Ok Go is one of the only bands in recent history to fight the major label system… and win. With two strong releases on Capitol Records, Ok Go took their offbeat style of self promotion, their legion of followers, and a great new record entitled Of The Blue Colour of the Sky and are blazing forward without the support of an established record label. Solid proof that they took a step in the right direction was the sold out crowd Friday night at the Music Box Theatre in Los Angeles.
Always the showmen, Ok Go took the stage and belted out their anthem Invincible. Confetti cannons on the stage engulfed the band and audience in celebratory fashion and sent the signal that Ok Go meant business. The band cruised through familiar territory “A Million Ways” and “Here We Go Again,” both made popular by their crafty viral videos that sent cyberspace into a forwarding frenzy. Songs from the new album like “White Knuckles” and “All Is Not Lost” didn’t have the juice that older cuts did, but the meticulous order of the set list guaranteed fans were only a few minutes away from anthems like “Get Over It” and “You’re So Damn Hot.”
A couple other really cool moments propped up the near 2 hour performance. A rendition of “What To Do” done only with church handbells and vocals was amazing in concept, but with only average amplification it was hard not to be distracted by the chit chat coming from the bar area. Later on Damien and Tim (the lead singer and bass player, respectively) treated the crowd to a “dinner theater” selection from Les Miserables. A novel concept for a minute, but something that could’ve maybe be trimmed. The real treat came during the encore. The house lights went out entirely. The guys came out in blazers and the backs had illuminated letters that when they stood back to back read Ok Go. They also had green and red lasers attached to their guitars making for a psychedelic few minutes.
Ok Go brings rock pageantry back to the stage. It’s a welcome return and it makes me wonder why it went anywhere to begin with.
Great review Marc. Great pics too.