Takka Takka - Mercury Lounge (New York, NY; Sept. 27, 2008)

Anna: Having seen them in concert before, I find my wonder and awe at Takka Takka’s past concert performance diminishes only slightly upon second hearing. The contemplative, innovative, and expressive nature of the music continues to be eye-opening and heart-moving. Returning to see them again, I find the marvel of seeing them for the first time has worn off but they still compel me with their musical talents and ability to interweave guitar riffs with complicated percussion (this time made up of two drummers rather than one).

Amy: As I stood listening at the Mercury Lounge, my initial reaction was that they were a bit choppy, perhaps lacking performance talent, but as I listened, I realized that I was sorely mistaken. They were just extremely comfortable on stage, treating the show more as a basement jam session rather than a performance. What I mistook for apathy was actually just the ability to turn the audience into a crowd of friends. This made for a very intimate show that I enjoyed.

Anna: Agreed. The basement jam part is key here. Because they were so relaxed and easy going, the music was fluid with individual parts easily discernable. The complexity of the music can be heard as part after part rings uniquely amidst the music.

Amy: I agree—each musician did stand out, but everything combined and was woven together to create great music. They didn’t interact with each as much as some groups do, but this didn’t detract from their overall sound or performance. It was almost like each musician was playing for himself and each line happened to fit perfectly with what the others members were doing.

Anna: Although I do agree with that statement, I think they were, at times, more aware of each other’s music. The majority of the songs were spent “playing for themselves,” yet during the choruses, the band came together completely and the energy skyrocketed as multiple members leaned toward their mics, intertwining their voices. Because they had such separate performances for the majority of the songs, when they did come together for the chorus, it made it even more powerful and impressive, pulling the audience to the song’s pinnacle.

Amy: I think that’s true. I especially enjoyed the passion you could see in Gabe Levine’s performance, as he threw his head back and closed his eyes, really just feeling the music. What kind of style would you say they had? I was finding it a little difficult comparing them to anyone else—they have a unique sound.

Anna: They really do have a sound all their own. They are unlike most jam-bands. They’re mellower. But at the same time, they’re not like anything pop. You would think that the soothing atmospheric effect might create a parallel to Coldplay, but in essence the only thing similar is the music’s effect on your emotional state. The overall sound, vocals, guitars, everything is completely different, and I really think they stand alone. That’s why I love it: it’s new and different and not something you’re going to hear every day. It definitely catches your attention, especially in concert. Their recorded work is good, but nothing compares to seeing/hearing them live. Live, it’s easier to pick out each individual performance.

Amy: They’re definitely mellow. One thing I appreciate was that instead of screaming into their mics like you see so many groups doing, they performed in a way that let the music speak for itself, without a lot of showy gimmicks.

Anna: Yes, and despite their lack of screaming, there certainly was an element of power in the vocals. I wouldn’t go so far as to describe Gabe Levine as the pied piper—that would make us, the audience, rats—however the he is extremely talented at leading people to emotions. However, not all credit is due to the vocals, as the instruments help create this powerful emotional reaction.

Amy: True. It’s almost like you didn’t have to work at listening to them. You could kind of get this feeling, you could sense what the song was about without actually listening to the words, and they were very good at creating a distinct emotion for each song. I found a lot of times I would be paying attention to the guitarist, or watching the percussionist, forgetting to listen the words, but even though I couldn’t tell you what the lyrics were, I still knew what they were trying to convey emotionally. I think being able to convey these emotions so well is rare talent, especially in today’s music culture.

Anna: Well put. Though it’s vital to clarify that Takka Takka is in no way to be considered easy listening; theirs is simply emotionally compelling music. In the end, it is the emotional tug combined with the intricacies of their performance that have me craving more.

Amy: I’d absolutely see them again. Their performance style is intimate and relaxing, but not lacking energy: a very hard combination to pull off. They have a quiet intensity that makes for a very good live show.

Anna: That and Levine’s amazing glasses make this a winning performance.

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