ALEXANDER F HITS HARD AT PIANOS

The LES on Wednesday was eerily quiet after a quick rainstorm, only the flashing neon signs, the smell of last week’s garbage and a blaring taxi horn snapped me out of a surreal feeling of being alone in this sprawling city. The destination was Pianos, a well known landmark that is friendly to up-and-coming bands and usually packed on most any given night. The reason to venture out mid-week, amongst a hectic schedule, was the punk quartet known as Alexander F and they made it worth my while with a high-energy, punk-infused set.

Alex Toth

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Fronted by Rubblebucket’s Alex Toth, Alexander F is a whole different animal than his popular indie-dance band. Joined by Rubblebucket bassist-extraordinaire Daniel McDowell, guitarist Christian Peslak and percussionist Jason Nazary – they make a formidable new addition to the rock scene here in NYC. Hitting the stage shortly after 9 they delivered a not-so-typical, punk set ripe with megaphone heavy lyrics, hammering bass and lightning quick guitar.

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Christian Peslak

Daniel McDowell

Jason Nazary

Toth, not unlike his stage demeanor with Rubblebucket, showed an innate ability to grab our attention from the get go with spastic lyricism and an incredible stage presence. It was hard to take your eyes off of him as he darted about the stage, and when he ran out of room on-stage, the floor of Pianos suited him just fine.

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While their set clocked in at just over 25 minutes, the quality of each song was impeccable and it was practically impossible not to bounce around. We’ve grown used to watered down versions of certain genres like post-punk, or the term I dread the most, “shoegaze,” but Alexander F has that pure punk edge; with no frills or filler.