The Postmarks Played The Canal Room - Pictures, Review, Setlist

Last Thursday we made our way to the Canal Room to check out The Postmarks' CMJ showcase, and we'll tell you this: if you weren't there, you missed out. Put simply, the band delivered a set that transcended their (already fabulous) records, and completely solidified them as a relevant and exciting live act.

If you're already a fan of the band (as we are here at HAD), then you may be sitting there telling yourself "well, yes, of course, they're a great band". But then, in a way, you'd be wrong. Because if you've only heard The Postmarks records, then there's simply a huge part of the band's talent and sound that you have yet to be exposed to.

Before checking out the show, we have to admit that we were flummoxed as to how they would take their carefully crafted 60's throwback sound and deliver it in a simple rock club. The fact of the matter is that the band's sound on record depends heavily on orchestration, intricate arrangements, and delicate sonics. Not exactly the ideal situation for trying to deliver night to night on the road.

So how does one solve such a conundrum? Apparently by taking the sound on the record and completley turning it on it's head. In short, the band took their trademark sound and completely overhauled it. Drenched in feedback-y goodness, the band employed the live rock setting assuredly to their advantage, as they took the bombast of wall of sound production and put it through an unrepentant shoegaze filter.

The result was exceptional: the character and identity of the songs was maintained, but infused with an unquestionable vitality unique to live environment. What's more, the band unquestionably demonstrated their aptitude, as they blasted through a set that was comprised of bulletproof instrumental technique. In short (if you haven't figured it already), we loved the set. It was emblazoned with energy, and left us not only loving the show, but with an even greater appreciation of the band's recorded output as well. Moreover, it brought us to the conclusion that we can say to you without reserve, this: go see The Postmarks live, as soon as you can.

Setlist
More photos at the HAD Archive

Wooden Birds Release Debut LP, Coming To Rickshaw

While it tends to definitely be on the super-chilled out side of our listening stratosphere, we will readily admit that we've definitely found some pleasure in digging into the records of American Analog Set. That being the case, we were interested to see and hear as blog hype has gradually formed around AAS frontman Andrew Kenny's new project The Wooden Birds.

The last time we saw Kenny, he was keyboarding it up for Broken Social Scene, so it's nice to hear that he's back in the swing of things with his own work as well. We've been listening to The Wooden Birds debut record Magnolia, and digging it quite a bit. That being said, it'd be tough to say it has much distance from the sounds of American Analog Set. Everything down to the percussion and guitar tones pretty much syncs up with AAS's sound - and that's not a bad thing. It's just curious that Kenny has decided to retitle the project given the similarities. Nonetheless, the record is a solid songwriting effort and definitely lives up to the notoriety of Kenny's previous work.

If you give a listen and you find yourself hankering for a live taste, you're in luck. The band has plotted out a tour in support of the record, and will be hitting the US for most of June. In San Francisco, the show will be at the always-intimate Rickshaw Stop, and presented by our buddies over at ipickmynose. Seeing the band in such a small room should definitely be rewarding, and by all accounts their live show is solid as a rock. See you there!

mp3: The Wooden Birds - The Other One

Wooden Birds Spring 2009 Dates
May 27, 2009 : Phoenix, AZ @ Modified
May 28, 2009 : Los Angeles, CA @ Spaceland
May 29, 2009 : San Diego, CA @ Bar Pink
May 30, 2009 : Visala, CA @ Cellar Door
May 31, 2009 : San Fransisco, CA @ Rickshaw Stop
June 2, 2009 : Vancouver, BC @ Media Club
June 3, 2009 : Portland, OR @ Doug Fir Lounge
June 4, 2009 : Seattle, WA @ Chop Suey
June 6, 2009 : Salt Lake City, UT @ Kilby Court
June 7, 2009 : Denver, CO @ Larimer Lounge
June 18, 2009 : Lawrence, KS @ Jackpot Saloon
June 19, 2009 : Minneapolis, MN @ 7th Street Entry
June 20, 2009 : Chicago, IL @ Schubas
June 21, 2009 : Clevland, OH @ Beachland
June 23, 2009 : Cambridge, MA @ TT The Bears
June 24, 2009 : Brooklyn, NY @ The Bell House
June 25, 2009 : Philadelphia, PA @ North Star
June 29, 2009 : Atlanta, GA @ The Earl
July 2, 2009 : Houston, TX @ Walters on Washington