There is nothing worse than a self indulgent art school band. The last few years has seen an abundance of groups form in art schools. The vast majority of these bands are self indulgent experssionist, who, with the help of pitchfork, have somehow made sounding loud and illegible cool (I see you Deerhoof). Thank god for TV on the Radio.
Though they formed in some kind of art school to the best of my knowledge, they shape musical landscapes like no other. Layers upon layers of textures, sounds, and two of the best sounding frontmen around. I last saw them two years ago at the Fillmore theater. They were great, though I couldn't help but think that they really seemed surprise at selling the venue out for two days. The music was flawless, but something seemed missing.
In the last two years they figured it all out. Taking the stage at the warfield, it was odvious how far they'd come. No longer content to simply play to the room, they wanted to destroy it. I've heard of Phil Spectors wall of sound (i've also heard he shot a b-movie actress), but what i heard last night was like the great wall of sound. It was so lound, beers resting on the banisters made that famous jurassic park scene look like childs play. The amazing thing, though, is how well this sound all came together. Every part fit together like a puzzle, one layer adding to the next. When the show finally came to a close, although only slightly over an hour, no one was left wanting.
I can't help but think this band is what Radiohead would sound like if they decided to have fun for the night. Art schools may be ok, just keep Deerhoof out of my airwaves.
