CMJ 2009: Syndicate Kickoff Party

Fanfarlo

The annual Syndicate Conflict of Interest party is a pre-CMJ tradition—a boozy, noisy kickoff event held at throwback super club Rebel. Like in previous years, the lineup notes a who’s who of the industry buzz. This year’s big draw was Fanfarlo, a London-based five piece that blends turn-of-the-century instrumentation (Beirut) with booming hooks and choruses (Arcade Fire). Stealing the show, though, was White Denim, a Texas group we’ve slept on for way too long. In this Austin trio, you’ll hear equal parts Yes and Jon Spencer Blues Explosion in the band’s jammy, jazzy, unrestrained prog-stomp. So many notes were played! Union Line, recent RCA signees, have a promising future. They’re young and ambitious and can wear some leather. The Cringe features the husband of the party’s chief sponsor, Rachael Ray. —Matt Rodbard