What a fun first show this must have been for Neon Indian. According to another review there were over 200 + young people attending this Wednesday night event. (I use the word 'young' because the bartenders would only let me buy one beer or drink at a time-probably because of all the X's on the audiences' hands). I still can't figure out whether younger audiences are more closed minded than older people or if its the other way around. I guess it just depends...
So Kashioboy was up first with his 8 bit modified Nintendo , Game Boy, plus an array of other various chip-tune production gadgets. My friend chuckled to me that this dude must have rummaged through Treewave's yard sale recently. I agreed. Earlier in the evening, (at said friends house) i heard similar sounding music from his PSP- so i just wasn't too impressed by such an easily accomplished performance. Seems like an effortless gimmick: as if the unconventional use of old gaming systems to make music seems cooler than the music itself. Maybe i would've liked it more if he had just been more into it (maybe he was nervous, off night?). He finished his 30 minute set around 11:30.
Up next were Vulgar Fashion. What an appropriate name. They took a full thirty minutes to set up a smoke machine, reel-to-reel tape player, synthesizer, and a TV among other electronics. Julie's sexed up vocals reminded me of Lydia Lunch on "Stained Sheets" by James Chance. Andrew Michael was busting out lots of noises through his various devices while mixing in pretty yet simple melodies on his synthesizer. He would wash in straight noise into these songs intermittently and that probably tested this audience's patience. I mean, everyone there was probably ready to hear some sugary electro-pop, right? They did a fantastic job for their second show. I can't wait to catch these 2 agitators again.
Speaking of James Chance, what a wonderful idea it was to have Time Bandits spin records in between sets instead of the usual garbage that is played while bands set up. They played the aforementioned James Chance to Fela Kuti, some Can, and even The Pop Group (deep cut!) plus lots of other sweet tunes. Props to them for sure. I am glad they have reopened as well.
Then around 1:15am came the headliners, Neon Indian. They played a short set. I wish i could've heard more of Leanne's guitar in the mix, but i'm sure they'll get that all worked out. It was a fun performance that i think everyone enjoyed. I don't wanna get too involved in this "hype" so you can read more about their show here and here. Buenos noches y buena suerte....
(btw total bummer that Darktown Strutters had to drop off this bill at the last minute)
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