CMJ Friday 10/19/07

Friday was a bit haphazard CMJ viewing for me. I caught a song or two (but no pictures; had tech issues) by ILikeTrains at the midday party at R bar (thrown by The Man), and was pleasantly chuffed to hear a shoegaze-derived feedback drenched roar emanating from the stage. Dig it. You might too. ILiketrains' debut album 'Elegies to Lessons Learnt' was just released on Beggars Banquet.

Headed back to R Bar after work to see Montreal band Islands, but sadly only *heard* them, as the place was packed, and getting into a viewing point was all but impossible. Instead, shot over to the nearby Indaba Loft for another swell, low key affair (with comped beer), where I saw bands Eagle Seagull, who combine pentrating lyrics with a Cure-like dancey sound. They have a way with their songs and arrangements. Very nicely done. I see The Music Slut was there too.



(Eagle Seagull photos by Dfactor)

Wakey Wakey played too; I also saw them Wednesday upstairs at Pianos. Fine songs, piano played and sung smartly by lead Wakey Mike Grubbs. Keep an eye on these kids - a big sound and a hot German bassist make things work. The Wakeys will be playing Highline Ballroom in November.


(Wakey Wakey photo by Dfactor)