Show Recap: Sea Wolf + A Place to Bury Strangers [Schuba's Tavern, Chicago, 10/13/07]

In what feels like the strangest and most lopsided bills this calendar year, I had the interesting pleasure of seeing both the hot new buzz band A Place to Bury Strangers as well as the lovely fall-like sounds of Sea Wolf this past weekend. The result was actually pretty decent.

For starters, A Place to Bury Strangers bill themselves as "the loudest band in New York." And despite their self-titled debut SOUNDING like they could live up to that reputation, I foolishly didn't believe them. Boy was I wrong. I suppose my first mistake was forcing my way up to the front of the stage. The main speakers may have been behind me, but the amps and on-stage monitors were as loud if not louder. The three-piece set up on the small stage with a pull-down projection screen for visual accompanyment. From the very first note I wished that I had earplugs. The noise was so piercingly loud that I swore my eardrums were going to burst. I couldn't cover my ears, because it'd be incredibly disrespectful to the band I was standing directly in front of. So I stood there and took it. And it was the loudest thing I've ever heard live, save for maybe Sunn o))), which was a much scarier experience than this.

Anyways, despite the incredible loud-ness, the set was shockingly good. This may be their first record (under this incarnation...there have been previous projects), but the band was incredibly adept on the live stage. Frontman Oliver Ackermann is first and foremost a creator of innovative and unique guitar pedals, used by bands like Wilco and Spoon, so it's no wonder he was able to create such an ear-splittingly good sound. The record sounds like a wild shoegaze cross between Jesus and Mary Chain, My Bloody Valentine and Ministry. The live show mirrors that, only with speakers turned up to 11. Great stuff. The visuals and strobe lights only added to the effectiveness, giving the whole thing a very Grindhouse-like feel. And much like a Grindhouse, I came out feeling dirty and grimy...and nearly deaf. But all in all, a very worthwhile experience that I highly recommend to people. Go see 'em at CMJ if you're in New York. They'll burn the place down, either with their guitars or simply by using fire.

A Place to Bury Strangers- Don't Think Lover
A Place to Bury Strangers- I Know I'll See You
A Place to Bury Strangers- My Weakness

Download more songs at the band's Myspace page

Buy the band's self-titled CD here

On the polar opposite end you had Sea Wolf. I've called the debut LP "Leaves in the River" the "perfect record for fall 2007," and I stand by that statement. The songs are great for falling leaves and the changing of the seasons. So seeing Alex Church and his merry band of misfits play some delightful and gorgeous indie pop songs was an absolute treat. Soft, beautiful and delicately layered, the set very much reflected the sound on the record. It was also really nice to see all the musicians crowded together on the small Schuba's stage and compose these songs like a little intricate symphony. No tricks, no added supplements, just a band that played some nice songs and seemed like they were having fun doing it. The crowd really seemed to enjoy the set as well, especially since I think that was the reason most of them were there (i.e. A Place to Bury Strangers didn't get as warm of a reception).

Sea Wolf- You're A Wolf
Sea Wolf- Song for the Dead

Buy "Leaves in the River" from Amazon

In all, I had a great time at the show, despite the two bands that completely opposed one another. By the way, Sea Wolf is on an extended tour right now and is playing another date at Schuba's in Chicago coming up very soon (with Nada Surf no less). They're definitely worth checking out. Tour dates, set list and music video:

Sea Wolf, Live at Schuba's Tavern (Chicago) 10/13/07
1. Leaves In The River
2. Winter Windows
3. The Cold, The Dark and The Silence
4. Middle Distance Runner
5. I Made A Resolution
6. Ses Monuments
7. Song for the Dead
8. Black Leaf Falls
9. The Garden You Planted
10. You're A Wolf
11. Black Dirt
12. The Rose Captain

Sea Wolf Tour Dates
October
17 Louisville, KY - Jim Porters +
18 Indianapolis, IN - Birdy's +
20 Chicago, IL - Schubas +
22 St. Louis, MO - Gargoyle Club +
23 Nashville, TN - Exit In +
24 Birmingham, AL - Bottle Tree +
26 Tampa, FL - State Theatre +
27 St. Augustine, FL - Cafe Eleven +
29 Athens, GA - 40 Watt Club +
30 Asheville, NC - Orange Peel +
31 Carrboro, NC - Cat's Cradle +

November
01 Charlottesville, VA - Satellite Ballroom UVA +
02 Baltimore, MD - 8 x 10 +
03 Philadelphia, PA - North Star
05 New York, NY - Mercury Lounge
06 Boston, MA - Middle East Upstairs
07 Montreal, QC - La Sala Rossa
09 Toronto, ON - El Mocamo
10 Cleveland, OH - Grop Shop
13 Denver, CO - Larimer Lounge
14 Salt Lake City, UT - Urban Lounge
18 San Diego, CA - Belly Up Tavern
29 Los Angeles, CA - Troubadour
30 Santa Barbara, CA - Velvet Jones

+ = w/ Nada Surf

Video: Sea Wolf- Winter Windows

Labels: a place to bury strangers, concert, sea wolf