Squeezed into the photo pit in the front row of Webster Hall, I asked myself a chilling question: Am I getting show fatigue? The question arose as I watched Washed Out play the same set of songs that I have seen now four times in three months. The first time I saw it, I was electrified. This time, I was less enthusiastic. And it’s not that the music isn’t good – Ernest Greene played really great tunes with remarkable stage presence for a guy behind a synthesizer. And like last time, he was joined by the band Small Black to add some pop to his Life of Leisure tunes. Cross that option off of the list; if it’s not the music, is it me?
Thankfully that question was answered within minutes and I can chalk it up to set repetition rather than any concert doldrums - as soon as Beach House started playing, I was completely entranced. I was far from the only one; the sold out crowd at Webster Hall was completely enraptured for the length of the set. Phew, I’m OK.
A lot of bands, if they played songs in concert exactly the same way as they are recorded on albums, would disappoint me. I would feel like I didn’t get my money’s worth – like they had simply carbon copied a product that already existed. When Beach House does it, though, I’m impressed – the clarity and complexity found on their latest album, Teen Dream, must be near impossible to replicate live.
Here’s the crazy thing: they made it look easy. On stage, the syrupy licks of Alex Scally seemed to spill out of his guitar as if they had no other choice. Victoria Legrand’s voice, so inherently blessed with that full body and sensuous grit, seemed to have no other form but phenomenal. Where other musicians eliminate studio frills from their live performances, Legrand actually added them in – modulations and trills that served to accentuate the throaty notes she belted out.
Some kudos must be given to the sound mixer too. Whoever was manning the knobs was masterful, ordering up crystal clear drums, well-balanced synths, and a guitar that sounded excellent both distorted and untouched. When Scally reached for his effect pedals during “Take Care,” I worried that he would overpower Legrand – those fears were wonderfully misplaced.
Beach House’s set touched on all of the important points – heavily centered on this year’s excellent Teen Dream, but not afraid to dip into the back catalog. As usual for a band still on the rise, the newer songs drew the most reaction from the crowd, although songs from Devotion and Beach House were also well received. A point to illustrate the brilliance of Beach House’s recent work, though: a few notes into almost every song the band played from Teen Dream – “10 Mile Stereo,” “Walk In The Park,” “Norway,” “Used To Be” – a different person in the crowd around me said “This is my favorite song” or “Oh my God this song is so good.” They were dead right: Beach House was blissful all night long.
If Thursday night is any indication, Beach House isn’t done getting better. “We’re going to play a song for you that we’ve never played live before,” Legrand announced. “It basically doesn’t exist.” The song, called “White Moon,” is far from an unfinished draft, however – an unfamiliar listener might have easily mistaken it for one of the group’s hits. “White Moon” hints at an even catchier (dare I say poppier?) future for Beach House. It was just one of the highlights of a nearly perfect set.
I left Webster Hall completely reinvigorated.
Setlist:
Walk in the Park
Lover of Mine
Gila
Better Times
Norway
Silver Soul
Master of None
Astronaut
White Moon
Used to Be
Zebra
Heart of Chambers
Take Care
Encore:
Real Love
10 Mile Stereo
DOWNLOAD: Beach House - 10 Mile Stereo (MP3) or Follow us for more Beach House MP3s (Twitter)
Two songs go in, one comes out. Pick a side.
Also, I have yet to pay this venue a visit, is it good spot? good people, good vibe, good atmosphere?
... man, i hope i win some tickets…
by Jaz Bonnin-Aldatz on Thu May 17, 2012 at 12.27 am from the entry: It's all good, see Fishbone for free at Fête
Looking forward to the show. Would love to win some tix for my pals.
by MC Breath on Wed May 16, 2012 at 07.40 pm from the entry: It's all good, see Fishbone for free at Fête
I’m dying to see him no better place than FETE!!
by Telly on Tue May 15, 2012 at 02.57 pm from the entry: we'll see you (and Talib Kweli) at Fête!
Sound does matter. Viva Le Fete!
by Auquanetta on Tue May 15, 2012 at 01.13 pm from the entry: we'll see you (and Talib Kweli) at Fête!
YES! i MUST go to this show! i was just strollin down the street the other day and saw the poster! SO stoked they’ll be in town.
by Jaz on Mon May 14, 2012 at 05.30 pm from the entry: It's all good, see Fishbone for free at Fête
Fete Forever!!
by Tabitha on Mon May 14, 2012 at 05.08 pm from the entry: we'll see you (and Talib Kweli) at Fête!
Congratulations and thank you to Fete for bringing talent to Providence! We needed this venue and vibe. Bless.
oh and I’d love to win tickets; its my boyfriends bday:D
by Ellen on Mon May 14, 2012 at 07.23 am from the entry: we'll see you (and Talib Kweli) at Fête!
Glad you’re not suffering from show fatigue, Chris! Melophobe would be in big trouble.
Perfect description of Beach House’s awesome live show. They are truly phenomenal.
duuuuuude… awesome all around
Victoria looks like Joey Ramone in that first pic. Anyone else see that?
so wish I could of been there as your words made me so jealous I wasn’t!
Keep up the good work - you guys are on a roll !!!