Since there are huge gaps in this concert blog, we’ll try to fill in as opportunity permits.
I’m not sure what it is about shoe companies promoting free shows but I’m on board! The band gets free shoes (or boots as the case may be) and the fans get to see a free concert.
The lineup for this show was glam up and down, with Yaasss opening, followed by Atlanta band Starbenders, and Uni to close out the night.
Urban dictionary defines Yaasss as “A word used to express extreme excitement, usually followed by a swift fist pump”. That is an apt description and if we added hard pounding guitars and fishnet stockings, we would have self-styled “falafel rock” band Yaasss. The night started in high energy fashion with a crowd surfing blow up sex doll, beer bring sprayed into the crowd, and the lead yelling that “these boots were not made for walking” (Dr Martens boots). These guys sure know how to bring down the house!
When Starbenders took the stage next, the first thing I thought was…wow, there’s a lot of hair up there! In the music, I heard some Joan Jett, a little bit of the Cure and some heavy metal, but with the edge taken off. Vocalist Kimi Shelter has a unique look and eyes that pierce through you. The band does have a lot of fun onstage… but without the smiles. They return to NYC in February at the Knitting Factory so catch them again!
As if the crowd wasn’t insane enough, Uni took Baby’s All Right to the next level. Glam rock is back in full force with Uni, complete with dazzling outfits, makeup, and a python. Yes, you read that right. A large python was draped over lead singer Nico Fuzz during “Greed”. The appearance of the snake did make the photographers in the front take a step back. Only thing missing from the spectacle was glitter. I’ll be expecting it for the next show. But back to the music. With two singles (“What’s the Problem?” and “Adult Video”) and videos already released and several shows this year under their belts, Uni played to fans that were familiar with their music. If you want to have a band transport you out of this world, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to get your Uni fix since they’ll be playing Elsewhere on Dec 28th, Knitting Factory on Jan 19th, and Rockwood on Feb 6th.
NOTE: all photographs are copyright of Howard Shiau Photography. Full set of photographs can be found here
NOTE: all photographs are copyright of Howard Shiau Photography