Although a last-minute change in the lineup had some grumbling at the door, all were soon pacified as the Antler’s first song began and a low hum grew into a deafening roar. The impact of the band lay in their complete understanding of the power of sound. Eerie, emotionally manipulative sound washed over the crowd, first slowly tugging at the audience before sweeping it up in a tidal wave. Using only a guitar, drums, keyboard, and synthesizer, the Antlers control every nuance of their instruments. The vocals, though initially captivating, quickly grew old, as the lyrics were undecipherable. It was not the poignancy of the lyrics, but the power and poetry of the sound that made the Antlers enchanting.
Beach House, also a new addition to the planned line up, contrasted the Antlers like black on white. While the Antlers relied on instrumental prowess, Beach House’s strength lay in the vocal talents of lead singer Victoria Legrand. Steady, uncomplicated riffs accompany vocals—ambient sound that sweeps one awake, to entranced, and back to sleep. Beach House provides the perfect nighttime mix with its hushed, atmospheric sound.
Having been lulled into a daze, the audience was startled to attention when a gentleman suddenly appeared, shouting, “Because times are tough, we’re giving you the tightest band in the goddamned world.”
And so The Walkmen took to the stage. The guitarist, lead singer, bassist, keyboardist, and drummer crowded on, somehow leaving room for the five trumpeters and two trombonists who followed. With a bit of a country twang at times but mostly a nasal quality—slightly reminiscent of Bob Dylan—lead singer Hamilton Leithauser instantly excited the crowd. Straining to reach high notes, veins bulged from his neck and forehead as he tipped the microphone stand back and squeezed his eyes shut. Opening band members peaked through the curtains above to peer down, smiling as they watched the performance.
And what a performance it was. Colored lights dazzled the stage as drummer Matt Barrick, grinning with exertion and joy, threw his body behind each stroke of his drumsticks. Like a little kid banging on his parents’ pots and pans, he smiled gleefully with his arms flailing and his head bouncing along to the beat. Leithauser, with an air of old-school charm in his leather bomber jacket, cupped the microphone in both hands as he crooned and the crowd went wild. Singing along, the audience jumped and bounced, rocking the stage so hard that the baseboard of the piano fell forward, landing on pianist Paul Maroon’s feet. Not missing a beat, he quickly kicked it back into place. The Walkmen are riding on a high note since releasing the brilliant You and Me. It will be interesting to see if they can get the audience under their spell quite so easily on their upcoming tour of bigger venues with Kings of Leon.
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And what is doubly interesting is how young they are.
by colin on Wed Dec 9, 2009 at 12.38 am from the entry: Cymbals Eat Guitars about to chew up the road
Just saw these guys live at Ithaca College! An AWE inspiring performance.. Such power from there presense. Hope they enjoy there tour in Spain! See you guys in Philadelphia at Johnny Brenda’s!
by Matt on Wed Dec 9, 2009 at 12.28 am from the entry: Cymbals Eat Guitars about to chew up the road
My rant would be the video and audio not matching on this video. As for the song, I think it’s *the* strongest track on the album! But to each his own…
(josh hartnett?? wtf?)
by Roger on Tue Dec 8, 2009 at 05.50 pm from the entry: Kid Cudi's new video for "Pursuit of Happiness"
Very cool.
by Mark on Tue Dec 8, 2009 at 04.34 pm from the entry: Don't Move Here: Inside The Portland Music Scene (2 episodes)
thanks for sahreemo
by emo girl on Tue Dec 8, 2009 at 01.49 pm from the entry: Girl Talk - Showcase Live (Foxboro, MA; Nov. 14, 2008)
Whats up wolf! Nice article, my 2 cents, there’s folks who stopped before we even went to shows, some are back in, some aren’t, so don’t forget they would be talking about 93’ to 98’ and so forth. Also, there’s a bunch of young heads runnin around coming to maybe their first shows after being on the bisco scene (complete speculation). Saw 3 shows this tour and it was radical, highlights being maze 1st albany, 2nd set page taking over (from behind stage), my bud says night two was best of the modern era. I couldn’t disagree, just rockin show, and night one msg started as a greatest hits album, loud as hell!. good ghost jam too. (sorry for the livephish-type post guys). Peace
by pvb on Tue Dec 8, 2009 at 01.39 pm from the entry: Moments in a Box
josh, tell me what you think of it when you do and on the topic of “renegade”...eminem’s verses on that record are some of the best ever committed to wax.
by colin on Tue Dec 8, 2009 at 12.43 pm from the entry: Dope "freestyle" over "Renegade" beat
Matt Barrick is the BEST drummer ever and your description of him is delightful!