Henry Millers @ The Studio at Webster Hall

Much like the $3 cans of Bomb Lager served at the bar, The Henry Millers proved to be an acquired taste, at first unsettling, but ultimately leaving you thirsting for more at night’s end.

Fronted by the duo of John MacCallum and Katie Schecter, the NYC based pop tarts built momentum as the show progressed with their catchy harmonies and charmed an enthusiastic crowd filling The Studio, Webster Hall’s subterranean lair. The supporting live instrumentation, particularly the contributions of bassist Philip Nuttle, provided more energy and authenticity to their sound than can be heard on their recent, more synth-oirented EP.

“Flash Gordon” served an excellent example of how the interplay of John & Katie’s voices, which defines The Henry Millers in a manner similar to The XX, is best framed within the context of a live show.

Tremendous poets they are not, as more than one chorus relies on soulful howls and repetition rather than mindful wording, but the bands appear comfortable with its identity as creators of fun & free melodies, sure to stick in your head for days.

RethinkPopMusic CMJ Promo Video

RethinkPopMusic hosted a CMJ showcase at The Bowery Electric on Thursday, October 20th 2011.

Artists performing that evening were:

The Yes Way
Black Taxi
Courtesy Tier
The Aviation Orange
Viva Mayday
Beast Make Bomb
Man on Earth
The Ruby Spirit

The Chaotic Good featured in Mammut “Peak Project” trailer

Mammut uses The Chaotic Good track “WYLA” for their “Peak Project” celebrating their 150 year anniversary… if this doesn’t motivate you to climb the nearest mountain nothing will.

CMJ Night 2 feat The Yes Way

Surprisingly, I had not experienced The Yes Way live prior to CMJ.

Frontman Aaron Mendelsoh narrates a journey ranging from undeniably catchy, melodic pop, through spaced-out psychedelia, landing at times for hardcore garage-style grunge. All the while, it’s a tightly guarded secret hidden behind a coy smile what direction he might guide the show next.

I’ve only seen Radiohead do it better. Their New song “Anchor” appears to be an instant fan favorite, with all 6 feet and 6 inches of Nick Burleigh showing that his mastery of the guitar also translates to the spacey and reverb ablaze violin.

The word mastery absolutely applies… if Aaron is responsible for telling the story, than Nick certainly delivers the subtext with tightly-honed skill. Kudos are also in order for bassist Ian Mellencamp who didn’t miss a beat in just his second show with the band. This should probably be half credited to the flawless, yet often off-tempo drumming style of Jesse Bilotta, which one could imagine if even a note were missed the entire song would fall deep into a noisy abyss.

The Yes Way remain a change-up from what the rest of NYC has to offer and a cut above nearly any comparison you could make.

CMJ Night 2 feat Black Taxi

Longtime favorites of RethinkPopMusic, Black Taxi treated the packed Bowery Electric crowd to one of the more memorable performances of CMJ.

Armed with a rebellious spirit, unbridled energy, and a slew of cameo instruments for frontman Ezra Huleatt to use at his disposal (bass drum, tambourine, trumpet, keyboard, harmonica, & maraca), Black Taxi achieves what Panic At the Disco! might hope to… with more creativity. Not to dwell on the charismatic, if not flamboyant lead, but Huleatt seems to possess (in addition to his stunning resemblance to Brit from Flight of the Conchords) the spirit, poise, and unique appeal to become a true rock star. This is best showcased on the dazzling single “Shoeshine” and every other song on the setlist to be honest. Absolutely try to catch the Brooklyn natives in action if you find them playing a venue near you — actually, travel to see them. Now!