The Kooks opened up and gave a straight forward, lackluster performance. That’s not to say that the band was lackluster – after 8 years of performing they still put energy (can’t with all certainty so “their all” though) into their songs, but that’s still somehow not quite enough. And they don’t have a whole lot of interaction with the audience outside of saying thank you for coming and singing Foster the People’s praises for letting them tour with them. And guys (the band and who ever helps set up their stage show), the bright lights are alright but not when you’re just waving them around the stage and into the crowd (thanks for the eye damage). Put up a banner or something! Promote yourselves and give the people something else to look at besides a black curtain. And maybe wear something other than jeans and t-shirts. Although I’m sure a lot of fans appreciate that kind of humble consistency. It was just my first time seeing them (and hearing some of their songs) and I would’ve appreciated feeling something more/having something else more stirred inside me than foot tapping and head bobbing.
Now I have to admit, part of the reason (to be read “the only reason”) I went up there to see Foster was because it had been presented to me as Foster the People and Kimbra. From that I assumed that Kimbra was going to have her own full set, and I was super amped for that. She is such a unique artist who most people only refer to as “that girl from the Gotye song” (despite having at least 2 CD’s under her belt), so I was very excited to see what she could do. Her voice – wow. Her style – love it. Her energy – you can tell it’s there. So much potential. But neigh, it was not meant to be. She was only there to perform WITH Foster the People, and even then it was only one song and you could barely hear her. Bummer. But she was cute and I at least got to see more of her crazy fashion sense.
But Foster the People already had a strike against them in my eyes when they came onto the stage (since I was expecting Kimbra). Imagine that, being disappointed to see the headliner come out lol. But hey, I couldn’t help it. But they went right into it and all was forgiven.
They played the crowd pleasers as well as a slower song that you could tell meant a lot to them as a band, but maaaay have put the crowd to sleep a little bit. But they also played an unreleased slow track that managed to hold my attention and keep the audience awake. It was a really good song, and I wish I knew/remembered the name (an on-line search WILL be done). Sadly I don’t think they played “Helena Beat” which is my faaaavorite song. (But for all I know they might have played it and I missed it, as I was distracted for one song by an altercation with a classy.. oh wait I mean wasted concert go-er that was annoying me, my friend, and about 4 people around us.)
But what really blew me away and demolished any question as to whether or not it was worth it to go to a concert 2 hours and 40 minutes away from Richmond was “Pumped Up Kicks”. I had planned to leave during this song as it is beyond played out and I had seen it in concert already. But instead, I think the memory of that performance will be my new mental happy place for a little while. Of course the band delivered the song with their usual talent and energy, but unlike the Richmond show it turned into a big bright party on stage. I can’t even describe everything that was going on (but I’ll try). They had pretty rainbow lights (which I’m a fan of – shiny J) that I don’t think anyone can resist getting extra energy from. They had Kimbra and some of her entourage/band come out on stage to help dance. They had an extra drum battle/break down. They had lots of confetti. They had giant inflated dolls on both sides of the stage. They had a guy in a black mask with fire for hair come out of a suspended sun on the stage and dance and throw stuff at the audience. They had a friggin’ party and we were all invited. I loved it.
If you haven’t seen these guys live yet, entertain the thought. And there was a lot of talk about their next album. I know it’s hard and you write your first album (book, movie, etc) your whole life, but I hope it’s at least as good their first if not better. These guys seem to be the real deal. I have faith in their talent and longevity.
I didn’t take any video as I am without an actual camera and my phone sucks, but I hope my camera phone pics do them justice. Ch-ch-check, check it out.
