Takka Takka not too Shabby Shabby...
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
Architecture in Helsinki
Takka Takka
Wednesday, October 11th
We at Seattlest have fallen victim to the local trend of blowing off the opening band once or twice, especially at a hot, sold-out show. We mean damn, we need to get our pre-funk in order! The second night of Clap Your Hands Say Yeah at the Showbox was that type of show, but we braved to go where few go: Front and Center for the opening band. Even for a Wednesday night, the Showbox was nice and packed, the familiar bar area seating being filled and the drinks flowing liberally (this was the 21+ version).
We went into this knowing nothing about the opening band other than they were from New York and their name? Takka Takka. In a crowded room, you'd never pair this bunch together. Real lo-fi minimalist set-up. They play stripped down indie rock with a tinge of folk. They released a web album you can download for free here. We like bands that release their own material - way to take a hint from your fellow tour mates. Pavement and Lou Reed are a couple of comparisons, and despite what we've read about them being called a "city band," they seem more like a band you'd see at a smoky tavern in the Midwest. Kind of like watching your hip older brother's cool band, they enjoy the music and it shows in their delivery. They write about living in the city and they purposely keep the live performance somewhat unpolished. That's not a bad thing. Missed a chord? Who cares. The lead singer started with a harmonica and a keyboard and finished with a hand clap and a tamborine. Despite the typical lack of movement from the Seattle crowd, he kept smiling, clapping, and jumping, and we appreciate that sort of behavior (even though our crossed arms don't indicate it). By the end of the set, we saw flashes of brilliance and a raw young band that may be on their way to "making it" after all....
The night rolled on with expectedly good sets from Architecture in Helsinki and of course the wonderful headliner Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, but you can read all about the latter HERE.
