Return of Art Brut, Chapter 2: The Concert

Art Brut; White Rabbits
@ Highline Ballroom
New York, NY - July 9, 2007

The bunch of dweebs known as Art Brut played for a crowd packed with dweebs, singing songs about being dweebs and the good things that can happen when dweebs get revenge by becoming rock stars. Oh, there were some hip people in the back and in the booths.
One of the most fun live bands I've seen in some time, Eddie Argos and his gang are having fun playing silly rock n roll and there is nothing wrong with that.
Eddie shaved the 'stache! He no longer looks like Alfred Molina - well not as much anyway.

I first caught White Rabbits last year when they opened for Asobe Seksu and Pas/Cal and I forgot all about them until I looked them up after the Siren schedule was announced. That tells you something right there. The songs aren't bad - at least a couple are certified winners - and the sound at the Merc was off so they had a shot at doing it right this time. They sounded better but still need to cheer up and have a good time. Especially compared to Art Brut.

The Highline Ballroom is, on the whole, a terrific new venue - great sound, great lighting, and it has FOOD. A rock n roll dream come true for some aging oldheads like myself, similar to S.O.B.'s but with a balcony, the Highline offers an impressive menu in a sleek setting that contrasts nicely with the general theme of rock n roll bands on the calendar. I never thought I could write that I saw Art Brut whilst eating salmon tartini with sauteed spinach but alas I can. A bit pricey though.
One sour note: a bad house DJ. Foo Fighters? Red Hot Chili Peppers? What is this, K-Rock?

Alternate titles for this review include the following:
"Go Art Brut, Go!"
"Dinner and a Date with Art Brut"
"Top of the Pops!"

Pics here