A time warp hit Johnny Brenda’s last week, at least according to the gentlemen in Apples In Stereo. Celebrating the release of their spectacular new album Travelers In Space And Time they were joined by The Generationals for a funky spaced out show.
The Generationals
I was excited to see what The Generationals had to offer live as I have really enjoyed the material of theirs that I have heard. However, their set started limp and, with the exception of a few glimmers of assertive intriguing rhythms, remained rather lackluster. The group didn’t exude much personality with the exception of Ted Joyner who was the only member who seemed to be really enjoying himself. The groups has gathered a charmed reputation for their southern influenced retro pop, their single “When They Fight, They Fight” is probably their best known song. So, I was expecting further depth in their harmonies and added character to their jangley quirk. The group never rose to their potential, instead they seemed they had run out of steam. At times the drummer sounded as though she was a little off her game, even if you were accounting for their occasionally loose percussive sound. And the vocals all sounded as if they were globed together, all nuance eaten by over done effects, without much emotion propelling the lyrics. It is difficult to get into a pop act that hasn’t much pep in their step.
Admittedly, a great deal of their weakness that night could be chalked up to some poor sound engineering and I will give them the benefit of the doubt, as everyone has an off night. My bit of confidence is bolstered by the fact that toward the end of their set – and after a round of instrument exchanges – they eventually did start pulling their act together. Pulling off some nice slide guitar licks and incorporating a touch of Paul Simon, by the last song they finally sounded a little more like the resplendently delightful band I hoped they’d be.
[MP3] When They Fight, They Fight
Apples In Stereo
After a long-ish set change interlude powerpop poobahs Apples In Stereo beamed themselves to stage in the most bodaciously futuristic uniforms. As frontman Robert Schneider explained they had traveled back from the future to celebrate the release of their new album again. The time travel ruse was maintained for the first few songs, mostly while introducing the more adventurous new vibe captured on Travelers In Space And Time. Jumping directly into material off said album they filled the room with delicious synths and spacey vocals. All six of the members contributed a layer to the symphony of sounds and effects Apples In Stereo are known for only this time it is a far funkier symphony.
The group, while never shy about laying on rich bass lines and crazy electronic details in the past, takes their catchy riffs and feel good nerd-tastic lyrics to a whole new sonic galaxy. One where disco is the standard groove and harmoniums are more common than floor toms. It is a fantastic place and I suggest you visit often. The new material was delivered with the usual skill and air of cheekiness which made the blend into their cult favs seamless.
Ever the consumate entertainers Apples In Stereo were sure to give the audience what they hungered for, the pop standards that has rightfully earned them their place in the powerpop record books. Dropping “Energy” and “Same Old Drag” with the same enthusiasm as they did the new material like “Dance Floor.” Hearing them pay from such a wide selection of their repertoire you can help but recognize the talent they have for writing solid classic rock guitar lines to ground their more experimental inclusions. While Schneider and bassist Eric Allen pump out their succulent riffs the band’s four other noise makers pile on the bells and whistles, sometimes literally. Bill Doss has a notable affinity for cow bell; watching him wail away was one of the highlights of the night. The group’s skill and familiarity with the material allows them to careen through their complex arrangements all while having a great deal of fun on stage.
The authentic desire to put on a memorable show was evident in every touch from the zany costumes to the well rehearsed set pace even the unconscious tapping of their grey Vans clad toes. Apples In Stereo provided the ultimate soundtrack for a night of space travel. Get the album. Get a ticket to their show. You won’t regret either.
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