Drink Up Buttercup is back in their second home to celebrate the release of their debut album (photo by twi-ny/mdr)
Wednesday, May 5, Brooklyn Bowl, 61 Wythe Ave., free, 8:00
Friday, May 14, Mercury Lounge, 217 East Houston St., $10, 7:30
www.myspace.com/drinkupbuttercupband
www.mercuryloungenyc.com
www.brooklynbowl.com
On the first song on their debut album, Philly band Drink Up Buttercup sings, “Remember your seasickness pills,” an apt warning to listeners about to delve into the many giddy pleasure of BORN AND THROWN ON A HOOK (Yep Roc, March 2010). Over the course of fourteen songs, Jamers Harvey, Farzad Houshiarnejad, Ben Money, and Mike Cammarata let loose with a barrage of sea shanties, garage rock, waltzes, Goth moments, and Beatles-esque harmonies on such infectious tunes as “Doggy Head,” “Even Think,” “Gods and Gentlemen,” and the gorgeous “Lovers Play Dead.” The record is anchored by DUB’s wild and crazy double shot of “Sosey and Dosey” and “Mr. Pie Eyes,” which glory in the raw energy of rock and roll. As strong as the album is — these guys really know how to write a hook, and they fearlessly take off in whichever direction the music takes them — it’s their live shows that make them special, as they bang on trash cans, trade off instruments, knock over mannequin heads, and play with a reckless abandon that will have you wasted and begging for more. DUB will be playing a free show at Brooklyn Bowl on May 5 with the King Expressers and Givers, then will head to Mercury Lounge on May 14 with the King Left, the upstate New York band who are finishing up their tour in support of their EP NEW YORK NOTHING.