So, wait, how do you say the name of this band? That’s basically how every conversation starts when it comes to these Cali funk-rockers, whose band name for sure gets butchered all the time. “Chk, chk, chk”–am I saying that right? Like a one-syllable weird noise thing? But it almost doesn’t even matter how you say it. What matters the most when it comes to !!! is the music–their wavy, punky, dancey, eclectic sound that the group has been making since the 90s. Their debut album was self-titled, followed by Louden Up Now in 2004.
The band has made five full-lengths since then (their latest that was released just this year called Shake the Shudder), and for !!! their main focus on each album was to challenge themselves as much as possibly musically, to strive to be different, to not be boring. And with major songs like “One Girl/One Boy” and “Even When the Water’s Cold”–songs that are catchy and exciting, colorful and trippy whimsical at times–it’s apparent that they’ve done more than OK with fine-tuning their loose-limbed vibes, which of course is best experienced when played live.
!!! now calls New York home, so playing at Bowery Ballroom will be a lit show. It’s funky music drenched with a 90’s flavor, and dancing and groovin’ and shakin’ and gettin’ wild is kind of mandatory when it comes to these guys. Just sayin’.
Bowery Ballroom
6/10
9 p.m.
$20
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