A good few years ago, when I was slightly younger, naive, underexposed and ill-educated, I started writing passionately about my disdain for the modern music climate. My pieces were bitterly satisfying exercises in self-expression, absorbed completely in the belief that most people my age had lost their way when it came to appreciating rock and roll. Skip forward four or five years, and I can't help but notice how much my mindset has evolved since then. My self-consciously promoted disbelief in those who aren't as interested in facets of rock and roll as I may be hasn't been disregarded, just the grip lessened. Who cares, really, when instead of being dead, or sleeping, or done to death, there are so many people injecting beauty into rock and roll through their incredible, undeniable passion, imaginations and obsessions?
My newest challenge as a writer (and as a person, just generally) is to try to refrain from awe-tastic, definitive statements - especially in terms of describing my aural explorations. While it probably says more about my talents as a writer than anything else, it's really, really, really hard for me to put this review together with these 'restrictions' in mind. Partially, it's because quite some time ago, I - like many others - discovered Deerhunter, and since then they've become kind of legendary in my mind. I can't even begin to describe how I feel about Bradford Cox's songwriting. The passage above - it almost hints at how highly I regard his talents. When you feel that way about a band or a musician, or anything created by someone else really, it's almost impossible not to glorify the thought of seeing them in action. I could never quite work out why a live performance is considered the penultimate way of experiencing someone's music, but witnessing Deerhunter play on Friday night, for the first time, made me appreciate the momentary connection between artists and audience - and how powerful that connection is - which you can only experience in a live setting.
I wouldn't say I had high expectations for the band, I was just incredibly excited to finally get the chance to see them live. Luckily, being so petite, I was able to get directly in front of Bradford - a factor I know contributed positively to the event (So many shows are ruined for me as a result of being vertically challenged). Deerhunter played for a solid two hours - and I mean played - one song merged into another, seamlessly, with minimal interaction between band members. Whether it's the result of a band which is flawlessly rehearsed, or all too familiar with the setlists, or completely on each other's wavelength, it was incredible to watch. So much energy radiated through each track - it was a full body experience. The volume was only just tolerable - by the time I left, I could barely hear. The force of it shook every body part, at times it rolled in waves, matching the high-low intensity of songs. With a setlist dominated by the more 'energetic' tracks from Cryptograms, Fluorescent Gray and Microcastle, ambient soundscapes from the catalogue were occasionally interspersed throughout. Layers and layers of loops and effects shrouded the room, as Cox constantly got down on his knees, fiddling with masses of pedals. The results were almost epiphanous at times. The use of these effects, with the extreme noise, couldn't stop me thinking of My Bloody Valentine, and what experiencing 'You Made Me Realise' live might feel like. Through all this painful distortion was beautiful noise - individuated by each person's ears in the room.
The setlist was immensely satisfying. Generous amounts of tracks from both Microcastle and Cryptograms, my highlight was undoubtedly Fluorescent Gray, from the EP of the same name. One of my favourite tracks by the band, I was in no way expecting the power it had live. And though there was minimal interaction between the audience and the band - no more than five minutes in total, I'd estimate - it was obvious, through the constant smile on the bass player's face, as well as the energy which each band member brought to every song, that they were really happy to be on the stage.
The supports for the night came from Sydney post-rock band Songs, and Melbourne outfit Beaches. Everything about the evening just fit together. The two supports were brilliant - discordant, rebellious, inventive, and drawcards in themselves. Both bands proved how sexy evil sounding rock and roll is, while still playing songs which were completely accessible, and incredibly catchy.
Thankfully, I have one more taste of Deerhunter to come. Before seeing them on Friday, I wondered if going to both shows was perhaps a bit excessive. Now, though, I feel as if the first show was just a taster. I definitely can't wait to experience it again.
Photos from the evening can be found on our Flickr page.
My newest challenge as a writer (and as a person, just generally) is to try to refrain from awe-tastic, definitive statements - especially in terms of describing my aural explorations. While it probably says more about my talents as a writer than anything else, it's really, really, really hard for me to put this review together with these 'restrictions' in mind. Partially, it's because quite some time ago, I - like many others - discovered Deerhunter, and since then they've become kind of legendary in my mind. I can't even begin to describe how I feel about Bradford Cox's songwriting. The passage above - it almost hints at how highly I regard his talents. When you feel that way about a band or a musician, or anything created by someone else really, it's almost impossible not to glorify the thought of seeing them in action. I could never quite work out why a live performance is considered the penultimate way of experiencing someone's music, but witnessing Deerhunter play on Friday night, for the first time, made me appreciate the momentary connection between artists and audience - and how powerful that connection is - which you can only experience in a live setting.
I wouldn't say I had high expectations for the band, I was just incredibly excited to finally get the chance to see them live. Luckily, being so petite, I was able to get directly in front of Bradford - a factor I know contributed positively to the event (So many shows are ruined for me as a result of being vertically challenged). Deerhunter played for a solid two hours - and I mean played - one song merged into another, seamlessly, with minimal interaction between band members. Whether it's the result of a band which is flawlessly rehearsed, or all too familiar with the setlists, or completely on each other's wavelength, it was incredible to watch. So much energy radiated through each track - it was a full body experience. The volume was only just tolerable - by the time I left, I could barely hear. The force of it shook every body part, at times it rolled in waves, matching the high-low intensity of songs. With a setlist dominated by the more 'energetic' tracks from Cryptograms, Fluorescent Gray and Microcastle, ambient soundscapes from the catalogue were occasionally interspersed throughout. Layers and layers of loops and effects shrouded the room, as Cox constantly got down on his knees, fiddling with masses of pedals. The results were almost epiphanous at times. The use of these effects, with the extreme noise, couldn't stop me thinking of My Bloody Valentine, and what experiencing 'You Made Me Realise' live might feel like. Through all this painful distortion was beautiful noise - individuated by each person's ears in the room.
The setlist was immensely satisfying. Generous amounts of tracks from both Microcastle and Cryptograms, my highlight was undoubtedly Fluorescent Gray, from the EP of the same name. One of my favourite tracks by the band, I was in no way expecting the power it had live. And though there was minimal interaction between the audience and the band - no more than five minutes in total, I'd estimate - it was obvious, through the constant smile on the bass player's face, as well as the energy which each band member brought to every song, that they were really happy to be on the stage.
The supports for the night came from Sydney post-rock band Songs, and Melbourne outfit Beaches. Everything about the evening just fit together. The two supports were brilliant - discordant, rebellious, inventive, and drawcards in themselves. Both bands proved how sexy evil sounding rock and roll is, while still playing songs which were completely accessible, and incredibly catchy.
Thankfully, I have one more taste of Deerhunter to come. Before seeing them on Friday, I wondered if going to both shows was perhaps a bit excessive. Now, though, I feel as if the first show was just a taster. I definitely can't wait to experience it again.
Photos from the evening can be found on our Flickr page.
2 comments:
Nice review dude.
What time did Deerhunter hit the stage? A mate of mine might not get there til 9:30pm onwards and i didnt't him missing any of it.
Thanks
They didn't come on until around 11pm, if I remember correctly. Played til just before 1am - your friend should be fine!
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