Surprisingly, it has been over 2 years since Longwave came through Chicago, or anywhere for that matter. Taking the time to regroup, record and find a new label, they did anything but take it easy. Recording the whole of the album in their Brooklyn studio, they focused the melodies and the sound to a tight and beautiful package. By no means is the ethereal-ness gone. It’s just blended with driving bass lines and a couple of actual rock-guitar solos.
Download: Longwave - "No Direction"
It was a Wednesday night, a week before Christmas on a snap cold night, but the turnout was still impressive. For a band that hasn’t toured or really been in the spotlight for a few years, the fans didn’t forget about them. Equally, the band did not forget about their long-term admirers. While playing a set that included all of the new album, Secrets Are Sinister, they also touched on a healthy chunk of old favorites, even taking requests from the crowd. Songs like “Everywhere You Turn” and “Wake Me When It’s Over” mingled well with new songs “Sirens in the Deep Sea” and “Life is Wrong” creating a set of perfect dream pop. The band is the tightest they have ever been, creating soundscapes that never overpowered the delicate melodies. While the new album plants itself steadily in between anger and lullaby, they haven’t lost those extremes as a band. This was evidenced by a rather impassioned rendition of “Depot Song” followed by a version of “Day Sleeper” that wasted no time in delivering the punch just to end leaving us still wanting more.
If you missed this show there will be other chances. They are currently on tour of the coasts with a promise to come back to the midwest soon (tour dates follow below).
Openers, The Color Radio, played a much more conservative and straight forward pop set that didn't vary much between songs. The Silent Years were quirky and creative. So bright and angular that it scared me a bit. By far the most stunning opener was Rock Falls who was only one person for this performance, Annie Reese. Singing and playing acoustic guitar, Annie demonstrated a strength and command of words that was very refreshing.
Click here for the complete photo set
upcoming Longwave dates:
Jan 16 2009 9:00P
The Earl (21+) Atlanta, Georgia
Jan 17 2009 9:30P
Local 506 Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Jan 18 2009 8:00P
DC9 (18+) Washington DC, Washington DC
Jan 22 2009 8:00P
Johnny Brenda's (21+) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Jan 23 2009 8:00P
Ottobar Baltimore, Maryland
Jan 24 2009 8:00P
Great Scott (18+) Boston, Massachusetts
Mar 6 2009 8:00P
TBA TBA
Mar 7 2009 8:00P
TBA TBA
Mar 8 2009 8:00P
Music Hall of Williamsburg w/ OK GO Brooklyn, New York
Mar 10 2009 8:00P
Toad's Place w/ OK GO New Haven, Connecticut
Mar 11 2009 8:00P
Pearl St w/ OK GO Northampton, Massachusetts
Mar 13 2009 8:00P
Port City Music Hall w/ OK GO Portland, Maine
Mar 20 2009 8:00P
House Of Blues w/ OK GO San Diego, California
Mar 21 2009 8:00P
House Of Blues w/ OK GO Anaheim, California
Mar 24 2009 8:00P
Catalyst w/ OK GO Santa Cruz, California
Mar 25 2009 8:00P
Slims w/ OK GO San Francisco, California
Mar 27 2009 8:00P
Wonder Ballroom w/ OK GO Portland, Oregon
Mar 28 2009 8:00P
Chop Suey w/ OK GO Seattle, Washington
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