Best
Coast, Free Energy and
Loose Limbs
American Express
River to River Festival
Seaport
July 23, 2010
Written by Geoff Leung
Photographed by Amy Davidson
Opposite Photo
:Free Energy
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Paul Spranger of Free Energy
Having read Rolling Stone's endorsement
of Free Energy. I was honestly expecting much less.
Let's be honest, when was the last time Rolling
Stone got anything right? The group, in particular
lead singer Paul Spranger, look like kids who grew
up listening to 70s rock instead of 90s rock. But
the band ignited the crowd and for the length of
the set it didn't feel like there was a moment of
rest. Jumping on every big thump, the Hanson-look
alikes danced around the stage, easily navigating
between guitar solos and hooks.
Paul Spranger of Free Energy
There aren't a lot of bands that make good guitar-rock
music today, and the ones who do, sometimes take
themselves too seriously. Something about playing
a decent guitar solo makes a band think that they
suddenly deserve rock-god respect. Free Energy played
an unpretentious set that was great because they
didn't pretend to be something they're not. Leaving
the histrionics to The Antlers (who played the night
before at River Rocks), they looked like five friends
jamming in their basement, having more fun than
anyone should in 75% humidity. Being genuine doesn't
get as much credit as it deserves. It doesn't hurt
when your band chemistry is as good as theirs, or
when James Murphy produces your records. Murphy's
fingerprints are especially apparent in comparison
to Hockey Night (the St. Paul, MN indie band where
Spranger and both Wells originated). The tight grooves
are precocious for a band this young; but so is
their effervescent stage presence.
Bethany Cosentino of Best
Coast
The buzz that follows Best Coast right now can't
get much louder. The carefree band jams about things
considered serious only by teenage girls . In a
60's pop revival, Bethany Cosentino and Co. are
making critically acclaimed pop music with straightforward
vocals and simpler lyrics. Having streamed the LP,
Crazy For You, I knew what to expect, and
seemingly so did everyone else. For better or worse
the group's songs rarely exceed the 2:30 mark, and
in that way the ADD and instant-gratification-seeking
music fans can easily find something to like about
them. It will take them at least two more full-lengths
to have enough material to play a headlining set.
Ali Koehler of Best Coast
Their sound is simple, yet unique, and if Bethany
Costino had a contemporary it would probably be
the Acid-Tongue's
Jenny Lewis. In a recent interview, Costino
admitted to idolizing Lewis as a teen. I wouldn't
have thought it until seeing her live, but between
her white-rimmed wayfarers and short shorts there
isn't a better comparison. There is a difference
in style though--Jenny has a country inclination
and Bethany has a 60's one.
Bobb Bruno of Best Coast
Writing buddy and bassist, Bobb (yes, three b's
in Bobb) Bruno let his heavy metal hair thrash around
in the way you expect to see on a stage fronted
by a mosh pit. The highlight of their set was not
my favorite Best Coast recording ("Boyfriend"),
but "I Want You." It started slowly and
honestly, boringly even, but finished in a surprising
and rapturous climax. There wasn't a better late-afternoon
band on this sweltering Friday.
Loose Limbs should have felt a bit out of place;
however, their brand of raw rock that fits its vocals
in between its guitar phrases was unphased by a
bill featuring the simplest kind of pop and the
tightest kind of rock. Their single "Red Hands"
typified the band's dynamic: the lead singer pre-occupied
with playing guitar, the drummer staring off into
space, and the only real energy coming from the
bassist. The band's use of a standing drummer is
unique, and keeps their drumming sound sparse at
times. I appreciate the idea to make all three band
members appear equal, but there's a reason most
bands put their most charismatic members up front.
Maybe lead singer, Corinne Caouette, just hasn't
developed enough of a stage presence to stand front
and center.
http://www.myspace.com/jennylewismusic
http://www.myspace.com/bestcoast
http://www.myspace.com/looselimbsbrooklyn
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