Brightest Young Things

all AMAZING photos: Joel Didriksen

Ghostland Observatory
With DJ Will Eastman
9:30 Club, 3/29/08

My friend Annelies is from Texas, and she decided to throw a party before the show. You know, a little celebration of the local boys made good. There were hot wings, celery, chips and salsa and all sorts of other fun finger foods. But most importantly, there was beer. Lots of it. Lemme tell you, there are few things more entertaining than a houseful of Texans, drinking Lonestar and Tecate, shooting the shit and warming up for the night ahead. Moreover, I was in a good mood because I’d just had lunch with my parents and my pockets were (for once) stuffed with beaucoup cash.

Around 9:50pm, most of us had copped a pretty good buzz and we decided that it would be a good time march to the club, caravan style. Not wanting to waste perfectly good alcohol, a few of us loaded up with bottles and cans for the walk over. I was wearing a long black overcoat with deep pockets, so transporting a couple of cans was not an issue. At least not until we hit the corner of 1st and Rhode Island. Someone sighted a policeman sitting in his cruiser and word got around that he was making eyes at our little tribe. A little voice in my head said:

“Son, it’s the cops! Drop it in the trashcan, quick.”

I cursed myself for not finishing that last can of Lone Star before walking out the door. But it’d quite embarrassing to write an email to Svetlana that read “Oh yea that Ghostland Observatory show? I know I was supposed to write it up, but I was too busy collecting a citation for having an open container.” Oh well.

We arrived at 9:30 club at the perfect time. Most of the people were already inside and Will Eastman was behind the decks setting the mood for the evening. I used to think that having a DJ open for a band was a bit of a cop out, but I have since warmed to the idea. Senor Eastman, did not disappoint. He was neither self-indulgent with his selection, nor did he drop anything that was corny. The man was definitely doing a good job of hyping up the crowd, because I don’t remember anyone looking at their watch, wondering where the headliners were.

During the week before the show, I skimmed through a lot of blogs to get some more information about Ghostland Observatory. And one comment that kept coming up was “They sound like Daft Punk for frat-boys.” And you know what, I kinda disagree. Now, while the music does betray some influence of Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo, it certainly didn’t make me want to chest bump my friends or crush a beer can on my forehead.

I mean, let’s be serious here. If you take the group for what they are, funky electro pop with Freddy Mercury-esque vocals and an over-the-top live show, then you will not be disappointed. And if you want to get live on a Saturday night and be shamelessly entertained, look no further. The set was incredible, but the laser light show just took things to another level. Normally I’m not a fan of such cheap tricks. But because I’ve seen so many groups just come on stage and just stand around, it was nice to be treated to some smoke machines and seizure-inducing strobe lights.
Furthremore, Aaron Behren’s energy was just infectious. His stage presence was a bit like someone’s stoner older brother was doing a very good impersonation of Prince. And who could ignore Thomas Ross Turner’s vicious cape?

Ghostland Observatory may not be making the most groundbreaking dance music. But on the weekend, it pays to follow your heart (and your feet) as opposed to your brain.

Previously in Live DC:

• 5/24: LiveDC: The Adicts @ RNR Hotel
• 5/24: LiveDC: The Donkeys @ Black Cat
• 5/23: LiveDC: The Barr Brothers w/ Kishi Bashi @ The Hamilton
• 5/23: LiveDC: Damien Jurado @ Black Cat
• 5/23: Report: Soundbites 2012
• 5/22: LiveDC: Spirit Animal @ Red Palace
• 5/22: LiveDC: Astra Via @ Black Cat
• 5/22: LiveDC: Father John Misty @ Rock & Roll Hotel
• 5/22: LiveDC: Drive-By Truckers and Lucinda Williams @ Merriweather
• 5/22: Photos: Summer Camp takes the "Ladies of Town" Drag Show