Consistency is the hobgoblin of a tiny mind, as the saying goes, and we here at rock nyc change our minds all the time and disagree constantly. In 2013 I called alt-j the worst band ever due to a discrete set at Governors Ball. a year earlier Alyson wroote (here) this: “All set long, it was very quiet and delicate music, with thin textures of glimmering-scratching electronica à la Thom Yorke, sporadic and discreet drumming, and vocal harmonies over harmonies (may be too many?) more monk-like than Fleet Foxes, melting with Indian tribal riffs. But strangely, the most surprising moments were always turning into the most comfy and familiar soundscapes.”
fine, let’s agree to differ right?? Right, except I really loved the sexed up “Every Little Freckle” and it really only takes one to break you through on a band and this was the one. Usually, when I change my mind about a band it is a live show that’ll do it. The Drums blew me away in concert and I became a fan, Sam Smith disappointed me in concert and suddenly FKA twigs becomes the rookie of the year.
So, yeah, Alt-J, March 30th, 2015, they play MSG and I will, in fact, be there. What do I expect. Actually, I’m not sure if these guys will have gotten their stadium performance on by then. I could see it being a major disaster. A long slog to “Breezeblocks”. Listening to the setlist below (spotified for your pleasure), I can see it sending me back to being a hater… still “Hunger Of The Pines” and “Every Other Freckle”… what do I know?
Hunger of the Pine
Fitzpleasure
Something Good
Left Hand Free
Dissolve Me
Matilda
Bloodflood
Bloodflood Pt. 2
❦ (Ripe & Ruin)
Tessellate
Every Other Freckle
Taro
Warm Foothills
The Gospel of John Hurt
Encore:
Lovely Day
(Bill Withers cover)
Nara
Breezeblocks
