I've been loving Fitz and The Tantrums since hearing them in studio on KEXP and KCRW. Finally my chance to hear them live in NYC and at one of my favorite venues - Mercury Lounge. It's a small red-brick walled rectangle of a place in the back of a bar on E Houston. I'll forgive them the crappy beer selection at $6 because their room sounds surprisingly great and the audio guys really work the sounds well.
Cheap Seats, a young and hip band from Philly, opened with a great sound reminding me of 60s pop meets jazzy retro band stuff with vague hints of OK Go. I like their live sound better than the more produced songs I've retrospectively listened to on-line. Very good use of brass - sax, slide trombone, and trumpet. The lead singer also acted as a rebel rouser, cheering the crowd on and trying to pull the energy out. Lots of tight vests, shirts, and Rat Pack paraphernalia gives good look. But it really comes down to sound and they were a great, tight-playing band I look forward to hearing more from.
In their owns words, Fitz and The Tanrums - "The sound is Motown and soul-influenced indie pop." I just love the energy and use of instruments. No guitar, just pure beat, organ keyboard, sax, sometimes flute, tambourine, and bass. It feels so good I dare you not to dance. Noelle has an amazing voice and compliments the sound of Fitz so well, again harking back to classic Motown. She also was working the crowd with Fitz to get everyone in a great place, lots of audience reaction and enjoyment at least up front. I've also found where I can hang with other skinny people and not look freakish - joining a band! Too bad I have no musical talent.
P.S. Rob, you missed a really great show ... and you're an asshole.
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