 Wake-Up Middle Guy! Oberhofer with Billboard’s Chris Payne (second from Left) and Glassnote’s Daniel Glass (second from right). |
Freshly signed to Glassnote Records, the New York by-way-of Tacoma, WA rockers Oberhofer played a lively set at Brooklyn ‘s indie hot spot Music Hall of Williamsburg on Tuesday, September 6th. In fact, the show marked the venue’s four-year anniversary since opening.
“I hope things that never happened before happen tonight, which they always do,” predicted amicable frontman Brad Oberhofer. Opening for underground beard-punk legends Les Savy Fav, the promising four-piece played an invigorating set that channeled the jittery energy of Vampire Weekend and the good-natured hooks of Peter Bjorn & John. The band’s set served as a sampling for their forthcoming debut, due in Spring 2012.
“I don’t want to sound cliché and say I saw the future of rock ‘n roll, but it was that kind of night,” reminisced label head Daniel Glass on the very first night he saw them perform. Glass seemed extremely optimistic about Oberhofer’s upcoming studio time (set to begin September 7th), but was also eager to discuss his label’s other new signees, which include indie poppers Givers and Childish Gambino (hip-hip alter ego of actor Donald Glover, who plays Troy Barnes on NBC’s “Community”), whom he calls “a wild irreverent rapper,” yet “as rock ‘n roll as they come.” Considering the past success of Glassnote acts like Phoenix, Temper Trap, and Mumford & Sons, there’s plenty of reason to heed Glass’ words.
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Also in attendance was Frenchkiss record label owner Syd Butler, whose band Les Savy Fav was also on the bill. Both Frenchkiss and Glassnote are distributed by RED.
Oberhofer was also keen to suggest some up-and-comers, which included fellow New Yorkers Twin Sister, as well as Tacoma scenesters Night Gowns and Makeup Monsters.