Family Business, EAR FARM, and The Deli Magazine - CMJ show @ Union Pool, 1st November 2006

Last night was EAR FARM's second sponsored show, the one 'official' EF CMJ show, during this week of the CMJ Music Marathon. It was a showcase for Ace Fu's Family Business, co-sponsored by The Deli Magazine, and held at Union Pool in Brooklyn. Given that I'm headed out to another EF sponsored show very soon (2pm @ Guero - Jake Brennan, Shout-out-out-out-out, Read Yellow, Goes Cube, and Foreign Islands) I'll need to make this brief.

The Shapes (above) started things off with a blazing set of catchy rock. I loved their blend of male/female vocals and thought their guitar work and rhythm section really stood out. Of the five bands that played the show last night, these guys are the most immediately ready for mass consumption. Guess it makes sense that one of their songs is being used as the theme song for a TV show. View more pictures of The Shapes from last night HERE.

The Art Of Shooting (above) was up next and began their set with a minor tech issue. Come to find out, there's just not enough power on the stage...or something. It turned out to be a bit of a pain but The Art Of Shooting carried on. They raced through a loud set of their wailing rock and inspired a bit of fist pumping from the audience. I thought the second to last song they played was really excellent, loved watching Oliver on the kit (nothing new), and thought that both members who were new to me did a very fine job. View more pictures of The Art Of Shooting from last night HERE.

Waiting for Other Passengers (above) to get things set up I found myself really looking forward to their set. I've seen them before, and mentioned it before, but they definitely scratch this certain musical itch of mine. Loud, dark, fantastic vocals, cool visuals...last night they had it all. Except Billy's guitar. That turned out to be another casualty of the power situation but Other Passengers carried on and improvised and played without it. It must've been a frustrating night for them but it didn't show. View more pictures of Other Passengers from last night HERE.

As The Gritty Midi Gang (above) set up their gear I noticed right away that they'd definitely satisfy my inner synth nerd. The boards! Lookit all the boards! Once they started playing I was happy to hear that they bring a sound just as impressive as their army of gear. Sure they blip and modulate but they also really rock it out at times. In fact, strangely, some of my favorite moments of their set were guitar moments. Then again, I also really loved the vocals. View more pictures of The Gritty Midi Gang from last night HERE.

Unfortunately, The Fatales didn't take the stage until after 1:15am (another result of venue tech issues) and both myself and the people I was with were ready to get going. I mean, it was a school night and everything. I did stay long enough to catch their first song and snap some pictures and it was long enough for me to realize that I need to see this band again. Their grand and dark sound definitely reminded me of This Is Hardcore era Pulp. Sure it was only one song, but that's what I was hearing and I LOVE that album and that sound. Next time I will see more of The Fatales, belee dat. View more pictures of The Fatales from last night HERE.

Tech issues aside, it was a great night. I still really like Union Pool and thought that all of the bands gave great performances. Thanks to everyone who played, thanks to Family Business for including EAR FARM and The Deli in the fun, and thanks to everyone who came out.