Thus begins my string of negative reviews. We weren’t going to be pleased by all of these shows – so I might as well just let you know from the start: I did not like A Place To Bury Strangers. If you’re one of those folks who hate on people disagreeing with you and that statement goes against everything you stand for, then bring it on. I like to hear another side and I accept that I may catch some flak for this. But be forewarned, if you choose the other side, the dark side (I’m such a hypocrite), do offer an explanation and analysis. Because what I heard of APTBS at Coney Island on Saturday was messy, and their stage presence was underwhelming at best, leaving the show pretty darn forgetful.
Mindfully thinking, they did play when the sun was ablaze, yet summertime is no time to lose your grip on an outdoors show. A Place To Bury Strangers have been playing New York City for quite some time now (4-5 years?), so they must have something in their live shows that wasn’t happening at Siren. Or maybe they don’t, and that’s why it’s taken them so long to “break out” to people outside the indie mecca of NYC. I don’t know. Musically, the bass was way too loud and the guys just sang low voiced gurgles with a bunch of background clutter, which I guess was supposedly an accurate portrayal of “psychedelica” to some people. If by psychedelica you mean “absent”, then I wholeheartedly agree. Sadly, that can be taken literally too: I actually saw several individuals leave during their first couple songs (though, that isn’t entirely fair – even more people – including me – left upon first listen to Future of the Left’s show. Oh god. Good thing I’m not reviewing them, eh? You can read Jamie’s take on that one.)
More photos after the jump.
[All photos by James B. Hale/Knox Road from Siren Music Festival]
Who books this band? I saw them last year at the Siren after-party, and I can honestly say that they and THE DRONES are the two crappiest bands I have ever heard.