Ablebody - All My Everybody - EP Review

Former Depreciation Guild and Pains of Being Pure at Heart guitarist Christoph Hochheim has created a new solo project called Ablebody, and will be premiering his new songs live at SXSW. Appearing to have put aside his primary instrument in favor of synths, samplers and a laptop, the most surprising aspect are vocals much stronger than anyone could have anticipated (since he never sang in either of those bands). The recently released 5 song EP’s cover image is a seated body with no head, placing clear emphasis on the band name meaning. That of an able body, ready for instructions.

Chimes on the dominant beat accentuate the multilayered atmospherics of first single“Sally Hot Jazz.”  With vocals that evoke Tears For Fears at their peak (“Sowing The Seeds Of Love”) the chord progression does in fact touch the edges of actual jazz. Wonderfully streamlined at under three minutes in length, impeccably crisp synth textures share sonic space with a marching, natural sounding percussion (capably supplied by former Depreciation Guild band member and twin brother Anton) while otherworldly sine waves build to a sunburst conclusion.

“No Room For I” expands on this sonic palette as its near five minutes in length would allow. Brief moments of sparser instrumentation encourages focus on the emotion being conveyed. Curiously, this wonderfully strange and mysterious song’s title does not seem to be mentioned even once. However, hook sequences with the repeated lyrics “one more night” and “I can see your eyes” create the sense of wonder as to why it wasn’t called either of those. Vocal placement is artfully crafted here as deeper harmony cascades under the higher register lead.

The cleverly titled “Phantasy” pops along a synth bass and danceable beat with those wonderful chiming bell sound samples at the forefront. Using perhaps The Pet Shop Boys as a reference point this time, the bridges are still more sophisticated structurally, with minor chord passages lifting the track above mindless dancefloor fare.

“Quick & Painless” slows everything down significantly. Near dirge-like in overall pacing, chirping synth textures evoke “The Man Who Fell To Earth” era David Bowie . The overall feeling is as reverential as seeing sunlight streaming through a cathedral’s stained glass window.

Closing track “Sister Marie” is a Harry Nilsson composition that surprises, not only as a cover choice, but also in its execution. Presenting this one as something you might hear on a post-Pink Floyd Syd Barrett solo album, it is perhaps a fitting conclusion to a most creative debut.

Links for further information:

http://ablebody.bandcamp.com/

http://mysocialist.com/blog/2013/03/11/review-ablebody-ep/

CBGB Fest - SummerStage

The later afternoon portion of Saturday July 7, consisted of a large free outdoor concert at Summerstage in Central Park featuring Guided By Voices, The Pains Of Being Pure at Heart, War On Drugs and Cloud Nothings.

After summer concert bud drid and I hoofed it over to the Park from Time Square - and then going through the necessary checkpoints to get wristbands, photo stickers and whatnot - it was time for more music!

First up was Cloud Nothings

Originally conceived by frontman Dylan Baldi as a solo home recording project, the rapid evolution of this band has seen it go from shorter power-pop songs to all out psych jams – especially during the live shows.

The set relied heavily on material from their latest (Steve Albini produced) album 
"Attack on Memory" - much to the delight of an attentive audience.

Baldi is your prototypical twenty-something, slacker-styled frontman.  He has a likeable enough personna, but no one would ever accuse him of a dominant stage presence.

The singles this band has released over the last two years have been catchy and always a pleasant re-discovery when coming across them on my iPod - but it was the live jamming at this show here that really impressed me.

It may be true that this particular extended jam was partly responsible for Dylan needing to swap out a bum amp mid-song - but nevertheless, the opportunity allowed the rest of the band to really stretch out.

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While we waited on the changeover, drid and I attempted to soak in the overall festival atmosphere on what was an extremely hot afternoon.

Soon enough it was time for the next band - War On Drugs

Though often described as "indie rock," they came off more stoner-rock on this afternoon.  This shouldn't have been much of a surprise, as none other than Kurt Vile himself was once a member, before heading out on his own. 

The Philadelphia based band currently consists of frontman/guitarist Adam Granduciel, David Hartley on bass, Robbie Bennett on keyboards and Steven Urgo on drums.

Stoner jams for everyman

Most impressive this afternoon was the bass playing and deep pocket layed down by David Hartley.

Which can be clearly heard in this live clip here:

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Now it was time for the band I was primarily motivated to see - The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart

Attending a TPOBPAH show is always a little more special for me, since I'd been following them for well over four years now.

Since those humble beginnings the band has grown into an international attraction and has toured the globe extensively.

Having seen them first as a non-headling act at The Cake Shop; through their dizzying rise in popularity with a featured show at South Street Seaport; then a triumphant headline show at Webster Hall; and featured act at South By SouthWest at that Austin, Texas Festival - made catching their current show here all the more gratifying.

Kip and Alex - the founding members - are strong out front on guitar and bass respectively.  Previous live second guitarist Christoph has moved on and a very capable replacement has been found (former Drums guitarist as well).

The new guitar textures adding a fresh feel to the overall sound.

Kurt and Peggy on drums and keyboards respectively - essential core members as well.

The band played a very energetic set (they actually ran out from behind the stage and grabbed their instruments).  Talking to Kip afterwards, he told me they wanted to play "only fast songs" for this show.

Alex (bass) Kip (guitar) - playing with the relaxed professionalism that can only come with having done so many shows.

Peggy adds the feminine charm to this band of boys.  She sings great, looks wonderful and has a sweet personality that shines through her performances.  Just the right amount of keyboard backing too - giving the band (at times) a "Cure" sound.

Listen to their performance on this day - as they play "The Body"

a premier track from their most recent album "Belong"

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Before the final band was to come on, I checked in on the side stage area - and ran into an artist I've known for a little while - and who's work I really admire.

Hanging out and having a great chat with Eytan of his excellent band Eytan & The Embassy was a great way to stretch out and relax a bit between performances.

You can check out Eytan's music right here:

http://www.facebook.com/eytanandtheembassy

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The final performance of the afternoon was from 80's and 90's college rock pioneers Guided By Voices

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The band rocked out hard, playing over an hour long set.

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A member of the previous band on, taking in the GBV show from side stage

Big Stage - The SummerStage!