Tag Archives: CMJ

10.28.09
by

Robbers on High Street @ The Bell House, Brooklyn, October 22, 2009

Robbers on High Street @ Bell House, CMJ 2009 by ModernMystery.Robbers on High Street seem to be one of the most overlooked indie bands around, but the truth is they put on one ofthe greatest shows you will ever experience. The band only played one show of the CMJ marathon this year and they certainly made the most of it. Displaying new songs from the album they are currently heading back into the studio to record, this was truly a treat for the packed room of Robbers fans at the Bell House Thursday night.

If there was one way to describe the band, it would be a more soulful version of Spoon, though when it comes to song writing Spoon has nothing on them. Singer/guitarist Ben Trokan sings his heart out no matter what the song calls for. The most standout new track from the band is a tune called “Watch it Disappear,” which is filled with melodic vocals, haunting yet beautiful keyboard parts mixed with upbeat strumming.  The glimpse of new songs during their CMJ showcase has fans excited to hear the studio versions.  On a personal note, this was one of my favorite sets at the marathon this year, highly recommended!

Robbers on High Street @ Bell House, CMJ 2009 by ModernMystery.

MORE ROBBERS ON HIGH STREET LIVE PHOTOS AFTER THE JUMP!

10.28.09
by

Chris Chu of The Morning Benders @ CMJ, Living Room, NY- October 22,2009

Chris Chu of the Morning Benders @ CMJ 2009 by ModernMystery.

Chris Chu is not only the charasmatic lead singer of California’s indie-pop group The Morning Benders, but he has also taken on the role lately of beginner solo artist. Chu performed to a packed house on Thursday night at the Living Room during CMJ. The Morning Benders who are set to release their sophmore album Big Echo (Plus One Music) early next year, sent him out to showcase the new tracks. Chu, who already has an unforgettable voice, shown a new light to the upcoming songs.

The Morning Benders have managed to make an easy transition from the first album Talking Through Tin Cans, maintaining their sugary pop hooks; the songs come off well acoustically which only left everyone in the room hankering for the real thing. Amongst the new songs, Chu pulled off superb covers of Radiohead,  Phil Spektor and Neutral Milk Hotel cover. With the help of a local teen choir on background vocals and an enthusiastic crowd, he ended the night with a new tune.  Clearly, we’re all ready for the album to drop.

Watch live video from Chris Chu’s CMJ Performance!

SEE MORE SHOW PHOTOS AFTER THE JUMP

10.18.09
by

Secondhand Sunday: Robbers on High Street “Crown Victoria”

CMJ is in town this week and we can’t be more excited. 1,200 bands, 100s of venues, total overload. Sorry we were sort of sparse in content last week. We’ve been setting up some awesome (yes awesome!) interviews and performances with some amazing bands. Be sure to check back for updates! Today’s Secondhand Sunday comes from a band we’re excited about seeing at CMJ, Robbers on High Street. One of the greatest bands that the city has to offer. Off of Grand Animals we bring you “Crown Victoria.” An artsy little video that is pretty awesome if you ask us! Robbers will be playing this Thursday at 8pm at the Bell House in Brooklyn. Nice!

10.14.09
by

Headlights’ Live Webcast Tonight!

The Modern Mystery crew currently has Headlight’s fever over here! Not only is the band playing three shows at CMJ next Friday and Saturday in  Brooklyn, but they are also embarking on a lengthy U.S. tour that kicks off tomorrow in Iowa City, IA. To give fans a taste of what is coming (and what Wildlife is sounding like live), Headlights are doing a special Webcast performance from their rehersal studio, TONIGHT AT 9PM EST TIME (6PM PAC). 

Be sure to catch the whole performance at their WEBSITE ! This is something you won’t want to miss!

In other Headlights’ news, the band is premiering their first music video off of Wildlife for “Get Going” over at Spin Earth. Check out Headlight’s tour dates below and in case you missed it the first time, give our interview with front woman Erin Fein a read!

