A bunch of bands at Cafe 9 and Alchemy

Thursday, April 27, 2006

Queen Killing Kings, Sugarfist, Groovski, The Chuck Hestons, Coup de Grace - 4/19/06

I was jumping back and forth between Cafe 9 and Alchemy last Wednesday. Both places had shows I was mildly interested in. I'd been meaning to catch the Chuck Hestons for a while now.
I started out at Alchemy, but when I found out Sugarfist was playing, I hightailed it. Arriving at Cafe 9, I was surprised at how many people were there. The Advocate was putting on some kind of showcase and all their friends were there. I think there were probably more people in Cafe 9 than in Alchemy, in spite of the fact that it's about 1/6 the size.
The first band I saw was Queen Killing Kings. It was two guys, one on drums, the other on piano and vocals. They were very precious; the little girls sitting down in front really seemed to like them. They were okay, but I've heard a million indie bands who do essentially the same thing.
So, I went back to Alchemy and, wouldn't you know it, Sugarfist was still playing. I hate them so much.
Back to Cafe 9 and Groovski was setting up. They're a weird band. Kind-of heavy rock, but with a severe echo on the vocals. It gives the whole thing an unsettled feeling. I kind of dig it.
I got to Alchemy just as the Chuck Hestons was preparing to start. They were enjoyable, but the multitude of technical difficulties forced me to leave. They had a lot of homemade equipment and that may have contributed to the problems. I'll consider them more thoroughly when I catch them again. They're playing with the Battlecats in June. They were also the most documented band I've seen. They had 3 or 4 photographers and 1 or 2 video cameras going.
And, finally, at Cafe 9 was Coup de Grace. It was certainly one of the more annoying musical experiences I've ever had. A bunch of goofy fucks jerking off with noise and feedback. It might have been alright if they'd had more fun with it but, in spite of the silly headgear, it seemed like they were taking themselves very seriously. The most telling thing, though, was that there was a photographer on stage with them. As if being observed was part of the show. The hyper-self-consciousness was obscene. The music, though, was nothing to speak of. One guy occasionally yelled into a mic hooked up to a practice amp, other times he just used it to make feedback. There was a guitar player or two just fucking around and another guy yelling into another microphone once in a while. I've said it before, but even when the Velvet Underground played Sister Ray for 45 minutes, there was a song at the heart. That's because Lou Reed is a true sadist. In his songs, he plays the role of the masochist; he can only do that successfully because, as a true sadist, he understands the masochist. The true sadist will give just enough to keep the abused engaged. As an audience member, I am a masochist, I want to be abused. But, I need to know that the performer is aware of my position. Give me some kind of hook to keep me there. With Coup de Grace, the only resonable response is to leave. Now, maybe that is their intent. Honestly, that is a respectable goal. Musical nihilism. But why, then, play for an audience if you're not going to have any fun with them? I fear that I will be seeing more of this kind of thing in the future. Pointless noise is getting hip.

I guess I missed a couple of acts that night. The guy from the Carlos Project played at Cafe 9 and some band with wrestling masks who played computers and a band called Omega Vague played at Alchemy. Well, sometimes we must make sacrifices.

Pictures:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/oldangelmidnight/sets/72057594115352867/

etc.
http://www.myspace.com/thequeenkillingkings
http://www.myspace.com/sugarfist
http://www.groovski.com
http://www.myspace.com/thechuckhestons
http://www.myspace.com/thecoupdegracenh

dipshit	Your making me have to go see Sugarfist aren't you? Posted by dipshit on Thursday, April 27, 2006 at 12:29 PM [Remove] [Reply to this]

	King David	If you do, don't bring your guns. You might get in trouble. Posted by King David on Thursday, April 27, 2006 at 1:09 PM [Remove] [Reply to this]

	THE COUP DE GRACE	You're right our point is to annoy. Our goal has always been to clear a room, it hasn't happened yet. We do not actively seek shows, we play when we our invited. Cafe nine was our fourth show and believe it or not we've been asked to play another. The fact that most people stick around is as much of a curiosity to myself as it is to you, but then again you also stuck around. Regardless we appreciate the photos and your critique, and applaud the fact that your actively participating in the activities by attending, reviewing, and taking photos. Thanks again. Posted by THE COUP DE GRACE on Thursday, April 27, 2006 at 12:34 PM [Remove] [Reply to this]

	King David	I watched for about 20 minutes. I was surprised that so few people left. I think, at first, people are mostly confused. Maybe throwing flaming chunks of rotten meat with nails sticking out into the crowd would be more effective. Posted by King David on Thursday, April 27, 2006 at 1:15 PM [Remove] [Reply to this]

THE COUP DE GRACE

Well I guess you'll have to check us out on June 17th at Pitkin Plaza to see what we do. We'll be closing out the show, which by the way will totally rock!!! 5 bands on the 17th, more info coming on the two other shows 16th and 18th!!! That's right Ideat Village is taking over three consecutive nights at Pitkin Plaza. Posted by THE COUP DE GRACE on Thursday, April 27, 2006 at 6:51 PM