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IN THE BLACK & WHITE: 021 - MACRoCk XIII

Posted by: pjsykes – Apr 07, 2010

04.02-03.10 | Clementine Harrisonburg, VA

Cloud Nothings
photo by: PJ Sykes

It's pretty safe to say this was our favorite band of the weekend. These kids write super catchy pop songs and the drummer is mesmerizing, despite not playing with the band for too long. Definitely a band we will keep following. Check out their LP Turning On, which was just pressed on vinyl by our friend Blair at Lynchburg's Speakertree Records.

Cloud Nothings "Can't Stay Awake"

The Diamond Center
photo by: PJ Sykes

I will try not to be biased because they are from Richmond and are super sweet people but The Diamond Center were infinitely more interesting than the other bands we saw on the second day. I love a band with two drummers, which really works for them, as does the audience participation in the end (homemade shakers!). They are emerging as standout artists in Richmond and I was so pleased to see them so warmly received.

The Diamond Center "Dos Fridas"

Eternal Summers
photo by: PJ Sykes

This girl-fronted duo from Roanoke has been getting a lot of attention, and with good reason. They remind me of the riot grrrl music of my high school years. I highly recommend finding a copy of their excellent EP, just re-released on 10" vinyl by Chimney Sweep Records.

Eternal Summers "Able To"

Drunk Tigers
photo by: PJ Sykes

A solid rock band from Charlottesville, VA that reminded me of they heyday of 90s rock and roll, like Ultimate Dragons and Rocket From the Crypt.

Drunk Tigers "Hurricane"

Invisible Hand
photo by: PJ Sykes

More psych-pop from seasoned Virginia musicians. They also performed a full Kinks cover set at a house show later in the night.

Invisible Hand "I Want To Win"

Best Coast
photo by: PJ Sykes

While it pains to say this, especially since I own most of the output of Bethenny Cosentino and Bobb Bruno, I was a bit disappointed in this band live. They're much more enjoyable as bedroom pop that you listen to on your hi-fi while baking (or is that just me?). Still I was happy to see them and their performance of my favorite song "Something in the Way" from their newest 7" was really fantastic.

Best Coast "Something In The Way"

Dangerous Ponies
photo by: PJ Sykes

If you showed up to Clementine late on Friday you missed some serious dancing. This Philly band likes to have fun with choreographed tambourine dances and catchy pop jams. I wish all the bands we saw brought this kind of positive energy to their performance.

Dangerous Ponies "When You're In Town"

Hermit Thrushers
photo by: PJ Sykes

This band was like a more rockin', psychedelic Akron/Family, which is normally something I would not love, but perhaps I was charmed by all the beards and harmonies. Seeing my second Philly band in two hours made me think that city is full of underrated gems. Let's take a trip!

Hermit Thrushers "Snowflake"

Elephant Child
photo by: PJ Sykes

Listed as a local favorite within the MACRoCk schedule, a fact I ignored until I got to the venue. Even though they were playing first, the place was over half full and the crowd was really into them which made the set more enjoyable.

Elephant Child "Garbage Man"

Whatever Brains
photo by: PJ Sykes

This lo-fi punk band from Raleigh, NC was full of energy. PJ tells me Rich also grew up in Lynchburg and formerly played in the band We Are Spies. Check out their trio of 7"s on Funny / Not Funny records--they have great cover art.

Whatever Brains "Nesting"

The House Floor
photo by: PJ Sykes

The members of this former Blacksburg band recently moved to Brooklyn and they’ve added a new guitar player since we saw them last year. They play slightly pretentious, thoughtful jammy rock.

The House Floor "Cheer Up, Chance (some personal injustices)"

War on Drugs
photo by: PJ Sykes

On paper I loved this band: awesome name; on Secretly Canadian; contained older, more experienced members who wore boots until they got holes in them. Unfortunately, many of the songs were repetitive and didn't go anywhere. It wasn't until the last song, which they quickly extended by improvising in a different key, that I really started to appreciate them. I think they're at their best when they can let go and be a crazy rock band.

War on Drugs "Taking The Farm"

The Love Language
photo by: PJ Sykes

While the band had some issues setting up all their equipment on a small stage, they acted and performed like professionals. I adore their danceable pop songs and am really looking forward to their new record on Merge, especially after seeing them play a bunch of new songs.

The Love Language "Lalita"

photo by: PJ Sykes

MACRoCk website

1 Comment(s)

Hey, I put out the Cloud Nothings album "Turning On" on cassette and CD, just re-issued it again actually. Cool to see them and the pals Hermit Thrushes on here too. Shoot me an email and I'll hook you up with some stuff: bridgetownrecords@gmail.com

— Posted by: Bridgetown Records on April 10, 2010 - 8:12pm