Life Sex Death

You cannot discount the element of luck when speaking of a bands success, or lack thereof. And that is speaking commercially, not critically. All bands crave critical acclaim, and in most cases that praise can lead to record/concert sales. New York(via Missouri) rockers White Rabbits (Stephen Patterson-vocals/piano, Alexander Even-guitars/vocals, Matthew Clark-drums/percussion, Jamie Levinson-drums, Gregory Roberts-vocals/guitar, Rustine Bragaw-bass) have their fair share of positive press. But fresh off their third albums release, Milk Famous, can this be the year they break through? Hell, Arcade Fire won a Best Everything Grammy a mere two years ago. How did that happen if not for some luck. An aggressive PR agent maybe? A and R man who wouldn't quit. What do the Black Keys have White Rabbits don't? More humor? Confidence? Better representation? Luck?? It is not a bigger sound. It is not a bolder and more confident stage presence. It is not a more concise and polished set. No sir, White Rabbits have an aggressive, energetic and down-right fun hour plus set that was in full display last night at their native city's Webster Hall. It need not apologize for lacking the record sales or larger venues those other bands can boast. Let's call it right place, wrong time. If last night was any indicator these fellas are on the brink of stardom. They leaned heavily on Milk Famous and the results were seamless and successful. The moody "Heavy Metal" opened the set. For their first release it is a nice way to start, but far from the best work on this record, A few songs later the piano heavy "I'm Not Me" showcased strong melody and sheer exhuberance. There is an ELO thing going on here and it sure can bring a smile to your face. And let's not forget the toe tapping... or here, clapping. They dipped into their debut record, 2007's Fort Nightly, and blitzed through "While We Go Dancing." "There's Something That You Want to Say/I'm Not Asking/Just Sleep You're Nights Away/While We Go Dancing" are not just lyrics, but commands. Six pieces working on all cylinders. Vocals, guitar, bass, piano, and the drums... the drums... the drums. Never are those drums more on display than with their hit, Percussion Gun, from 2009's It's Frightening. Beautiful tribal beats fill the air as the band slowly kicks in... then out... then in again. Immediately after a spirited version of "The Plot" they sequed into their gothic "Lionesse." It played like a mix of Danny Elfman and The Band, circa 1975. More toe tapping goodness. The boys were confident enough to incorporate new material into their encores too, leading off with "Danny Come Inside." Their long guitar-heavy intro popped and would surely make Bradford Cox smile. Someone in Hollywood needs to add this song to a chase scene and fast. If "Percussion Gun" is their drum calling card "Danny Come Inside" is their electric bass/guitar signature. Finally they slowed down "Kid on My Shoulders" to the point of unrecognizable. A groovy bass line and hints of a Brian DePalma score gave new freshness to an already fresh song. All good. All confident. All in. No wasted moments. Little, to any banter with the reserved, but admiring crowd. A quality rock and roll outfit who should be playing larger arenas, and fast. Meatloaf at Wellmont? Sinead? If those folks can get three thousand there is no reason White Rabbits can't. The luck has got to change. With their talent that is the only logical explanation. Take heed Alt World, and beyond.

The set felt short in my opinion. But as a huge UNKLE fan I was very happy to see them. I heard almost all of my favorite tracks.

A indie pop band from UK, arrived not by the yellow bus, but with the concept of what the name stand for, country person. Awesome european vibe, good songs and famous great hit songs, all played in front of your eyes. This band definitely rock, and hope they come again with more hit songs.

thurston moore never can let you down. He consistently brings power and emotion with his music and lyrics bravo

I discovered Basia Bulat music while listening to a CBC radio broadcast years ago, and her live performance is a great treat too! As a Canadian expat, her songs evoke strong emotions from the Great White North. However, you don't need to be Canadian to appreciate her work - just have to be someone that enjoys good music. She is very talented, plays several instruments and is very playful when interacting with the local fans. Everyone had a great time and left in good spirits.

For the1st opener we experienced badly mixed dub step cds. Apparently this was the owner of the production company, filler for the fact that capsa broke his foot a guy standing by me informed me. Next we have a guy who put together a mix of songs on a laptop some time prior and drank and smoked while just playing with sound effects. A child could accomplish this stunt to a crowd. He looked like a total douche fooling the crowd. I kept saying, "we're supporting his cocaine habit". Digitalism I enjoyed but half their set I didn't know since their new album wasn't out in the u.s. I had been so excited I bought these tickets presale, so expectations were dashed with disappointment unfortunately. See these guys at a festival, go see chromeo at the showbox.

Despite a supporting act including what seemed to be a hobbit being paraded on someone's shoulders in malaria netting, the School of the Seven Bells was phenomenal in energy, in setlist, and transporting the audience to a very happy place.

Such a small place, front row, amazing sound. amazing performance. Nancy Whang delivered a fantastic show! I would go back to brighton, and especially to The Juan Maclean again in the future!

The concert was beautiful. Her music, soulful and truthful, made for a wholly transcendent experience.

Jonah's energy is wonderful. Great guy, great music.