Wintersleep: A Concert, An Introduction, A Revelation!

February 5th, 2008

When the hype machine decides to take a band and thrust them head first into the public consciousness, there would seem to be three options to consider: 1) ignore the hype 2) pay close attention and be ready to pounce on the negatives 3) pay close attention and let the positives consume all. Most concert goers with an open mind would probably fall somewhere between 2 and 3, but the warmth and honesty of Wintersleep leaves you no choice but to follow their blazing path to #3 and beyond.

The Phoenix was absolutely packed on Jan. 31, moreso than I have ever seen it, whether that be for a concert or a night of live-to-air mayhem. The energy was palpable was from the get go, 30 minutes before the band even got on stage! People were conversing, but people were ready. People were excited, but people were anxious. It’s as if there’s a certain smell in the air when fans, new and old, realize that something special is about to happen.

I’m a neophyte in the world of Wintersleep, having discovered them in the latter part of 2007, from such hook-filled songs as Archaeologists and Dead Letter & The Infinite Yes. If you can believe it, I was a latecomer to the majesty that is Weighty Ghost. That particular song is one that sifts and mingles more than effervescent singles! When it finally does hit you though, it’s one of those songs that has the power to stay in your head for weeks. Luckily I had my ticket to the show a few weeks in advance so I was able to familiarize myself with Wintersleep’s back catalogue, and I was astounded as to how strong it was. How had I not heard of them!? No matter though, I’ve heard of them now, and judging by the strength of their records and live act, you should make it a priority to know them too.

The band came out with a bang, performing an opus and new album track closer, Miasmal Smoke & The Yellow Bellied Freaks. The energy didn’t wane after 8 minutes of intense jamming, and in fact it got even stronger. The band played three potential hit songs from their new album within the first five songs, culminating with Weighty Ghost, a track so gob-smackingly good live you tell yourself that your ears are deceiving you, and then your ears tell you to shut up and enjoy the piece of wonderment in front of you. Touché ears, touché.

The band plays with such confidence, with such a friendly air of invitation that it feels as though you’ve known about Wintersleep and its members for years. I know nothing about Paul Murphy except for his exceptionally strong and vulnerable voice, and I know nothing about Loel Campbell except for his relentless, balls out attacking of his drum kit. I know a bit more now though. I am glad for this.

I was surprised to find that the loudest cheering of the show, at least as my ears could tell, came when the band played a song from their first record, called Orca. With almost the entire crowd singing, “I’ll be a killer whale, when I grow up, I’ll be a vulture, I’ll be an animal, a carnivore…” you half expected the band to usher in the beasts they mentioned, and for them to start performing. The magic of the show was such that a wild idea like that didn’t seem implausible. Alas, the only beast on stage was Wintersleep, proving they could slay a crowd with nary a physical touch.

If you’re into morals, the moral of this concert is that Wintersleep are a force – of nature, of music, of possibilities…don’t be surprised if you see these guys headlining festivals in the not-too-distant future, they have that much potential. Whatever you do, just don’t sleep on Wintersleep…

Set List:
Miasmal Smoke & The Yellow Bellied Freaks
Archaeologists
Caliber
Dead Letter & The Infinite Yes
Weighty Ghost
Murderer
?
Search Party
Jaws of Life
Sore
Oblivion
Laser Beams
Orca
Nerves Normal. Breath Normal.

Encore:
Drunk on Aluminum
Faithful Guide
Dance Macabre

Links:
MySpace: Wintersleep
Official Site: Wintersleep
MuchAXS: Wintersleep Videos

Posted on Tuesday, February 5th, 2008 at 1:17 pm by Chrissy and is filed under Concerts & Events.