Japandroids Tickets

The end of year stuff is upon us. After last nights Grammy Award Concert nonsense we can pretty much put a bow on the year in music, 2012. And it was another good one. Plenty of top 50 lists were released this week and this blog will probably be doing one in before years end You can take a look at Rolling Stone and Stereogum lists here. Tuesday a few of my personal favorites from 2012, Brooklyn's Diiv and Vancouver's Japandroids, shared Webster Hall's stage. It was the first of a two night stay and one of the last stops on a marathon tour for Japandroids. They played NYC earlier in the year supporting their marvelous sophomore LP, Celebration Rock. They are following today's rock and roll blue print for success. Put out an amazing record, sell it to whoever is buying (tv shows, commercials, itunes downloads), then tour the living hell out of it. In June these kids (Brian King-guitar/vocal and David Prowse drums/vocals) played the much smaller Bowery Ballroom. Less than half a year later they played to a sold out Webster Hall. The second date was added as a result of this records success (and the deserved reputation of a Japandroids live show.) Granted, King's voice was admittedly weaker due to the rigors of touring. He was quick to point this out early on in the show. "Can you guys help with this one? It requires a lot of high c's?" The notes folks, not the drink. But when I compare Japandroids to another duo that played Webster Hall days earlier (Tanlines review 11.30.12) it is like comparing apples to monkeys. It's the live drums I tell ya! And the energy! What an incredible energy! Two Canadian kids, a drummer who won't quit, guitars and screaming vocals and rowdy white kids drinking it up like so many draft beers at a frat party. This is testosterone rock. No frills, aggressive, sing along and smile rock. And the drums, the drums, the drums... Watching Prowse play is jaw dropping. Then he sings? Ugh. How on Earth do people possess this talent? His light gray shirt was drenched and black within a few songs. They opened with two crowd pleasers/radio hits from Celebration Rock: Adrenaline Nightshift and Fires Highway live from 2012 Pitchfork Festival. It was a strong beginning to a whirlwind hour long set. No ballads here folks. The artists were most grateful for the crowds attention and admiration. More than once King told them "You are keeping us alive." He even ignored their absurd "Let's Go Rangers" chants imploring them to 'Stop antagonizing him." He wanted only good vibes. But he did sneak in a "Rangers Suck, Canucks Rule!" line mid-set. They breezed through most of Celebration Rock and hit some numbers from their debut record too. It was a hard charging and enjoyable effort. Best of 2012? You bet. Expect more big things from these boys in the years to come. Think Black Keys from Canada, eh? Is MSG in their future? It is not as far fetched as you might think. Brooklyn's Diiv opened the evening with a brief set that highlighted their brilliant debut LP, Oshin. The LP plays like a moody, haunting soundtrack piece not unlike a Real Estate, Caveman, Grizzly Bear, and the rest of that laid back, new So-Cal rock records of the past few years. The live vibe is decidedly different. The bass line is heavy and LOUD. The guitars and jams are faster and more improvisational. At times it seemed like they were trying to play as fast as they can. It was as if someone was holding a gun to them from back stage. Must. Play. Notes. Quickly. All that said, they were still very much in control. The crowd that arrived for their set was older and very reserved. My thought is this time next year they are headlining here and more young kids will be on board. Diiv consists of Zachary Cole Smith (guitars/vocals/clearly influence by Kurt Cobain), Devin Ruben Perez (bass), Andrew Bailey (guitar), and Colby Hewitt (drums.)

Japandroids is the kinda of band that live is even better than at the records, they have an incredible energy that is contagious. Even if you don't know the songs you are going to be jumping around and enjoying the moment. Brian (the lead singer and guitar player) has that "thing" that lots of musicians doesn't have, he knows how to deal with his crowd in a particular way. You can expect lots of jokes from him and they are incredibly accessible. After the concert they just stayed on the stage talking to their fans and taking pictures. Never saw a medium size band like them doing that. If you have the chance to go to a Japandroids concert, do it. Because its really worth.

While they tried to rock it loud an proud, it was sort of a fail. There were was no variety in their sound and the stupid light show on the stage was blinding! I left after an hour, hopefully it got better.

I've never seen a musical act put on a show with more raw talent and energy than Dave and Brian gave at this show. Outrageously talented duo. Put on one hell of a show.

I haven't seen 2 people make this much music since the white stripes. What a great performance.

These guys had energy and tried to get the crowd going, but just really couldn't turn it over into a good show. I was always waiting for an amazing moment.

Spot on excellent energized performance! Played nearly every song that the band has ever written, really kept the crowd moving!!!

SO much fun. I've seen Japandroids twice, and both shows improved my life.

Me and my buddies had an amazing time. Brian and Dave were on top of their game. They played every song from Celebration Rock and almost every song from Post-Nothing. No songs from No Singles I'm afraid. Oh well, maybe next time. Oh yeah. To the guy next to the mosh pit who was overprotective of his girlfriend: Did you honestly expect that there was not going to be a mosh pit at a Japandroids show? Relax and have some fun. :)

flat out- these guys rock. seeing them at mercury lounge was awesome. they bring an awesome mix of energy and humor to their performance. definitely one of the harder rocking shows i have seen lately.