CMJ Madness: Northern Room @ Arlene's Grocery
Special CMJ correspondent Emily Ngo on a show she saw last night...
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I caught the Midwest-based Northern Room somewhat by accident because they began playing after my friend’s show. And just like that, I was hooked on their mellow, U2-esque sound. The four band members were also pretty easy on the eyes.
Northern Room is apparently already a hit in Japan. Now they want the same love in the U.S.
Outside Arlene’s Grocery, lead signer A.J., or Andrew Jonathan, of Milwaukee did a great job selling his band. “It’s universal music,” he said. “If you like that kind of music, you’ll like us.” All right, A.J. You’re right! Who doesn’t like universal music?
Northern Room’s “We’re On Fire” seems the most marketable cut on their demo CD. There is something very comforting and familiar about A.J.’s voice, and this band is sure to widely appeal to the masses. This song is something you would hear blasting very loudly at Abercrombie. (That’s a good and a bad thing.) It’s a sweet love song of sorts, and Northern Room has got it right: They’re on fire. Check them out.
Emily Ngo, www.amNY.com
