Live: Deep Sleep with Death First and Foster Care @ 538 Johnson

This had been such a great weekend for rock shows that I was tempted to blow off this show. The weather was just warm enough to make me think it was a good idea, so I jumped on the bike and rode out to the rabbit warren of DIY spaces that is 538 Johnson. Shows there are always in peoples living spaces, which always seems like a bad idea, but always ends up being a decent time, provided you're not the first one there. This was another stellar Hardcore Gig Volume/Ian Dickson show in what I believe is the third space on the second floor I've seen a show in.

First band I saw was Foster Care, who are evidently local dudes and friends of the house. Decent four-piece NY hardcore punk, not to be confused sonically with NYHC. Wouldn't have gone explicitly to see them, but decent enough. Death First were up next, a five-piece with a lady fronting things. Good stuff ala Punch, and probably much better for being in a small (living) room.

Deep Sleep crept in and set it off with the Baltimore take on hardcore. Nothing specific to differentiate them from other scenes, but distinctively Baltimore and not DC. They have a great new record called Turn Me Off that is pretty fucking aces. Live they bring it, with jagged guitars and a pummeling rhythm section that bucks and rolls like an epileptic fit. Good in general, even better in an 8 x 10 living room. The gents piled into a car for the gig, after breaking two vans in as many days to play for maybe 20 people on a Sunday, but brought it as hard as if it were prime time. Kudos to the house, Ian/Hardcore Gig Volume and all the bands for a good time on an early Sunday evening.

R

Live: RVIVR with LIttle Lungs, The Measure (SA) and The Fish @ 538 Johnson Ave

Night two of the NYC RVIVR dates was out at 538 Johnson. A bit of a hike, but with The Measure and Little Lungs on the bill, it was more than worth it for $5. In hindsight, I would have avoided shredding my back wheel on a fucking plastic bag during the whole endeavor, but not so bad all around.

So I limped into port, got inside and immediately realized that I was indeed in a different space than the Iron Chic show last week, and though built out more than the last time I was there, very probably where I saw Fucked Up a couple years ago. I caught the last three or four songs from The Fish, but could have done without. Co-ed line up, guy singer who has a sort of third-rate Dylan thing going on, not especially remarkable.

The Measure (sa) were up next. They have a new record coming out on No Idea that is purported to be pretty awesome and have been ramping up the live shows accordingly. I like them very much, but I've said it before and I'll say it again: what is up with Fid and his relentless youth crew jumping? Really. It is so incongruous with the rest of the band, and really most of the songs that I really do hope that he is the best guy on Earth so I can relegate the whole thing to endearing rather than maddeningly slappable. Exclusive of that, The Measure (sa) really are a good time. They aren't the best band, but there is a definite sense of both craft and individuality to the proceedings. There is a record release party for Notes 10/15 at Coco66, but there is very little chance that you will catch JS-NYC falling for the okey-doke at that time warp anytime soon. You should see them anywhere else early and often (unless you think they are best appreciated at 1am midweek).

Man, how great are Little Lungs? I always forget how great they are until I see them live and now they very well be my favorite local band. They have swapped bass players since I've seen them last, tipping the gender majority back to the male advantage, but are no less awesome. The crowd thought so, too. They played pretty much all the stuff from their stellar Hoist Me Up and were damn awesome doing it, I must say. Angie does one hell of a job singing and playing guitar and the rhythm section more than holds its own, live or recorded. Little Lungs were so good, in fact, that I didn't even stick around for RVIVR, just in case I had to call an audible and find a train home. All props due to RVIVR, see them if you can, but as they will be overseas, and live in Oly, look out for Little Lungs and see them ASAP.

R

Live: Iron Chic with Young Livers @ 538 Johnson Ave 9.3.10

Iron Chic have a new record out called Not Like This. I like it very much. As such, it seemed prudent to get back from terrorizing the bass population of Newburgh with my pops early enough to get out to 538 Johnson for one of the record release shows. IC have a pretty die-hard local following, and they should, as they are a bright light in the sea of overrated crap rock here in town.

I locked up and got in as Young Livers were setting up. They are from Gainesville and sound like it. It was my first time seeing (hell, hearing!) them and I wasn't disappointed. Amp nerds will be pleased to find that YL travel with a raft of Acorn goodness. They aren't afraid to use them either. All in all, a respectable set with great sound for a house show. Not sure when the renovations took place, or whether the actual space was different last time, but it seemed markedly smaller than at Ergs and Fucked Up shows I had seen there previously. It's gotta be tough to be their neighbor. Everybody seemed totally respectful, but it was loud and smoky for the duration, both in the space and in the hall. And did I mention fucking hot? It was Black Hole Of Calcutta style, the place was full, but not packed yet hot enough for twice the number. Add some amps and whatnot, and I was soaked to the skin for the duration.

Iron Chic were up in short order, which makes me wonder whether there was a lineup switch. I saw Rachel during the YL set, but there was no mention. I like Bridge & Tunnel a bunch, so I was kinda bummed, but given the temperature, I was more than willing to cut to the chase. They like themselves some beer, preferably canned, cheap and in some quantity. Their crowd does, too, leading to the requisite crowd lurching and unnecessary (not to mention poor executed) crowd riding. Iron Chic were tight, boding well for those who intend to see them on the tour. Dates are here. Lots of stuff off the new record, with a couple dips back into their first nine songs. In an ideal world, big things are forthcoming for the IC boys. Of course, I said the same thing about Bridge and Tunnel and now they are out with Asslight Anthem, so it's sort of a double-edged sword. Either way, if you are in the South and/or Midwest, do yourself a solid and check out Iron Chic live.

R