From beginning to end, Brooklyn Bowl was a curious venue for a group like The Hood Internet. The band, a Chicago-based duo with mashups comparable to their hometown friends Flosstradamus, has rightfully become known for danceable mixes of pop, indie rock, and hip-hop. Brooklyn Bowl, however charming in both style and set-up, seems like an unlikely spot for such a party-centric band. By the end, however, the show was all the better for it.
With the opener playing to a virtually uninhabited room, the vibe of show was strange to say the least. Most of the listeners, mid-thirty-something Brooklynites, seemed only slightly interested, probably much to do with the distracting sounds of bowling, and the ever present NHL Stanley Cup Game 7.
But, as the headliners’ appearance drew closer the bar area quickly filled up with an amped-up, rhythmically swaying, crowd. The Hood Internet started out simple, mixing a slowed down “Billie Jean” with some comfortably ambient techno. After the hall began to fill, they quickly brought up the pace with a couple gems littered in what was a generally fun music set.
Mashups of Kid Sister with T-Rex and Cee Lo Green with Sir Mix-a-lot were some of the most high energy moments of the night, with plenty of hilarious dance moves to survey. The crowd was a great mix of people; a bunch of folks that didn’t care about anything besides their beers, the music, and having a great time.
The two djs, Aaron Brink (aka ABX) and Steve Reidell (aka STV SLV), were relaxed as can be onstage, constantly joking around with each other, as well as the more avid fans in the crowd. Basically an unpretentious good dancing time, the show ended up being a successful surprise after the slow start to the night. By the end, the sounds of the bass and the crowd easily overpowered nearby clinks of bowling balls and pins, and Brooklyn Bowl became the perfect intimate party feeling that everyone hopes to have at such a high energy show — a perfect venue and band for the Wednesday version of a Friday night rave.
Written by Drew Facklam
