Pics: Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks @ LaZona Rosa Austin, TX
photo : valerie@fremin.net
I did it. I got past my fear of smearing my loving memories of Pavement, and checked out Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks when they came to Austin last Sunday. It all felt extremely familiar in the venue, feeling a lot like it did back when I used to see Pavement @ Liberty Lunch. The crowd felt familiar, and many of the faces looked familiar, although some a bit more aged since last I saw. Amongst the crowd were many Austin indie-rock band members, out in numbers to watch the man that was indie-rock before indie-rock was a household name.
All fears were laid to rest right from the get-go as the band hit their first note, guitars sounding great, and there stood Stephen Malkmus, a familiar face with a history in a scene that thrives today. It was like seeing an old friend.
photo : valerie@fremin.net
As expected the band focused on material from the most recent release, Real Emotional Trash, avoiding any hint that they might stretch into any Pavement sounds. The band seemed loose and comfortable on stage, engaging in between song banter that at times was very comical. At one point Malkmus, after likening several things to a cockfight, asked “What’s not like a cockfight?”. Bassist Joanna Bolme replied “A vagina fight.”
photo : valerie@fremin.net
While most of the new material sounded great live, especially “Real Emotional Trash” and “Out of Reaches”, the set became a bit monotonous at times and the crowd started to thin out half way through the set. The diehard fans lasted to the end, and put on one of the more lengthy demands for an encore than you’ll find at most shows, and despite the occasional moments of monotony, it was sad to see the band exit the stage for good.
Being my first Stephen Malkmus show, I enjoyed it, but have since heard from Malkmus fans who were in attendance, that he and the Jicks are capable of putting on a better show. Would I recommend the show? Absolutely. I had a great time watching the artist responsible for some of my fondest musical memories, and wouldn’t hesitate to do so again.
photo : valerie@fremin.net
photo : valerie@fremin.net
photo : valerie@fremin.net
photo : valerie@fremin.net
See? And you were so worried . . .
Yes, though it was a solid set, I’ve seen SM burn hotter live. The problems centered on the basics: the balance of new material vs. old, and the sequencing of tempos. The latter — too much slow/medium back-to-back — is what lost whatever part of the crowd.
Nice pix as always, Val.
Luke
thanks for the thoughts Luke. i would have to agree with your observations as well. moments of the show where the music seemed to drop off into some pace that lost interest after a few minutes.
shoot me an e-mail if you care, as i’d like to discuss some music stuff with you.
michael@sonicitchmusic.com