco- Three skinny kids with long somewhat curly hair and tons of energy. I shot their set from straight behind their drummer. I was probably to close as I could feel the breeze of his drum sticks as they came as close as a couple inches from my face. Minimalist lyrics and song titles that referenced body parts via Mick Jagger and David Bowie. They at times blended their sound between Fugazi and early Nirvana. I know that’s a strong statement but these guys we bouncing all over the room in their boxers playing pretty impressive rhythms. Their drummer was just plain violent towards his snare drum and cymbals which is very impressive to see and hear from inches away.

I wanted to be home at 2am but I don’t even think I got out of the BK till then.

Oh well I guess that happens with shows that have a DIY mentality.

Fantastic….

This entry was posted on Tuesday, May 6th, 2008 at 3:59 pm and is filed under Live Shows. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.