Loney Dear
Live @ 205 (11/03) and White Rabbit (11/04), NYC
Prior to Friday's show, I had only been familiar with the thrid Loney, Dear album "Sologne". With SubPop re-releasing the album stateside in February with a few additions, this was a chance for the band to showcase themselves and to get a buzz going. The band opened their CMJ stint with a sold-out showcase for the label, whom they were meeting for the first time. I did not have the chance to attend that show however, but caught the band over the next two days and did they put on a show! The Friday gig at 205 featured them playing a very uptempo set, especially compared to their recorded back-catalogue. The songs hit with a confident pop and swagger, whilst the band themselves were rather reserved, evening during rollicking versions of "The city, the airport" and "Warm, dark, comforting night". Saturday's show saw them in a more intimate performance, focusing on the softer side of things, including an absolutely gorgeous version of "I love you (In with the arms)". With "Loney, noir" seeing release this coming February, I'd expect Loney, Dear to be on everyone's radar for 2007, and if not — they should be.
- Matt Giordano