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Though it's an open question as to whether D.C.'s rock scene has sacrificed quality for quantity, there is no denying a time when there were not that many places for a rock band to play in this city. "During college, the music scene was a bit struggling, especially in the Georgetown area," says The Bravery's guitarist and Georgetown University alum Michael Zakarin, "but I was at the Black Cat or the 9:30 every weekend. It's a great feeling to come back and play the places I used to go." Zakarin's compatriots also have D.C. area roots as singer Sam Endicott went to Georgetown Day and bassist Mike H. is from Falls Church. The band is currently on tour in support of their recently released second album, The Sun and The Moon. Last night, the prodigal sons returned to a sold-out 9:30 for a tight and energetic set of new wave inspired rock before their very appreciative hometown fans.
The Bravery is often compared to The Killers in that both bands are flag-bearers of the recent New Wave revival. The comparisons continue as The Killers' second recording, Sam's Town, saw the band attempting to break away from their dance-rock sound by recording Joshua Tree-esque paens to Americana that are full of pomp with little punch. Similarly, The Bravery, at this early point in their career, lack the authenticity needed to pull off the role of "serious musicians." The band's attempt at earnestness falls a bit short and it was even more obvious in the live setting, but the more contemplative songs from their second album were the only weak points of an otherwise excellent performance.
Photo from The Bravery's MySpace page
The evening's proceedings began with Denver's The Photo Atlas. Meticulously coiffed frontman Alan Andrews, who celebrated a birthday last night, led his cohorts, which included Animal-like drummer Devon S., through a thirty minute set of standard indie rock fare. The second half of the set offered a few slightly different rhythmic twists that their small, young, and enthusiastic following seemed to appreciate. Hailing from the U.K., The Cinematics brought the retro-New Wave vibe to full effect in both look and sound. The quartet of skinny musicians sporting skinny ties offered a polished sound with soaring melodies and textured arrangements that recalled the brit-pop of The Cure, The Smiths, and Duran Duran. The performance was strong and the music, though quite derivative of its influences, was an enjoyable listen.
The main set began with pulsating green lights and the powerful beat of "Fearless," a track from The Bravery's first album. Other tracks from the first album included the hit single, "An Honest Mistake," as well as the new Denis Leary anthem "Public Service Announcement." The energy of both the band and the audience remained high as they continued the set with synth-driven, euro-pop numbers from the new record, such as the ridiculously catchy "Bad Sun." However, some of the material from the second album detracted from the flow of the set. The new single, "Time Won't Let Me Go," drew a fairly lukewarm response from an otherwise boisterous crowd, and the shuffling "This Is Not the End" drew little more than the obligatory rock club head-bob. The group came back to form with more driving numbers from both albums that had a lot of the crowd jumping up and down by show's end.
The Bravery have certainly paid their dues and it was clear from the moment they stepped on stage that the band was a group of road warriors. Taking time to recognize specific fans and acknowledge their D.C. roots, the band, like all strong performers, has certainly developed a relationship with its audience. Everyone in the group has the rock star thing down, though we suggest that frontman Endicott spend a little time working on his Roger Daltrey microphone windmills, because right now it looks a bit silly. Also, don't forget your keyboard player guys! He seemed a bit all-by-his-lonesome back there. The band gets our respect for not resting on its laurels by trying something different with the new material, though it seems they over-compensated just a tad. Regardless of how the second album fares, The Bravery is a strong live band and they proved it with last night's performance.
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I missed them - waited too long to get tickets. With all due respect to the band, I never thought the show would sell out (I always felt they just missed the superstardom given to bands like the Killers). Oh well. I'll see them next time, I hope. I love this band.
I agree with this review. The new songs were total buzzkill, but the "classic" ones rocked as always. Plus, the confetti gun is JUST the ridiculous over-the-top shit I expect from The Bravery. That being said, I can't think of one reason to ever see them again until their next album comes out (and that album doesn't suck as the new one does).
The opening bands were both awful. All about making cool hipster haircut new-wave synth rock, but they just forgot to write actual songs.
Mitch, if it's the Bravery you liked, and Cinematics you didn't, you go to the front of the line for "follow-the-herd" tastes in music.