So, much like when I see a film, I like to allow some time after a gig before I try to assess it.
Enough time has now passed since the 'Neutral Milk Hotel' gig that I can say with some confidence that it was a disappointment. I sensed a real antagonistic atmosphere between the audience and the band, caused I think by the fact that the band had requested that the organisers put up posters throughout the venue insisting that no-one in the audience take pictures of the band. Which seems like a ridiculous request in 2014. I never take pictures of bands at gigs and in this case most people seemed to respect the bands wishes, but of course there was a handful of people who did not, and the band became visibly agitated; and when the band becomes agitated it's difficult for the audience to relax and enjoy the music. For better or worse some audience members like to take pictures of their experience and of the band, and if bands aren't comfortable with that, well, maybe they're in the wrong business.
'Neutral' also didn't sound spectacular, but having seen other bands in the same venue, I'm willing to chalk that up to the fact that the acoustics in that particular venue suck. I attended the same venue to see Mudhoney (one of my childhood favourites) and they also sounded like ass.
Next up: The War on Drugs.
Topic: Music recommendations (Read 21630 times)
