As Keepaway left the stage and The Rumble showcase at Webster Hall came to an end, I decided to take a trip down to Ludlow Street and see what CMJ had in store between all the venues on the Lower East Side. Cloud Nothings, 19-year old Dylan Baldi’s prodigious endeavor, took the stage at 11pm at Cake Shop. After having seen this band open for Abe Vigoda back in March, I knew good things were in store. The band just released their debut full-length to unanimous positive reviews. “Morgan” and most prominent track “Hey Cool Kid” had everyone moving and head-bobbing.
Hey Cool Kid – Cloud Nothings (Free Download / Buy)
After the set ended, I went to Piano’s and was able to catch the end of Philly-based Sun Airway’s set. The bliss-pop band just released their debut album this past Monday and played a number of those tracks to very eager listeners. If Nocturne of Exploded Crystal Chandelie is largely reminiscent on what was performed Thursday night, good things are in store.
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Canadian indie rockers Suuns took the stage and played a set largely featuring songs from their new album Zeroes QC. The thing that makes Suuns so interesting to me is their ability to play such powerful, anger-filled shoegaze. The genre, by definition, implies a lighter form of indie rock, but they manage to pull off something completely in a realm of in its own. For that reason, most music critics enjoyed the album, and those in attendance at Piano’s almost unanimously were in favor of what they heard (with “Up Past The Nursery” being the catchiest of the tunes).
Arena – Suuns (Free Download / Buy)
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I next took an opportunity to check out Mississippi-based Dent May at Cake Shop. After having “Eastover Wives” stuck in my head for most of the summer, I felt as if I cold not pass up the opportunity to see someone tabbed as one of the most promising young artists of the year. With his thick-rimmed glasses and very mild Southern accent, Dent May played a set that magnified his versatility as a musician. Rock songs were mixed with dance ballads and topped off with country gospel songs. Overall, May gave one of the most passionate performances CMJ had to offer.
Meet Me in the Garden – Dent May & His Magnificent Ukulele (Free Download / Buy)
