Last night’s MGMT show at The National was a sweaty, sticky-floored mass of bodies, but I mean that mostly in a good way. Okay, the beer-slicked sloped floor that caused me to land on my ass (or more correctly, my tail bone) left something to be desired, but all that was forgotten during Violens set. Their 80s influenced Brit pop sound is so right up my alley, but honestly, I can’t imagine anyone who appreciates well-crafted pop sensibilities, classic harmonies and that jittery post-punk guitar sound (a personal favorite) not seeing these guys for that they are: an undiscovered gem. The lead singer acknowledged to me later at their merch table that the sound quality wasn’t quite right for their set and he was right. But even compromised sound couldn’t disguise the shimmering sound that defines Violens.

MGMT’s psychedelic pop set was exactly what you’d expect after a few listens to their CD, Oracular Spectacular. Fun, poppy and hard not to move to.But it’s Violens I’m looking forward to seeing headline next time I see them so I can hear a longer set of their 80s pop perfection.

Posted by Karen Newton in
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