Doing Battles At The Seaport
After giving us free summer concerts every Friday night, all summer long, the South Street Seaport saved the best for last. Two of 2007's biggest names, Battles and Deerhunter shared the stage for one hell of a concert. Unlike other nights at the Seaport this year, it was not too hot, or humid, and bugs weren't all over the place.
Deerhunter was on first. The band has been getting a lot of press, as much for vocalist Bradford Cox' crazy antics as for their hypnotic rock sound. Cox, who is insanely thin, was all about the music on Friday night, as Deerhunter swept into a psychedelic daydream loaded with distortion. Even though they recently lost one of their guitarists, the band sounded incredibly full, and left a lasting impression on the crowd.
Following Deerhunter, Battles took the stage and immediately blew everyone's mind. Their well-calculated math rock displayed exactly why they are the future of rock. The combination of the band's superior technical skills with their creative use of electronics could sway music in a whole new direction. At the Seaport they miraculously recreatied their complex songs, creating layers of loops and seamlessly playing over them, all the while remaining energetic enough to have stage presence. Most impressive was drummer John Stanier's inhuman abilities on the kit, keeping a steady beat despite constant tempo and signature changes. Battles are yet another band that New York can be proud to call one of their own.
Thank you River 2 River and South Street Seaport for giving us all so many good concerts this summer. We cant wait to see what youll bring us next year.
Battles
Battles
Battles
Deerhunter
Deerhunter
Deerhunter
Photos courtesy of [Jonny-Leather]