New Sound at Coco 66 Will Deafen, Make You Dance

Chest-rattling beats were dropped as Brooklyn/Chicago-based noise dance trio These Are Powers celebrated the release of their new “Candyman” EP Saturday night in tumultuous style with an eerie, danceable and bass-thumping set at the newly upgraded Coco 66. “Listen, this isn’t a show,” said lead singer/guitarist, Anna Barie, to the audience. “It’s a dance party.” Performed with frenetic energy and exuberance, the group’s set was noisy, wild and upbeat (also, it should be noted, fake smoke-filled). On the last song of the set, audience members filled the stage to grind along with the band. Hosted by record label Rvng Intl. (pronounced “revenge”), the show also included a noteworthy performance by MNDR, whose catchy German industrial pop-influenced sound inspired more than a few nodding heads and moving bodies.

The impressive sound (bass, in particular) was part of a new era for the Greenpoint bar and live music venue, which, since October, has been undergoing improvements aimed at transforming Coco 66 into a first-rate establishment for more shows, bigger shows and better shows. The front room of the bar has kept its refashioned industrial charm. Old window frames still prominently line the tin-pressed walls and steel support beams now serve as benches. The majority of the changes to Coco 66 have been made to the live room—which has now been expanded to accommodate audiences of up to 200 people—and the significantly upgraded sound system (that and the three giant disco balls now suspended above the stage.)

“My first thought upon seeing the room and hearing its sound back in December was ‘Why is this not already a standard go-to venue?’” said Coco 66 Creative Director Ben Sisto, who was hired at the beginning of the year to help with talent buying, public relations and organization. “It’s almost the same situation as when I was brought into Great Scott in Boston back in 2004. Good room, great sound, friendly staff—just in need of a little boost.”

The changes aren’t just physical: the venue is promising a more tightly run ship. “There are no double bookings,” said Sisto. “Everything event has a paper-trail to ensure to the artists that we’re holding up our end of the bargain. I’ve formed an advisory board made up of great artists / community leaders to help ensure we get feedback from many perspectives.”

So what’s in store for the future of Coco 66? Said Sisto: “I suppose the long short for Coco in 2010 is that we are aiming to be two things: a professionally run and artist-friendly live entertainment venue; and a relaxed and friendly neighborhood bar.”

A slew of great events are lined up, including Wednesday, March 11th, when they’ll be showing five Steven Seagal films back to back for a program called “A Flock of Seagals.” DJ Bobbi Lupo from Apartment Show will be DJing in the front room and the event is entirely free. On Wednesday, March 17th, the bar hosts Cinema 16, a program of silent art-house films scored by contemporary acclaimed musicians. Chicago-based trance/goth/electronic group Gatekeeper is in town on March 26th, and in April the bar starts a monthly first Saturday with CHERYL, the popular self-proclaimed “dance party that will ruin your life.” On April 6th, the bar will host acclaimed experimental noise band Growing for their record release on Vice Records.