What a drag for those who missed the MySpace Secret Show Sunday night with Tokyo Police Club and Meligrove Band.
If the show was meant to generate positive buzz, mission accomplished. More than 100 mostly 20 somethings packed Talking Head on Davis Street presumably to hear if TPC could possibly live up to the hype of greatness critics have heaped upon it. Clearly the answer was “yes” as guests strained to push closer to the stage, tried to snap cell phone shots of the band, and sang and danced along to the music.
No one?s going to accuse this Newmarket, Ontario band?s lead singer Dave Monks of grandstanding. Except for a very brief welcome to the crowd and a few other low key remarks, he let the band?s music do the talking. The group ripped through song after song including old favorites such as “Box” and almost every song from “Elephant Shell,” officially released last week but leaked via the Web about a month ago.
Heads snapped back and forth, beer cans and water bottles were held high in the air, and a good number of guests sang along as TPC showcased its new songs which some critics call excellent “power pop” and others call “too synthetic.” No matter, this group seemed more than content to ignore the critics? quibbles and just soak in the sound as these indie darlings played a rare “intimate venue” concert.
The real surprise of the evening came from opener Meligrove Band of Mississauga, Ontario. Where have these guys been hiding? The indie trio (think Violent Femmes, but straight rock although singer Jason Nunes likens it more to a Led Zepplin meets Brian Wilson sound) are clearly major headliners in the making. Not only is their playing tight and strong but the lush lyrics make it the band?s bittersweet songs addictive. The only downside is when the singers bring on the harmonies such as on the song “Our Love Will Make the World Go Round,” it?s tough to get the tune out of your head.
This MySpace Secret Show was chosen specifically for Baltimore, said MySpace promoter Trevor Kelley. Although his colleagues wanted to put the show in Hoboken, N.J., Kelley said he lobbied hard for Baltimore because “it?s a great town for us. Plus, I just said ?They never get a [secret] show there.? ”
By the enthusiastic reception it received, it?s a safe bet that this won?t be the last.
MORE TOKYO POLICE CLUB AND MELIGROVE BAND
Make the drive to D.C. to hear these bands plus Smoosh. You won?t be sorry.
Venue: Black Cat, 1811 14 St. NW, Washington, DC
When: 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 29
Details: $13; 410-547-SEAT
