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Under the RadarBy Jay M. BelinKeeping up with the every changing New York City music
environment has become more difficult than remembering which character
Julie Cooper snogged in last week’s episode of the O.C. Since
the recent success of bands like The Strokes, Interpol and The Rapture,
artists have flocked to the five boroughs in search of the same flair
that brought their predecessors fame and fortune. The continued saturation
of the scene makes the task of separating the Ben Kweller’s from
the William Hung’s both time consuming and costly. This is why
Sugar Magazine would like to lend a hand by introducing you to five
bands that deserve your undivided attention. |
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1. Dirty on Purpose (www.dirtyonpurpose.com): This Brooklyn five-piece has been making some serious waves since they began playing out in late 2002. One of the more interesting aspects of this group is their trading vocalization. Although their drummer Doug Marvin is considered the lead singer, three other members share time on the microphone while all five contribute to the song catalog. DoP’s sound can change from delicate to dynamic in a matter of seconds with soaring instrumentation and intense riff interplay. With a self released Ep due out in April (with some help from On the Moon Music), DoP is ready to win you over. Next show: April 22 @ Pianos (Record Release). |
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2. Dennis Cahlo (www.d.music.1colony.com): Many of you may recognize Dennis from his lead role in the new wave rock act, The Realistics, in which he strutted and strolled like a peacock on good speed. In this new solo project Cahlo has traded his electric guitar for an acoustic and some keys. Cahlo’s vocalization sets him ahead of the solo curve. His range could be compared to that of Beck, but don’t let that link fool you. While Dennis was known for his rock falsettos, he has toned them down a bit to fit the reflective nature of his own songs. If lucky, you may be able to score one of his self released Ep’s at a live gig. Next shows: Sundays throughout April @ Pianos Upstairs Lounge (Part of the 7th Day Acoustic Residency). |
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3. Sam Champion (www.samchampion.com): Other than being the tri-states only openly gay weatherman, Sam Champion is also the name of a budding young rock group that resides in the city. Noah Chernin writes all the tunes for this guitar, drums and bass outfit. His concentration on melody stems from a fondness for songsmiths like Neil Young while his monotone singing style is borrowed from heroes like Stephen Malkmus. Sam Champion recently recorded their upcoming debut full length, Slow Rewind, with producer Brian Rosenworcel (Guster drummer) and engineer Dan Myers (Adam Green’s Friends of Mine). Though they are one of the younger bands on this list, their country style and recognition of long forgotten influences give them a giant head start in their journey to your stereos. Next show: May 20th @ pete's candy store, 709 lorimer st, williamsburg, brooklyn, ny, 1030 pm |
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4. The Hold Steady (www.theholdsteady.com): If Sam Champion is the youngest on the team, than The Hold Steady are definitely the seasoned veterans in this game. Formed in the rubble of Minneapolis indie idols Lifter Puller, The Hold Steady changed directions and decided to have a more fun with their adjusted line up. Lead singer Craig Finn takes his audiences on a schizophrenic narrative adventure through his own life and those who have crossed his path. Among a laundry list of topics, Finn’s songs discuss problems such as the pains of rock club love and the loser triumphs of solid partying. On their recently released full length, Almost Killed Me (Frenchkiss), they experiment with towering classic rock sounds and saxophones that call to mind Rob Lowe’s character, Billy Hicks, from St. Elmo’s Fire. |
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5. Bishop Allen (www.bishopallen.com): Often considered a Harvard Band, Bishop Allen has discarded their Cambridge roots for a more fitting Brooklyn locale. The three men and a lady who make up Bishop Allen have an affinity for beautiful pop songs. Last year’s D.I.Y. release, Charm School, showcased the song writing talent of Justin Rice who is the primary lyricist and Christian Rudder who is known for putting together the musical arrangements. Their songs have spectacular melodies and lend themselves to camp fire sing-a-longs. With a recent appearance at the SXSW festival and a national tour that followed, they are making headway the only way they know how; the Bishop Allen way. Next show: May 8 @ The Tank. |
| Honorable mentions: Here is a list of artists
that may not have made this list but came pretty close to it. Check
out their music and continue to be impressed. |
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