This night at the Masonic Temple I got to be in the front row. This is a rarity, as Im either very late or reviewing or both. Usually when Im there to write about a show I like to hang back and take in the whole scene from a slight distance but I was assured this evening that there would be no regrets in the front row, and it was so true.
Although there was supposed to be second opener billed as special guest they stepped up their mystery level by not even showing up. Who could it have been? We will never know. The opener, however, was great. All the opener well ever need. Thao and the Get Down Stay Down, as Abbey so accurately described, have great songs. Its true, it’s not that theyre super wild on stage or ridiculously technically gifted (though Thao can bang out a song with just an Oral B on the strings) its that they have a good group of respectable solid tunes. And I enjoy listening to them. Like Fear and Convenience that is a great song thats totally pleasant to listen to, the first time around. Also Thao did an amazing beat box before Bag of Hammers. I suggest checking out this bands album material.
As for our headliner, I had never seen Im From Barcelona before. A first timer, a virgin, and it was obvious. I was the only one who didnt know the simplistic, positively shouty lyrics. And I was the only one open mouth delighted at the snowfall, nay, Noreaster of confetti. This band is a science experiment gone all wrong and off the wall. If you took Tim Harrington added songs about tree houses and being true to your dreams, a sh/*tload of confetti and balloons, a hefty helping of twee sparkle and then divided him by like 26 you would have Im From Barcelona. I am so very happy I did research before I saw this band, otherwise I just know how cynical and disenchanted I would have felt. I mean, I couldnt help it if a few eye rolls got through, but there were far less because I was prepared for the spectacle. So this is fun stuff, and the show is quite the experience one is wish I could bring a friend to on their birthday or something. As we left the show, people were making tracks in the half inch deep paper confetti all over the dance floor. Im surprised no one did a snow angel.
