Beneath the First Unitarian Church in Philadelphia a diverse following gathered to listen to the three groups from Brooklyn. Although this rec room atmosphere didn't really do anything visually for the audience, the ensuing bass-induced vibrations shook everyone right to the core.
Fang Island
After a brief tuning around 8:45 from the five guys from Fang Island, the show officially began. With three guitarists and a bassist standing on the front edge of the stage and a drummer spanned off to the left side of the stage, the anthem rockers went into full swing for their set.
The group steered clear of lyrics for the most part as the guitars set the instrumental punk party in motion upon all in attendance. When vocals were heard, they were 'oohs' and 'oh whoa whoas' from all on stage that were intended to carry through the constantly blaring guitar riffs.
As the show winded on, a little bit of the group's personal flavor came through in the form of excessively heavy bass lines and vocal harmonizing consistent with a pop-punk band practice. For more info on Fan Island, head to their MySpace or to Last.fm.
Chairlift
Next on stage was the instantly popular Chairlift. Brought to stardom through a recent iTunes commercial that featured their song "Bruises" off of their Does You Inspire You album, the group of Caroline Polachek, Aaron Pfenning and Patrick Wimberly quickly gained a few more fans by displaying a catchy collection of songs.
Coiled around the energy and talent of Polachek, the group slowly swung their style to one similar to Trespassers William to a tempo like Madonna before closing with harmonizing similar to Shania Twain.
The most noticeable aspect of this set was the vocals of Polachek, which didn't miss a tune despite a sometimes experimental style of singing. Along with her chipper sound on the mic, her play on several other instruments drew attention, especially during the final portion of the set. Among these instruments she played were a keyboard, tambourine, maracas and a cowbell. Occasionally aiding her through his own vocals was guitarist Pfenning, who seemed to have a decent voice on his own, although he was never given the spotlight for more than a brief moment.
MP3: Chairlift - Bruises (buy)
For more info on Chairlift, head to their website, or check them out on MySpace.
Yeasayer
Returning to the city for the first time in over a year, Yeasayer arrived on stage with an eruption of excitement from the packed crowd.
Anand Wilder, Chris Keating, Ira Wolf Tuton and Luke Fasano make up Yeasayer, which can't really be defined by a genre, but rather are a visual, experimental and psychedelic group with the appeal of a grunge and jazz band combined. The group is quite beat oriented but the timing of the vocals among all of the artists helps the group when they are not jamming out.
The crowd favorite "2080" arrived midway through their set, setting bodies swaying and feet moving from side to side. This mellow joy continued to place a static state of bliss upon the crowd until the final song.
For tour dates as well as an mp3, look below. We will post a video from the show shortly.
MP3: Yeahsayer - Wait for the Summer (buy)
11/15 Skirball Center at NYU, NY w/ Ponytail
11/19 Richards On Richards in Vancouver, British Columbia
11/20 Neumos in Seattle, WA
11/21 Aladdin Theater in Portland, OR
11/22 Bimbos 365 Club in San Francisco, CA
11/23 Troubadour in Los Angeles, CA
11/26 Rhythmm Room in Phoenix, AZ
11/28 Sheridan Opera House in Telluride, CO
11/29 Bluebird Theater in Denver, CO
12/3 Sixth & I Historic Synagogue in Washington DC
12/4 First Unitarian Church in Philadelphia, PA
12/5 Music Hall of Williamsburg in Brooklyn, NY
12/6 Music Hall of Williamsburg in Brooklyn, NY
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