The Whigs put on a hard-charging set Friday night at The Fillmore New York at Irving Plaza. Though it may have been cold outside, the room was buzzing due to stellar performances from The Whigs as well as supporting acts The Features and Mean Creek.
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The Whigs – In the Dark [MP3]
The Whigs set upon the stage with a vengeance. The three-piece act provided plenty of noise with their brand of blue-collar rock. The band kicked it off with “In the Dark,” the title track of their album, which is slated for a March 2 release. The song had a thumping pace and a great flow that was more hook-oriented than foot-stomping. This expanded sound played well, once again making the band sound larger than its three members.
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The Whigs – Hundred/Million [MP3]
The set was a tight mix of new and old. Fan favorite “Like a Vibration” was played early, while other older tracks like “Half the World Away,” “Hot Beds” and “Already Young” were spread throughout the set. Another new song “Hundred/Million” stretched the band’s sound even further. The band’s strength tends to be it’s razor sharp hooks and infectious guitar lines, and in a live setting it’s nothing but a blast to watch. The band closed their set with “Right Hand on My Heart.”
The Features are one of my favorite bands and they played a great set before The Whigs. Combining some fast-paced Southern rock and some deft pop craft, the band turns out great songs that are full of energy and some great lyrics. Songs like “The Drawing Board” and “Me and the Skirts” are raucous and lead singer Matt Pelham proves that he can belt out some fierce vocals. The songs play out like anthems and the band members are not shy to show their emotions. Songs about love, life, and family are all there to be enjoyed.
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The Features – Lions [MP3]
This heart-felt honesty makes it hard to not love the band. The new tracks from Some Kind of Salvation like “Lions,” “The Temporary Blues,” “Gates of Hell” and live favorite “Big Momma’s Gonna Get You” provide for a very entertaining and enjoyable set.
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Mean Creek – Strange Man [MP3]
Boston’s own Mean Creek, the first band of the night, provided some nice no frills rock and roll that harkened back to the glory days of the 90′s. A mix of rock ‘n’ roll and folk, the music was at times upbeat and other times very atmospheric. Evocative with emotionally charged lyrics, there was plenty of range and nuances to fall into. The duel vocals were once again used effectively, creating a nice change of pace and an interesting dynamic to the music. At times plaintive, other times pleading, the band’s opening set was a fun one.
