At 8p.m. this Tuesday (12/15) at the venerable Bug Jar on Monroe Ave, two entirely different schools of musical thought will be performing on the same bill- with one directly following the other.
The opener Alfred Brown embraces the idea of creating music electronically; through the use of synthesizers, loops, and modified electric instruments, their music is shaped by creativity with electronic mediums. It is ambient music, for lack of a better term- but hearing their work is most definitely not a passive experience.
The headliner, Cuddle Magic, is a massive 12 piece ensemble hailing from all over the tri-state area- don't be fooled by the name- they are serious musicians. No, really. They represent an opposing school of thought- the vast majority of the sounds they create originate from instruments with absolutely zero electronic components. Each member is a master of their own device (with most holding degrees in music) and together they craft a unique sound that is not to be missed.
These are experts in their respective fields- but which school of thought is correct? Whose kung-fu is mightier? Come down to the Bug Jar this Tuesday at 8, say hi to Herman, and receive the answer.
Special Double-Feature
I also need to briefly mention Black Water Rising, playing Monty's Krown this Saturday (12/19) at 10p.m. This Brooklyn based metal set is highly praised and it is well deserved. They represent the opposite end of the spectrum from the bands I've featured above- they are not looking to expand the sonic possibilities of music- instead, they have chosen a sound and worked to perfect it. And that sound is down-and-dirty stoner-metal. High Times Magazine just nominated Black Water Rising as their band of the month. Need we say more? No.
