It was a night of great music for me last night, beginning at Hank’s Saloon, where I was introduced to the speed metal of bass and drums duo Bot. I am all for gender equality, so I feel a little weird about even making a big deal about the fact that the incredible drummer was female, but it seems unfortunately rare and special to see such a spectacle that it merits distinction. She totally rips, and she looks euphoric doing it. Actually, although I claim it to be rare, three of the bands I heard last night had fantastic female drummers. It is inspiring to see and I hope someday it will be too commonplace to be worth mentioning in even a blog.
Family Fun has earned the distinction of my favorite local band to see. Formed about 6 months ago, they have got their act down: tight, heavy and fast with lyrics and banter to put a huge smile on your face. Full disclaimer: they are also some of my best friends, which means seeing them is a party with all my friends. They are like my personal house band and I had the honor of purchasing their first band T-shirt. Fun Times.
The next stop in the evening was Bowery Ballroom for Dan Deacon and his 15 piece ensemble. Teeth Mountain, consisting of the ensemble, jammed a heavy tribal electro vibe and Future Islands kept the floor pounding with endless beats and a raspy, soulful voice. Both very fun, but still just a warm up for the wizard, Dan Deacon. He is a science guy run amok in the art world and he is redefining the relationship between performer and audience. Being at his show was like being in one of my preschool classes: he had the entire bowery ballroom playing dance games. He would ask us to clear a space and like parting seas, the floor would open up as people pressed into each other. In the center, one person would begin a dance that everyone would copy, or run in a circle and pull people along after him (the hope was to get everyone running in a circle, but Dan had to stop the game — just like I have to in my classes — for safety because people were falling all over one another in late show sloppiness). The highlight was the human tunnel where two people hold hands high and everyone else goes underneath, forming a longer tunnel when they come out the end. This tunnel led from the dance floor down the front stairs through the basement bar, up the rear stairs and back onto the floor. It was amazing first dancing through it, then watching everyone else dance under my arms; it reminded me of my role in Hell House, confronting every audience member as they walked by my ironically sinful soul, but it was a connection to the audience that I have never experienced at a music venue. All these games would be completely pointless if the music failed to inspire the audience to convulse their bodies, but that is where Dan Deacon is an expert, playing fast, fun and exciting music that unleashes us from social rigidity. Music is communication, community and unites us in joy.