FIDLAR, Big Ups, Amanda X at Baby's All Right in Brooklyn, NYC 1.27.2014 [ Zumic Review, Photos + YouTube Clips]

Last night at the new Brooklyn music venue Baby's All Right, FIDLAR, Big Ups, and Amanda X came together to perform their styles of punk music on a freezing Monday night. The showcase was sponsored by NYC events website doNYC to celebrate one year in operation. It was an RSVP only event, but that didn't affect the show from being full of loyal fans from each of the bands that performed.

Opening the night were Philly post punk darlings Amanda X. By the time they took to the stage at 9pm, the floor area was crowded. The band, comprised of Cat Park on guitar, Tiff Yoon on drums and Kat Bean on bass, delivered a high energy set of songs that energized the crowd. Their vocal harmonies were tight and fans in the front row were screaming along. It was my first time seeing them and I enjoyed their set. They're a relatively new band on the scene and if they keep playing shows like this, they should receive more attention. To check out their music, you can go to their Bandcamp.

Up next were local Brooklyn boys Big Ups. They've been playing their brand of post punk / hardcore music since 2010 and I think this year will be a breakout year for them. The floor area had become almost completely full when they started. Lead singer Joe Galarraga loves his fans, so much so that he took every opportunity to share the mic and get into their faces while screaming. He also took the opportunity to turn the venue into his personal jungle gym as he explored and climbed the structure on the sides of the stage. What I enjoyed most about their set was how they would shift from a punk melody to a hardcore breakdown beat almost instantly. Not surprisingly, a mini mosh pit often developed but never got too crazy. Big Ups are playing a couple more Brooklyn shows before travelling across the pond for a few dates in the UK. Check out their Bandcamp page for more information.

Before the headlining band of a show goes on, I'm always curious about the music that's played over the venue's P.A. It should match with the vibe of the crowd and indicate what type of music the upcoming band is going to play, right? So as I was talking to a friend, I overheard Nirvana's song "Molly's Lips" come on and I smiled, hoping this was an indication of what I was about to hear.

When L.A. surf punk band FIDLAR hit the stage, the sweaty teenagers were ready. A semi-impressive mosh pit had formed by the 3rd song and by the 4th, fans were crowd surfing and tearing the acoustic panels off the ceiling. Their songs were short and sweet and punk to the max. The energy in the room never died down as the band ripped through many fan favorites, including a few new ones. The three chord riff of The Troggs song "Wild Thing" was teased before one song as well as the riff from "Back In Black" in another. Lead singer Zac Carper thanked the fans for coming out in the cold weather and stated that the Brooklyn crowd was better than the Manhattan crowd. The last song, "Wake, Bake, Skate", had the fans jumping on stage with the band and celebrating a great show. In 2012, FIDLAR were a band on the rise and created a buzz that landed them on a few "bands to look out for" lists. After seeing them live for the first time, I would certainly agree. For FIDLAR's latest music, news, and tour dates, check out their Zumic artist page.

Below are three FIDLAR clips taken from the night; two new songs and the last song of the night.