Pygmalion Fest: The M’s, Headlights, Asobi Seksu

October 1, 2008

The Polyvinyl Showcase at Pygmalion Festival has always been a big highlight of the festival and this year was especially exciting with new signee Asobi Seksu playing.  The show, which served as the grand finale, to the beloved fest opened with power-pop group The M’s, and unfortunately I had to miss almost all of their set to see High Places (review here).  I saw enough though to remind me that I really need to check out the band’s newest album, Real Close Ones.

MP3 The M’s – Don’t Be Late

Since like most people that go to shows regularly in Champaign/Urbana, I’ve seen Headlights too many times I hung out near the back for most of their set with some friends.  The band sounds fantastic though, inspiring a impromptu dance-off among our group during “Centuries” and “Cherry Tulips”.  Although, normally our awkward dancing would be frowned upon at an indie rock show, Headlights exhibits just the right amount of carefree, lighthearted vibes with their music and effervescent stage presence that it made it all right.

MP3 Headlights – Cherry Tulips

Finally we come to Asobi Seksu, a band who I overheard Tristan from Headlights call ”Slowdive meets really good pop” and the closing band for the festival.  I’ve been a fan of Asobi ever since hearing their 2006 breakthrough album, Citrus, one that I’m still listening to and enjoying. The album though, doesn’t compare the greatness that the band is live.  The New Yorkers stormed through a setlist of Citrus faves including “Strawberries”, “New Years”, the absolutely gorgeous, “Thursday” and they even played a couple new songs (”Cocteau” was incredible).

The best part of the show was watching the adorable lead singer (who couldn’t be much more than four feet tall), Yuki. What she lacked in size she made up for in a massive, dazzling vocal presence that towered over the hazey music (which was played very loud).  Almost everyone I talked to afterwards was stunned at how the petite singer could produce that much sound, but what was just as impressive was Yuki’s mad drumming skills, showcased in the epic performance of “Red Sea”. During the climax’s tidal wave of noise, the drummer threw down his sticks to work with the delay pedals, and Yuki stepped up and began beating the drums into oblivion.  It was extremely cool, and a spectacular way to cap off the weekend.  Congrats to the Pygmalion Festival for being totally awesome this year!

MP3 Asobi Seksu – Thursday

Check out some more of my Polyvinyl Showcase pictures after the jump.

The M’s

Headlights

Asobi Seksu

View the rest of my Pygmalion Festival pictures at Pictures For Kids Who Can’t Read Good.

Posted by Taylor in Festival, Live