A live show is an experience unlike any other, your expectations go out the window from the minute you step into the venue. This Thursday, we indulged on that somewhat rare treat when Bowery South Presents Man Man at Aisle 5 with Shilpa Ray.
Shilpa Ray at Aisle 5
Brooklyn based Shilpa Ray wowed us with her haunting and gritty songs. Formally named Shilpa Ray And Her Happy Hookers (They parted ways in 2011) is touring with a new band and simply named Shilpa Ray. They have an EP “It’s All Self Fellatio” (2013 Bad Seed LTD) and their recently released album “Last Year’s Savage” (May, 2015 Northern Spy Records). One genre cannot contain her music. It’s a beautifully woven composition of many genres (Garage Rock, Dream Pop, Indie Rock, Punk and Blues) into one. You begin to hear similarities of other artist and genres and before you know it she changes it up on you.
Shilpa Ray at Aisle 5
The real intrigue to Shilpa Ray is her live performance. Her prowess to translate the complexity of her songs into an energy filled and passion driven performance that completely transfixes the attendee. Shilpa lulled us with the hum of her Harmonium opening with “Burning Bride” (Last Years Savage) and quieting the rather rowdy crowd and focusing attention. Described as an artist’s artist, it’s easy to see why she is loved among so many artist like Nick Cave (Bringing her as his opening act for his European tour and singing back up while state side). Her songs are gritty, complex, and beautiful. Shilpa’s songs leave you wanting more. The sky’s the limit for Shilpa Ray and we cant wait to see whats next for this rising star.
Man Man at Aisle 5
Man Man is the Band Band that NEVER disappoints you! This Philly based Experimental Rock group strolled through Atlanta on Thursday evening to kick off their fall tour. This is a band that you are never fully prepared for what you are about to see. The only predictable part is that no matter what, you are in for a great set! From the absurd outfit changes to Honus Honus throwing himself on the floor and playing dead, Man Man has a outlandishly eccentric stage performance. No matter what you will find it difficult not to smile and indeed get sucked right into the circus with everyone else.
Honus Honus of Man Man at Aisle 5
Honus Honus knows what he’s doing. He begins playing and the minute the rhythm climbs he spins his stool and bangs on the keys of his keyboard. He engages the crowd at all the right moments, which is all the time. He gets as close as he can to the crowd smiling and licking the microphone and “healing” who he thinks is in need of his palm stuck to their forehead. The band played crowd favorites new and old like “Loot My Body”,“Pink Wonton”,“Piranhas Club” and “Mister Jung Stuffed”. Taking a look around, this rather beatnik crowd couldn’t get enough. You can see it in the faces of everyone of them, they love this band. Singing the words to every song and dancing with everyone around them; they were bewitched by the by the men on stage.
Man Man at Aisle 5
Man Man have five studio albums, with their most recent On Oni Pond (September, 2013 ANTI_Records). The band reworked their sound by stepping away from some of the experimental, and diving into more mainstream licks. They dip into such genres as Psychedelia, 50’s Rock and Roll, Hip-Hop, and some classic soul. Honus has self described the album by saying “This is a strange and beautiful record but it’s also head on and fearless. It’s not a record that’s going to flirt with you, this is a record that’s asking you out. If you get into bed with us there’s going to be a relationship.”. The progression of their most recent album over past ones hasn’t effected their live show in the slightest. Honus still kills it with his on stage energy along with the rest of the band. It’s a well orchestrated, berserk carnival that wheels its way through the transitions between songs from each album. Honus is the ring leader and he plays the roll incredibly well. Thursday night just confirmed what we already thought about the band. They are amazing musicians and their energy on stage is incredibly astounding and tough to beat.
– Words By Lisa Parish
Check out our Man Man picture gallery. Photos by Mike Gerry:
Check out more photos of Shilpa Ray. Photos By Mike Gerry:
