Cold Cave at Bowery Ballroom

I've seen so many iterations of Cold Cave, but this is the first time I've seen "the dance monster unleashed" (as my pal Jamie, who introduced me to Cold Cave way back in No Fun Fest 2009, describes it). I enjoy the aesthetic evolution from gentle head bobster to full out dance monster. Anyway, the Bowery Ballroom show this past Saturday was pretty infectiously dance-able. Here is one photo from the sold out gig and you can see more on House List or Flickr.

Cold Cave at Barnard College

Cold Cave playing at WBAR Barnard College Radio's annual BBQ.
I've somehow seen four versions of the band so far (changing band membership and what not): (1) during No Fun Fest, (2) during Fashion's Night Out at the Rogan store, (3) at the WFMU fest, and (4) now.

Stereogum / Believer CMJ Showcase at the Studio at Webster Hall

Cold Cave: Is the fourth time too much? No.


The Golden Filter

Cold Cave at Music Hall of Williamsburg

I often encounter this dilemma at club shows: flash or no flash? I did bring my Speedlite 580EX to this first night of the WFMU fest, and Cold Cave played practically in the dark, in red light. So flash or no flash? As much as I wanted to, I opted for my fantastic plastic f/1.8 50mm prime because Cold Cave is brooding and dark and moodly and ...cold. I didn't think additional lighting would fit the atmosphere. (Not just making excuses here.)

I've seen 3 different versions of the band now. Apparently as of four days ago, Sarah Lipstate, the wonderful noise goblinette of Noveller, is no longer in the band. This was, by far, the longest set I've ever seen them play. Gets better and better each time! I wonder how opening for Sonic Youth at Terminal 5 will play out... Full Flickr set here.

EDIT: Talk about the uncanny. I was reading Marilyn Ivy's "Naito Masatoshi's Flash," shortly after writing this post. It has a quote from Cartier-Bresson, his advice to readers of Photography magazine in 1955:

And no photographs taken with the aid of flashlight either, if only out of respect for the actual light - even when there's not any of it.

Cold Cave at Rogan Store

Fashion's Night Out, baby! I feel the recession reversing already. (Not.) But still, some great events yesterday night, including Cold Cave performing an in-store at Rogan on 330 Bowery. Free champagne, I can't complain.

Wes and Dominick

On a related note, the day before, I went to Agent Provocateur's presentation at the SoHo Grand. Here is some kinky couture for yah.

No Fun Fest 2009

EDIT: Jamie's column on the Fader is up online now. Part 1 and Part 2. They didn't credit my photos though, despite Jamie's constant reminding. LAME. EDIT2: Now with proper credits!

That was a very shortly lived teaser. Here are more photos. Ended up with a LOT of pics from this three day mayhem (okay not so mayhem, it was a hyper organized affair!), so head over to Flickr to see more more more. Some of my favorites pics (and acts) from the weekend:

Prurient (a.k.a. Dominick Fernow)

Sonic Youth | Thurston Moore

Some Page Six for you: Thurston was just chillaxing all weekend, even reclining on the side stage for Dominick's set. At one point, a videographer tripped over Thurston. Whoops.

Cold Cave
SO GOOD! You must check them out! "Love Comes Close" is my new jam right now!


Yellow Tears

I may not be that familiar with noisy, No Fun bands (yet), but I really enjoyed Yellow Tears's set. Seeing the band have fun on stage, I couldn't help but do the same. Powerful stuff.

Black PusSo LOUD! Even my Etymotic earplugs were not strong enough for the percussive fury.

Emeralds | Mark McGuire

Another band I really enjoyed! The dude next to me said "WOW!" after the trio was done. Deservedly. Bought the new blue 12" at merch.