An evening dedicated to a greater cause, delicious baked goods and dare I say, fierce girl singers, December 22nd was a night of magnificent acts. The events held on Thursday night were presented by Permanent Wave to support the Human Recovery Project and the women's anti-nuclear movement in Japan. It was a benefit show held at the Big Snow Buffalo Lodge with live performances from Me&Mars, Speedy Ortiz, Field Mouse and The Suzan.
Big Snow Buffalo Lodge is a fairly new DIY venue in Brooklyn, near Bushwick Ave. A walk inside the room, you'll notice the tropical wall portrait to the right and above are block colored tiles. The entire theme of Big Snow gave a gothic retro vibe. Since the night was a benefit event, there was a home made bake sale, video projection of Japan and a make your own flag station in the basement. As the clock hit 9, the party began.
I featured several live videos of The Suzan in September and yesterday, I was finally able to experience it. After the first three bands, four trendy Japanese girls opened their set with a classic Christmas song. On stage, the girls dressed buoyantly with face paint, bright colors, and sparkly holiday decorations. Musically, there was a bass guitar,drum set, key board, and four microphones. They expressed a variety of music genres through playing rock n' roll to new wave jams. Each performance was inspired by the lead singer's soulful flare, adding a jazz inscription to their music.
At certain parts, there were tuneful acapella forces and the keyboardist whipped out fun instruments to help produce an island sound. My favorite was when they did "Uh Ah" and asked the audience for animalistic outcries. We gladly responded because there is an endearment when bands demand active feedback, especially when the band is a cute group of girls. I felt like I was part of an interactive Japanese game show with a group of Brooklyn hipsters. Their entire set was animated and over all, very entertaining.
The Suzan is definitely a "must see" live act. They are not only musicians but also ecstatic performers. The girls will be touring all of Japan next and making new music for 2012. Check their website for updates and other movements.While you're at it, purchase their Golden Week For Poco Poco Beat via Fool's Gold Records.
The Suzan "Uh Ah" live at SXSW 2010
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gugMfxyruc[/youtube]
- Golden Week For Poco Poco Beat on iTunes
- Visit Big Snow Buffalo Lodge
- The Suzan on Facebook
- The Suzan on Twitter
@Banacrisp // briana@earmilk.com
