Summer seems to come and go so quickly. Further evidence includes the ending of Summerstage activities. As far as last hurrahs go for the season, Summerstage could have not done it better. The day was set for some great performances by The Walkmen and Dinosaur JR.
Before the anticipated acts, Saviours from Oakland started the show off. A heavy metal way to start the day to say the least. In the basking heat, anything you touch scalds you. It’s a hot day in the park and the sight of flying-v guitars, tattoos, and long hair meant it was to going to be loud and heavy really soon.
The unmistakable trademarks of heavy metal were there with extended riffs, solos, plenty of beer and did I mention hair and tatoos? Standard affair but a great way to kick start the party. One song they announced, “Living in the Void” had a crushing, in your face approach that lacked any menace, allowing for all to share in the experience.
I doubt the crowd was expecting it, but there were many cheers and numerous nods of approval. A hard working group on stage with several fun instrumental bridges.
The Walkmen, finally made it to the big stage of Central Park. Their former manager (when they were Jonathan Fire Eater) introduced them and they kicked off their set with a new song. Some time has passed since You and Me dropped and when we last saw them (read our review), it’s only fitting that the band has been working on some new material.
“In the New Year” followed and the band played it flawlessly. Great energy, amazing dynamic and great range. Hamilton Leithauser belted out an extended “You Don’t Like Me”, holding the note and giving in to the moment.
The new songs were pleasant surprises, mid-tempo affairs with some good lyrics and only adds to the anticipation to the latest Walkmen release. The band noted they were going into the studio on Monday to lay the tracks down. Another surprise was how well the moody and yearning tales of You and Me translating in the heat. A quintessential winter album, the songs worked well and were aided by a horn section.
“All Hands and the Cook” was a nice burst of tempo. The shambling guitar work is punctuated by the rolling rhythmic drums. “The Rat” was played and the crowd roared. Leithauser is not alone when he sings this song. Maybe a little more refined these days, the song still has a sense of urgency that is seldom seen these days.
“Donde Esta La Playa?” was another treat, the strolling narrative was an interesting contrast to the brutal heat.
As all good things have to come to a close, so too did the Walkmen’s set. The band sounded great, with nary a hiccup.The only fault tends to be the lack of older material. Only “The Rat” represented anything before the last two albums, although this problem gets alleviated when the Walkmen have more time on stage. “Louisiana” played into “On the Water” and a new song closed out the afternoon set.
The moment, and band, everyone was waiting for hit the stage. J.Mascis flanked by his amps with Lou Barlow and Murph huddled together. The band blasted into “Tarpit” and from the start had the audience in their grasp.
All three are deft musicians, Mascis’ playing is effortless, he closes his eyes as he pulls off riffs and intricate solos. Murph and Barlow provide the stomping rhythm, rumbling and steady.
The band next plays “I Want You to Know” off of their latest, Farm. Another guitar orientated jam, the band is in great form. The lone detraction from the set is the way Mascis’ vocals sound. Thrown way back in the mix and extra low, they are barely audible but few care.
“Been There All the Time”, off of their comeback album Beyond is another rollicking affair. The way the band works together, streamlined and without cues, the noise they generate is a treat to the ears. Not as epically loud as their club shows, it was still loud enough to demand your attention.
Plenty of people were moving about as the sun dipped lower. The band did not quit the tempo, constantly assaulting with angular hooks and riffs, long instrumental jams aided by the molasses-thick vocals. The band’s sound is a throwback to a simpler guitar driven time that still deserves a place amongst all the new bands out right now.
The set spanned their catalog, including tracks from You’re Living All Over Me (“Tarpit”, “In a Jar”), Bug (“Freak Scene”), and Where You Been (“Out There) in addition to their latest tracks. The band also had a fun time covering “Just Like Heaven”.
Closing out the set and the summer at Summerstage was “Chunks”.
More pics below.
Saviours
The Walkmen
Dinosaur JR
