I learned several important lessons last Thursday at Thao Nguyen’s CD release show. First, never underestimate an undying lust for “Lost” and its season premiere that will prevent you from having any show-going companions. Second, a homecoming-cum-album release party will inevitably be filled to the brim and you’ll be forced to stand at the entryway by the band’s closest college roommates and fourth-cousins. And third, a noticeable degree of hype surrounding an up-and-coming band is usually for a very, very good reason.
Iota was packed with what one could only assume was a healthy mix of fans endeared to Thao and the Get Down Stay Down’s affectionate and rollicking music, and the friends/family who got them there in the first place. It was a uniquely happy group in the audience, absolutely pumped about every song sung. My disadvantageous position by the door was kind of a strain for seeing the performance, but perfect for people- watching. It was a rare sense of earnest exuberance in the crowd, visibly present on the faces of everyone there. At least two-thirds were beaming ear to ear. The absence of self-conscious bar chatter and feigned disinterest was totally refreshing. I’m hard-pressed to remember the last show I’ve been at where everyone in attendance seemed as genuinely committed to being into the music as they were at Iota on Thursday.
Commanding this kind of atmosphere is no easy feat, of course. But Thao’s relaxed on-stage swagger managed to make the at-capacity venue seem about as cozy as my living room when there’s been too much wine. “Feet Asleep,” the anthemic, chorus-y contribution to the Kill Rock Stars compilation “The Sound the Hare Heard” and now a stand-out track on the stellar “We Brave Bee Stings and All,” brought the best clapping hands and stomping feet out of everyone. The bluesy “Geography” is a testament to infatuation, suited well by Thao’s slurred confession, “geography is gonna make a mess of me” and the inclusion of bassist Adam Thompson’s low-note vocals.
A little good-natured open heckling was sandwiched by some of the best tracks from “Bee Stings.” The tiny “Travel” is barely two minutes long, but a hell of a journey. Every comment made about Thao’s warbling, barely tuned voice is accurate, but this doesn’t stop her from being infectiously warm and comfortable. Her voice is literally a sweater on a cold day. “Travel,” in its brevity, is an exploration of her spontaneous melodies, not to mention some fierce finger-pickin’. Another crowd pleaser was the serendipitous “Tallymarks,” with the brutal lines “I drop tears like tallymarks/ And I’m keeping score so I keep us apart,” and “you can’t build cathedrals out of finger steeples.” I actually saw the guy next to me make a finger steeple with his hands, and it was surprisingly more precious and fitting than weird.
As far as debuts are concerned, Thao and the Get Down Stay Down eased their way in. The conclusion of their encore, which included a pretty sublime rendition of The Temptations’ “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me,” made for some pretty palpable excitement in the air. Big things are in store for Thao and her band. This includes a substantial tour with labelmates Xiu Xiu. They will descend upon D.C. for a stop at the Black Cat on March 27th, and Thao will be returning to the 9:30 club sometime in April. Not to be missed.
want more:
Jen Interviewed Thao before the show last week.
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