Confetti...check. Hand bells...check. Comical frontman...check. More confetti...triple check.
Going into the show, I honestly had no idea what to expect from indie rockers OK Go. I mean, I've seen their videos. Who hasn't? The elaborately choreographed "Here It Goes Again" - aka the treadmill video - saw over a million views in just its first six days on YouTube.
Definitely known for their creativity and DIY attitude, OK Go is the poster child for bands striving to be successful without a label. And they most certainly know how to put on a super fun live show - the best way to find a fan in me.
Selling out The Parish in Austin on May 19, 2010, OK Go proved they have the perfect mix of elements to really draw an audience into their musical web. I danced my little heart out, which I probably owe my thanks to their latest album, Of the Blue Colour of the Sky (2010), as it is touted as the most funky and dancey of their three LPs. I left the show feeling rejuvenated...straight up.
The visual elements of the show - warm lighting and random screen projections mixed in with video streaming from the main mic - were executed just right. And I must say the confetti really was a great touch. Not only did I get some rad photos, but it just makes you want to party, ya know?
And party we did, which definitely did not go unnoticed by Damian Kulash (lead vocals, guitar).
"I'm getting the distinct feeling the reason you people are over in the auxilary section is not because you're late," Kulash bantered while trying to get the crowd to sing "This Too Shall Pass," the show closer. "It's because you want to be close to the alcohol. Yeah, because you guys are good, loud and rowdy. And you people kind of sound like pussies."
Kulash's quirky and comfortable humor definitely had me laughing out loud several times throughout the show. I mean, we've all encountered musicians who just aren't real good at the whole banter thing. Well, that's not the case for Kulash - and you can tell his comical ramblings are not forced in the slightest. In fact, I sometimes forgot I was there for the music and not the stand up. I guess it's no surprise then that OK Go was the wedding band that played alongside Paul Rudd and Jason Segel in 2009's I Love You, Man. Actually, I'd say it's fitting.
Oh, and the whole band seems to be comprised of some really down-to-earth, nice dudes. They even welcomed a group of elementary school children to scope 'em out during their soundcheck, which I snapped a few photos at. Roxwel also filmed an interview with Kulash and Tim Nordwind (bass, vocals) before shooting the first few songs of the show...be on the lookout for the footage!
by @crunchyMunckin