I got there early so I could get as close as possible. I was lucky enough to find an empty spot on the stage. And even luckier to have my roommate chum-along with me, because he got the alcohol while I saved out places. I planted my lazy ass down and prepared for an evening with (currently) one of my favorite bands.
I was impressed by the large turnout and warm reception for Minnesota's Low (guitarist/vocalist Alan Sparhawk, bassist John Nichols, and a very pregnant drummer/vocalist Mimi Parker.) Although, when I think about it, it's not like the Knitting Factory is a very large club, especially in the back bar. But I would not have seen Low in anything but a small, intimate venue.
Even from the stage, their sound was truly fabulous-- spare, haunting, bitter-sweet, lazy, warmer than the albums. The crowd was deathly quiet through every song and applauded madly at the end of each. Alan's cute humor filled the quiet time between songs as did audience requests. I sat, clicking away with my camera during sets, trying to get a good shot of Alan's feet as he tapped away a song with his toes or Mimi's pregnant belly from behind her drum set.
They played quite a few new songs and "Murderer" from their ultra-limited 10" release. The absence of their "Transmission" and "Last Night I dreamt that Somebody Loved Me" covers were glaring, however. It was a fairly long set and definitely a great one. I believe they even wrapped up the show with "Dinasaur Act."
The opener, Azalia Snail, however was completely atrocious. Avoid, avoid, avoid
at all costs. I'd like to think I saw them on a bad night, but I'm sure that
wasn't the case. There's something about omniphones, trumpets and white riding
boots tucked into jeans that just doesn't do it for me. -RLo
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