Heading into Thursday night’s show at the Middle East, my expectations were set pretty high. As a huge fan of both Twin Shadow’s and Bear in Heaven’s albums, I was ready for some sexy synth-heavy magic. While there were some surprising elements to the night’s performances, I was certainly not disappointed.
Following a brief but enjoyable set by Philly-based dream poppers Sun Airway, Twin Shadow, a.k.a George Lewis Jr., took the stage. The first thing I noticed during his opening rendition of “Shooting Holes” was how much fuller his new-wave tinged sound was when performed live. The songs, as recorded on Lewis’ debut album Forget, are tempered with a sense of restraint and careful phrasing. Here, benefiting from a stronger guitar presence and some punk swagger, everything seemed amped up. The difference was most noticeable on the crowd favorite “Slow.” The echoing, anthemic chorus (“I don’t wanna, believe, or be, in love”) was sped up and belted out. The audience responded in kind by belting it right back at him. It was a great showcase for Lewis’ impressive vocals and charismatic stage presence.
The fog machine and intense red lighting were a tip off that Bear in Heaven was about to take us someplace darker and more dramatic. The psychedelic synths mixed with some intense percussion from drummer Joe Stickney backed up that promise. Standout tracks “Lovesick Teenagers” and “You Do You” provided the audience with something to bang their heads to. That being said, the overall feel of the set was hypnotic with songs melting into one another. Keeping things from going into full-on ambient territory was Stickney’s drumming. Mesmerizing to watch and providing a huge dose of excitement to the performance, he was the standout. Less engaging were singer Jon Philpot’s vocals. The nasal quality of Philpot’s voice has never bothered me on the albums, but here, it was almost distracting. It seemed whiny and out of step with the dark, atmospheric mood that the rest of the band was providing. And while something about that mood has stuck with me, it was Twin Shadow that left me wanting more.
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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!
I don’t know, I’m not a huge fan of the sound of Philpot’s voice, but I feel like he does a good job live. I did love that he was dancing around and being more animated this time.
And while I think they all bring it live, Stickney is definitely awwwwesome.
Also, do you know if the last song of the regular set was a new song or a cover? I wasn’t sure if they said beforehand, I didn’t really catch any of that dialogue.
Damn, so jealous of the pics you took here. If you don’t mind me asking, what kind of rig do you have to take such amazing shots. Especially at the Mid East where the lighting is horrendous for pictures.