no one else can show us how, i feel fine.

Thursday I caught a show two new-ish duos playing at Comet Ping Pong. Reading Rainbow are out of Philly. My friend Nate showed me their music and I was interested in seeing how things would play-out live. The two things that stood out were the stand up drummer, and chemistry on stage. I was waiting for them to play "Wasting Time" and it was a good rendition, though the guitar was off-key throughout.



Coasting are from Brooklyn. Ultimately I preferred them. Their chord progressions reminded me a lot of A Place To Bury Strangers. I liked the ambiance they created, being energetic while still singing with eyes closed, gazing at shoes, and dressed for grunge.

With both bands, the common negative that I heard is that the sound can get monotonous. Bass would have added a much needed dimension. It was definitely interesting to see how bands with only two members can create songs.

i don't know what i'm gonna do about that, but i know what to do with you.

Last night I had the privilege of seeing one of my favorite bands, Chief, play before an intimate crowd at the Rock & Roll Hotel. This had to be my top show of the year. Reasons why are as follows:

1. Everyone in the band sings- melody, harmony, and then lyrics seem to drive this group. Chief adhere to my belief that keeping things simple can create great songs. Tracks that may seem one dimensional on the album came alive on stage. Each person has a role, but they can switch around at will.

2. Laid-back attitude, lack of pretension- Chief took the show seriously even though the venue wasn't packed [as it should have been]. They were gracious to the crowd and even hung around after the set. Certain DC bands could learn something from this.

3. Just plain good music- i.e Far Away, Your Direction & Mighty Proud