Brightest Young Things

words by Pat Longstreth, photos by Dakota

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A large crowd had already filled the 9:30 club by the time Chairlift opened. They produce an impressive amount of sound with only three people. Each member could be often seen switching instruments from song to song, but Caroline Polachek’s voice remained the signature of the band. From her famous bird calls that landed them an iPod commercial (“Bruises”) to her low brooding tales of lost love, I was hooked.  But as her singing became more and more passionate, I began to question my first impressions.  Is she an out-of-control rock star? Or a psycho ex-girlfriend?... Fiest? Or Bjork?... Hot? Or not?

Its normally a bad thing when a band’s most memorable performance is a cover song.  But when that cover is Snoop Dog’s “Sensual Seduction” (originally “Sexual Eruption”) and the hot lead singer is looking directly at me, well, that is okay. The crowd lit up. My once tenuous love for Caroline was now a fortress built on solid rock. She finished with a surprise improv operetta that transported me to that scene in 5th element when the blue chick flexes her alien pipes. I didn’t know humans could sing like that. It was pure rapture.

PB+J came out singing “Just the Past” - a slow song about parents or something.  Some bands must be experienced with a lover (i.e. Devotchka, M. Ward, Tom Petty, etc.).  I began to get a little worried this would be one of those concerts where couples spoon-sway while I stand there forlorn, with a water in my hand. Fortunately, however, PBJ reached dance-ability within three songs or less. John was jamming on top of the speakers and bouncing around the stage like a frog. The shoeless fan in front of me was sweating his troubles out. A 6’5” ogre almost had a seizure during “I’m Losing My Mind.”

The band began passing slips of paper to the audience. What are those things?... Who cares! I MUST have one!  I must have two more for that girl over there and her friend!  Oooo, Oooo, Oooo, give me some! I was crushed by a sea of eager beavers collecting what turned out to be masks of PB+J’s faces. In a few minutes there were six Peters, eight Bjorns, and ten Johns on stage.

Then there was the first encore. John was suddenly wearing all black. His nice-guy McCartney impression turned to a more spastic Ian Curtis inspired rock out cover of Joy Division’s “Transmission.” While he rolled around on stage in a rhythmic fit, Peter was up on the speaker touching fans with his guitar. White people were dancing. This was more than just a car commercial jingle band.

I have to hand it to all the band members for really singing to the audience and not at them. They were actually looking us in the eyes, giving us high-fives, and showing genuine interest in how we were doing.  I was amazed to see them at the merchandise stand after the show laughing it up and signing face masks. For once, seeing a group of happy, sober guys making great music left me with a very positive vibe.

Previously in Live DC:

• 2/9: LiveDC: Theophilus London @ 930 Club
• 2/9: Best Weekend Bets
• 2/8: LiveDC: Kathleen Edwards @ 930 Club
• 2/8: LiveDC: Thurston Moore/ Kurt Vile @ Black Cat
• 2/8: LiveDC: Thurston Moore/ Kurt Vile @ Black Cat
• 2/7: LiveDC: Demetri Martin @ Warner Theatre
• 2/7: LiveDC: Augustana/ Graffiti6 @ 930 Club
• 2/6: LiveDC: All Things Go Presents: Reptar/ Casual Curious/ Fort Lean @ Gibson Guitar Showroom
• 2/6: LiveDC: TYCHO/ Beacon @ RNR Hotel
• 2/6: LiveDC: The Kills / Jeff The Brotherhood @ 9:30 Club