LES SAVY FAV HIT THE STAGE AT BOWERY LAST NIGHT

Les Savy Fav shows are hard to describe. In my time I’ve heard, “crazy,” “insane,” “fucking great” and, “you know, that was pretty cool.” That last quote from a notorious douche bag. The best way to describe one of their shows is to wonder out lout, “was that a show, or was that a piece of performance art.” By this time, Les Savy Fav’s live shows are widely known as being more than a concert and more like an experience, a highly recommended experience.

When opening for a show as notoriously insane as Les Savy Fav, anything you do will shrink by comparison — but openers Big Troubles and 1,2,3 put on a solid show of easily accessible songs. Big Troubles thirty minute set was attended by few, but seemingly liked by all who were there. The vocals were hidden through most of the set, but their brand of more melodic-pop haze is an interesting mix that worked brilliantly for Silversun Pickups and could work well for them too.

1,2,3 offered up a great set of rhythmic power pop. They will invite comparisons to Spoon (never a bad thing), but their use of stilted rhythms and metallic guitar make them far more interesting than just another act influenced by the Austin band. They played to a half packed house for what they called their, “first real show in New York”.  It’s certain that by the end of the show, they picked up a few more fans.

Les Savy Fav took the stage after a slight delay, apparently Tim Harrington was stuck in Australia (the topic of his signature monologues for the evening) and had just arrived. So he came onstage playing a fake didgeridoo, of course.  The most fantastic thing about Les Savy Fav is that the music doesn’t suffer from the antics on stage. Sure, Harrington doesn’t sing like Bjork, but he still manages to get out all the words and the music is still fantastically catchy, artistic and challenging.

Harrington’s on stage antics are widely documented, yet always changing and raw. It’s also hilarious. At this show, he took an audience member on stage, handcuffed him and said he was “gonna get it,” he went to the balcony and played with the lights like they were crystal balls, he had the audience hold him up in a small table, he took off his clothes, and other ridiculous things. It’s a show that really has to been seen. Really, go see them it’s a fucking blast. For now, hopefully the pictures will do.