All Photos: Dylan Johnston
Gerard Marcus
Last Tuesday after getting off work, I rushed over to Brooklyn's Silent Barn to end my night with some amazing music. While I sadly missed Sky Picnic and Navy Gangs, I did get there in time to grab a beer and listen to two of my personal favorite finds of this year, Laser Background and Mild High Club.
My expectations were blown out of the water. Minds were melted, hearts were broken, friendships were made, and a good night was had by all. Luckily, our photographer managed to catch all four acts, and we've got the pics to prove it.
Sky Picnic
Navy Gangs
Laser Background
When you've just gotten off of work, there are surprisingly few things more relaxing than loud, super psyched-out dream pop—at least as far as I'm concerned. Now, I must admit that Laser Background's set surprised me. I'm so used to listening to their records that I expected to be greeted by much more electronic instrumentation. Instead, what I got was a wonderfully tight rock three-piece with a sound fuller than any other acts I can remember seeing this year. It was fantastic.
Their musicianship and improvisational skill made the lush tones of their instruments dance around us as we swayed with the effects-drenched vocals and awkwardly smooth stage dancing of frontman Andy Molholt (who had a birthday this week—happy belated!). Rumor has it they have an album coming out soon? I sure hope so.
Mild High Club
Mild High Club's debut masterpiece Timeline came out last Friday (we reviewed it here), and if you haven't checked it out yet I highly recommend it. We've had it here at ThrdCoast for a few months now (one of the perks of the job) and it's easily becoming one of my most listened-to albums of the year. Knowing that, it should come as no surprise that I was crazy excited to see these guys play. They didn't disappoint.
Everything I love about the new Mild High Club record was present in their live performance. The group's general chill and nonchalance, the deceptive simplicity of their arrangements, their ability to seamlessly transition from dreamy jams to songs that make you want to rock out—all these pieces weave together to form a beautiful psychedelic tapestry. I don't know when these guys will be in NYC next, but I do know that I will be there front row center.