Headlights Tour Dates

10/15 Iowa City, IA The Mill
10/16 Dekalb, IL The House
10/17 Chicago, IL Apple Store on Michigan Ave. 2pm
10/17 Chicago, IL Empty Bottle *#
10/18 Pontiac, MI The Pike Room *#
10/19 Rochester, NY Bug Jar *#
10/20 New London, CT The Oasis *#
10/21 Allston, MA Great Scott *#
10/23 Brooklyn, NY Knitting Factory *
10/23 Brooklyn, NY The Bell House / Polyvinyl CMJ Showcase $
10/24 Brooklyn, NY Music Hall of Williamsburg / AAM CMJ Party 1:45pm
10/24 Philadelphia, PA Kung Fu Necktie *#
10/25 Washington, DC DC9 *#
10/26 Chapel Hill, NC Local 506 *#
10/27 Atlanta, GA Drunken Unicorn #
10/28 Orlando, FL Will’s Pub #
10/29 Birmingham, AL Bottletree #
10/30 Memphis, TN Hi Tone Cafe #
10/31 Urbana, IL The Iron Post #
11/04 Omaha, NE The Waiting Room #%
11/05 Denver, CO Hi Dive #%
11/06 Salt Lake City, UT Kilby Court #%
11/07 Boise, ID Neurolux #%
11/08 Seattle, WA Sunset Tavern #%
11/10 Portland, OR Berbati’s Pan #%
11/12 San Francisco, CA Cafe Du Nord #%
11/13 Los Angeles, CA Spaceland #%
11/14 San Diego, CA Soda Bar #%
11/15 Tucson, AZ Plush #%
11/17 San Antonio, TX Rock Bottom #%
11/18 Austin, TX Emo’s #%
11/19 Denton, TX Rubber Gloves #
11/20 Hot Springs, AR Maxine’s Pub #
11/21 St. Louis, MO Firebird #
12/11 Milwaukee, WI Bay View Brew Haus
12/12 Madison, WI Der Rathskellar at Univ. of Wisconsin

* = w/ The Shaky Hands
# = w/ Pomegranates
% = w/ Anni Rossi
$ = w/ Japandroids, James Husband, Cale Parks

09.18.09
by

Sin Fan Bous to Tour with Mum

Relatively speaking, Iceland isn’t exactly a breeding ground for notable new music. But among the few underground acts emerging from the island country is experimental pop act Sin Fang Bous, who seems to be on a mission to change that.

Bous, whose real name is Sindi Mar Sigfusson,will be making his North American tour debut in October with Mum,  in support of his debut album Clangour (Morr Music). The tour which runs for about two weeks, makes a stop at CMJ on the 24th at Le Poisson Rouge. Clangour is filled with beautiful sounds, both musically and vocally, that will capture you at first listen. Sigfusson also plays in Seabear, making this is his first solo album.

Listen to Sin Fang Bous’ first single, ”Catch the Light”

Sin Fang Bous On Tour with Múm

10/21 Somerville, MA (US) – The Somerville Theatre (w / Múm)
10/22 Philadelphia (US) – First Unitarian (w / Múm)
10/23 Washington DC (US) – Black Cat (w / Múm)
10/24 New York (US) – Le Poisson Rouge (w / Múm)
10/26 Montreal (CA) – Le National (w / Múm)
10/27 Toronto (CA) – Phoenix Concert Theatre (w / Múm)
10/28 Chicago (US) – Logan Square (w / Múm)
10/29 Minneapolis (US) – McGuire Theater (w / Múm)
11/01 Calgary (CA) – Marquee Room (w / Múm)
11/02 Vancouver (CA) – Richards on Richards (w / Múm)
11/03 Seattle (US) – Showbox at the Market (w / Múm)
11/04 Portland (US) – Aladdin Theater (w / Múm)
11/05 San Francisco, CA (US) – The Independent (w / Múm)
11/06 Los Angeles (US) – El Rey Theatre (w / Múm)
11/07 Santa Ana (US) – Yost Theatre (w / Múm)