Live in JC: The Press and Plastiq Passion at Lucky 7 Tavern
By Zac Clark • Feb 19th, 2010 • Category: Arts, Featured
This week, Lucky 7 Tavern hosted two newcomers to the weekly Songwriter’s Showcase, with Plastiq Passion and The Press braving the icy conditions to play two very fun, energetic sets. I took a leisurely stroll down to the bar to check them out.
Plastiq Passion was setting up their gear as The Press walked in. While Plastiq Passion set up, I had a few minutes to chat up The Press; I found out they’re just about to release a full-length LP, INTEOTWIJTEOAE. I had last seen these fellows last year at IM Automata Chino, so I was excited to see what they’d been up to in that time. We all settled in just as Plastiq Passion started up.
I have to say I was utterly impressed with this band. They have a Strokes-style bouncing guitar and a really solid rhythm section. These girls — Jessica Chaos (guitar/vocals), Susan Therancy (bass/vocals) Deborrah Sanchez (lead guitar) and Stacey Lee (drums) — couldn’t have been much older than 21 but they had a rich sound and they fronted it with a really catchy lead guitar. I suggest you check out their music stat. They currently have an EP out (titled I Can’t Wait), are looking to release an LP in early March and have been playing everywhere from Jersey City dive bars to NYC’s Mercury Lounge. Be on the lookout for these girls again soon.
The Press — Mike Henry (vocals/guitar). David Schneider (guitar) and Alex Picca (bass) and Chuck Davis (drums) — constructed their gear on stage and began shortly after. I have to say how incredible on point this band is — every song is so tight, it’s like they are a well-oiled machine. I wondered how often they practice as the first two songs left me reeling. I snapped out of it in time to get a video with Mike chatting up the crowd before they started in with “Do It For Myself”. They even played one of my favorites, the first song off their new LP, “Master” — and they came back for an encore.
After the Press closed their set, Dave and I got to talking about good driving music, and what new bands we’d been checking out. He said most of his music discovery comes on the road, driving to shows or on tour: “I just go, ‘Hey Alex, put on some new music,’ and he comes up with something.” Proof positive that there’s no secret cult of how to find out about new music — it’s still mostly done by sharing it with your friends, even when you’re in a band.
The Press: “Do it for Myself”
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Zac Clark is Jersey City's rogue rock writer. He is an avid blogger/indie music junkie and founder of rockertycoon.wordpress.com as well as an award-winning photographer, specializing in rock, fashion and weddings.
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