L.A. at CMJ 2011 Round-Up: Odd Future, Vanaprasta, David Liebe Hart Band, and The New Limb
By Chaz Kangas
Courtsey of The Bowery Presents Odd Future at CMJ
Last week buzzworthy bands saturated New York City, across all boroughs and genres. The College Music Journalism festival featured some of the best breaking music in the world, including many great new bands from Los Angeles. The four I saw were among the highlights of the week, and encapsulate what CMJ is all about.
The New Limb
Arlene's Grocery, 10/22/11
On the final night of CMJ, The New Limb brought their innovative harmonies and high energy instrumentation to a mid-show slot at Arlene's Grocery. Having topped several "What to see at CMJ" lists, anticipation for the group was among the highest I
encountered, and resulted in one of the most talked about sets of the night.
Even though it was their first show in New York, many in the crowd were already very familiar with songs from their latest album Songs People Can Hear, singing along. The venue's intimacy made for a disarmingly engaging set that more than exceeded expectations.
Vanaprasta
Winston Woo Vanaprasta
Arlene's Grocery, 10/19/11
The experimental rock of Vanaprasta -- Sanskrit for "forest dweller who has given up all worldly possessions" -- was a bombastic way to conclude the first night of the festival.
The Hype Machine favorite whipped the 1:30 AM crowd into a frenzy, beginning a week of buzz for their forthcoming album Healthy Geometry, out November 1.
Odd Future
Terminal 5, 10/20/11
Perhaps the most publicized show of the entire festival, Odd Future turned huge west side Manhattan venue Terminal 5 into their own personal fun house. Their GG Allin meets Onyx stage show created a volatile environment, which crescendoed when Tyler, the Creator and Hodgy Beats dove into the audience from the venue's second story balcony and crowd surfed back over the barriers without missing a beat.
But it wasn't just stunts, as each member alternated turns on the mic, everyone from Domo Genesis offering material from his new mixtape Under the Influence to Mike G's smooth new material.
Email to Friend
Write to Editor
Print Article
