I don’t go to Brooklyn Bowl often. In fact I barely end up there. May be it’s because I’ve never played bowling even once in my life or cause the combination of bowling + concert venue + restaurant/bar in a monstrously big space even if it sounds great ends up feeling a little off.
However, there was a pretty solid reason to set my foot there this time and that was the show of alternative reggae up-and-coming band InDaze, opening for the second wave ska legends The English Beat or as they’re more well known, just The Beat.
I found both bands quite different from each other, yet they sounded very charming one after another.
Hailing from the heart of NYC, InDaze layer warm, yet deep roots reggae on the progressive rock structures. Their impressive crew grew to whole 9 members on stage, flexible enough to switch instruments and purely have fun jamming – the keyboard player leaves his instrument to go and rap on stage at some point, the girl on the trumpet swings to carelessly chat with the back vocalist. Everything seems unstaged and sweet as prime jamsession.
After the show we caught the band members for an interview. Here’s what they told Flowers In A Gun.
Is there a progressive influence in your music?
We love Rush, Pink Floyd… actually we love stuff from metal to jazz to classic. Latin is a big influence. We played tonight a cover of The Old Dun Cow which is an old Eniglish song that was so long it doesn’t have any copyrights
How did you end up covering this song?
Gage: Well my last name is Weir, which is English-Scottish so is my cousin Brennon’s. And I love Celtic music.
When did you started the band and with how many people?
Gage: We were just two – me and Brennan played at a bar called Gate, it all started for just free beer you know.
How did you get that gig with The English Beat ?
Gage: I cannot reveal my secrets!
Brennan: I have a good relationship with the entertainment company that put the show on. They worked with us great and we got some awesome shows around the city, that’s one of them. We’re a reggae band that they like to book.
So what would be the perfect line up for a show you would like to play?
Francis:Oh man, that’s gonna be a long list! Cultura Profetica will be one of them!
Gage: Some power metal! Imagine us playing after some metal band, going back to roots! (laugh)
Which are the best spots according to you for a fan of roots, reggae, dub to check if you’re in NYC?
Brennan: Definitely a lot of places in Brooklyn and Long Island. Revolution and Ammenyville. It could be anywhere. I know that the guys from Dub As A Weapon have a weekly night downtown on Houston Street.
Gage: Anywhere we’re playing is the best place to go and listen to reggae!
I really have to ask you this question, cause I used to be in a similar position – doesn’t it get too tight for all nine people on one stage sometimes?
Oh yes, all the time (all of them shouting at once). So difficult. Trust me we have learned to jump around that. We require a lot of room.
Brennan: We’ve actually done shows with people off stage. At least four people off stage. But it’s been fun.
Gage: With Gogol Bordello we can talk about that.
So did your band grew up with five people at once?
Gage: Well everything changed when we got to the studio to write this last album and Mike and I were spending 12-14 hours there where we figured. We also played a lot of shows… so it all evolved that way.
And what is the question that no one ever asked you?
Brennan: Yo, where I can get your merch?
Francis: Where can I follow you? Where can I like you?
Gage: Can I drive you to a show?
Brennan: Or can I play here? These would all be very nice questions!
Indaze are Gage Weir, Brennan Weir, Jelm, Michael Forsyth, Frances Azucena, Mosh Gibson, Yarissa Tiara Millan and growing. Find more about them on http://www.indazemusic.com/ as well as on Facebook and Instagram.
As for The Beat – they still kick ass on stage with their signature tropical/poppy twist on SKA. Here are some pics of their performance.
Good stuff