Let’s be frank, I wasn’t a huge fan of Sunset Rubdown, the side project of Wolf Parade’s Spencer Krug, initially. I totally dig Wolf Parade and think that they are much better than the constant Modest Mouse comparisons that they receive. However, maybe it’s the fact that Krug is front and center, but his wavering, heavily inflected vocals just don’t do the trick for me when they are the main focus of the song. I had seen the Rubdown one previous time and their set consisted of Krug being too drunk and the rest of the band looking pretty pissed off. So, it’s with genuine shock that I can say I thoroughly enjoyed Sunset Rubdown’s set this past Sunday at the Middle East Downstairs in Cambridge, MA. The band showcased new songs off their new album Random Spirit Lover and with the mix of Krug’s trademark vocals, eerie piano, and shimmering guitar, the band’s songs finally made sense. The tracks really come alive while the drummer is spastically wailing away on his set, Krug is banging on his keyboard and some random guy is hitting a giant bass drum in the back of the stage while the audience sings along and energetically bounces around. Sunset Rubdown’s songs hit a great energetic high that is just simply lacking on record, but come out full force in the live environment. Alternating between keyboard/mini-bass drum and acoustic guitar, Spencer Krug showcased his apparent musical talents as he hit wavy high note after high note, while spouting his quirky lyrics. After a little over an hour I had come to the realization that the band is truly capable of making some great, interesting music; it just takes a little extra effort to finally get it.
Photos from the show, as well as pics of opening act Johnny and the Moon (featuring ex-Hot Hot Heat/current Wolf Parade members) can be found here.
More photos after the jump.
Les Savy Fav brought the fuckin’ party (and costumes!) when opening for the Arcade Fire at Randall’s Island, check out more photos after the jump.
As always Man Man put on an amazing show, but what’s Man Man show in NYC without the crazed fan Darren Mabee? Mabee was there in full force trying to take down the host of the show, comedian Jonah Ray and get him off the stage. In a sense he achieved in taking him down by literally body slamming him at one point. Afterwards they made out, sort of, and Mabee passed a dollar bill from his mouth to Jonahs. Beautiful!
Earlier in the night the two sang a duet to the tune of “Hulkster in Heaven” by Hulk Hogan. Check the video out below. Check after the jump for more photos of Man Man and the always entertaining Pissed Jeans who opened the night.
Jonah Ray and Darren Mabee
Copyright © 2008 Late Night Wallflower
graphics by lauren at blackandredeye | layout/coding by bill
