Preview: Drug Rug at Bowery Ballroom [NYC, 02.15.08]

Before the sweat and fatigue of 2007's CMJ Marathon truly set in, a shy-looking band snuck on the stage at Bowery Ballroom's Friday Showcase.

What looked like just another CMJ Showcase opener ended up stealing the entire crowd's attention - making writers, photographers and other attendees forget there were still 5 more bands to play.

That band was Drug Rug, a 5-piece based out of Massachusetts, who have transformed since their creation in 2006 as a kitschy sort of lo-fi pop outfit into a ballsy blues-rock force. Fronted by the couple of Sarah Cronin and Thomas Allen, they were able to not only cook their way through riff-rocking up-tempo jaunts, but the two had an uncanny ability to play on the endearing qualities of Southern country and bluegrass.

Their performance at Bowery that Friday night in October made for one of best offered that entire week at CMJ, and won over a lot of attention (rightfully so). They continued touring in the fall, even striking up a residency at Mercury Lounge for a handful of Wednesday nights, and now return to Bowery Ballroom this Friday.

Drug Rug is on the bill with New York homebodies Sam Champion and the smart noise rock of The XYZ Affair, which all told promises to continue a series of already stellar shows in 2008 at one of Manhattan's most quality venues. This is not a show to miss.

Check out this performance from Madison, WI, last fall for a preview of Friday's action:

Photos Courtesy of: Drug Rug, Sean O'Kane