Art Brut/1990s Concert

We saw Art Brut with 1990s at the 9:30 last night. The Hold Steady were the headliner, but we didn't stay for them because we don't like their music and, also, their fans are a bunch of douches.

1990s sounded great live. They have a knack for catchy riffs, and they have a lot of energy. It felt like drummer Michael McGaughrin went off the beat occasionally, but he was singing while playing fast-paced beats, so he may just need to work on his musicianship a bit. No big deal, actually.

Their between song banter left a little bit to be desired. They would take a drink of respective beverage, then take a longish pause, then kick into the next song. That said, they handled the crowd well. At one point, guitarist Jackie McKeown noted that someone in the front row was eating french fries while watching their act. She did offer him some, though. Later, this raging douchebag Hold Steady fan in a Ned Lamont t-shirt was talking to someone on the phone. McKeown leaned in and talked to "Taylor," the person Douchie Lamont was on the horn with, and then dedicated "You're Supposed to Be My Friend" to Taylor.

Art Brut were ridiculously brilliant. First off, they're really funny. Eddie Argos' on-stage banter is hilarious, and Jasper Future (the blond guitarist in the photo) mugs in the most delightful way. Second of all, while you may be inclined to think that they're just a jokey little band, their musicianship is impeccable.

But you don't have to take our word for it. NPR recorded the concert, so you can listen to it here. Sadly, they didn't record 1990s, but if we are curious to see if The Hold Steady transcended their bad songs and douchey audience members, we have that option.