We saw an amazing show last night at World Cafe Live. We were in the “upstairs” space which is much more restaurant/bar/lounge than concert hall, but the resulting intimacy was a perfect match for these acts. This was our first show at this space, and Heather and I were really impressed. The sound was top-notch, and it was small with a good layout, so there were plenty of clear views to the stage.
But enough about the venue, let’s type about the music! Soundpool opened the set right on schedule (a luxury when you’re used to R5 shows). I wasn’t real familiar with their music prior to the show, but I had listened to clips on their site. They channeled various bits and pieces of shoegaze standards, along with a healthy dose of early Stereolab, and they made it work. My only complaint here was that their vocals were mixed way too low compared to the album tracks I’ve heard. Still, they brought it, and I ate it up.
Mahogany went on next, and honestly, the evening could have ended with their set and I would have been completely satisfied. I’ve been chewing on this album for a couple months, and seeing them live only made me love them more. These kids (and I stress kids because they all struck me as being much younger than I imagined) are destined for great things. If they come back through Philly as a headliner (or even opening again), my tickets will be automatically deducted from my bank account.
Schnauss went on shortly after 11 and played for about an hour and a half. What can I say? The guy is a freakin’ genius. To boot, he comes off as a genuinely humble, likable guy. As I drove to the show, I mentioned to Heather that I wondered how he would handle vocals as his albums are usually punctuated with guest singers. Solution: no vocals. On the surface that may sound like a downgrade, but trust me, the songs didn’t suffer. In most cases there were new melodies in place of the missing vocals. Each track was so completely different from those on the album, it was as if he was remixing his own album, live, as we all looked on and breathed through our mouths in sheer joy.
Simply put, three awesome acts, great venue, plus an official date with my wife. It was an evening well spent.
NIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIICEness b! Sorry I couldn’t make it. Things have been nuts lately. Gotta go… peace.
Branden, my envy for the life you lead truly knows no end. i hope you slipped Ulrich a fat Benjamin when you had him autograph your wife’s purse. did he play exclusively off the recent stuff, or did he run the gamut of his catalog?
strangley indeed! i’d like to strangle you sometimes. this is all fine and well but, did you check out the new most serene republic album yet? population, man!
Sorry for the delay; I just got back from spelling school [flailed].
Luke - I only sampled a couple songs, but I like what I heard. We’ll talk more on the telly.
Erik - I didn’t slip him any cash, but I did meet a fat guy named Benjamin, if that counts. The set was mostly comprised of songs from Goodbye, but there were at least a couple tracks from A Strangely Isolated Place as well. I’m convinced that he could’ve played Molly Hatchet covers all night and I still would’ve been happy as a lark.
Rubens - It’s all waxlike man. We’ll cross paths on the Caribou show (if not sooner).
Luke, the new “most serene republic” is nice.
Branden, Lord willing we’re moving soon, 5 minutes up the street into Mt. Airy still Philly illy bitty. Do you want to go to Caribou together? Any thoughts on that Prefuse? Did you check out School of Seven Bells?
Thanks for thine waxlike approach to my Ulrich slippage. I almost bit myself yesterday… Animal Collective sold out YET AGAIN. This is my 3rd time missing them. Sorry for all of the “Did you” questions, but have you guys heard Vektormusik. Their “Interfoilere E.P.” is quite nice as well. Last but not least Icarus is coming with some heat Oct. 19th I believe with “Sylt” from Rump Recordings, you can check some samples of Vektormusik in the Rump site also. You can get one of Icarus new joint here, called “Selfautoparent.”
peace.
Rubens, looks like you may be in luck with Animal Collective. R5 just added more tickets.
Since this post is now being linked to from Mahogany’s MySpace page (and how cool is that right?), I feel I should just clarify one thing: I do know how to spell the word “Strangely.” However, I do type like a drunken horse. Carry on.
very cool, indeed. but, where were they when i was gushing about connectivity! o’er the span of six paragraphs? it’s a thankless job i tell ya. they were probably back home recording really great music or something. ..and Branden, why have you been writing so strangley latley?
Thank you for sharing!