Sunday, December 11th 2011
Shows: The National
The National Stand Strong In Chicago With Wye Oak & Local Natives
Rarely do I get to a concert venue when the doors open, and I can’t think of the last time I was interested in not one, but two of the opening acts. However, anyone who has caught The National during their current tour will tell you, the supporting bands should not be missed. So as the sold out tour made its way to the Chicago’s Aragon Ballroom Tuesday night, quite a few people took notice of Wye Oak and Local Natives. With two short sets, I’m sure the bands gained a few fans while The National proved once more that they are a top-notch live act.
Baltimore duo, Wye Oak started the night with a handful of songs from their recent release, Civilian. As favorites like Holy Holy and Civilian got the crowd moving, it was the feedback drenched endings that impressed me most. Almost every song built up so much volume that they simply seemed to collapse under their own weight. 2011 was a good year for them and they seemed to be enjoying the ride.
Despite not releasing an album since 2010’s Gorilla Manor, Local Natives seem poised to take over 2012. The indie rock group has been compared to everyone from Vampire Weekend to Fleet Foxes, as they manage to blend genres into tight, 3-minute songs. Sharing a couple new songs and a spirited cover of the Talking Head’s Warning Sign, they didn’t miss a beat. Wide Eyes got the largest response, barely beating out Airplanes and its yearning chorus of “I want you back, back, back”.
The National have toured relentlessly since the release of High Violet, with Tuesday being the 5th time in Chicago. While the show was still very heavy on their most recent work, they managed to touch every album in the 20 song set. Taking the stage as clouds were projected on the back drop, the simplicity of Runaway and Matt Berninger’s baritone voice left the packed house silent. Mistaken For Strangers was the first of many mood swings. With so many slow tempo songs, when they increase it even slightly, you notice it. The pounding drums and chugging guitar seemed to change everything, from the images projected on the screen to the lights, suddenly glaring white.
Bloodbuzz Ohio was a moment for Aaron Dessner to enjoy the fruits of his labor. As the group’s primary composer, it was nice to see him get the spotlight with a guitar riff much louder than the studio version. Matt Berninger walks the line of lead singer incredibly well, finding moments to take a swig of wine or physically carry his mic stand into the distance. Conversation 16 was dedicated to Local Natives as it was their last night on the tour. Neko Case will join the tour for the Canadian dates. The one-two punch of Geese of Beverly Road and Sorrow was the only moment where the material seemed to drag down the crowd.
Thankfully, they have a song like Abel, from 2005’s Alligator. Almost immediately the crowd was jumping and shouting along as Matt showed his wilder side. If you can’t stretch your legs out during a song with the words “My mind’s not right”, when can you? I’m constantly amazed by the beauty of England. It’s hypnotic live, with the horn section elevating it to an entirely new level. Closing their main set with Fake Empire, shimmering water slid across the backdrop while the crowd swayed back and forth.
After a quick break, the band returned for an encore with the best yet to come. Mr. November made for a great buildup, flashing lights matched the frantic guitar and rapid fire drums. Terrible Love turned into chaos as Matt jumped into the crowd, completely loss for the entire song. When he finally made his way back to the stage, he was greeted by members of Wye Oak and Local Natives. With the stage lights on, all three bands performed an unplugged version of Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks, no amps, no mics. One acoustic guitar led the crowd and a simple stomp by the crowd replaced the drums, bringing the night to an end.
Setlist:
Runaway
Anyone’s Ghost
Mistaken For Strangers
Baby, We’ll Be Fine
Bloodbuzz, Ohio
Squalor Victoria
Afraid of Everyone
Conversation 16
Son
Geese of Beverly Road
Sorrow
Abel
Murder Me, Rachael
Green Gloves
England
Fake Empire
Encore:
About Today
Mr. November
Terrible Love
Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks
The band will play two shows north of the border and wrap up the year with 6 sold out shows at New York’s Beacon Theatre. Check out their website for additional info.
