The Auburn Lull and Soundpool Show
Auburn Lull is one of my favorite bands, and possibly the finest example of American Spacerock (or, if you like, sub-in my favorite term "Shoegaze.") And, they're still around.
Anywho, one boring day I sniffed around The WorldWide InterWeb, searching for some local NYC bands to root for. I tapped into this whole Spacerock Revival thing that (at least to me) seems to be going on right now. Accordingly, NYC sort of represents. In fact, I stumbled across this; label Loveless Music Group that seems to hype alot of local droners. I know, I know, "Loveless", right? But maybe people with this sort of energy are the flagbearers of the next big medium-sized thing here? Maybe such efforts will help people to finally get over confoundingly successful, yet mediocre bands like McCarren Pool Champions, the fucking Yeah Yeah Yeahs?
So, "What the hell about the show?" you ask? Jump here...
I had subscribed to the Soundpool list and got an emailed flyer about this show.
I was hurting for good music, since Thailand still bumps such hits as Sting's 1991 smash "Why Should I Cry For You?" from his milestone album, The Soul Cages; or Tracy Chapman's breakthough track, "Freedom Now" from her stellar 1989 release, Crossroads.
First off, this was a party, not a show. It took place at Aloft. Upon arrival, "Aloft" (or a loft, get it...) was smaller than expected, but was obviously orchestrated by seasoned DIY promoters. There was a bar with good beer and wine, which was complimentary with your $15 admission cost. The sound was good for DIY, and well mixed. There was a video projector slinging out abstractions against the bands and their back walls — always a welcome touch. Lining the far side of the room was a row of windows, out of which you could climb to stand on a mini-terrace 19 floors up offering you a pretty dope view of 38th street's west side, or to the opportunity to smoke grass cigarettes.
Also, these dandies were even conscientious of how the venue smelled. This was affixed above the can. Wow.
I'm getting tired of writing this entry, so:
Soundpool= Great NYC band if you like Stereolab, Lush and Seefeel.
Auburn Lull = Great Michigan (!) band if you like to space out. In addition, they recreated prefectly much of what they have recorded, which is a pretty good litmus test for bands of their genre.
Aloft = Nice quality-minded place to see an underground show. GoodTimes.