The Cardiff eight-piece has always thrown caution to the wind. Worries about the sophomoric slump? None, their second album was released months after the debut. Tiny crystals of volcanic glass getting sucked into jet engines? Pssh. Jumping past the barriers into the crowd without losing a riff? Check and mate. Los Campesinos! wrapped up April with what Gareth thinks was their biggest gig of their current Stateside tour, upgrading to the storied venue from the much, much smaller Empty Bottle in the course of less than two years. That time has lapsed since this writer has seen the UK indie rockers, leaving a big question mark to how they've weathered the storms.
With an unexpectedly diverse discography behind them, Los Campesinos! took full advantage Friday night to cover all the bases. The unaccustomed received a discordant welcome through "I Just Sighed. I Just Sighed. Just So You Know." The one-two combo of jarring distorted guitar followed by violin-infused pop choruses assuredly reminded concert goers that two years can be a lifetime in music. Nevertheless, the scales were balanced with the breakthrough "Death To Los Campesinos!"; albeit without unicorns, feathers and balloons. When it came out, We Are Beautiful, We Are Doomed, was thought of as the unwelcome third wheel. Yet the evening's indiction was complete renunciation of this prior emotion as the mini discography sampler touched home with "Miserabilia."
The Metro's stage was built for bands such as Los Campesinos!, allowing its expansive space to be filled in with a flutist, violinist, glockenspiel, two guitarists, a bassist, a drummer, and Sparky Deathcap-a tour-only member. "Romance Is Boring," the latest single, was closest to the Empty Bottle evening with its all-out pop with Kim Campesinos! pounding the keys while backing up Gareth. The track featured a rock interlude, with the audience and Harriet bobbing carefree to the shouting ennui declarations.
And what better to follow-up than, 'tis the season, a high schooler asking someone to the prom via Gareth. "She said no…that's a shame." You had to admit it's more inventive than aiming for the jumbotron at the Cell or nearby Wrigley's signs. But the night cannot be lost to youthful ambition and public declination when "My Year In Lists" swept every blue and yellow washed face to joyous shouts about stationary and numbers. The gleeful Kim practically burst in shouting "5! 5! 5!!!"
Apathetic to the standard Metro fare with its formalities like gates and barriers, the Cardiff octopus first stirred the waters with orchestral "The Sea is a Good Place to Think about the Future" before plunging into "Sweet Dreams, Sweet Cheeks." It was that tug and pull dichotomy that gave Gareth full control over Chicago. Halfway into the finale, "Sweet Dreams," the seas were parted and the lead singer disappeared into the dancing bodies. These moments where bands still hold dear to their roots even as venues inexplicably grow and grow are what keep them grounded. After the expected pause, the eight returned for "Broken Heartbeats Sound Like Breakbeats" with Neil Campesinos! taking his turn. He balanced on the barrier before crowdsurfing on his back with enough skill not to drop a pick or lose a chord.
While the age range may shift and expand as their venues do, Los Campesinos! unexpectedly held on to the joyousness and fun that engulfed the Empty Bottle in 2008. They have become one of those aspirational artists that can develop musically without forfeiting the pieces that united newcomers and returning concert-goers alike.
Click here for the complete photo set
Setlist:
I Just Sighed. I Just Sighed. Just So You Know
Death to Los Campesinos!
Miserabilia
A Heat Rash in the Shape of the Show Me State; Or, Letters from Me to Charlotte
These Are Listed Buildings
Romance Is Boring
You'll Need Those Fingers For Crossing
My Year In Lists
Straight In At 101
This Is A Flag. There Is No Wind
You! Me! Dancing!
We Are Beautiful, We Are Doomed
The Sea Is A Good Place to Think About the Future
Sweet Dreams, Sweet Cheeks
Broken Heartbeats Sound Like Breakbeats
If love isn’t a game, then why are there so many players? Are you one of these players?
Posted by: Jordan 6 Rings | 08/03/2010 at 09:41 PM