Godcaster at Union Pool (photo by Kevin McGann)

 

Before a recent opening slot for Geese, singer/guitarist Judson Kolk came out and announced that Godcaster was “the greatest band in the world” and they immediately launched into a fierce set that quieted anyone questioning such a bold claim. Last week, Godcaster once again came out to stake their place in not only NYC’s indie music scene but everywhere as they launched their new self-titled album, Godcaster (Ramp Local). The fact that it is the album shows that their confidence extends from the stage to the album where the music can speak for itself.

 

The first time I caught a Godcaster show a few years back, I was immediately drawn to the eclectic mix of music and revolving leads during their set. Along with Judson Kolk on vocals is Von Kolk on vocals/guitar/keyboards, David Mcfaul on vocals/piano/organ/guitar, Bruce Ebersol on guitar/bass, Jan Fontana on bass and Sam Pickard on drums. And depending on who is front and center, each lead lends their own style and influence on the song. Whether it’s Judson Kolk on blistering album opener “Diamond’s Shining Face,” Mcfaul on the 10-minute opus “Didactic Flashing Antidote,” or Von Kolk on the fragile “Pluto Shoots His Gaze Into the Sun,” each song showcases another side to the band. And performance-wise they leave nothing on the stage—you can imagine them near collapse after a set.

 

Godcaster at Union Pool

 

Opening the night was FTA’s favorite identical siblings, Venus Twins. Like every show of theirs we cover, it’s a heady mix of noise rock, experimental sounds, crazy energy, and a taking-it-to-the-crowd performance that finds lead vocalist/bassist Matt Derting stretching the limits of his guitar cables as he stalks the crowd, climbs a wall or is on top of the bar. This night was slightly different however as Matt along with brother Jake Derting on drums were joined by fellow identical twins in Disaster Artist who were onstage to sketch the mayhem as it unfolded. Truly one for the books.

 

 

Following the Twins were Dirt Buyer who started as a more emo-folk band, like on their self-titled album Dirt Buyer (Danger Collective). Their sound has definitely evolved though into a more hard-hitting rock sound as evidenced on single “On & On.” Lead singer-songwriter/guitarist Joe Taylor Sutkowski (Jotay) puts on a show as wild as his bright red locks and seems to get lost in between verses as he shreds on his guitar. If this is what lies ahead for Dirt Buyer, this more sonically adventurous and aggressive sound, then I cannot wait to hear what’s next.

 

Make sure to check out Godcaster’s new album and if you’re in NYC on April 26th you can try and grab a free ticket to their record signing at Rough Trade.

 

Scroll down for pics of the show (photos by Kevin McGann)

 

VENUS TWINS

 

DIRT BUYER

 

GODCASTER