Sweden's the Mary Onettes are '80s radio playlists raiders of the highest order. On the best tracks from their second LP Islands, the band finds a wistful sweet spot between synthetic swell (everyone from New Order to a-ha) and new romantic swoon (the Cure, or even Echo & The Bunnymen). Last week, they came through NYC for their second time, to support this second album, playing three public shows -- at Union Hall (11/4), the Studio @ Webster Hall (11/6), and Mercury Lounge (11/8) -- and one private one at their label offices. Along the way they even did normal human things like riding subways, bar hopping in the East Village, selling CDs on street corners, returning lost wallets to NYC students, and ample etcs. Photographer Kyle Dean Reinford spent a few nights shadowing the band in their various guises and delivers this caption-filled photo essay for a peek at how much fun it is to visit the city when you're in a band that everybody is into. Click through for the gallery, and click below for a couple of MP3s and the video for the excellent Islands standout "Puzzles."
The Mary OnettesThe Mary OnettesThe Mary Onettes @ Union Hall (11/4/09)The Mary Onettes @ Union Hall (11/4/09)The Mary Onettes @ Union Hall (11/4/09)The Mary Onettes @ Union Hall (11/4/09)You can see the guitar that Petter is playing in the EMI building is autographed. The band didn't have any of their own gear -- it was borrowed from the label. It was signed by all of the members of Train. The guys admitted to not knowing who Train is.Petra's pen exploded in her jacket pocket. It was the gift that kept on giving all night as she continually stuck her hand back in the pocket accidentally.The ink got all over her sunglasses, which Simon had put on before they realized what happened, so Petter is helping him clean off his face.Henrik sold some records on the street corner.Field trip to the bank to exchange currency. Walking down 14th street, Simon found a wallet on the ground. it had an NYU ID so they took it to the 14th street dorms.The band waited to see their name scroll past on the Webster Hall marquee.Hilarity as it came up as "The Mary Ornettes".
Guitar shop on East 4th before their first attempt to go to KGB bar.
An amp made out of a cigarette carton.
Russian food at Anyway cafe.Finally at KGB bar. The band knew of the bar and tried to go three times. The first time it was closed, the second there was a poetry reading happening, and the third time they drank.The Mary Onettes' first subway ride. The Mary OnettesThe Mary Onettes @ Mercury Lounge (11/8/09)The Mary Onettes @ Mercury Lounge (11/8/09)The Mary Onettes @ Mercury Lounge (11/8/09)The Mary Onettes @ Mercury Lounge (11/8/09)The Mary Onettes @ Mercury Lounge (11/8/09)The Mary Onettes @ Mercury Lounge (11/8/09)The Mary Onettes @ Mercury Lounge (11/8/09)The Mary Onettes @ Mercury Lounge (11/8/09)The Mary Onettes @ Mercury Lounge (11/8/09)The Mary Onettes @ Mercury Lounge (11/8/09)The Mary Onettes @ Mercury Lounge (11/8/09)The Mary Onettes @ Mercury Lounge (11/8/09)Petra drew a self-portrait and said she needed to start with "big teeth." Simon thought she said "big tits," so Petra corrected the drawing with that in mind.Petra begging for change.
The guys wanted their photo taken with a NYC garbage truck. Here you go, guys. Petra and the Mary Onettes' publicist Stephanie eating Henrik's head. His hair apparently smelled good.At 2A. At 2A. The Mary Onettes
