Animal Collective - October 1, 2007

Webster Hall [7 pm] ~$20

Doug said... "we did not go sunday night but heard it was a disaster. and we were informed by the band that there were just bad vibes the previous evening. whatever the problem was they probably figured it out though. anyway, as should have been expected, they played newer material post-strawberry jam for roughly half the set. nothing from feels, a few older ones, and from the new album, peacebone, unsolved mysteries, chores, fireworks, and they closed with derrek. everything sounded great and maniacal too. they are supposed to be coming out with a live double vinyl only lp set or something. if it has half the energy it should be another good one."

Islands - May 24, 2008

Webster Hall [9:15 - 10 pm] ~$16

Islands played a fun show on Saturday the 24th. The set was energetic for the most part. They opened up with "The Arm" and "Pieces of You", mostly playing songs from the new album (Arm's Way). The highlights of the night for me were "Swans (Life After Death)", "Don't Call Me Whitney, Bobby", "Rough Gem", "Vertigo (If It's a Crime)" and the two songs that started the set. As one could see, my favorites are off the first album. The new, second album is good, but it doesn't stand up next to Return to the Sea. I had to disagree with Nick Thorburn's tongue-in-cheek (I think) statement about playing the "old" songs, "Out with the old, and in with the new." This show was very good, but it is always hard to see a band play a larger venue, supporting a weaker album after seeing them in a more intimate setting previously. Nick and the gang were in great form none-the-less. All the songs did indeed sound great, except for one poorly placed song, "To a Bond." This song is a decent track on the album, but it was a poor choice for a show closer. The band played great, I only wish the new album was as fun as the old.

More pictures here...

Midlake - September 8, 2007

Webster Hall [9 pm to 10:15 pm] ~$17


A beautiful show! Midlake make such pleasantly harmonious sounds. Each song of their set was a perfect choice for the night. Even with technical difficulties and other complications, this band was able to bring pleasure to our night. Watching the keyboardist enjoy his time playing sounds and singing along was infectious. My only complaint is that Webster Hall had the first floor club going and we could all feel the pounding bass of recognizable songs under our feet. It was very disturbing considering Midlake were playing their hushed, soulful sounds. The new song they played (I believe it was called "The Children of the Ground") is a good indication that the next album will be another pleasing Midlake experience. Highlights included "Head Home", "Jungler", "Kingfish Pies" and "Young Bride". Excellent!