Blonde Redhead
4/21/07 @ The Showbox
4/21/07 @ The Showbox
The doctor prescribed a heavy slab of atmospherics for this wonderful performance. They never spoke a word until halfway through their set, instead focusing on building a mood and enveloping sound to coat this listener, to sink into them and take the mind to places not necessarily on stage or the here and now. There were times I envisioned myself in a small warm room, filled with some and wrapped in blankets. This first part of their set consisted of cuts from their new album 23, which up until this point I had no listened to much, or gave it much attention because it didn't grab me instantly the way Misery Is A Butterfly did. But I must now go back and fully explore that record, as it has been fleshed out beautifully in concert, and shown me the true nature of it's dense, moody craftsmanship.
Little bit of mood lighting goes a long wayThe fog let up a little and eased into a more upbeat, clap along, bobbing number "In Particular," a fan favorite and a track that I absolutely adore. From there we were treated to a couple of older songs from Melody of Certain Damaged Lemons and others, one of which the stopped short, Kazu apologizing that they tried, but had forgotten how the rest of it went. It's alright, as spot-on and mesmerizing as they'd been up until that point, I'm willing to let that slide, and give them an 'E' for effort in trying to bring out a back catalog track.
After they left the stage there was thunderous applause and stomping, demanding the return of everyone's favorite angular noise rock-turned melancholy art house indie darlings. They reappeared shortly, dishing out a couple more slices of pure mood, but not too be confused with those terrible New Age CDs you order from TV. This was the real deal, and an awesome concert experience. Not one of energy and hype and movement, but one of personal internal journey, the sort of concert where the performance isn't the key, the music is but a tool to take the listener to places not as easily achievable at home with your turntable.
I recommend to anyone to see this great band whom I can't give enough superfluous remarks to. Just don't come expecting a raucous live show. Instead, grab a blanket and some tissues for your third eye.
As a special treat, here's the song "Dr. Strangeluv" from their new album 23.
Performing one of my favorites, "Taking Out the Eurotrash" at the Showbox last year
1 comment:
David and I picked up the new Blonde Redhead album and can't get enough of it! Great stuff. We're debating whether or not to see them at Stubb's next Saturday. Just saw Bill Callahan/Smog play at The Mohawk last Saturday and it was amazing!
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