Weak Signal: October 4, 2024 Tubby’s

When you pull on the string dangling off Weak Signal’s hoodie what unravels is the last 60 years of NYC’s music history.  Which is probably why they aren’t huge.

I have this belief that some of the best things from New York, particularly NYC, can’t truly be understood by outsiders. In a just world, “I’m Waiting for the Man” would have been a far bigger hit in 1967 than “Apples, Peaches, Pumpkin Pie” just as M.O.P’s “Heistmasters” should have been a bigger hit than “Fantastic Voyage” in 1994. Maybe the grim realities of New York City are more than most people can, or want, to handle.  

There is a sound to NY, and anyone with the city in their bloodstream knows it. In his genuinely incredible piece on DJ Premiere’s work, Dave Thompkins wrote, “Premier’s loyalty to his sound is a dedication to neighborhoods still living the same crisis narrative that played out in his music two decades ago. Nothing will ever displace Group Home’s “Livin’ Proof” in a piercing January wind.” Listening to Weak Signal is hearing the street-wise coolness of the VU directly alongside the hard-hitting realities of Mobb Deep because it’s rooted in the same crisis narrative Premiere accessed: the reality of living and creating art in NY. This isn’t  a band built for Instagram and lifestyle influencers.  This is a band built for people who work in bars that don’t have websites; for the blue paper 10 ounce coffee cup that says “we are happy to serve you” in a vaguely Greek font.

On their new record, “Fine” (12XU), you’ll find the usual cocktail of snarling guitar tones mixed with equally cynical lyrics. They’ve added a floater to that of the most refined production of their career which helps to highlight bassist Sasha Vine and drummer Tran Huynh. I always found this to be one of the most exciting rhythm sections working today. You can really feel the swagger on this record. This is Weak Signal standing on the corner, taunting the condo developer while making sure Halal cart guy’s spot is secured. There will always be someone to represent the sound of NYC.  And right now, that’s Weak Signal.

I recorded this from my usual spot in the back with my MBHOs and an killer soundboard feed from Tubby’s FOH engineer Kyle. The sound quality is fantastic!

Weak Signal
2024-10-04
Tubby’s
Kingston, NY

Source: MBHO440 + SDB > SD MixPre 3 > SD (24/48) > Adobe Audition/Izotope 9 > Audacity Flac (lvl8) > Mp3Tag

recorded and produced by kliked

Thanks to Tubby’s FOH engineer Kyle for the board patch

1. Out On A Wire
2. Poor People
3. Hallelujah Baby
4. Chill
5. Rich Junkie
6. Spooky Feeling
7. Disappearing
8. Yr Deal
9. Wannabe
10. Drugs In My System
11. Tell Me How You Like It

Support this excellent artist:
https://weareweaksignal.bandcamp.com/

Support the venues bringing you interesting music!
https://www.tubbyskingston.com/music-calendar