The Constantines @ Phoenix Concert Theatre

May 5th, 2008

The shock and awe of the latest Constantines show has finally worn off. I now feel comfortable writing about them, the show, and my personal reflection on them playing a show. It’s a good thing too… I just heard they are playing another show tonight. It may be days before I’m fully functional again.

First, and most obviously, The Constantines are amazing. Let’s just put that out there. They offer up a complete package of rock covering lyrics, tone, hooks, percussion etc. They’ve even got a little bit of anti-authority thrown into the mix for good measure. What’s more encouraging about this band is that they are only getting better over time. Their sound has evolved over the years into something tighter and more mature; However, their latest offering Kensington Heights maintains the essence of The Constantines seen on their self-titled debut in 2001.

Combine all of that into an hour and a half long set at the Phoenix and you’ve got a recipe for a great night out. It’s also helpful if you mistakenly find yourself in The Constantines Family Section – more on that in a second.

For me, the show last week started off a little after 9pm when Kat and I arrived at the venue. We caught some of Attack in Black from the bar and waited until The Constantines took stage to move closer to the front.

This show was my first chance to see Attack in Black live but my anticipation level was high. Attack in Black had started by the time we arrived but were only one or two songs into it their set. While the band was on tour in the UK friends of mine had a chance to interview Attack in Black. They all came back and told me great things about this band. For the thirty to fourty minutes that I watched them they played very well. Sadly, I didn’t know many of their songs so I didn’t fully enjoy the experience. That said, I’m looking forward to brushing up on their repertoire and seeing them headline a show.

Then, The Constantines. Yes! Despite the fact that I’ve seen The Constantines many times before, this show felt like a first. This was the biggest venue I’d seen them play…except V-fest, of course, but they didn’t headline that did they, smart guy? At this show I got the distinct sense that The Constantines were trying to reach a bigger audience. To their credit, this audience was both big AND loud.

Perhaps the biggest, loudest section of the crowd was what I refer to as The Constantines Family Section. Present at last week’s show was a large contingent of the band’s friends and family. Yes, mothers were present. If I needed anymore reason to like The Constantines it’s this: their moms LOVED the show. For me, the show was infinitely cooler knowing I was surrounded by the band’s original fans.

Highlights of the show were:

Soon Enough – This is one of those songs that, if you aren’t ready, it will make you cry. It pretty much captures, for me, the age 23 and onward in song form.

Arizona – I remember where and when I first heard this track. I was instantly hooked.

There is one downside of their steady rise upward; we’re unlikely to see an album CD case as awesome as the initial run of ‘The Constantines’. The upside is the fact that the band is now part of the Arts & Crafts family. Made official sometime in January (but first alluded to at V-fest last year) The Constantines are now label-mates with Apostle of Hustle, Feist and Broken Social Scene to mention a few… oh wait, don’t forget the Dears and Stars. My hope, ney, my firm belief is that this new love-merger between Arts and Crafts / The Constantines will lead to something great. Can I get a witness.

Posted on Monday, May 5th, 2008 at 5:35 pm by loyalj and is filed under Concerts & Events.