Last night featured a stacked free show at House Of Vans featuring performances from Future Islands, Operators, Omar Souleyman, Mas Ysa. With free beer attached to a lineup as solid as that, the show was very much filled to capacity. The venue filled up so fast that some fans who RSVP’d were shut out of the show even though they were waiting on line (I had a few friends who unfortunately didn’t make it in). I covered the sets from both Future Islands and Operators, and got some photos as well.
Operators are the new project led by Dan Boeckner, a band who I have been posting about here quite a bit, although their debut EP was just released earlier this week. Last night’s show was the first of their current tour with Future Islands. With somewhat limited time, the set was a bit shorter than their first NYC show which took place at Baby’s All Right last June. Even so, the band ran through their dance-rock songs in furious fashion that was every bit as attention grabbing as it was a genuinely fun time. Although they were the openers, they were headlining material good. They delivered powerful songs that make you eager to completely lose your shit and cut loose. There’s no doubt that Operators are going to explode in a big way come 2015.
It seems like Future Islands just keep on climbing the ladder of success, getting bigger and bigger with each show. Although this was their first show of their new tour, the band were in tip-top form; no surprise as they’ve been touring seemingly non-stop all year. They brought all the refined energy and power that comes when you’re lead by a frontman as captivating as Sam Herring. No matter how many times you see him peform, you can’t help but be left in complete awe by his presence on stage. From his seductive vocals (or the violent screams that they often shift to), to his well documented dance moves, the man will capture your attention. He leaves it all on stage, not concerned about anyones judgements. His only concern is being present with his audience and being true to himself. When you watch him give his all on stage, it becomes transcendent, and you as an audience member become lost in it all.
The set was favorable to career-changing new album Singles, but they still gave us amazing performances of old-favorites such as “Vireo’s Eye” and “Tin Man.” It didn’t matter what they played, they were able to make each performance as memorable as the last. It’s easy to just focus on Herring while they’re playing, but you can’t forget how crucial every member is to the band. With Herring’s at the front, keyboardist Gerrit Welmers, basssit William Cashion, and touring drummer Michael Lowry are able to provide the musical backbone, keeping everything running smooth and tight. They’re the perfect compliment to their frontman’s theatrics.
2014 has been very kind to Future Islands; you could make a case that it’s been their year. They’ve finally broken through, but they certainly haven’t peaked. They’re on their way to a much bigger place, but I have no doubt that they’ll still be able to amaze in the same way, if not more.
Photos of both Future Islands and Operators posted below.
Future Islands:
Operators:
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