After reading the glowing pitchfork review of the band Wilderness, and hearing their stunning new record for myself, I was anxious to see how the energy of the band translated to the live stage. Unfortunately, these guys had two strikes against them going in: 1) It’s CMJ. They not only had to compete with a flurry of other great shows around the city including CYHSY! a few blocks away at the Mercury Lounge, but with 2) Scenic, the venue. I’ve never been to this place. You enter into this well lit comfortable and spacious east-village bar, with lots of seating and great sound, only to descend to the basement for the show. This is not any basement, but a REAL basement…we’re talking clausterphobic type basement. As the band set up on the cramped little stage in the back corner my expectations were definitely lowering by the minute. Some of the people that could not get into the CYHSY! show started filling up the place, including a guy right in front of me playing tambourine along with the pre-show music.
As the band launched into their set, everyone quickly realized they were up to the task. The tambourine man, thankfully, did not try and become a 5th band member and thoughtfully put it down. The band was incredibly tight. You could tell that even though their career was just beginning that they have been playing together for awhile. These are not kids. Lead man, James Johnson looked like a thirty-something young professional, with his receding hairline….(the band doesn’t quite have the style down, yet)….but his urgent howling vocals and his intense demeanor, perfectly fronted the precise yet swiling sounds created behind him. Somehow, even though you don’t know quite what he’s ranting about, you feel he IS ranting, and it IS important.
These guys played one of the best shows I’ve seen all year, I know they will have no trouble finding better venues to play and more appreciative crowds to listen. I will be there when they do.
Can’t wait to see these guys live. Hope they will be touring with Explosions in the Sky when they come to Los Angeles in December. A little scary is that the last record took three years to record. Guitarist Colin McCann said, “”Perhaps there is an element of perfectionism in how we operate.” Sound familiar (Interpol?) Hopefully they future efforts can be more prolific. Then again, if it takes three years to make a great album, I’d rather wait than get another “Antics”.
I’m pretty sure Scenic is where I first saw The Constantines play. I actually liked the intimacy of the space… it gives the show more energy, which is pretty rare among nyc venues.
By the way, is it just me or does Wilderness sound like an 80s rock band with Gandalf singing vocals?
[…] 3. Wilderness - Scenic 9/16 Wilderness are captivating. The poor venue the only thing that kept this down at #3. […]