The Postelles Rock The Left Coast at The Roxy

Thanks to an invitation from Plus One Records, I had the privilege of rocking out with Manhattan natives The Postelles at the esteemed venue The Roxy last night, where they played support to Free Energy.

Performing tracks from their "White Night" EP, Elvis covers ("Hound Dog") and their forthcoming self titled debut full length album - The Postelles infected Sunset Blvd. with their bred since high school chemistry (they've played together for many years) and indie rock sheik. With catchy songs like "Can't Stand Still" that had me drawing comparisons to Arctic Monkeys, I'm wishing the album was officially out so I could tell friends to buy that 'ish. Here is a video of them performing that song at SXSW 2010 just in case you're unfamiliar.



Their live show was pretty entertaining - especially closing things out with the Elvis cover and the aforementioned CSS. Certainly one worthy of catching at least once and one that I am already eager to see again (preferably for more time).

The Postelles are as advertised - a cohesive unit of talented musicians that have developed a 50's, 60's and 70's rock influenced NYC indie-pop rock sound. Vocalist Daniel Balk has a charming voice and creative hand and microphone gestures - although I do wish he danced more. Lead guitarist David Dargahi looks as comfortable as anyone - both strumming and doing vocals. John Speyer and Bill Cadden hold down the rhythm on bass and percussion respectively.

Daniel Balk (lead vocals, rhythm guitar)

David Dargahi (lead guitar, vocals)

Their self titled album, produced by Albert Hammond Jr., is set to drop sometime in April 2011 and includes Balk's sweet and tender vocals on signature songs like "123 Stop" (which was in the trailer for "How Do You Know"), "White Night" (which you can get for free through their website www.ThePostelles.com) and "Stella," as well as other magic recorded in Manhattan's Quad Studios. With a live performance that stole headliner Free Energy's thunder, past festival plays at Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza and press hits already from Rolling Stone to Teen Vogue and blog love on sites like My Old Kentucky Blog, The Audio Perv and Daytrotter - you should check this band out if you haven't already.



The Postelles press photos by Harper Smith, live photos by Brandon Dorsky