The Doug Fir Lounge is usually not an all ages venue. Renowned for picking some of the best lineups in Portland and booking all those bands you love right before the get big, their swanky basement stage is generally confined to the over 21 demographic. Fortunately, for all the kids, they made an exception for a special early show with Starfucker, a Portland favorite among the younger generation.
Despite the fact that the music started around 5 p.m., there was a pretty decent turn out for openers Deelay Ceelay. The electronic/drumming duo injected their usual wordless energy into the shadowy cellar, throwing some toe-tapping, body-moving covers of T.I., the Beach Boys and a Jay-Z/Knife mash up in with their original work. Chris Lael Larson’s stunning video work perfectly complimented the bands music, adding an additional sensory layer to their set.
South Dakota outfit We All Have Hooks for Hands followed next. The music began well enough, but once their lead singer (Eli Show?) opened his mouth, things quickly went south. When other members of the band harmonized with him, it didn’t sound quite as bad, and their popish blend of folky rock ‘n roll was very tolerable. As Hooks continued to play, it became clear that the “dueling” drummers - two guys whose sets were set up facing each other so that they shared a kick drum - were the most interesting aspect of the band. It was only between these two that any kind of awareness between the band members was apparent. The rest of the band seemed to be lost in their own little worlds, or too busy concentrating on strumming out the correct guitar rift.
Starfucker ended the show and, by far, drew the largest crowd. The Portland quartet possessed a new kind of energy that had been less apparent at previous gigs. Their show seemed messier and less predictable, a welcome departure from some of the more tired feeling performances they’ve put on in the past. Starfucker clearly have some serious swagger on stage when they feel like it, and have a knack for working their audience into a frenzy. Members of the band bounced around on different instruments throughout the set, with Josh Hodges, Shawn Glassford and Keil Corcoran all drumming at once, while lead singer Ryan Biornstad toyed around with some turn tables and synths. Bionrstad also decided it would be an excellent idea to take a crowd dive at one point, much to the delight of sweaty teenagers moshing below. They closed out their set with an encore performance of “German Love,” off their self-titled debut, leaving a room full of amped up kids and sweaty parents on the sidelines.
DOWNLOAD: Starfucker - Girls Just Want to Have Fun (MP3) or Follow us for more Starfucker MP3s (Twitter)
It’s nice to see artists using the entire sandbox to play in instead of just sticking to their corner.
by colin on Wed Dec 9, 2009 at 02.51 pm from the entry: Chiddy Bang - "The Swelly Express Mixtape" - Buy It
i know colin mentioned this in an earlier post - but i really love hip-hop’s recent usage/acknowledgment of the indie rock scene. the results are fantastic. this record will be in my top ten of the year for sure.
by josh on Wed Dec 9, 2009 at 02.42 pm from the entry: Chiddy Bang - "The Swelly Express Mixtape" - Buy It
would love to know what you like so much about it. I just don’t get it.
by colin on Wed Dec 9, 2009 at 01.11 pm from the entry: Kid Cudi's new video for "Pursuit of Happiness"
Wow, if this isn’t one of the highlights, then I need to hear the album. I love this.
by Beth Doreian on Wed Dec 9, 2009 at 09.55 am from the entry: Kid Cudi's new video for "Pursuit of Happiness"
Just listened to the album, and I agree with Roger - definitely my favorite track.
by Beth Doreian on Wed Dec 9, 2009 at 06.22 am from the entry: Kid Cudi's new video for "Pursuit of Happiness"
And what is doubly interesting is how young they are.
by colin on Wed Dec 9, 2009 at 12.38 am from the entry: Cymbals Eat Guitars about to chew up the road
Just saw these guys live at Ithaca College! An AWE inspiring performance.. Such power from there presense. Hope they enjoy there tour in Spain! See you guys in Philadelphia at Johnny Brenda’s!
by Matt on Wed Dec 9, 2009 at 12.28 am from the entry: Cymbals Eat Guitars about to chew up the road
We all have hooks for hands. So very tolerable.
thanks i love this track