SHOW REVIEW

Last week Wyatt and I went to the old Knitting Factory to see Joan of Arc. Wyatt is a huge Joan of Arc fan. I, on the other hand, am not a fan - huge or otherwise. They tend to be a little on the pretentious side for me. But, I had been listening to their new album on Rhapsody and was able to get through it without hating it. Progress. Rounding out the bill was Katie Eastburn and Ponytail so I was in for a night of art school rock. Luckily, the Knitting Factory has the best deal on cheap drinks that you can find in Manhattan - 1 can of PBR and 1 well shot for $7. All of their other drinks are typically overpriced so it's nice to be thrown that bone. Good pour, too.

We watched a little of Katie's set. She plays keyboard and, when she's not using a drum machine, does some percussion one-man-band style with her feet. It was pretty cool but the songs weren't ones that you could immediately grab on to.

Then Ponytail took the stage. They look like they're about 17. They definitely didn't dress up for the show and were all sporting those art school haircuts which are just never flattering. I was dubious. Once they started though I couldn't help but love them. Maybe it was the well tequila, or maybe I just like watching 17 year olds rocking out in adidas track shorts. Or, just maybe, they are really good. Judging from the attention they've been getting lately, I'm guessing it's the last option. You don't get a write up in the New York Times for nothing.

Their energetic set flew by. They reminded me of Deerhoof with a more improvisatory vocal style. Very cool.

The bald spots starting filtering in towards the end of the set getting ready for Joan of Arc. I wonder if Ponytail has any reverance for them. I wonder if they are fans.

Joan of Arc was great and I have a new found appreciation for them. Their stage presence wasn't the least bit pretentious. It was endearing and playful. I am definitely a fan now that I've seen them live. I guess that's why bands tour, huh?