Last night was the first night of CMJ, and the party was poppin’ in Billyburg. As soon as you got out of the L at Bedford, there was nothing but crowds of young folk checking out all the great music coming from the bars, and to boot it was an amazin’ night to be out.

My destination for the night was Spike Hill, the band, Gigantic Hand.

Gigantic Hand is an indie rock band from NY on the Triple Down Label. Gigantic Hand began in 2003 as an acoustic reserve sowed by Kris Kaczor. In 2007 those ideas took shape when Kris, Rory O’Connor (drums and keyboards) and Kevin Bayson (bass and trumpet) journeyed to Keyclub Recording Company in Michigan. Soon after they made their way to Brooklyn where they have been since.

Their music has awesome harmonies and melodies “Eleven to 40 Miles” was a an awesome track. The E-piano was my favorite part, it pierced throughout the heavy chords giving the underlying melody a boost. Although most of their tracks were “indie” there were a few that ventured into the pop realm. These track included “Permanent Skin, and “Glass Sun” which had this feel-good, Jimmy Eat World vibe to it which was the perfect way to round out the set.

Gigantic Hand – SuAnne Big Crow

Next was a band I had never heard about, Greycoats, Didn’t stay for the whole set but what I heard was pretty catchy and moving. There style was a little more radio friendly and is definitely worthy further exploration.

That was day 1, I wonder what tonight holds?

enjoy!