"Look Out Young Son" is the lead track on their first album, Humanimals, and it was definitely the crowd favorite of the set. Most of their songs are short (under three minutes), and varied enough that the 35 minute or so set flew by quickly without dragging at all. I wish the same could be said of the band that followed them.
It was a quarter to ten by the time the second opening band started to play. Johnathan Rice is an odd choice for a band to sandwich between two indie rock acts. Rice's music is probably best pegged as roots rock – the kind that usually comes with a bottle of Jack Daniels and a worn flannel shirt. The audience grew restless during his set, and it wasn't until the band finished up with the mildly amusing sing-along "We're All Stuck out in the Desert and We're Gonna Die," that they received anything but a polite response. Rice would probably be better appreciated when opening for a band like Wilco or anyone on the Bloodshot Records label.
As I waited in the long interlude between the warm-up acts and Rilo Kiley's set, I reflected a bit on the experience of being at the show as it compares with others I have attended. I wasn't vying for a front row spot, so it was much less stressful. Also, I was far enough away from the speakers that I didn't worry about further hearing loss, and the room is such that I could still see the stage just fine.
The other thing I noticed that was different about this show, as compared to those put on by singer/songwriter types, is that neither of the lead singers of either band felt it necessary to preface most of their songs with any sort of chatter with the audience. All of the attention was focused on the music itself, and only that was used to create the connection between the performers and the listeners.
Finally, around 11 p.m., Rilo Kiley appeared to thunderous applause and cheers. I note the time because I am now over 30 and not used to having to be on my game at such a late hour. Unfortunately, this meant I heard only an hour of their set before deciding to head out while I still had enough energy to drive home. However, that hour was the best of the night and well worth the wait.
Article comments
1 - Glen Boyd
Sounds like a fun show Anna, wish I coulda been there. Oh wait, I actually sorta was supposed to be there, wasn't I? Damn! Blew it again!
-Glen
2 - Jon Sobel
Thanks for the introduction to a good band! I'm listening to their stuff on Myspace and I like it.
3 - Mark Saleski
jon, you talkin' about Grand Ole Party.
i afraid i'm hooked.