Try as I might, I can’t think of a more likable band than Fang Island. This band - recently anointed by Pitchfork under the “Best New Music” tag - is the best type of combination: Nice, funny, genuine, and completely engulfed by their music. There is not a shred of pretension in any of the band’s five members. At risk of sounding overly effusive, they are a breath of fresh air in an indie rock scene that often reeks with the stale smell of holier than thou bands obsessing over soundchecks in fifty person venues. Tuesday night at Maxwell’s was rejuvenating.
Chatting with the band before the show, I asked them what kind of difference the Best New Music tag had made in the trajectory of Fang Island. “Night and day,” replied guitarist Nick Sadler, formerly of Daughters. “Everything changed with that review. We’re still adjusting to what happened three weeks ago.” These are not some fawns in headlights, though, make no mistake. For a band essentially born into the indie consciousness with impossibly high expectations, they are about as far from freezing as I can imagine. They are confident in their music; perhaps the most refreshing things about Fang Island is their dedication to bringing that music alive, eschewing the showmanship that often plagues young bands on the verge of “making it.” There are no antics, unless you count an over-sized hoodie worn by Jason Bartell which, frankly, was awesome. In comparison to opener Dinowalrus, who recalled kids imitating Hendrix and Slash without the chops to back it up, Fang Island looked like tour veterans - sick of the showboating and focused on the music, man.
Tuesday night’s gig was short and sweet, a quick jaunt through the band’s recent discography that was neither too brief nor too wearing. The band was remarkably tight, staying right on point through songs despite the tunes having few meeting places to regroup; in large part lacking choruses, these are songs that demand concentration. Concentrate they did, and the music was dead on, more dynamic in concert than on their already gripping recorded material. Fronted with three guitars and often utilizing four vocalists, Fang Island has a raw power that manages not to lose nuance. On “Daisy,” the closest thing they have to a hit, a full vocal introduction is layered and gorgeous, focused and carefree. The song rides on soaring harmonies, resolving to full-throated unison.
As instrumentalists, too, these guys are worth paying attention to. Most tri-guitar set-ups are a power play, bands turning up the amps and jinxing chords for maximum effect. Fang Island takes a different route, each guitarist pursuing a winding path of nimble solos and melodic lines. As the crying guitars weave around one another, it’s tough not to get lost. Luckily, the band keeps track for you. Drummer Marc St. Sauveur does a remarkable job on drums, keeping the ensemble on target without overstating his role. His hits trend a split-second toward the front side of the beat, moving things forward, ever forward. Conscious or not, it’s a brilliant technique that gives the music a presence in concert.
After a set of soon-to-be familiar favorites highlighted by “Daisy,” “Life Coach,” and “The Illinois,” my night was sealed off in the best way possible when the band forwent an awkward encore in favor of tacking a “finale” onto the announced last song of the set. It was a lighthearted and completely awesome cover of Mariah Carey’s “Always Be My Baby,” perhaps the best indication that this is a serious band that doesn’t take itself as such. Sure, I couldn’t help but think that it was a bit funny to see five guys who had so recently rocked my face off take a step back and sing Mimi’s “do do dos.” But with this band - this band with an embraced upside and dismissed potential for pretension - it felt kind of right.
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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!
love this! that song is awesome.