My Gold Mask

   Friday 6 Feb, was a busy night.  It started for me at the Empty Bottle to see My Gold Mask and Bengal Lancer.  I'm so glad I was not lazy and dragged my feet.  I've been late to things I really wanna do, and when I arrive late it feels like I shot myself in the foot.  Tonight I was on time for everything!  Bengal Lancer was nearing the end of their set.  I only caught a part of it, but it was enough to want to see them again.  They had no CDs out so I believe they shall later.  And then came My Gold Mask, which are also the main members of Bang Bang.  In fact as Bang Bang they had a new CD out last year.  So when they performed under this new name I was curious, since with the old name they are quite good and successful.  They opened for Long Blondes last summer.  Why the new name?    Off I go to the Empty Bottle to answer this question.  As MGM they went minimal.  Jack's guitar,  Gretta's voice, drums and space.  That is all they needed.  Any more instruments would water down their potency as My Gold Mask.  That extra space (where other musicians would be) plays almost like an instrument itself.  Minimal does not mean slow or ambient, the space lights them up like the only house on the block with electricity.  The minimalism also makes them sound more intense when they do slow down, as with "Like Eli".  Hearing "Cocaine Nose" makes me play air guitar like Jack.  It fascinates me to no end to see artists recreate themselves, break the mold.  Bang Bang and My Gold Mask are like night and day and yet are products of the same people.  Look up their myspace page they are playing Abbey Pub 15 March.  Get their demo CD when you go, its just that good.  I get a feeling they will run out.  I'm hearing "Oh My Soul" and Damn!

Kaspar-Zig