CMJ Music Marathon 2008 Day 2: Women

“This is the 4th performance we’ve had in three days, here at this venue, on this stage,” Women’s lead singer muttered into the microphone as the four-piece began their set. Really, I probably could have left then. The hype and subsequent overbooking that has surrounded Women at this year’s CMJ Marathon seems to have taken its toll. Throughout their performance, Women seemed tired and disinterested, and likely with good reason. Justified or not, their performance fell flat, sounding and looking more like a lethargic Interpol clad in thermals than the taut pysch/industrial rock they have come to be known for.

—Steve Stirling