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.

Fever Ray at Webster Hall

Talk about a Scandinavian chill! Fever Ray - a.k.a. Karin Dreijer of the Knife - knows how to put on a show. With incense, mist (...that smelled like maple syrup?), old time-y lamps, apocalyptic circus outfits and CLASS FOUR LASERS, the atmosphere at Webster Hall was eerie and otherworldly. In other words, absolutely fitting for Fever Ray's grotesque pop (grotesque in a good way). However, these aesthetic directions created difficult conditions for photography, as it was hazy and extremely dark for most of the show. Also, photographers were only allowed at the periphery of the photo pit (lest we disturbed the lasers and mirrors center stage). I made due with what I had...
After the show, I managed to catch up with pals - Matt (Music Slut), Abbey (Punk Photo), and Jeff (Culture of Me) - in the VIP balc. Oh, and Karin made an appearance in civilian clothes. A slight fan moment ensued, one that I will not elaborate here.

Phoenix at Rumsey Playfield

I've never seen Phoenix live, so this massive show - first of two sold out nights at a 5500-capacity, give or take, venue - was a very impressive introduction. Also, this is the largest venue I've ever photographed.
It was an all-around enjoyable night. The lighting during the first song was a harsh, unforgiving back light. After this dramatic intro, the pretty sick light show ensued. Great weather, great atmosphere, great energy!

Took these pics for House List, Bowery Presents' endeavor in blogging. You can see more photos on Flickr here.

The Decemberists at Terminal 5

Oh, Colin! I knew he wasn't going to kick me but I still recoiled.

The Decemberists played a "Lottery Show," which involved a live drawing of songs from the Portland quintet's entire catalog plus a few surprises (i.e.: "Colin write a song now"). This was a fantastic show all around - lively band, lively crowd. I can't ask for more as a concert-goer or photographer. Shot this for House List, the nascent Bowery Presents blog. The entire Flickr set can be found here.

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.

Warp Records 20th Anniversary at Terminal 5

EDIT: 'SUP write-up and photos are up online now.

Last night was the 20th Anniversary shindig for Warp Records. Battles, !!!, Flying Lotus and Pivot played. Shot this for the incomparable 'Sup Magazine, review coming up.

Battles was tighter than ever. Unf, that precision!

Ian of Battles

"High hat"

!!! was one fierce one-man dance party with jazz hands and twirling. Towards the end of the 3rd song, frontman Nic Offer jumped into the photo pit and started dancing around with the photographers and the crowd. Some sweat got on me.

I think I've been subconsciously channeling JJ Abrams, because lately, I've been embracing the lens flare.

Pivot sounds like Battles redux with a dash of Animal Collective, but I did enjoy them. Will give them another listen.

Mew at Music Hall of Williamsburg

EDIT: Hot off the interwebs, the interview with Bo Madsen and the photos with the rest of Mew is up on 'SUP MAG, here.
Amazing. Extraordinary. Immense. Epic. This was by far the best concert I've ever, EVER been to, and I've been to many (my ear doctor agrees). During the encore, I was upstairs photographing the crowd, and I was just standing there thinking, "this is so beautiful." It was overwhelming - I felt like I should've teared up or something.
I was accidentally double-listed for photopasses because I was shooting my first assignment for the Bowery Presents blog, cleverly titled House List. I was also shooting for none other than 'Sup Mag.
I met the Danish trio around soundcheck to take some very quick portraits for 'Sup. What a gracious bunch of lads! A teaser...
Album dropped today in the States. It is sprawling and glorious. "Introducing Palace Players" is my favorite jam right now. For the complete set, go here.

The Guess Who Edition

Hello! I'm back. Guess who I'm shooting this Monday?

Not much of a "Guess Who"...

The great Danes! I had a chance to see them open for Kasabian a few years back, but I couldn't make to the venue on time. I'm absolutely thrilled to see them at Music Hall, such a small venue. The (now) trio will be supporting Nine Inch Nails for various dates.

"No More Stories Are Told...," the new album with an absurdly long name, drops this 25th.

Diesel U Music Party at Webster Hall

I briefly attended the Diesel U Music concert party at Webster Hall on Thursday. I was so horribly jet lagged from Hong Kong, having flown in the evening before, that I just couldn't make it through the night. Did catch Noisettes (love the new sound), Heartsrevolution though. But one day, just one day, mark my words, I will catch you in concert, Lykke Li!

Hong Kong Hustle

Hong Kong was ...different. Vibrant. Nocturnal. Having grown up in New York City, I've always enjoyed traveling to other big cities but I've never felt at home at any of them. Until Hong Kong, that is. For one, I enjoy the night life a lot more over there, as malls and stores stay open until 8, even til 11 for youth-oriented micro-malls, and pubs much later. Taxis are so cheap. The public transportation infrastructure is amazing and inexpensive. There are all these great dessert chains dotting the city, like Hui Lau Shan and Honeymoon Dessert (I went on a holy grail quest for the best black sesame roll to no avail, though I did taste THE BEST red bean yellow sugar sticky cake). The one thing that I really don't like about Hong Kong, and the reason why I would waste away there, is that there is practically no independent music scene. Only big names play in Hong Kong (before I left, I saw advertisements for upcoming Placebo and Keane shows) or Macau, the neighboring former Portuguese colony a. k. a. East Asian Las Vegas (Fall Out Boy played at the Venetian during my trip). I was starved of English-language entertainment! Nevertheless, it was a fantastic month abroad, with much thesis-musings and general merriment. To see my Flickr set of travel photos, click here.