FOR THE RECORD- NEON INDIAN @ REPUBLIK MAY 1ST, 2012

I have been trying to apply the motto that parents taught their children growing up, “if you don’t have anything to nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” I’ve only had to walk out of a couple things in my life, first was Bob Dylan in 2002, I decided that I prefered to watch M. Night Shamayla’s “Signs” instead of trying to figure out what Bob Dylan was saying or singing. “The Grudge,” this was a free movie as well. Then last Tuesday, Neon Indian. Don’t get me wrong, my love of Neon Indian is still 100% intact, but after 6 songs my ears couldn’t handle it. The first song the static was unbelievable, this lead into the worst feedback I have heard in a live show. It drowned Alan Palomo vocals, and made me wish I brought ear plugs.

The stage prescene was there, Alan exchanging high fives with the crowd. I had a couple other people I knew in the crowd that loved the show. There is a part of me that blames myself for not shuffle around to find a better place to stand. One of our writers Sarah Little was there, and I asked her to write up a couple things for me on her take of the show.

Amidst the fog and flashing lights engulfing the crowd, Neon Indian took the stage last night at the Republik.  Following Silent Diane and Lemonade, the night carried the air of 80’s revival from floor to stage.  Alan, lead vocals for Neon Indian, graced the stage with such confidence and took the energy in the room soaring through their set.  The true talent these guys embody shines through on stage, and they sound as if you are playing a Neon Indian record (the most crisp, pure way to enjoy music). 

 My favorite part of the show was the way lead vocals Alan Palomo, danced around the stage (very Molly Ringwald circa The Breakfast Club) with such inhibition and freedom while rocking the keyboard.  The set, I felt, was very inspired, allowing the crowd in that moment to be whoever they wanted to be.  This is the vibe I generally get while listening to Neon Indian, let it be about the moment, the music and the person you feel you are on the inside and celebrate it all at the same time.

 Neon Indian played a fantastic show, covering many of their crowd – pleasing favorites including Polish Girl and Deadbeat Summer.  The fan following for these fine young gents is quite impressive as I found that they are new news to a lot of people withinCalgary.  Their songs are ones you want to crank while in the shower, while driving and pretty much any given time you want a little extra pep in your step!”

A friend of mine, Adam Goring (drummer for Calgary’s own Run Romeo Run) and I were texting back and forth, he was having the same issue with the feedback, but he soon moved to the dance floor. He said “the highs are killing me. Sound guys ears must be blown out. Sound great from the dance floor.” He also liked the stage performance the band gave as well.

 Another friend and local Calgary artist, Ashleigh Bartlett, had this to say “While the overarching feel of the show was interesting, the vocals were masked by an enormous muffle of static. Strings of noise overlapped and battled with the acoustics of the room. If Neon Indian had played any of my favorite songs (I should have taken acid with you, Psychic Chasms, Polish Girl) they fell into a fog and I couldn’t make out one song to the next. The band engaged the audience through movement, dancing, clapping, and bright lights, but this collision of sound forced me and many others out of the venue early. A live performance that served for the eyes rather than the ears.”

Numerous twitters, instagram, and facebook updates also made me start thinking this was a case of “It’s not you Neon Indian, it’s me. But I still want you in my life.”

DB

Thanks to Sarah, Adam, and Ashleigh for their take on the show.