With all the bands/artists strolling through NYC this past week for CMJ, I was looking forward to one in particular, Parlovr. I caught them at a showcase @ Bruar Falls, and it was bittersweet. (Bitter) – When I arrived at the venue they were already playing…pretty sure the calendar event listing had the wrong time, so I was only able to enjoy a short part of their already brief set. (Sweet) – However, I thoroughly enjoyed what I did get to see/hear.
Fixed on a rather tiny stage with a minimalistic set-up (guitar, keys, drums) and playing to a sparse crowd (it was 6:50pm on a Saturday) the three-piece did not seem to hold back. For some reason I thought that Jackson’s vocals could possibly sound a little messy live, but they did not, they sounded on par with their polished records, yet more vigorous. The drummer, MacCuish, was pretty intriguing to watch as he wailed away like a flailing bird, and I found it rather suiting that he was missing a front tooth…just seemed appropriate. While the music sounded gritty, it also sounded really tight and contained. I was disappoint and kind of pissed off at that flyer when they started packing up their gear after a stellar rendition of, “Pen To The Paper.” I’m looking forward to checking them out next time they’re in town and have a longer set.
