Day4: I Needed a Bathroom, and I Found Electro-Pop

We started the day with a stop at the Liverpool Live showcase, where I was briefly fooled into thinking that I was in the UK. In addition to the entire lineup of bands, I'm fairly sure that we were the only Americans in the place. Consequently, I did not understand a single word that was said the entire time. Usually something about bollocks or quid or something being 'wicked.' For the record, Liverpudlians are the only species of people allowed to use 'wicked' without sounding funny. Highlights included the unique and powerful 28 Costumes, as well as inspired singer/songwriter Eugene McGuinness (video interview).

28 Costumes

With the sole intention of finding a bathroom, we found ourselves inside an extremely small makeshift club with the Austin based quartet Binary Marketing Show setting up to play. The crowd consisted of ourselves, about 10 loyal fans, and what appeared to be the singer's parents; but with a flurry of drum machines and samplers, they whipped their humble crowd into a frenzy. Just another testament to how many underappreciated bands are at this festival.

Binary Marketing Show

We finally caught a full set of Via Audio, the soon-to-blow-up gritty power pop-rockers (I wish I could describe them in fewer words, but I can't) that we mentioned yesterday. Full interview and video clips to follow.

Jess of Via Audio

Then it was off to Opal Devine's Freehouse, an interesting venue on the west side of Downtown. The always impressive West Indian Girl played an airtight set - and you guessed it, full interview and video clips will follow.

LES CLAYPOOL!

In their fourth show of the day, DC-based (and part GWU-alum) Exit Clov played a stellar set that really highlighted the vocal prowess of identical twin singers Emily and Susan.

On another whim, we decided that a particular band was too unique to pass up, based entirely on their name: Lesbians On Ecstasy. Their rapid set drew equally from The Pixies and LCD Soundsystem, and although I cannot attest to whether they were lesbians or they were on ecstasy (or both), I was hooked. You would think that after hearing drum machines during 40% of the shows for three days I would be tired of it, but Lesbians on Ecstasy brought the rock.

As if I had any doubts as to whether I was seeing some quality music, Peaches showed up front and center and danced like we all know she can.

Peaches (in green)

Off to the airport, more to follow.