CBGB Festival: D Generation Lights Up Bowery Electric [7/7/12]

Yesterday was the penultimate round of performances in the inaugural CBGB Festival, which has already gained international notoriety due to the Harley Flanagan incident at Webster Hall Friday evening. Jesse Malin reunited with his boys for a D Generation show at his own Bowery Electric.  Supporting artists included The Bamboo Kids, Brass Knuckle Evangelists, and Romans.

Rather than pen the typical concert review, we’ll instead regale you with some of the notes we jotted for each artist. After all, we’re still somewhat recovering from the mosh pit…

The Bamboo Kids:
Led by Ethan Hawke’s doppleganger, this trio marries elements of early Kings of Leon with a punkish swagger. Set wasn’t too memorable but for the quote, “It’s [CBGB] not a fuckin’ brand, it was a club and now it’s gone.”

Brass Knuckle Evangelists:
Four-piece band. Non-collar neck garnishments (bow-ties, bandanas, ties). When introducing “Middle Man,” frontman Tor mentioned that nobody struts anymore. And how it’s probably attributed to tight hipster pants. A couple self-proclaimed half-assed covers including “Saturday Night” by the Bay City Rollers. Think G-A-R-A-G-E…ROCK!

Romans:
The stylish trousers and shoes somewhat clashed with their groove-heavy blend of rock. This SEO-unfriendly band was enjoyable, but seemed more like Black Crowes 2.0. Standout track was “Moonlight.”

D Generation:
This gig was pretty much a home game for the “glam punk” outfit, as Jesse Malin friggin’ owns the joint. He didn’t waste much time stripping off the dressy threads. Opened pretty strong with “Scorch” and didn’t look back. The set featured other standbys like “No Way Out” and “Vampire Nation,” as well as the debut of two new tracks. “Apocalypse Kids” and “Piece of the Action” will both appear on a new record in the works.

Mosh pit got pretty wild. Need to wash those clothes twice…

Full gallery below…