Every year I get overwhelmed by the options at CMJ and end up doing almost nothing. This year it seems like it was mostly the same 20 bands playing in different configurations at different locations. Luckily one of them had Hoop Dreams playing a free Matinee show just a short walk from my office so instead of eating lunch I went over and checked them out. I always find it very charming to see a band play to a group of like 15 people, as it can give an insight to their character. Despite the brutal schedule of CMJ showcases and the small crowd these guys played a tight, energetic set and sounded great.