Silversun Pickups Tour PhotoLos Angeles’s Silversun Pickups have enjoyed well-deserved success in alternative rock for quite some time now. The band, now nearly 18 years into their existence, made a splash in 2006 with their debut full-length record, Carnavas. Songs from the album such as “Little Lover’s So Polite” and fan-favorite “Lazy Eye” have stood as some of their finest cuts to date. Continuing to tour in support of 2015’s Better Nature, Silversun Pickups proved once again that they put on one of the most entertaining live shows around, this time at world-famous Terminal 5 on Manhattan’s West Side.
Crafting eclectic sets full of songs both old and new, Silversun Pickups (“SSPU”) have been continuing to hone their signature sound with each tour they embark on. Wednesday night’s performance was clear evidence of this. Frontman Brian Aubert, still battling the effects of both the flu and a broken arm, stood at center stage for the duration of the evening and brought his usual brand of excellence. Brian joked about his misfortunes as of late, in addition to the technical difficulties that ensued during the intro of the band’s hit “Panic Switch.” He asserted, “We’re stopping this right now. My pedal is broken, and we’re not playing this half-assed for you.”
Following a full restart of the song, the band delivered on its promise and executed “Panic Switch” to perfection. Bassist Nikki Monninger is perhaps one of the happiest people in the music business at the moment. She jumped up and down throughout the night, and she smiled almost endlessly. This was all accomplished while she provided low end that shook the venue at its core. Drummer Christopher Guanlao’s crash cymbal is still ridiculously high. Though, it never impeded his ability to keep flawless time and make the crowd dance. Rounding out the quartet, Joe Lester on keyboards and sound manipulation kept a low profile as he bobbed his head from underneath his choice of headwear for the evening.
SSPU powered through the night supplying hit after hit. They treated fans with songs such as “The Royal We” from 2009’s Swoon and newer tracks such as alt radio single “The Pit.” The contrast between the older and newer material was apparent, though in the best way possible. The progression is an evolution of sound and stylistic choice that is only natural for a band that is rapidly approaching its 20th birthday. I, for one, cannot wait to see what this band has in store for us next.
Wrapping the night after three encore songs, Silversun Pickups thanked the crowd once again and assured us that they would be back soon. Exiting the stage as he left everything he had there, Brian smiled, holding onto his broken arm. The atmosphere of the evening, both sonically and visually, was a much-needed midweek recharge for all in attendance.
SSPU Tour Dates w/ Minus the Bear
11.18.17 COLLEGE STREET MUSIC HALL NEW HAVEN, CT
11.19.17 THE FILLMORE PHILADELPHIA, PA
11.25.17 THE THEATRE AT ACE HOTEL (BENEFIT SHOW FOR PUERTO RICO) LOS ANGELES, CA
12.03.17 CRYSTAL BALLROOM PORTLAND, OR
12.04.17 SHOWBOX SODO SEATTLE, WA
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Show Review by Joe Koza, RockRevolt Journalist
