Walking into Angels and Kings, I felt like I was entering an exclusive party at a VIP lounge. The small, square space was alligned with red lights and a tiny area up front was reserved for live music. I could deplore the CKFree advertisements plastered on the walls, but instead, I will comment on the gothic chandeliers: I liked them.

Singer/songwriter Zack Borer performed first. He provided good background music while people were arriving, but I am not sure if he has anything that sets him apart from John Mayer or the like.

Up next was This Condition, and starting with the first note I was transported back to high school; I remembered the boy who broke my heart, the girl that stole his and my desire to run away. Sitting in the corner–by myself –I was pining with the singer over adolscent crushes and secret insecurities. Nate Cypher has the quintessential emo voice which the audience embraced, singing along and clapping. The band’s performance and the audience response was reminiscent of Dashboard Confessional, especially his early acoustic days.

I would like to believe I am wiser than I was in high school, but sometimes, pop-punk strikes a chord in me and I become the emo girl again, aching for the past and unrequited love. While Nate and the crowd’s whining got annoying at times, This Condition might just be a band I sneak on my playlist to sing my heart out to on a rainy day .

One EskimO, who just finished touring with Tori Amos, were a drastic change from This Condition. They had a nice, slightly enchanting sound with smooth vocals and jazz melodies.  Despite a trumpet and bongos, they had a subdued, lazy evening kind of feel. The singer bounced on stage as he sang, wearing a furry hat with ears; this made me think of the arcade game, Whack-a-Mole, and as my excitement to see The Holiday Electric grew, I wished I had a mallet.

The Holiday Electric–who were celebrating the release of their debut EP–finished their album with renowned producer Jim Wirt (Incubus, Something Corporate, Hoobastank) and were excited to show it off (they gave free copies to the whole crowd!). Unfortunately, singer Chris Woods was suffering from a sore throat and it was evident during his performance. The gallon jug of water he carried with him did little to mask the strain on his vocals; however, I must commend his effort. The band’s energy was invigorating and upbeat from beginning to end, so the rough vocals did not matter .

Their songs were catchy, in fact, I was humming one of my favorite new tunes, ”Perfect World,” on the path ride home and I could imagine rocking out to it on the radio. Another highlight of the performance included a cover of Foo Fighters’ “Everlong,” which was a great fit for their set and encouraged audience involvement.

A good time was had by all and I look foward to seeing The Holiday Electric in a non-acoustic setting. This band appears to be on the verge of greatness and their new EP is just the beginning.

Filed Under:
New York

4 Responses to “The Holiday Electric EP Release Party @ Angels and Kings, New York – September 14, 2009”

1. Barry Watts says:

   May 29, 2010 at 6:57 pm

   Hah I’m honestly the only reply to your incredible read?!?
2. Boris Dean says:

   May 31, 2010 at 2:07 pm

   If only I had a nickel for every time I came here.. Great read.
3. Refugio Baez says:

   May 31, 2010 at 11:15 pm

   Heh I am honestly the only reply to your incredible read?!?
4. Morris Morales says:

   June 1, 2010 at 2:28 pm

   You have done it again! Great post.