A unique blending of dream pop, emotionally insightful lyrics and at times jam-band guitar forays, the band was formed in 1991 by singer/guitarist Dean Wareham after the breakup of his original group Galaxie 500.
The initial line-up of the band was expanded from a three-piece to four members with the addition of guitarist Sean Eden for their second album, 1994's Bewitched.
Lee Wall became the full time drummer in time for their 1997 album "Pup Tent."
and Britta Phillips joined as bassist 2000.
Phillips and Wareham became romantically involved and eventually married in 2007.
This night of June 11, 2015 held further distinction as it was Britta’s birthday.
They played nearly every classic Luna song in their catalog. The only notable track not played was “Slash Your Tires,” but you simply can’t play them all.
That said they DID however, play for over an hour and a half.
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Earlier in the afternoon, we got in and caught the band doing a soundcheck
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Opening the show was the band Chris Forsyth and The Solar Motel Band
They played an appealing style of extended jams that brought to mind the best elements of The Grateful Dead.
Social Media kept the buzz going
A classic celebration of songs who's meaning and edge ring as true as ever.
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At this point in the (still relatively) early evening (around 9 pm ish) I headed over the local Brooklyn venue Muchmore's for The Deli Magazine's NYC B.E.A.F. "Garage / Punk Stage"
I caught a set from local act Sly Moth
I liked their upbeat pop songs right off the bat.
The lead singer combines an appealing combination of qualities that include an understated confidence, good looks musical ability. The songs are interesting in a Best Coast (at their best) kind of way.
With festival rules in full motion, I scampered out of there and headed a few blocks over to The Grand Victory.
Playing there were the never-to-be-missed-whenever-they-are-in-New-York, long-time friend of this blog and all around gloriously wonderful Ringo Deathstarr
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The summer festival season is in full swing.
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what a great little festival and focus on three bands here! i'm glad i checked in to see what's been going on in this journalistic space. of course Luna is a band i've known and loved for years. it seems like they are having one more good go round again. that show looks like it was awesome.
ReplyDeleteditto for Ringo Deathstarr. you always write about them and i always love to see the great photos, commentary and links shared here about them!
Yeah, I was completely blown away at how good Luna was. I've also loved their whole catalog of songs ever since I heard the first one's back in the mid 1990's. A friend gave me a cassette tape of their stuff and it was love at first listen. The way they played everything at this show - the best I could have expected. They were outstanding.
ReplyDeleteSly Moth was that little pleasant unexpected surprise for me at this year’s fest. There's always at least one. I look forward to following their process.
As for Ringo Deathstarr - what can I say that I haven't already in the many blogs and reviews I've written about them in the past? They are simply one of my faves. Their new songs sounded most intriguing live and I anticipate some amazing recordings of them on the way.
Dustin Ruoff wrote:
ReplyDeleteCool! Luna will be playing at a small 200 person venue in Portsmouth NH which is the town next to mine. Can't wait to check them out!
You will be “bewitched,” Dustin.
ReplyDeleteDustin Ruoff wrote:
ReplyDeleteI'm down with that!
Luna - Sunday, October 11 at 8pm (doors at 7pm) Luna, the New Hampshire 3SARTS.ORG.
The New York-based quartet, were last seen on stage here in February 2005.
In 2015 they will play their first shows in ten years.
Luna recorded 8 studio albums between 1992 and 2005. The current touring lineup is the exact ’99-’05 group that recorded Luna Live!, Romantica, Close Cover Before Striking, and Rendezvous: Dean Wareham and Sean Eden on guitar, Lee Wall on drums, and Britta Phillips on bass.
Trust me. It will be a mesmerizing concert experience, Dustin.
ReplyDeleteI saw Dean Wareham play in his solo project when I was in New York last as my friend Ms Rivers was fiddling as part of that performance - it was alright but not really familiar with Luna all that much, sounds much more interesting than his solo stuff for me atleast.
ReplyDeleteRingo Deathstarr on the other hand are always awesome and always gald to see them doing so well.
A perfectly cromulent review as ever my good sir
Dean solo and with Luna are two very different things for sure, William. Besides the actual song selection, Luna explodes as a truly ferocious *rock band.* That is to say - they jam the hell out! That alone is worth the price of admission.
ReplyDeleteThe same can also be said for Ringo Deathstarr. The new tracks they performed at this show made me very excited to hear what they will sound like once they release them on record.
Great review Dave. Lovely photos as usual.
ReplyDeleteIf every picture (truly) "tells a story," Anouk - these 50 + shots cover that and then some!
ReplyDeleteVery nice photos, Dave. I'd love to learn your tricks in getting good stage shots which can be a challenge at times. How coo to get to see Luna. I think they are really good musicians and song writers.
ReplyDeleteVery nice photos, Dave. I'd love to learn your tricks in getting good stage shots which can be a challenge at times. How coo to get to see Luna. I think they are really good musicians and song writers.
ReplyDeleteVery nice photos, Dave. I'd love to learn your tricks in getting good stage shots which can be a challenge at times. How coo to get to see Luna. I think they are really good musicians and song writers.
ReplyDeleteLuna were simply wonderful, Midnite Rambler. I've seen a few Dean & Britta shows over the years (as well as them as a reunited Galaxie 500) - but this was the absolutely best I've ever heard them. And yes - the quality of the songwriting (and of course, the live presentation of them) it what truly makes the difference.
ReplyDeleteIt was great to hear Luna classics like Slide and Time To Quit. It was a lovely arrangement having their sounds wafting over the concrete landscape in the cool of the evening, the human sea traversing down assorted rivulets of brief open moments of space. I'm thinking some band should try having the letter "N" be the name of their band. That would be-- nice!
ReplyDeleteThose two songs were definitely highlights to hear, VFSD. Plus an emotional peak version of "Indian Summer" - as well as my all time fave Luna song - "23 Minutes in Brussels" (which they totally jammed the hell out of). As for a band naming themselves "N" - they'd certainly be right at home during Northside fest!
ReplyDeleteMy dear friend, excuse me the delay, but come on.
ReplyDeleteAgain, you surprised me with your incredible ability to pass through words, that emotion that you live in every festival and every text that you publish. I felt within the festival.
I loved the pictures, and as I write this text, my sound list is the Band Luna, just fantastic, I love the elements that make up the band, especially the melody, the lyrics and the mixture of feelings. I simply fell in love with the band, they definitely won space on my ipod.
Thank u my friend for these delicious experiences.