Some Candy / Funeral Crashers
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"I need something sweet tonight . . ." sang Some Candy frontwoman Natalie
Gils on the main stage of the Knitting Factory, her dark hair brushing a
glitter covered eye. Something sweet was exactly what was in store for
the audience and band members alike that evening. As soon as I arrived,
Natalie greeted me with her plastic pail full of candy, and I knew this
show would be unique. Some Candy is a neo-shoegaze, ambient band who compares their sound to "a large open wound submerged in a vat of salt and vinegar." While some bands rely on gimmicks and being "in your face", Some Candy has a resigned edge and keeps the focus where it belongs, on their music. Some Candy is also the new synonym for "multi-talented", as each member of the band played at least 2 instruments during the set. Upon taking the stage, Some Candy showed a variety of sounds, from the soft melody of somber track "The Beachcomber", a soulful ode to loss, to the pounding, unrelenting rhythm in the hauntingly sexy "The Brood." Every song in their set was ear-catching and unique, but their brand new track "Golden Rule" (played as though they had done it 100 times) and the lamenting "Ships", a mournful ballad about missed opportunities and forgotten dreams, deserve special mention. Natalie's sultry vocals nailed every song and guitarist Hans Zimmer added spice to the set by periodically playing his guitar with a beer bottle. Bassist Chris Gils brought foundation to the songs and drummer Jason Lee Oakes kept the backbeat steady and delivered piercing vocals on two of the songs. While they played, they seemed to be almost in their own little world, one with music and simply a vessel for the sound pouring out of them something few bands can achieve. The night ended on a delightfully theatrical note when Funeral Crashers took the stage, in full mourning garbed regalia. They are a deathrock outfit from NYC and after many line-up changes and various hang-ups they are back from the dead and better than ever (complete with accessories such as the projection screen and a feather boa!). Few bands play with even a tenth of the enthusiasm as the Funeral Crashers, and even less are as fun to watch. It is blatantly obvious the moment they set foot on stage that the Funeral Crashers love making music, and lucky for them they are marvelous at it. "I put myself in empty rooms. Nothing inside to relate to. . ." wailed Peter Murphy-esque vocalist P.H. Lovecraft as scenes from various horror movies flitted across the projector screen, casting an eerie countenance over the whole room. The room however was far from empty. Although it was past 1 am, the crowd, red-eyed and a little tipsy, could not bring themselves to leave. They followed up the moody "Disconnected" with "Faithless Sons", the existential track off their EP "Children of an Indifferent God". Up next was "Menlo Park". an unexpected reference to Thomas Edison and "Whisper", an insightful look at lost love. Then they surprised the audience by bringing Some Candy birthday boy Jason Lee Oakes up to play with them, for a cover of Brian Eno's "Baby's on Fire". They played a well executed, well rehearsed set, all while being pelted by the audience with candy corn (supplied by Some Candy of course). Edward Raison is an extremely talented guitarist and Oliver Lyons has a most unique way of playing drums. Singer P.H. Lovecraft brings excitement and mood to the well-written lyrics and bassist Frank Deserto is the life of the party while remaining a skilled musician. This band will have you coming back for more. This concert could not have been better with Funeral Crashers' musical vaudeville balancing out Some Candy's demure melodies. They are a perfect complement to each other as well as outstanding acts on their own, both sure to have successful futures. Be sure to check out their next performance so you can brag about it when they're playing Madison Square Garden.
Some Candy:
Funeral Crashers:
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