“Alcohol is conducive to the musical experience,” Under the Influence of Giants drummer Jamin Wilcox said last night, promptly taking a swig of whiskey before hitting the stage to headline an intoxicating performance at New York City’s Rebel. Also mixed into the rock cocktail last night were Liverpool’s psychedelic glam-soul four-piece Pop Levi, who resurrected Marc Bolan mixed with Prince showmanship, and played new-wave hits like “A Style Called Crying Chic” and “Blue Honey.” L.A.’s Ima Robot were stirred in as well.
Headliners Under the Influence of Giants, meanwhile, were an electrifying foursome, playing all eleven songs off their debut, including smash single “Mama’s Room,” to a devoted bunch. UTIOG didn’t always have a frenzied following, though. Frontman Aaron Bruno told SPIN.com that the band “started from scratch,” and that “no one wanted to give us a chance…They just didn’t believe that white guys could be this funky.” STORY BY KATIE HEATH. PHOTOS BY JAY CHEN
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