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It was my first time at this venue, which is located in a desolate, industrial part of Brooklyn (East Williamsburg/Bushwick). Though the sound left a bit to be desired, I liked the overall vibe of the place. It seemed like a place where everyone knows each other, where many in the audience are in bands themselves (I spotted locals from THE SHAPES and GOLD STREETS). It was good to see other musicians supporting the bands on this bill. The spirit of cooperation and of playing makeshift venues like this one (it wouldn’t surprise me if it really was a room where syrup was made at some point) reminded me of my days of going to see DIY hardcore punk shows when I was in high school and college.
What brought me to The Syrup Room was an excellent local band by the name of THE ART OF SHOOTING. Having seen them twice before, I knew to expect a full-scale girl-led power-trio with a no-wave influenced assault in the vein of luminaries such as ERASE ERRATA and their early ‘80s ancestors like the bands on the BRIAN ENO-produced and compiled No Wave compilation. This show, however, was the best of the three times that I’ve seen them so far.
Singer/guitarist KELLY CORSON can go from a whisper to a scream at a moment’s notice. The bass playing and backing vocals of AMY BARRETT and OLIVER RIVERA-DREW’s absolutely amazing drumming (he plays like he has eight arms) complete the sound. On this night, however, there was more. They added a keyboard player who really complemented their sound; it makes me wonder if they’ll keep her around or if it was only for one show. I guess the best way of finding out is by attending one of their upcoming shows.
LINKS:
The Art of Shooting
