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NoisePop 2001 Bottom of the Hill February 27, 2001 Reviewed by Janet Flemer Three bands almost more than can be handled in Flemertown, so only saw the last 20 seconds of From Bubblegum to Sky, first of four. Looking around in some surprise as the supposedly completely sold out show was not exactly full but it was early. It sounded like they were singing "Frere Jacques". Ramona had on some amazing chenille pants. Call and Response were just too, oh, poppy? Can't really say that. Love pop, but two keyboards, too much sweetness and harmony, making teeth hurt, plus that Mackenzie Phillips hair cut on the bass player. I'll check them out again on a less crowded bill. Mates of State were definitely the high water mark of the night. Kori and Jason, a married couple playing drums and a keyboard, could barely take their eyes off each other long enough to sing into their mikes. Their harmonies had just enough grit to keep them from being too pretty. His voice sounded a bit like Doug Martsch. Their song with the refrain "I am right all the time" seems like a healthier song to have stuck in your head than New Pornographer's "My my my slow descent into alcoholism", but maybe that's just me. I've seen Beulah do much better sets, although most people in the audience didn't seem to care. The horns sounded great. A couple of band members seemed sort of subdued. I'm glad they don't jump up and down anymore, but something in between would work too. Their new album (recorded in John Vanderslice's studio!) is something I'm looking forward to. And maybe this year they'll do a couple of local shows. |