Asobi Seksu, Tyvek, Crocodiles
Bowery Ballroom, 4.2.09

I hear drumming, but see no drummer. I hear layers of guitar, but the only guitarist is busy fixing his strap.

The quantity of music blasting from the speakers during Crocodiles’ opening set at Bowery Ballroom did not at all match what the duo was doing visually, and as much as I hate to say it, it kind of made me think of Milli Vanilli. Plenty of bands I know and love play with pre-recorded tracks, including Shoegaze legends My Bloody Valentine, but without even a drummer, Crocodiles looked as though the only music definitely being produced on stage was the reverb-heavy vocals, and some white noise guitar wash. Otherwise it just looked like a pair of hip dudes in sunglasses, projecting their image of cool and spitting all over the place. (Really, the were spitting all over that stage.)

I didn’t go to this concert with any intention to hate on this band, and actually like their debut record Summer of Hate, even if it’s essentially just a Darklands (The Jesus & Mary Chain) rehash. And “Flash of Light” is a pretty awesome song, but the band’s performance or lack there of on Thursday night has made it hard for me to get behind this band. They really need to bring aboard a dummer, 2nd guitarist, and stop relying on so much pre-generated music if they’re gonna generate a legitimate live following.

Tyvek followed, and though I have no complaints about them actually playing their instruments or being too fashion conscious, their music wasn’t all that impressive.

Thankfully, headliners Asobi Seksu were everything I hoped they’d be. It took singer Yuki Chikudate’s voice a song or 2 to warm up, but when it did, it soared to the clouds. The quartet drifting back and forth between the brand new release “Hush” and their sophomore record “Citrus.” They were at their best with the more energetic songs like “Familiar Light,” and as much as I love “Hush,” “New Years” is the best song the band has recorded so far, and it was definitely the highlight of their wonderful set.