indie rock

Review: Matt Pond makes 52 friends at the Westcott
By Sarah A. McCarty
October 1, 2010 - 3:08pm
Veteran indie-rocker’s steady, string-filled songs suited the surprisingly small crowd on Thursday.

Despite making a name for himself as the creator of indie-pop band Matt Pond PA, Matt Pond’s 12-year, eight-record career didn’t draw many people to Thursday’s show. Perhaps it was the relentless rain that kept some away. But those who did attend were treated to an intimate set of some of Pond’s best songs.

Review: Broken Social Scene brings Ithaca to its feet
By Nathan Mattise
September 25, 2010 - 2:46pm
Canadian indie rock collective put on a singularly emotional, two-hour show.

Kevin Drew started the night off by letting the audience know the exact atmosphere he wanted to create.

“It’s a Friday night, let’s pretend we’re all at a basement party somewhere in Ohio.” He paused and took in the scene at the Ithaca State Theater, “At least it is a Friday night.”

Review: Stars come out over Rochester
By Deandra Modica
September 23, 2010 - 10:51am
The Canadian indie rock giants kicked off their fall tour with a powerful live show.

Stars frontman Torquil Campbell raised his plastic cup to the crowd with a smirk as he sauntered onto the stage at Rochester’s Water Street Music Hall Wednesday night. Someone needs to find out what was in that cup.

Ra Ra Riot comes home to 'Cuse
By Nathan Mattise
August 30, 2010 - 11:23am
Close relationship with Syracuse remains a constant in college rock heroes' unpredictable ascent.

Ra Ra Riot’s current producer Andrew Maury once told me the reason you have to see the band live is because its energy alone is a “captivating spectacle.”

The Flaming Lips leave a lasting impression
By Nathan Mattise
July 25, 2010 - 1:31pm
Review: The over-the-top rockers capped a strong night of performances at the CMAC with sights and sounds that won't be forgotten.

The Flaming Lips are known for creating a near-circus during their performances with basic touches like confetti cannons to the more unusual items like giant puppet hands that emit lazers.

The Camp Bisco experience
By Nathan Mattise
July 21, 2010 - 9:48pm
Whether you're a newbie or seasoned concert-goer, The Disco Biscuits host a music festival like no other.

Five words to describe Camp Bisco: Vibrant, serene, wild, bumping and unique.

I've been to a lot of shows — indoor and outdoor — in cities and in the middle of nowhere. Last year I was even able to attend my first festival with ATP New York, a unique experience in its own right where I learned about navigating multiple stages and unique side shows.

Camp Bisco Day Three: Daytime at the festival, Ween and lightning strikes
By Nathan Mattise
July 18, 2010 - 11:28pm
Day Three ended prematurely but Ween was among the interesting highlights.

The Camp Bisco hashtag was more active today than ever, filled with people declaring their need for recovery after the weekend. Taking that into consideration, this Day Three recap is downright early:

Camp Bisco Day Two: Major Lazer, Diplo and Bisco at night
By Nathan Mattise
July 17, 2010 - 1:22pm
Day Two of the Disco Biscuits' festival was a juxtaposition of dance heavy music and the deep woods hangout.

These Day Two updates are coming to you live from an NY Thruway Rest Stop the morning after my first all-nighter at Camp Bisco 2010.

Camp Bisco Day One: LCD Soundsystem, the Dance Tent and people watching
By Nathan Mattise
July 16, 2010 - 2:55pm
The festival opening salvo is a win with James Murphy and crew, but people watching is even more compelling.

Night One of Camp Bisco is officially in the books and Day Two is already underway. My regular 8-to-5 might keep me from getting back to the grounds before Thievary Corporation tonight, but it provides the perfect opportunity to provide a quick update (since the festival grounds don't have WiFi and aren't even very cell friendly).

The full recap is coming early next week, but here are some Night One highlights to tide you over:

Otto-Tune Podcast: The Top Females in Indie Rock
By Nathan Mattise
October 27, 2009 - 10:34pm
Fresh off a trip from seeing St. Vincent in action, two Otto-Tune bloggers debate the best leading ladies in indie rock.

Bloggers Jett Wells and Nathan Mattise were working on coverage of the recent St. Vincent show in Ithaca, N.Y. when they decided it was time for the second Otto-Tune Podcast. In the spirit of the trip, the debate at hand (carried on during the roadtrip even!) became who is the current queen of indie rock.