Fri 31 Jul – Polvo, Obits
Unfortunately, I traveled halfway before I heard the location changed, to Brooklyn Brewery's closet. Overall the sound was good there, but apparently they did not give a damn about vocals, since I could hear any at all.
Obits went first, and played pretty tight rock n' roll. They were basically guys having a mid-life crisis in a more productive way. Included in the conventional song was some good prickly guitar noise, which of course is appreciated. However, it felt that it lacked the sort of engaging spirit that Polvo would show in their performance. Despite this, Obits put on probably one of the best opening acts I've seen in a while, and I was awkwardly moving along with them. An added plus was their ability to put up with some of the drooling fan boys standing at the front of the stage, so much as playing the song "Talking to the Dog" upon audience request.
Polvo ruled my face off. On top of playing "Feather of Forgiveness", "Enemy Insects" and countless others, their songs included an added additional intellectual mindset that was lacking from Obit's performance. Also, they included some of their classic guitar noodling and intense weirdness that made them so likable in the first place. The microphones worked even worse with them, and I heard about two words from them clearly, and only because they shouted.
Plus, as a bonus to those wondering about how the new songs off the new album sound live, they are monstrous beasts that assault the senses. Much heavier than anything else they put out, and the live sound helped to ease the obviously higher production values they embraced for the new album. Honestly, I'm really glad I got to see one of my favorite bands back together, and hope they continue to tour. Plus, seeing an album released so soon gives me hope that perhaps some of the excellent 90s bands will hop to it (I'm looking at you, Slint).
Seeing such a strangely detached band was an additional treat, since they didn't have to prance around like morons to get they point across. No nonsense, other than to thank someone for hosting them. Their honest performance is one of the main reasons I get sad whenever I think about bands like June of 44, Rodan, Slint, and Squirrel Bait. The fact that talent alone and elevating rock to another, less head banging level, could endear to fans. On a related note, leaving the concert I saw an infinite amount of fans from the retarded head-banging poster child, AC/DC. I had the better night.
Unfortunately, I traveled halfway before I heard the location changed, to Brooklyn Brewery's closet. Overall the sound was good there, but apparently they did not give a damn about vocals, since I could hear any at all.
Obits went first, and played pretty tight rock n' roll. They were basically guys having a mid-life crisis in a more productive way. Included in the conventional song was some good prickly guitar noise, which of course is appreciated. However, it felt that it lacked the sort of engaging spirit that Polvo would show in their performance. Despite this, Obits put on probably one of the best opening acts I've seen in a while, and I was awkwardly moving along with them. An added plus was their ability to put up with some of the drooling fan boys standing at the front of the stage, so much as playing the song "Talking to the Dog" upon audience request.
Polvo ruled my face off. On top of playing "Feather of Forgiveness", "Enemy Insects" and countless others, their songs included an added additional intellectual mindset that was lacking from Obit's performance. Also, they included some of their classic guitar noodling and intense weirdness that made them so likable in the first place. The microphones worked even worse with them, and I heard about two words from them clearly, and only because they shouted.
Plus, as a bonus to those wondering about how the new songs off the new album sound live, they are monstrous beasts that assault the senses. Much heavier than anything else they put out, and the live sound helped to ease the obviously higher production values they embraced for the new album. Honestly, I'm really glad I got to see one of my favorite bands back together, and hope they continue to tour. Plus, seeing an album released so soon gives me hope that perhaps some of the excellent 90s bands will hop to it (I'm looking at you, Slint).
Seeing such a strangely detached band was an additional treat, since they didn't have to prance around like morons to get they point across. No nonsense, other than to thank someone for hosting them. Their honest performance is one of the main reasons I get sad whenever I think about bands like June of 44, Rodan, Slint, and Squirrel Bait. The fact that talent alone and elevating rock to another, less head banging level, could endear to fans. On a related note, leaving the concert I saw an infinite amount of fans from the retarded head-banging poster child, AC/DC. I had the better night.
