Here’s TLD Contributor Flora Theden’s weekly run-down of the best live music on the Lower East Side
Thursday – Nude Beach
A Brooklyn-based indie rock trio with punk edges, Nude Beach released their double-length third album, ’77, at the end of 2014 on punk indie label Don Giovanni Records. They have been playing around New York quite a bit recently – they opened for Amen Dunes at Bowery Ballroom in January 2015, and also have a show coming up at The Bell House with White Hills in April. Check them out if you like Total Slacker or Colleen Green.
Listen to: Been Waitin’
Bowery Electric // March 5th // 8pm // Free with RSVP
Saturday – Red Baraat
A beat-driven brass band with Punjabi roots, this eight-person Brooklyn-based band released their album Gaadi of Truth on January 20th. Saturday’s show is sure to be an all-out party with elements hip-hop, South American beats, South Asian trance and 70’s style funk.
Listen to: Gaadi of Truth
Bowery Ballroom // March 7th // 9pm // $18 in advance, $22 day of show
Saturday – Cobalt Cranes
FADER magazine commends Cobalt Cranes for their “distorted fuzz heartbeat” thanks to their combo of vintage California sounds and grungier, raw elements. Rooted in 60’s garage rock and 90’s grunge, the band released their debut album, Head In The Clouds, in 2013 and their new album, In The Sun, is out now on tape via LA-based Lolipop Records.
Listen to: Flowers on Your Grave
Cake Shop // March 7th // 7pm // $8
Sunday – City Dwelling Nature Seekers
Influenced by classic artists like The Band, Neil Young, and Ryan Adams, this six-piece band from Pittsburg seeks to reconcile traditional American musical ideas in a modern frame. A sort of indie folk rock / Americana sound, City Dwelling Nature Seekers is a high-energy ensemble that’s sure to get your foot tapping and hands clapping.
Listen to: Bringing Me Back
Rockwood Music Hall // March 8th // 9:15pm // Free
Monday – Songhoy Blues
The Songhoy Blues are an inspiring and exceptionally unique band hailing from Northern Mali, where the Songhoy people once lived along the banks of the Niger River between the ancient cities of Timbuktu and Gao. The Songhoy people now largely live on the margins of the West African nation whose political and cultural life is dominated by the Bambara people of the south, but they nonetheless retain a fierce pride in their history, beliefs and especially…music.
Their music is fun and smart, and they have a great story to tell about their culture. If that’s not enough to draw you in, Nick Zinner of Yeah Yeah Yeahs collaborated with the band on their track Soubour.
Listen to: Al Hassidi Terei
Mercury Lounge // March 9th // 6:30pm // $15
Tuesday – The Black Ryder
The Black Ryder is a collaboration between Australian duo Aimee Nash and Scott Von Ryper, now based in Los Angeles. Their debut album Buy The Ticket, Take the Ride was released through Mexican Summer in September 2010, and their much anticipated follow up The Door Behind the Door was released February 24th of this year. To date, the band have toured and played shows with Broken Social Scene, The Cult, The Raveonettes and many more.
Listen to: Let Me Be Your Light
Mercury Lounge // March 10th // 7:30pm // $15
Wednesday – Jangula
Catch this Brooklyn-based gutter rock group during their March residency in the Piano’s Showroom. Jangula plays frequently in and around New York and is planning to release their third collection of songs, Ataraxia, in the coming months. Their featured instrument is the Q-Chord, a touch-pad based synthesizer that projects an air of mystery. With this synth, dynamic powerhouse drumming, dream-state guitar riffs and driving bass rhythms, Jangula yields crazy some sounds.
Listen to: Chinese Tea
Pianos // March 11th // 9pm // $8
Flora Theden lives and works in the Lower East Side. She is an Account Executive in the Hospitality Division of Brandsway Creative, a Public Relations, Marketing and Branding firm.
