Sitting on my couch watching M2 these past few months, I have become increasingly disgruntled with the new vanguard of indie-rock starlets. It seems that every five minutes some new mop-topped, Prada-sporting cakeboys are poised to “save rock ‘n’ roll as we know it” and usher in the neo-Lou Reed, post-Seattle sound. Cases in point: The Strokes and Sigur Ros, both of whom have been critically acclaimed, with the street buzz to match. Both bands have yet to “save rock,” and played somewhat tepid shows in D.C.
Subsequently, I have been wary both of the nu-skool Black Cat Club and of my more “indie” friends’ latest offerings. My fears were partially mollified this past weekend, however, when I was introduced to the the French Kiss Records premier of Rhode Island’s finest: Les Savy Fav.
Upon hearing Go Forth, I could scarcely reconcile the sonic oddity on which I had embarked with my recollections of the eccentric fivesome. My first introduction to the group took place in October of last year, as the Fav opened a powerhouse lineup including the Murder City Devils and At the Drive In; a tall order, to say the least.
Perhaps it was their unrefined sound, characteristic of their early Southern Records art-rock travesties, 3/5 and Emor, or that I was waiting for the headliners, but the Fav’s musical stylings were somewhat unmemorable. What I do vividly recall, however, is the on-stage depravity of lead vocalist Tim Harrington.
Imagine a senile, portly uncle stumbling into Thanksgiving dinner and making an ass of himself?that is a step towards understanding the palpable awkwardness of the experience. Indeed, Mr. Harrington, who resembles a latter-day Allen Ginsburg, did his amphetamine-driven best to put on a combination interpretive dance, primal scream and unintelligible existential oration, backed by a quirky art-pop orchestra. Highlights included Harrington nearly swallowing the microphone while teetering on the edge of the stage, spitting and screaming profanity at the crowd. I misinterpreted the bands name, and just attributed the display to the group’s Frenchness.
Les Savy Fav are not, in fact, French. Their RISD-grown sound, however, has matured and improved considerably with age, much like a fine wine. Go Forth is an ironic and unpretentiously poppy indie gem, and given the opportunity to headline their own bill, Les Savy Fav will deliver a remarkable, if twisted set.
I seriously doubt that Les Savy Fav will “save rock” for the time being, but they, along with openers The Apes, will provide an interesting evening diversion on Dec. 7 at the Black Cat.
You can, and will, find the Black Cat at 1811 14th St., N.W.
