Ice clattered against glowsticks in glasses while nervous chatter filled the Hiro Ballroom for the 2Beat Kick Cancer Benefit last night — a special fundraiser sponsoring the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), the world’s biggest voluntary health organization committed to raising dollars for cancer research, education and patient services. MTV News’ SuChin Pak emceed this event, while Brooklyn-based indie rockers the Comas and NYC popsters the Cloud Room (read more) turned in the live sets.
Facing a sea of suits and stilettos, the Comas charged on with bulky, distorted guitars, and even heavier setlist from their latest album, Spells. They soon shook crowd from their own comas when Frontman Andy Herod jumped on an amp and yelled, “Those of you not clapping better be talking about some really fucking important shit, because I’m talking about some important shit myself up here, so you should tune in!” He wasn’t lying: The band’s next song was a galloping rendition of the Undertones’ classic, “Teenage Kicks.”
As the disco ball spun in the cavernous ballroom, the Cloud Room invited dancing fans and a horn section onstage for the ultimate dance party. Lead Cloud Roomer J Stuart led his band through aching, swelling pop songs from their self-titled debut, and previewed a few new tunes from their forthcoming spring EP, Please Don’t Almost Kill Me. But it was the rousing chorus of semi-hit “Hey Now Now” that truly got the audience shaking a leg. MARY-LOUISE PRICE / PHOTOS BY ERIC NOWELS
>> Listen to the Comas on Napster
>> Listen to the Cloud Room on Napster
We asked: The Comas’ latest album is entitled Spells. If you could cast a spell on someone, who would you cast it on, and what would it be?
