Tr/st

I have two initial complaints that thankfully had/have no bearing on my experience with Trust. First, Mercury Lounge is claustrophobic atmosphere, with one anorexic hallway that leads past the bar and into the main stage area. With a steady line of people against the bar, it was extremely difficult to navigate. Second, the opening bad was a complete joke and utter waste of time. They were disorganized and almost an hour late in starting. The band itself consisted of three boys who didn't look a day over 16 and acted as such. In general, their sound was an uninspired mish-mosh and bastardization of glitch pop elements. The songs relied too heavily on coping off of quotidian sounds and other artists' songs. The lyrics were incomprehensible, and the lead singer acted more like a drugged-up teenager who needed to rant at his parents rather than make a desperate show of throwing a laptop onto the crowd floor. With those two negatives aside, waiting for Trust to come on stage was an intense process but totally worth it. They teased the crowd with the beginning sounds of the opening track on their album, "Shoom," and did a fantastic rendition of it. What followed was a no-nonsense no-frills concert experience. The band did not stop to chit chat or even introduce themselves: it was a straight up darkwave/electro phenomenon. The lead singer was in a world of his own, but his voice was flawless and recreated the dark and sexy atmosphere of the album. Maya's drumming was expert and professional, and it was amazing to see her level of concentration. Over the course of their 8- or 9-song set, they played web favorites like "Bulbform," "Candy Walls," and closed with "Sulk." The best part, however, was unexpectedly meeting the duo at their merchandise booth right beside the exit. They were both extremely affable, and I have a great respect for bands who take charge of making a name for themselves like that. All in all, I cannot wait to see Trust perform again.