Experiencing Bliss

A Concert Description

I am not sure that I could ever fully communicate the experience of this Friday past to anyone, verbally or otherwise. Perhaps a full video documentary would do it justice, but even then it would have to be a fairly detailed one as even capturing the feeling of the audience would prove difficult: possibly. Nevertheless, I feel inspired to try.

The lights went down, the room remained lit only be a few chandeliers of red light hanging from the sixty foot ceiling. Webster Hall is kind of a cool place, it is quite large, and whatever building it is in is some sort of mix between ornate and old fashioned. It was probably built during New York's heyday. The venue is upstairs with some sort of intermediary venue on the entry level, and in between is all

sorts of strange dimly lit hallways and staircases (probably marble, who knows) which made for a difficult journey getting out, but was still neat. The energy inside is probably the hardest thing to put into words. I suppose for any concert people get excited and all that, but it was somehow different for Mew. Once the lights went out, it was as if everyone became a family. Where once one would be annoyed by all the close proximity people bumping and others shoving their way by, one was now not only indifferent, but welcoming of others inviting themselves into ones personal space; hoping that others could see as well. Silas Bjerre, the drummer was the first to take the stage, entering from stage right and sitting at the drums, which were also stage right, which was a welcome change from having them in the very back. There was a little track playing, but the music really began with this vicious drum beat, to which the guitar player, nay virtuoso, Bo Madsen entered and took up his part of an unknown, near-funk-jam opening number. The fellow on keys followed and added a few little parts to this intro and the bass player entered, and last the frontman Jonas Utke Graae Jorgenson. Jonas was handed a guitar, and seamlessly the band picked up the intro track to their opus ...And The Glass Handed Kites, a track titled 'Circuitry of the Wolf'. It is hard to describe how talented these guys really are. Their command of dynamics and timing is really amazing to witness. They are certainly masters of their craft, and it helps that it is clear how much they enjoy making music with each other. A marvelous addition to their performance were occasional (never over-used, but always there when you needed it) videos, animated by Jonas, and possibly some artists they know. The set unfolded without a hitch, or a dull moment. It was a perfect selection of order, emotion, and intensity. A handful of delightful numbers in, just when you were thinking a break would be nice, they would say 'thank you', and entered a short solo period for Jonas on keys, then they would build back up, with a short track by the band sans Jonas, then all would come together and play a few more. Altogether they played seventeen songs (certainly 'Introducing the Palace Players', track two off of the latest album, was a highlight), plus two as an encore, and probably lasted close to two hours. They did not speak much and it was exactly what you wanted. Most of their transitions were led by the synths, and once by a video that became a speaking dog of some sort.

Jonas is one of the most awkward frontmen you will ever see, but somehow it is just right. He has a way of standing almost perfectly still, singing with great posture, and then pausing and looking around, quite straight-faced, during downtimes. Though he struggled at times during the performance, he still was able to amaze with his range and dynamics. He does get into the music on occasion, and moves a little, but most of his expression is with his hands. Otherwise, he is all business, and despite himself is quite charismatic. It is hard to watch anybody else, you find yourself watching him, wondering what he will do next, what he might be thinking.

The light show was one of the more entertaining aspects of the show. Aside from the great lighting provided by a truss that they must travel with, the videos were an integral part of the light show. At times the large screen at the back of the stage would have animations to go along with the songs, and that coupled with great use of strobes and backlight was really a perfect aide on the emotional journey. High energy movements would have tons of light along with it, sometimes even just lines on the screen moving quickly made you feel like you were moving from where you were, and in your mind, you really were.

The whole experience took you to a place that you always wanted to go, but never knew existed.

And the entire crowd experience was unlike I have ever witnessed. Aside from the passionate fans singing along (never to the point that it was annoying (somehow even the fans were appropriate) just when it was big enough to merit) it was all so joyful, even when brushed past you would look at your neighbors, and they just could not stop smiling. To say it was all surreal would probably be cliche, but there is not another way to describe it that I can think of.

I wish everyone, everywhere could have experienced that night. The world would be better off with a wonderful memory like that to keep it warm.

Warmest regards dear Frengers,

Post Script: For additional (and decent quality) photos, please visit Brooklyn Vegan's post about the subject.

Post Post Script: Do your ears a favor and listen to the new track from the upcoming Jonsi solo release. Due out in March 2010. Oh my.