Though the set had its issues, like the floozy I am for a good old heartfelt song, I was won over largely because of the gutsy performance of "Out in the Black." I find myself listening to it a fair bit after the gig. He doesn’t seem to be another nameless bloke singing sappy songs while he plays on a guitar, but I can’t quite figure out what sets him apart from such persons.
It might be those resonant, sustained/pedal-point notes that sound a little eastern, or lots of little hints at other musical influences. It’s intriguing enough to warrant repeat listening, definitely. Imaad Wasif is very clearly not just some tag-along member of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and I’ll be keeping an eye out for his self-titled album on my next CD binge (yeah, I still buy them, get over it...).
Of course, I’m no fool – I sure as hell stayed for the rest of the concert. I was curious to see how an acoustic guitarist/singer-songwriter would be placed in a freaking awesome (er...non-acoustic...) band like the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Once Imaad appeared on stage in a bright red jumpsuit, and strutted his stuff on keyboard as well as the faithful acoustic, it was pretty bloody obvious. Only in rock ‘n’ roll can there be magic in a hairdo and a bright, retro jumpsuit.
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