Returning to New York after finishing recording their next record, we met up with The Soft Pack to shoot an acoustic sesh backstage before their Bowery Ballroom show. We hauled our collective asses up to the third floor backstage area, and as Matt, Matty, Dave and Brian entered the room we knew we had a problem. Dim light wall fixtures gave the green room a bit of a Blublocker’s feel that didn’t vibe with our cameras. However, a mere four feet away from us shone a light so bright and willing, we were forced to surrender to it. Illumination! And so it was that we flocked to the bathroom with The Soft Pack, threw them in the shower and shot “Down On Lovin” and “C’mon”. Ladies and Gents, welcome to the Hotbox.
In line with some stellar Neighbors/Devendra Banhart and Animal Collective covers of “Rome” and “Love Like a Sunset,” the Soft Pack have tackled Phoenix’s “Fences. Leaning heavily on a lo-fi Strokes vibe, it’s definitely more garage-based than it is French palatial— but good lord is it good. The dudes in the band had the following to share:
Phoenix are these cool French guys. We recorded our version of “Fences” with Rob Barbato of Darker My Love. Tim from Darker My Love played the cool guitar lead. It was a fun and challenging experience…
Fresh off their residency at The Echo in LA, The Soft Pack is set to open a couple shows for Phoenix out in California before embarking on a headlining tour. The band is also working on their debut LP which they’lll record with Eli Janney (Obits, Secret Machines) in Brooklyn this August. Check the tour dates below.
09.16.09 Los Angeles, CA @ Greek Theatre (with Phoenix)
09.17.09 San Francisco, CA @ Warfield Theatre (with Phoenix)
09.18.09 Portland, OR @ Dante’s (NXNW Festival)
09.19.09 Seattle, WA @ Crocodile Cafe
09.23.09 Minneapolis, MN @ 7th Street Entry
09.24.09 Madison, WI @ University of Madison
09.25.09 Chicago, IL @ Chopin Theatre
09.26.09 Indianapolis, IN @ Locals Only
09.27.09 Detroit, MI @ Pike Room
09.29.09 Toronto, ON @ Silver Dollar
10.01.09 Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brenda’s
10.02.09 New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom
10.03.09 Boston, MA @ Middle East Upstairs
10.09.09 Houston, TX @ Walter’s on Washington
We got an e-mail this past week from one of our favorite Brooklyn bands who used to go by the name of Muggabears, maybe you’ve heard of them? If you have, forget it, because they’re now called The Muslims. No seriously, as awesome as that would be, they’re actually now called Grooms, and they have a new record they want you to hear. Read the full story
Featuring music from: North American Halloween Prevention Initiative, Maserati, North Atlantic Oscillation, Yeasayer, Deluka, Division Day, Logan Lynn, Donkeyboy, Chromeo, Woolfy, Neon Indian, Vampire Weekend, The Yearbooks, Fanfarlo, Frightened Rabbit, Middle Distance Runner, Headlights, The Very Foundation, Bloc Party, The Soft Pack, Wolfmother, A Mountain Of One, Field Music, and Yo Majesty
