ACLU Benefit: Sam Cohen, Scully, Dark Tea @ Union Pool — Brooklyn, NY
On Wednesday, February 22, 2017, A Song A Day held it’s third show — it’s second benefit — and it was a shredder. Brooklyn bands Sam Cohen, Scully, and Dark Tea came together to play Union Pool in Williamsburg in support of ACLU. We raised $1,200 and new friendships were formed.
Dark Tea’s aesthetic may be folky and sweet, but their songs aren’t short on well-executed guitar riffs and meaningful lyrics. There’s a nostalgic feeling to their rootsy, toe-tapping rhythms and Bill Callahan-esque poetic lyrics.
Scully’s on-stage banter was as entertaining as their energetic music. They brought us back to the 60s with their lo-fi surf/garage/grunge rock jams and killer shreds. Their cool factor is through the roof — and I mean that in the best possible way. They describe their sound as “Scuzzy guitars. California sunshine. Brooklyn grime.” and that couldn’t be more accurate.
Sam Cohen’s love for guitar solos and honest lyrics wasn’t lost on the crowd, at all. In fact, he blew them away. Cohen is one of the music industry’s favorite collaborators and producers for good reason. His debut solo album, Cool It, was one of my favorite albums of 2016. Those who haven’t heard his music before were left wanting more.
The crowd really got riled when Cochamea (yes, of the Dap-Kings) joined the band for his sax contribution during “Clockwork,” the politically-charged song Cohen wrote for the 1,000 Days, 1,000 Songs project. The rest of Cohen’s set was sprinkled with ripping guitar solos, droney synth jams, and groovy, psych-tinged goodness.
It was clear that all three bands were passionate for the cause and happy to be there to support the ACLU. Good times were had by all. Big thanks to Emily Lipson for donating her incredible photographer talents to the cause and everyone who came out. Check out more photos on our Facebook page. Listen to music from the artists below.
