You know you've had a good night of rocking when you get home at 4am on a Monday morning.
I was in the Philly area on Sunday, so I decided to catch up with crews of The Grates and We Are Scientists. This will be their last U.S. show (they play the Black Cat in D.C. on Tuesday) before they return to their respective homes for a much needed break. Both of these bands have been spanning the globe to promote their debut efforts.
Besides being in the area, I also got to test out my new camera. Hopefully, this new Canon will produce better pictures, just not tonight because there are no stage lights at the First Unitarian Church.
This is third time around with W.A.S. They started off their headlining set with a power rock rendition of Phil Collins, "Against All Odds." I'm thinking this song has become the Yacht Rock anthem of recent years. Let's not forget the Postal Service cover of the song found on the Wicker Park soundtrack. They also took my request to play an Art Brut cover, "Bang! Bang! Rock n' Roll!"
With We Are Scientists, you get a full on rock show and you get a lot of comedy. They have perfected the art of stage banter. Keith and Chris have a connection on stage that's at times cleverly hysterical.
Chris: "Somebody about 5 rows back just yelled out 'balls.' "
Keith: "That was meant for you and I think I heard the word suspect in there."
Chris: "Well, then. Somebody is calling in question the region around my pubis area."
This being an all-ages show in a church basement, the crowd was mostly comprised of middle and high school kids, some with their parents standing in the back. It was chance for the kids to let loose a little bit. When I was watching from the back, they were all jumping all along to "The Great Escape" and "It's a Hit." It was like the coolest middle school dance EVER! and even The Spinto Band showed up. Kewl! LOL!
Previously:
- Interview with lead singer Keith Murray
- January Bowery Ballroom show
- May show at Knitting Factory under the guise of Art Brut 47
Another three-piece Brooklyn based band who took to the stage were Oxford Collapse, who also toured with W.A.S. earlier in the year. I've seen the band before and I pretty much feel the same way: it takes a few songs to kind of differentiate themselves from the dimes-a-dozen post-punk, indie bands from Brooklyn. Once they find their groove among their chaotic playing of the guitar and bass, you'll find they rock a little better than the pack.
Finally, The Grates. They hold a little soft spot in my music snobbery heart. Having seen them five times year, they always bring a little joy to my concert going lifestyle. Most importantly, it's just good to know three people who are fine, upstanding individuals and who are good to laugh with.
Now that I've totally polished their apple: This was their Philadelphia debut and a good amount of crowd members instantly took to their sound and to their self-designed t-shirts. They definitely gained some new fans among the 10-year olds (Patience asked who the youngest one in the crowd was). Pae also got a huge kick who she asked the whole crowd for a party scream.
Previously:
- Interview with Patience Hodgson
- September show with The Dears at Bowery
- September show at Pianos
- October show at Kings College in London with The Victorian English Gentleman's Club and The Bishops
- March show with Corinne Bailey Rae and The Guillemots
After the show, I led a caravan to Pat's Steaks in South Philly. You haven't lived until you had a delicious Philly steak at 1am. Seeing the bands faces as they devoured their first authentic steak (whiz wit) made my week. If they put their video and pictures on their website, I'll point it out. I'm withholding my pics for bribery purposes.
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