INDIE EAR MADNESS: First Round

Friday, March 21, 2008 | 12:00 PM

Indie Ear Madness
First Round, East Region
March 21, 2008

1 Vampire Weekend vs. 16 My Brightest Diamond
Vampire Weekend's momentum continues as they roll convincingly over the talented songstress, My Brightest Diamond.

8 Thurston Moors vs. 9 Liars
Though Thurston Moore entered the tournament with an acoustic guitar (rather than his trademark squalls of feedback), but he adapted quickly and taught his young protégés that he's still the King of Noise Rock even when he's not making much noise at all.

5 The Raveonettes vs. 12 Strike Anywhere
Maybe The Raveonettes took Strike Anywhere too lightly? Maybe they were too tired after playing 12 shows at this year's SXSW? Whatever the case, Sune Rose Wagner and Sharin Foo looked sluggish against Strike Anywhere's fast break style of punk.
(left: Strike Anywhere upset The Raveonettes in Round One of Indie Ear Madness)

4 Nada Surf vs. 13 Battles
Battles showed some promise early in the contest, but Nada Surf was near perfect in its execution of sing-a-long indie-pop.

6 MSTRKRFT vs. 11 Tim Fite
Tim Fite was all over the place tonight, a little country, a bit of punk, a lot of hip-hop. MSTRKRFT didn't expect him to be so versatile. When they finally figured out how to defend him, it was too late.

3 Moby vs. 14 Man Man
During his pre-game interview, Moby's sound bites were chock full of self-deprecation. Man Man got a bit overconfident, Moby capitalized, and the self-deprecation continued at Moby's victory celebration (a party in which he also DJ'd).

7 The Last Shadow Puppets vs. 10 The National
Though still a youngster in this game of indie-rock, The Last Shadow Puppets' Alex Turner looked like a senior today, helping his new band roll swiftly into the Second Round.

2 Gnarls Barkley vs. 15 Be Your Own Pet
Some would argue that Gnarls Barkley doesn't even belong in this tournament. Do you they really resemble an indie-minded music act at this point in time? Be Your Own Pet put up a good fight, but couldn't match the hit-making power of Cee-Lo and Danger Mouse.