American Pinup at Arlene's Grocery. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.
Last weekend, we bid the summer season adieu with our 5th annual Farewell Summer Show at New York’s famed Arlene’s Grocery. Our closing party featured a stellar line up of indie-rock trios that crushed the stage with a gut-pounding performance and electrifying sounds that pulverized its way across the Lower East Side.
In front of a hands-on crowd that Saturday evening, Mala Vista, FREAKABOUT and American Pinup reverberated the sounds of 70’s punk rock, early 90’s grunge and alternative heartland rock that helped forged the halls of the famed LES venue twenty years ago. Each band displayed a roaring, smoky and exhilarating live performance that blew us all away. Coupled with detailed lyrical compositions and complex musical arrangements, these emerging acts set blaze to a storm of sonic energy, gripping vocals and static chords that set new standards for how our Farewell Summer Shows should be.
Myke Miranda on the strings and vocals at Arlene's Grocery. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.
Mala Vista kicked off the show with a late 70’s punk rock statement synonymous of the days when The Ramones and the Clash blew the lights out on every corner of The Bowery and East London. Their presence on stage was commanding, economical and innovative. The dominance of their grungy-esque sound, elevated vocals and driving guitar licks portrayed a level of confidence and a no-nonsense attitude that forced us to listen and pay attention.
On Mala Vista’s punk anthem “Bare Bones,” lead vocalist/guitarist, Myke Miranda, portrayed a politically charge vocal that catapulted an array of expressive notes and an oppressing reach. Bassist, Manuel Labour, and drummer, Jordache®, set off an explosive supporting role with exceptionally lean beats and a vicious baseline. With accompanying performances of several covers, this band was an amazing opening act that helped prepare the crowd for the rest of our closing party.
Jordache on the bass at Arlene's Grocery. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.
Another impressive act that evening, FREAKABOUT, came all the way out from Omaha, Nebraska to kick off their national tour with headliner, American Pinup. Both bands had their anchor dates the night before and were sharing the bill together for a second-straight time in New York. The four-piece act, embedded in classic rock’ n’ roll, steer-headed a dynamic performance with an abundance of energizing sounds, vicious guitar riffs and conquering beats.
Cortney Kirby’s powerful, yet sensual voice, embraced our ears with powerful lyrical compositions that sent our minds floating in a mist of rock and pop melodies. Her roaring vocals portrayed a gentle touch that took command of the audience and guided them through a heart-pounding experience through a journey of how rock ‘n’ roll music is supposed to be.
Aaron Galvin ripping the guitar. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.
Cortney Kirby on vocals at Arlene's Grocery. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.
Aaron Galvin’s kick-ass guitar play blew the amplifiers and speakers away with a thunderous assault on the strings, echoing the sounds of heavy blues and hardline rock. Along with drummer, Ian Francis, and bassists, Ben Frerichs, FREAKABOUT put on a masterful live performance that elicit a unique heartland and hard rock sound that had audiences bobbing their head and moving their hips.
American Pinup headlined our Farewell Summer Show with a galvanizing performance that swept Arlene’s off their feet. The three-piece alternative-punk and pop-rock band was sonorously provocative with fist-clenching vocals, leathery beats and an unyielding guitar play that pressured us to breakdown the walls.
Lauren West at Arlene's Grocery. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.
With thoughtful music arrangements and seasoned lyrical depth, front crooner, Lauren West, provided a boisterous indie-rock howl that was both versatile and gripping. West’s savvy and rapturous melodies generated edgy hooks and a rousing punk-rock attitude that twisted itself around the band’s music and lyrical structure. John Casale’s vicious drum set rendered a stringent assault of hard-iron beats and impetuous grooves that drew from the band’s expressive punk-rock persona and pop rock explosiveness. Along with a juicy baseline by bassist, Tim Robbins, American Pinup showed us why they're one of the most robust and versatile live acts in the indie-scene today.
John Casale on drums and Tim Robbins on bass at Arlene's Grocery. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.
Each year we try and pull off something magical and different for you – the fans – for our annual Farewell Summer. Whether it’s extra merch, more bands on the bill or deals at the door, we’ve always put our friends, audiences and artists first: this year was no different. This was truly something special. With three insanely impressive bands, a great crowd and good vibes, this year’s Farewell Summer Show blew the doors off. With a gnarly pro-expressive attitude, these indie live acts provided gut-busting rhythms, savvy grooves, beefy vocals and flaying electric riffs that came out and conquered us all, allowing us to fall victim to the music that we heart the most: rock’ n’ roll. We couldn’t thank you all enough for being with us for the taking.
Listen, like and follow Mala Vista, FREAKABOUT and American Pinup below. Also check out our show recap on our You Tube page below.
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