KEXP at CMJ 2013, Day 2: Ski Lodge

CMJ, Live Reviews
10/18/2013
Anna McClain
all photos by Benjamin Mobley (view set)

It's pretty perfect that the frontman of Ski Lodge shares a surname with the guitarist for The Smiths since their sound is totally reminiscent of those Manchester legends.

Andrew Marr, the singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist acting as the creative glue binding the New York band together, thrives on dichotomies. Ski Lodge's debut album, Big Heart, delves into some hefty subject matter while maintaining the fresh burn of contemporary indie rock. There is much to be discovered underneath the smooth layers of guitar and dreamy vocals of Ski Lodge's debut, but it's all right to float on the surface, indulging in the pure enjoyment of a thoughtfully crafted album and leave the exploring for future listens.

Marr, along with similarly ever-serious band members Jared O'Connel, John Barinaga and Jake Beal, let their music do the work in moving their audiences to dance, basking fans in their guitar and drum heavy numbers. Their songs engrossed the audience at the Judson Memorial Church, leaving them still bobbing along, trapped by the rhythm even after the music stopped.

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KEXP at CMJ 2013, Day 2: Ski Lodge

It's pretty perfect that the frontman of Ski Lodge shares a surname with the guitarist for The Smiths since their sound is totally reminiscent of those Manchester legends.


Read More