FREEwilliamsburg: O'Death + Terror Pigeon Dance Revolt @ Brooklyn Bowl

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Photos by Yoon Kim

Last night at Williamsburg's new Brooklyn Bowl, Flavorpill hosted the first ever concert bowling extravaganza featuring O'Death and a band I've been dying to see live, Terror Pigeon Dance Revolt. Pleasantly surprised by our dear CMJ and SXSW staple, the Ice Cream Man, I entered the glowing space shortly after consuming my cherry flavored Powerpuff Girls pop.

The space was overwhelmingly huge, finished with stained wood and dark leather couches. I had heard of its extravagance, but Brooklyn Bowl really took me by surprise. Around each corner, there was more... but all with the looming notion of "is this really neccessary?" I'm not a bowler, so maybe I don't get it-- especially since, well, don't we have the Gutter (just a few blocks away) already? After some time in this new almost waterfront paradox, I was ready for some music...

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O'Death began their set with a slightly confused "I don't think we've been the first band playing in a place before", as they unleashed some serious barnyard thrash on the crowd. Coming off a three week tour with Les Claypool, you could tell that there were some diehard fans in the audience, if not by the Phish-esque dancing, then the yelps and shirt removal helped. Altogether, a performance I recommend seeing up close, but I'm a sucker for country strings.

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Next up-- TPDR. Putting this unlikely pair together was, indeed, strange. Although both entertaining in their own right, O'Death seemed to adapt quite well to their surrounding of bowling shoes and brew. Whereas Terror Pigeon Dance Revolt, whose show relies largely on audience participation, seemed somewhat vacant in comparison to what I hear is usually an emotional and wildly affecting spectacle. Handing out costumes and performing amongst the crowd, they did their best to bring the intimacy to this (did I mention HUGE?) space. I wish I could have transported the Terror Pigeon crew to the Market Hotel where they would have translated better amongst the likes of Javelin.

Luckily, I was able to make it over to Market just in time for their set, where after a few songs I spotted Neil of Terror Pigeon, longing to be with his own kind. Amongst the sweaty dance outbreak that Javelin requires, I had an epiphany-- have I just gotten used to everyone looking and smelling and sounding like shit, that a place like Brooklyn Bowl could make me feel uncomfortable enough to induce a Wonder Years inner monologue?? If that be the case, at least I know home is a land of cute boys, PBRs, and dance parties.