Doppelgänger: January 6 @ Mercury Lounge, New York, NY
New York rock duo Doppelgänger were the third act to take the stage at Mercury Lounge last 
night. While there were two other bands playing after them, I chose to end my night after their set. And, I couldn't ask for a better closer.First things first, why am I just now hearing these guys?! Holy cannoli Batman! My mind was on the verge of being completely blown. Doppelgänger, for lack of a better description, tore it up!How would I describe the band? Doppelgänger are minimal in instruments, guitar and drums, yet colossal in sound. They're full of raw primal goodness that demands you move your body. Going by the incredible amount of blurry photos I took of them, move my body did!New York, they'll be in Brooklyn on Monday, February 22 at Cameo Gallery. You need to hear Doppelgänger live. When you do, don't be surprised when you find yourself in lust with them.
www.myspace.com/Doppelgangerisyourfriend
Still Life Still: January 6 @ Mercury Lounge, New York, NY
The second band to take the stage over at Mercury Lounge last night was Canadian rock b
and Still Life Still. Since I went to the club without having a clue as to who any of the bands were, I was curious to hear what they'd be about. In the event you missed my previous post about the band that played before them, I dropped by just to hear some live music, not to hear anyone specific.So, how would I describe Still Life Still? Hm, well, I'd say they're dance rock with some well crafted catchy pop melodies laced in. They're a cohesive unit that seem to have perfected the loose, jammy, laid back, so what vibe without looking bored or being boring or seeming arrogant.They have a record out, Girls Come Too which I neglected to pick up at the show. What's that? Sounds like an excuse to go see them again! And check it out New York; Mercury Lounge has your back on this one. They've got Still Life Still booked for a residency this month so you still have 3 more opportunities to see them or see them again! They're a fun band. Go find out for yourselves and show 'em some love, Wednesday, January 13; Wednesday, January 20 and Friday, January 29. 
stilllifestill.com
www.myspace.com/stilllifestill
Zlam Dunk: January 6 @ Mercury Lounge, New York, NY
I decided to swing 'round to the LES' Mercury Lounge to take in my first show of the new ye
ar. What better way to ward off the cold than by rockin' out? I went in blind. What's that you ask? Quirky to English translation ... I went to check out bands I was completely unfamiliar with. That's the great thing about clubs, you can randomly drop in and hear music. Sometimes it's good, sometimes not so much.Well, I was lucky last night. There were five bands on the bill and I checked out three of them. I was tickled pink that I enjoyed all three. The first band to take the stage was Zlam Dunk. They're from Texas. S
ome of them wore shorts ... it was 30F though it felt considerably colder. But, they were talented so, I'll forgive their fashion choices.Anyway, I arrived early because I arrive everywhere one year earlier than all start times. I was loitering and being nerdy by the merchandise area, I mean causally hanging out looking cool, yeah let's go with that. That's where I met Zlam Dunk drummer Daniel Vega and keyboardist Ross Bennett. I also added their 5-song EP, We Are All Dead, to my ever growing music collection while I was socializing.I was curious to hear what the band sounded like. I'd asked Vega if they were good and he said
he thought they were. Yeah, I know, silly question to ask. It's not like he was going to say they sucked!The band took to the stage to play their first NYC show and put on a fun set that was dripping with energy. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Zlam Dunk as I was, they play punk with moments of 80's dance rock mixed in. It was a good set and I can honestly say I enjoyed it.If you missed Zlam Dunk last night, you still have a chance to catch them New Yorkers. They're going to be at Pianos on Monday, January 11. Drop by and show the Texas boys some NY love.
www.myspace.com/zlamband
Nada Surf have announced that they're releasing their first album of covers. The 12-song if
i had a hi-fi features a intriguing mix of songs from the likes of Kate Bush, Moody Blues, Depeche Mode, Go-Betweens, The Soft Pack and more. The record will initially be available exclusively at shows in physical form. But, fear not friends, Nada Surf are embarking on a tour beginning March 25 so you'll be able to head out to a show, rock out and grab a copy. The tour kicks off with three shows in New York ... hey now. These three shows will be album shows where they will perform their three most recent records in their entirety along with songs from if i had a hi-fi, some fan favorites and b-sides. The NYC album shows deets ... March 25 at Bowery Ballroom featuring the album Let Go; March 26 at Bell House featuring the album The Weight is a Gift and March 27 at Music Hall of Williamsburg featuring the album Lucky. That sounds like a little slice of Nada Surf fan heaven. Check out their website for tour dates in other parts.
www.nadasurf.com
www.myspace.com/nadasurf
January 18 will mark the release of the next single from Ash. The song, Single: H in their A-Z series is titled "Space Shot." You can check out the video below. It was directed by Daniel Garcia and has a Star Wars vibe going on. "Space Shot" has officially become my favorite of the singles so far.
www.ash-official.com
Dawn Landes will be taking the stage at Mercury Lounge this Friday, January 22. Landes has a new record out, Sweet Heart Rodeo. You can check out "Young Girl" from the record below. Swing on by if you're on the LES this Friday and check her out.
Track Listing
Track Listing
Track Listing
om
y 11 -- Zlam Dunk (pictured) at Pianos
nal5nyc.com
night. While there were two other bands playing after them, I chose to end my night after their set. And, I couldn't ask for a better closer.
www.myspace.com/Doppelgangerisyourfriend
and Still Life Still. Since I went to the club without having a clue as to who any of the bands were, I was curious to hear what they'd be about. In the event you missed my previous post about the band that played before them, I dropped by just to hear some live music, not to hear anyone specific.
stilllifestill.com
ar. What better way to ward off the cold than by rockin' out? I went in blind. What's that you ask? Quirky to English translation ... I went to check out bands I was completely unfamiliar with. That's the great thing about clubs, you can randomly drop in and hear music. Sometimes it's good, sometimes not so much.
ome of them wore shorts ... it was 30F though it felt considerably colder. But, they were talented so, I'll forgive their fashion choices.
he thought they were. Yeah, I know, silly question to ask. It's not like he was going to say they sucked!
www.myspace.com/zlamband
i had a hi-fi features a intriguing mix of songs from the likes of Kate Bush, Moody Blues, Depeche Mode, Go-Betweens, The Soft Pack and more.