Record/Concert Review: Cymbals Eat Guitars-Why There Are Mountains at Brooklyn Bowl

After SXSW every year I look at round ups of everyone's favorite acts. A name that came up over and over was Cymbals Eat Guitars, but since I'm a total curmudgeon, I usually don't see the hovering stars that everyone else see after sxsw. That's irritating, I thought to myself, their name is hard to say...I'll never remember that. Well, after 6 months, and many live acts and new albums, I'm still listening to their self released recording. The first time I listened to Why There Are Mountains I was reminded of Modest Mouse, but not reminded as in "lacking originality". I just had an instant warm reaction. Perhaps it's the lingering sensation, or the constant growth and stillness in the album, but I think the opening track, And the Hazy Sea, describes the whole album. With its building crescendos, lofty vocals and orgasmic releases the opening track captured me. I am certainly not one whole easily grasps extended noisy guitars, but that is where the strength in this album lies. It's musically strong, both soaring and sinking. All over the place, in a neat and organized fashion.

I had been on a mini-indie music hiatus post-Bonarroo, but seeing that Cymbals Eat Guitars would be headlining in Brooklyn, I couldn't resist. I headed to Brooklyn Bowl for a beer and some live music. Sadly, I missed Real Estate (damn day job) but got there just in time for Suckers. I was having a hard time taking them seriously, because I was seriously curious about Cymbals Eat Guitars. Here is a group of young guys who recorded an album without a label, and somehow managed to become one of the most blogged about bands of 2009 (this fact is totally un-researched, but it feels that way to me). I guess I had an image of 4 awkward boys from Staten Island, with stage fright, and better recording skills than actual talent. I was wrong. So very, very wrong. I don't know why I insist on jumping to negative conclusions, maybe I like the pleasant surprise?? Anyway, lead singer Joseph "Ferocious" D'Agostino (of grocery fame?) absolutely killed it on stage. He was dripping sweat, swaying, bending and folding to his own incredible tunes. The band played a pretty tight act, without too much improv, just a solid group of songs. For a band that released it's debut 6 months ago, I was floored. They all focused on the music instead of trying to be good performers. The good performance flowed out of their obvious untiy. Without hesitation I would absolutely go see them again. I also look forward to the battle of the record labels...who is going to try to snatch them up? Will the take on a manager? Its almost an unheard of success story. These days gaining this level of popularity without a label is commendable, a true sign of talent and grace. Good luck boys. See you again soon.
<3 The Elephant.

P.S Did I mention that Mr. Ferocious is only 20...thats robbing the cradle for me....i'm just sayin....youthful talent is attractive....

PPS They are playing again with Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson at Le Poisson Rouge on October 23rd...you'd bette bet that I'll be there.