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August 26, 2008
Neon Lights: the Beets
So, as I mentioned previously, but haven't really had time to elaborate on until now, this Friday night at the Glasslands Gallery in Brooklyn is the long-awaited return of my little concert series, Neon Lights. The first band to be inducted into NL's illustrious alumni ranks alongside past performers such as High Places, Titus Andronicus, and A Sunny Day in Glasgow, etc., will be Jackson Heights' own the Beets. And no, we're not talking about the favorite band of Nickelodeon's Doug. The Beets are newcomers to the New York concert scene, though they were praised effusively as early as last June. Lately they've been sharing bills with the Brooklyn fuzzy buzz-bin elite; bands like Vivian Girls, Crystal Stilts (hey, also a NL alum.), and caUSE co-MOTION! The few songs that have surfaced suggest that they definitely belong in that celebrated company.
the Beets - "Happy But on My Way"
The far-away echo on these tracks, which I believe are from the band's recent cassette-only release (hardcore!), is so pronounced that I picture a recording session complicated by an extension cord too short to get the four-track within 20 feet of the drum kit. But the melodies are pure enough to fill the cave, or whatever enormous space the recordings suggest. There is a certain 60s garage vibe to the tracks, an evocation of bored British teenagers ready who might just jump out of their skin, if they only had the resolve to brew another pot of tea first. But instead of sullying that timeless aesthetic in grubby modern debauchery, as the Black Lips do, the Beets remain sweet and chaste. Even "No Blood"'s tale of lunch gone wrong conjures a bit of romance. "Happy But on My Way" is stuck on full-wistful as well. The title's "but" is key. Hazy melody is certainly a pleasurable place to park, but the increased rhythmic focus edges us to move on.
the Beets - "Walk on Your Toes"
This video, by singer/guitarist Juan Waters, is quite charming as well, theorizing that advances in technology might be able to rid the drum machine of its inhuman stigma once and for all. The song itself guarantees that the Beets opening set Friday will feature pop punch in addition to a smooth caress.
Check back throughout the week for songs and info on the rest of the super-stellar bill. To cut to the chase now, you can poke around here.
Posted by Jeff Klingman at August 26, 2008 01:00 PM
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