Apr 28 2008 9:51 am,
MGMT / Howlin' Rain
Slims,
24/04/2008
MGMT's live shows might not yet contain the oddball brilliance that permeates everything else they do but, if anything, they’re an opportunity to see that behind the futuristic-pagan dresswear and spaceage apocalyptic videos, here is a band with a spellbinding arsenal of songs. For a band who are so mind-bendingly creative, onstage things remain uncomplicated. The duo are bolstered to a five-piece, there's no lights - quite literally in the near pitch-black of opening song 'Weekend Wars' - and no backdrop. There is, though, the glorious sound of a band marching firmly towards the summer festivals with a siege in mind.
First though, there's the muddy stoner-rock of Howlin' Rain, for whom no solo is too long, no beard too bushy and no head too bald for a 45-minute come 500-year long set of self-indulgent fret-wankery. They may be local favourites, probably because they're the last remaining dregs of the summer of love, but there’s good reason as to why their coma-rock hasn't been heard outside of San Fran. Peace, love and Joe Satriani solos, maaan.
MGMT are as far from soporific as you can get, though. If previous live shows suggested that they might never match the kaleidoscopic hurricanes of 'Oracular Spectacular' onstage, then tonight they’re dispelled. They begin with the Bowie-esque swirls of 'Weekend Wars', whilst 'The Handshake' and 'Of Moons, Birds And Monsters' are stompier, amped-up cousins of their recorded counterparts, both given a final flourish of proggy, extended outros. The rapturous receptions that accompany 'Time To Pretend' and 'Electric Feel', meanwhile, suggest both are becoming the genuine neo-classic anthems they deserve to be. Tonight may be lacking a visceral thrill, but MGMT pack an exhilarating sonic punch that'll uppercut its way through Glasto, Reading et al with ease. Not spectacular, then, but fast becoming it...
Niall Doherty
