When I first heard the news that this show was coming to Indy I was immediately on the phone asking Rockitbomb if I could attend and subsequently review it. Having seen both bands in the past, I knew a good show when I saw it, and being that it was a Camel cigarettes promotional event, knew the tickets were scant and elusive at best. Rockitbomb was really the only way to procure said tickets and I wasn’t going to miss what I considered one of the better shows to come around this summer. As it turns out, as it always turns out, I was both rewarded and punished for my eagerness to attend.

Several years ago or more like a decade, I remember the buzz going around New York and every music magazine about a band called Jonathan Fire Eater. They were being called the next big thing, NYC’s musical saviours, and everything else under the sun. I had friends that swore by this band, that this was THE new band to listen to but I just couldn’t get into it. In fact I liked their style and even thought the album title “Wolf Songs For Lambs” was quite badass but, in the end the final and crucial connection couldnt be made and I never became a fan. The next I hear of them the singer has died, the band has broken up, and I figure they are never going to be heard from again. I am right to a certain degree. I am right insofar as the moniker of JFE is concerned.

Flashforward several years and I hear about a band called The Walkmen and how they have some former members of JFE. Im intrigued enough that when I see the cd in the store I give it a listen somewhat expecting to shrug my shoulders and resign myself to the notion that I still dont get it. It only takes one track (ironicly titled “wake up”) and it hits me. The connection is finally made. Whether it was the time in between, my musical taste catching up or theirs falling behind I dont know but it hits me and I am instantly a fan of this band. Having now been a fan for several years and seeing them once before, I was waiting anxiously for what was sure to be a great set.

A somewhat strange affair in all respects other than the bands playing, we arrived at the Vogue on a Sunday for a two band bill “free show”, sponsored by a cigarrette company, that started at 8 p.m. Usually, and I have to say “usually” now because it was not the case at this show as has always been before, there is a buffer of time between when the show is to begin and the first band playing that one can show up within so as not to miss anything. A time to order a drink,etc. This was not the case here and I was upset to hear The Walkmen playing as we passed somewhat glacially through security.

I entered the show castigating its absurd promptness but soon found myself forgetting it and enjoying The Walkmen’s set. They were playing something really good. Whether it was “The Rat” or “All hands and the Cook” I cant remember but it was great. There is an unmistakable Dylan-esque style and delivery in frontman Hamilton Leithauser’s vocal and I would be remiss if I didnt mention it even if it has been overly stated in other press. In the more agressive, even harder numbers as are the afformentioned, The Walkmen channel The Pogues brashness sans the Irish history lesson mixed with a unabashed strained crooning that relates a tension and power hard to deny. They continued, taking it down a notch with some softer songs but even these contained the same kind of vocal and musicianship that puts forth a tension and building power that I think other bands would be hard pressed to duplicate. All in all I was as equally impressed as the time I had seen them before and really think this bands talent continues to burgeon.

In between sets I am reminded why I hate these types of events. The “free” aspect will of course bring out almost anyone regardless of whether they like the band or not and thus it will deny somebody who truly does like the bands playing a chance to see them. On the other hand it might help bring people to the show who normally wouldnt see the bands and probably is the reasoning behind such an event but honestly, I really have to side with the former line of thinking. It is with this that I explain the punishment that came with my eagerness. I am surrounded by people who seem to have absolutely no interest in the show. People handed free tickets to applaud some bread and circus affair with cigarettes and text messaging as substitute. There seems to be some genuine Black Keys fan base in attendence but they still aren’t close to the enormous numbers of somewhat out of place attendees. Had there been a mad scramble to give away tickets? Had they just gone around to bars and pleaded people to go? It was a shocking sight to see so many people in attendence who I really would imagine snubbing their noses at such a show had it been in a small club with no fanfare. In the end I gave up, took the punishment, and waited for the Black keys to play, enjoying an overpriced beer in the meantime.

The Black Keys to me are a good band. What they do they do well. Honestly, the time I had seen them before it was impressive. Impressive in the sense that these two guys are pulling off alot and definately making it sound non-repetitive. It has to be hard to be in the two member band realm post White Stripes media hoopla and I’m sure they have had to dodge that bullet at every turn. Its definately blues based music no getting around that but, I have to say the Black Keys make it work with alot more dimesion than what is left of an already thinning heard. It has to be hard to keep doing the two member thing unless you really have the ability to move around with the sound and I really think the Black Keys do. Singer Dan Auerbach’s vocals were well placed with a great blues feel. The band brought a straight forward blues inflected southern rock sound filled with Patrick Carney’s volatile drums and Auerbach’s great guitar. It seemed that the songs revolved around finding a groove and keeping with it and judging by the crowds reaction it worked. There is a constant store within the human framework and psyche to appreciate and lock in with a groove. Something primal and bestial. Nobody will raise issue with it rather, they will seemingly appreciate it endlessly. An inherent latent gene that approves of this exists and the Black Keys seemed to understand if not master this. Was it my cup of tea? no not like The Walkmen’s set. I had thought them to be the highlight of the evening but there was no denying the approval that the Black Keys received from the crowd and the bands ability to go forth with their sound. It would have been a great show if just either band had played but the two combined for what I was hoping for and far exceded, one of the better and best shows of the summer and at a price that was criminal to miss.

There are a more photos at our Flickr site.

Note from Brian: Special Thanks to the girl at the door who gave me the blank look when I asked for my photo pass and the security guard who offered to hold my camera if I continued to take photos. Non-sarcastic special thanks go to “Jenny” who gave the same security guard her number… 867 5309.