Seattle’s own alt-pop whiz kid Say Hi, AKA Eric Elbogen, was first to the stage, playing to an already-sizeable crowd. His transition from the studio to a live setting quickly became a bone of contention. Formed from an excess of pre-recorded samples, each deployed with astonishing ease, the performance was consequently stripped of any organic feeling.
From the fuzzed-up 8-bit-inspired basslines to the intricate drum tracks, there was no discounting Elbogen’s musicianship, but so much groundwork had been done behind-the-scenes to make the set what it was. You had to wonder what was actually occurring besides karaoke, albeit with songs unfamiliar to the average punter. At least Elbogen brought his best dance moves to keep things entertaining, which came in handy when the electronic ditties, though fun, began to bleed together. A saving grace of Elbogen’s set was undoubtedly his strange, dorky charisma that eventually struck a chord with the crowd.
Conversely, indie-rock veterans Death Cab For Cutie had everyone in the venue convinced from the outset. Ben Gibbard’s distinct vocals and oft-bittersweet heart-explosions cut through a crisp and precise performance. Jangly guitar-driven rock dominated early before the band delved deeper into their bag of tricks. The ever-popular Title and Registration infused the set with an acoustic element, before Codes and Keys saw Gibbard tickle the ivories. As the evening wore on, each song became yet another impressive metamorphosis, the band treating fans and the uninitiated alike.
Of the highlights, the crunchy, simplistic pop of Crooked Teeth stood out alongside the galloping epic El Dorado. Predictably, I Will Follow You Into The Dark took the honours for the evening’s most memorable song, the entire venue united in voice. In this segment, fans’ intense reverence for the band was not only at its most obvious, but most justified too.
Put simply, this was an immensely enjoyable performance. Even a pesky technical hitch was not enough to derail proceedings. In fact, in the music-less moments that followed, the band demonstrated they can draw a laugh about as well as they can tug at the heartstrings. Overall, Death Cab For Cutie were in exquisite form over the course of two hours, the group every bit as accomplished as you would hope.
Loved: It was a comprehensive set, covering more besides Death Cab’s recent material.
Hated: Standing next to possibly the only person in the entire venue unable to hold a tune.
Drank: Pepsi, or highly-questionable post-mix Coke.
BY NICK MASON
