Canadian rotating collective, Broken Social Scene kicked off the show to a smaller crowd (surprising, but my guess is most people were trying to fight New York’s rush hour). They played my favorite "7/4 (Shoreline)" off of their 2005 self-titled album. They also covered Modest Mouse's 'The World at Large.' Although the crowd was not abundant, their set was full and expansive.
Brooklyn's own TV on the Radio took the stage right after sunset. With the wind blowing, a heavy-duty smoke machine, and a flowing starry backdrop behind them the scene was set. I was surprised by the deviation in pace and sound from their recordings and their live performance. The energy from the crowd resulted in the increased tempo of every song. The effect: dancing to songs that you might not to when just listening in your living room.
Trying to describe TVOTR's sound is challenging, especially after seeing them live. Electronic beats, an occasional trombone, funky bass and drums, and shoegazing-styled guitar rifts. Lead singer Tunde's vocals range as much as the band's sound. Singing, talking, guttural, falsetto, and nasally. The lyrics are poetic and delivered with intent. They played many songs from their Spring release Nine Types of Light including 'Second Song,' 'New Cannonball Blues' 'Will Do', and 'Repetition.' I was excited to hear a little blast from the past with 'Staring at the Sun' off of their album Desperate Youth, Bloodthirty Babes.
They dedicated their performance to former bassist, Gerard Smith, who passed from lung cancer in April. Tunde said that everything they do is for him "forever and ever and ever."
TV On The Radio - "Will Do" by Interscope Records
TV on the Radio continues to tour the US through November.
