The Grates were also on this line-up and I have to give my apologies to the group because once again, I failed to see them. I was just so fecking tired, I couldn't even stay for all of White Rabbits- even though I thought they were brilliant.
Ok, first up was
Cassettes Won't Listen. This is the second time around for me with CWL, the first was a
few months ago at Beg Yr Pardon. I loved it back then, so I made sure to get to Mercury early, or at least early enough to catch a few songs. Jay Drake, the mastermind behind the group, was brilliant once more. Though the crowd was sparse, those there were riveted. Though I still think that the light show is unnecessary and perhaps a little distracting, Jay puts on an interesting set. Skipping from straight electronica to old school hip-hop beats. Perhaps my favourite song of his, is the one that features his guest rapper.
Next up, was Tiger City, a group I first found through
Fluxblog (perhaps my favourite music site of all time) a year ago. This too was my second time seeing this group, and I seriously adore them. They are tailor made to my tastes. They have a 70's disco, lounge sound which I find really refreshing. Perhaps their music is a bit of a one note, but they play that one note so darn well.
Lead singer Bill Gillim plays up his lounge singer image so effortlessly and with such grace that even in that polyester suite I couldn't help but think, "oh, hello there." The group will be playing their last show of the year in NYC this weekend
(from their site): SHINDIG IS HERE!@ Videoland 174 Attorney StreetLES, NYC[Attorney/Houston]w/Oohlas, Sugar Report, Chainsaw Trio, UltragrrrlOpen bar all night, art, music, live bands, djs, dancing, loft space, kegs, Whiskey, and VODKA.
I wish I had a picture of
White Rabbits, but alas, I was stuck in the back. I have to say, their music surprised the hell out of me. A motley crew of young, prep school looking 20 year olds, White Rabbits are a band aptly named. Their music evokes images of Alice and Wonderland with a sound that is reminiscent of soaring Broadway musicals, think Les Miserable or Phantom of the Opera, while at the same time having a psychedelic 70's rock vibe. I feel completely perplexed how to accurately describe what I thought to be stupendous music. All I can do is direct you towards their MySpace for you to have a listen yourself.
picture taken by my good friend,
d.yee.
Catch the Brooklyn-based band at:
