Concert Review: Freelance Whales @ 9:30 Club, Washington, DC- 5.6.11

I only started listening to Freelance Whales in December, but ever since I've been looking forward to an opportunity to see them live.  Last night I got my chance!

Their debut release, Weathervanes, does not have a weak point on it.  It's one of those albums that needs to be listened to from start to finish, as if each song is a chapter to a story.  The outstanding nature of Freelance Whales' debut release led to high expectations.  I was a little nervous though.  One of my favorite things about Freelance Whales is that they play very unique instruments, and many of them are electronic.  I wasn't sure it would all come together live, like it does on the studio album.  It turns out, my fears would unfounded.  In fact, they sounded better than the album!

The band came out to "Vessels" an instrumental track from the album, then opened with "Generator (First Floor)".  This song was meant to open a show-perfect!  Next, the band played "Enzymes" which was released as a single this past November.  If it's an indication of what's the come on the next album, then I'm excited!  Throughout the show, every song off Weathervanes was played.  Seeing them perform live, it's easy to see how talented every member truly is.  They consistently switch instruments, and take turns grabbing the lead.  These aren't your everyday instruments either.  Sure there's a guitar, drums, and keyboard.  There's also a banjo, glockenspiel, mandolin, and synthesizer to name a few.  Highlights included "Starring", "Ghosting", and "Hannah".  I was thoroughly impressed, and will hopefully be seeing them again soon!

Freelance Whales: If You're Vaguely Attracted To Rooftops

Since I first heard Freelance Whales, I've been looking forward to seeing them live.  Tonight, they're playing the 9:30 Club and I'm very excited!  I'm also pumped because Foals is co-headlining the show tonight, and I don't know too much about them.  Hopefully, I'll have another band to feature on the blog after seeing them! 

To celebrate tonight's show, today's post has not one, but two videos!  Freelance Whales recently visited Public School 22 in Staten Island and the PS 22 Chorus.  These kids and their teacher rock!  Check out their blog and see all the amazing people they have met and the amazing music they've made!  This is the reason why the arts need to remain a part of education!  Freelance Whales and the chorus performed a couple songs, and the band answered a few questions.  I'm completely jealous of these kids.

Check them out performing "Hannah" complete with some bonus footage.

Here's the band and chorus collaborating on "Generator (First Floor)".  Then, via request, Freelance Whales perform "Generator (Second Floor)" for the students.

Concert review of tonight's show to follow!

Freelance Whales: The Reason My Insides Are So Swollen

Freelance Whales is a band I only just heard of a couple months ago.  Since then, they've become one of my favorites!  Their debut LP, Weathervanes, features an ecclectic mix of instruments that come together to form a very unique sound.  Paste Magazine included them in their list of The 20 Best New Bands of 2010.

Please enjoy Freelance Whales performing "Ghosting"!

Want to see Freelance Whales live? Their North American Spring Tour kicks off in April.  Check and see if they'll be playing in a town near you by clicking here.