BrightestYoungThings: Live DC: White Rabbits / Glass Ghost / Suckers @ RNR Hotel

A wet and cold or otherwise awful night out on the town somehow equated to a formula for success when a crew of Brooklyn’s finest rolled into DC for a jam-packed show. First timers, Glass Ghost warmed up the stage with a soulful and jazzy sound before Suckers and White Rabbits took their turn with a full house at the Rock ‘N Roll Hotel.
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I had the opportunity to sit down with Glass Ghost (hats off to Cale and their PR gal for making this happen) after their set to chat. These New England transplants have made a big leap from playing at weddings to opening for indie favorites like White Rabbits and Local Natives to promote their recently wrapped up full-length LP, Idol Omen (out October 27th).

Their set included a few songs from Idol Omen and some new tracks that they have recently put together. Both new and even newer songs sounded great – these guys have a very jazzy sound and put on a great show. However, I felt as though their smooth vibe didn’t capture the hearts of everyone in attendance…gotta appreciate some slower jams too folks!

Sorry Suckers, and Suckers-enthusiasts, but I missed your set due to a post-show interview with Eliot and Mike from Glass Ghost that went a little longer than expected. I generally heard good things about their performance despite what my buddy said. He, well…he thought that there was an overabundance of “annoying synth noises combined with pussified lyrics” that made his ears want to bleed. He speaks his mind and well, he’s wrong sometimes – this hopefully being one of them. I’ll make sure to catch you next time you’re in the area and formulate my own opinion about the show.

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White Rabbits took the stage after their Brooklyn counterparts and FUCKING ROCKED! Their setlist included some tunes from Fort Nightly and It’s Frightening which seemed to satisfy both first-time Rabbit concert-goers and veterans like myself. I was able to catch these guys play down in Norfolk at the NorVa on their last tour in 2008 and had noticed a considerable overall improvement. Rabbits took advantage of the intimacy of the smaller venue at RNR and projected more confidence from the stage.

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Some of their standout performances included “Kid On My Shoulders”, “Navy Wives” and “Percussion Gun”. The group really pulled out all the stops on “Kids On My Shoulder” when with their bassist hopped on drumming duties as the third percussionist. I guess sometimes “thinking big” isn’t a bad idea. Solid performance + awesome energy = a show you should have attended.

I was able to catch up with the band after the show and conducted a brief interview with various members.

BYT: I saw you guys open for The Walkmen/Spoon back in 2008 in Norfolk and it blew my mind. You guys all played great sets and the price was just right – $15. What’s the best cheap show you guys have caught?
Stephen: Fugazi. It was like right after The Argument came out. We saw them for like $5.

BYT: So you guys have two drummers in the band…
Jamie: We do, yes.

BYT: Hypothetical situation: you guys play an amazing set like you did tonight and some girl approaches you backstage and is looking for “the drummer”…who gets the girl?
Jamie: Matt. And make sure you put that in parentheses because I’m engaged.

BYT: Before your engagement?
Jamie: Matt’s the handsome one. He gets the girls. He’s a good looking guy. Brian gets the call.

BYT: What’s your take on pineapple as a pizza topping? Just pineapple; no ham.
Brian:What’s my take on “Pineapple Express” the movie?

BYT: No, no, no…pineapple as topping on pizza. No ham.
Jamie: But first can we answer the question: what do we think about “Pineapple Express”?
Brian: I think it’s great. It’s fantastic. Wonderful. And a lot people say it’s not funny. And they are wrong. I think it’s incredible.

BYT: I haven’t seen it.
White Rabbits: You haven’t seen it? You need to. That’s the first thing you have to do.

BYT: Will do. So, I have never been to NYC. What’s the first thing I do when I get there?
White Rabbits: Go to a video store and pick up “Pineapple Express”. You can go to Blockbuster. Nothing else matters.

BYT: Would you classify yourselves as avid Craigslist users? Ever written a “missed connection” or had one written about you?
Jamie: I have not. I’m purely a practical man on that website.
Greg: Are you talking about Craigslist? Casual encounters.

BYT: That’s the way to go?
Greg: I’m a lurker. I linger.

BYT: Not platonic?
Greg: No. I like to watch. I just watch