Jesse Malin at the Bowery Electric

Growing up in New York City, Jesse Malin aspired to rock. At age 12, he fronted a hardcore band called Heart Attack that performed at CBGB’s. He went on to front several bands, including the glam punk band D Generation for eight years, which recorded three albums before disbanding in 1999. Eventually, he recorded and performed under his own name. Along the way, he collaborated with Ryan Adams, Bruce Springsteen and members of Green Day. His most sixth and most recent studio album is 2010’s Love It to Life. Becoming a neighborhood entrepreneur in recent years, Malin owns the Bowery Electric music venue and the Niagara bar in the East Village.

In recent times, Malin has been on area stages only sporadically as a guest. Tonight he returned to the Bowery Electric with his own band to play what is becoming an increasingly rare full set. He explored a wide range of music, beginning with several folk and countrified Neil Young-type songs to full blown punk with covers of the Ramones’ “Rock and Roll Radio”, the Dead Boys’ “Sonic Reducer” and Reagan Youth’s “U.S.A.” towards the end of the set. Malin’s own songs are honest, he sang well and his performance was electrifying. The stage was too small for his seemingly uncontrollable energy, however; his roadies constantly had to fix the two microphone stands he brutalized, and the audience had to make way as he charged suddenly and repeatedly throughout the venue.

Visit Jesse Malin at www.jessemalin.com.