meanderings: snapshot

Sunday, January 25, 2009

KRS-One + Ume 1/24/09

Went down to Mohawk to check out Ume play a show to mark the release of their new EP, Sunshower. Paid $6 at the indoor entrance and was able to roll over into the outdoor area, where the openers for KRS-One just happened to be pumping up a huge crowd. I think the tickets to that show were like $20, just lucked out on that one. A hip-hop and indie punk extravaganza.

I was surprised to see that Alex Jones and entourage were in full effect at the outdoor show. Apparently KRS and crew are trying to spread the word about 9-11 being an inside job and them and AJ make a natural team. It was an interesting show to say the least, KRS spitting over classical and jazz tracks as well as the usual pounding beats and table scratching. One thing: the whole time he was querying the onlookers about where "real hip-hop" might be located. I do hope he found it, he seemed genuinely concerned as to its whereabouts and general state of being.

Ume started fairly late but got right down to business blowing out my eardrums with heavy distortion and miss Lauren's whispers and wails. They did a great job laying out the new material but they also played plenty of the first record (Urgent Sea), which was a nice bonus. They really put on a great live show, highly recommended.