Tag Archives: the Postelles

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The Postelles Leave Them Wanting More

June 9th, 2011

The Postelles – Mercury Lounge – June 8, 2011


The Postelles are a band that is impossible to dislike. Their ’50s and ’60s influences emerge into a timeless doo-wop feel with a modern twist, and they have a classic feel-good sound that makes both a lady and a fellow shimmy and shake. People were so juiced about the debut release by these New York City gems that the band played two nearly sold-out shows at Mercury Lounge.

Last night’s set was short but oh so sweet and left the crowd craving more. The quartet—Daniel Balk on vocals and guitar, Billy Cadden on drums, David Dargahi on lead guitar and John Speyer on bass—powered through the extreme heat to put on a sizzling show. They blasted off with the ever-catchy “Stella” and maintained momentum and a playful, fun attitude throughout the next 40 minutes. A favorite of the night was their rendition of the Ramones’ “Beat on the Brat.” Not only did they avoid butchering the classic-rock song, but they also added their own flair to it.

Just as the set started off with a bang, it closed on the same high with the dance-y “White Night.” One of the cool things about these guys is that they obviously were enjoying themselves onstage, which makes them that much more loveable. Smiles graced their faces as they played and they often chatted with fans in between songs. “You guys are so quiet!” they joked, when in reality, those in the audience resembled squealing schoolgirls. The guys made the most of the stage too, hamming it up and energetically getting down. —Kristen Ferreira

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The Postelles Shake the Floor

July 29th, 2010

The Postelles – The Bowery Ballroom – July 28, 2010

The Postelles - The Bowery Ballroom - July 28, 2010
When the Manhattan-based band Postelles originally booked last night’s headlining date at The Bowery Ballroom, they likely didn’t know that they would be opening a handful of dates on Kings of Leon’s and Interpol’s summer tours before they got to play the show. Still, lead singer Daniel Balk was humbled by the experience, thanking the packed crowd for being there and explaining the feeling of honor to play a venue where he “watched my favorite bands play.” “Now,” he said, “let’s shake this floor.”

For more than an hour, the band spun through material off their White Night EP along with new material set to be released in October as a self-titled, full-length debut (coproduced by the Strokes’ Albert Hammond Jr.). Balk’s stage presence oozed Joseph Gordon-Levitt style cool—he could easily be mistaken for him in a crowd, a claim supported by the Beatlemania-style screams coming from the audience all night as girls nearly fought to get closer to the stage.

Lead guitarist David Dargahi pumped out Strokes-like riffs with Hives-like style. He glued his feet in place while thrashing around from the torso up during songs like “123 Stop.” The set had a wonderful rhythm to it, with most songs swelling during their verses until they inevitably burst into dance-and-shout choruses. For now the Postelles go back out with Interpol (they will be at The Wellmont Theatre next Wednesday), but they will hopefully be playing back home soon. Chances are, however, they’ll be headlining something even bigger. —Sean O’Kane

Photos courtesy of Sean O’Kane | seanokanephoto.com