Friday, December 12, 2014

CONCERT REVIEW: New Politics Live from Irving Plaza



While traveling up to New England for Thanksgiving a few weeks back, I found myself in NYC for a few nights. After the success of New York concerts this year, (Arcade Fire, GovBall and Band of Horses just to name a few...) it seemed foolish to not see a show while in town. So after doing some research, I ended up at Irving Plaza to see New Politics.

This was the second US headlining tour for New Politics, and this time they were accompanied by fellow alt-rockers Bad Suns and Somekindawonderful. I had seen Bad Suns before at the 97x BBQ in the springtime, and they performed a similar set. They're a band increasing in popularity and should go out on a headlining tour soon.

Somekindawonderful started the show, and in my opinion, was the least impressive of the night. They're lead single is called "Reverse" but the live version did not seem as captivating as the strong radio single.

It was about 9:30pm when New Politics took the stage. The band is a trio from Copenhagen, Denmark. Lead singer David Boyd really only provides the vocals. You then have drummer Louis Vecchio and bass player / piano player and occasional singer - Soren Hansen. I couldn't help not immediately thinking of twenty one pilots as the members took similar positions and provided much more sound than instruments seen on stage.

New Politics have released two albums and majority of the songs on the night were from their sophomore LP - A Bad Girl in Harlem. After hearing songs from this album performed live, it has quickly become one of my favorites of the year. Tunes like "Berlin," "Give Me Hope," "Goodnight Copenhagen" and "Everywhere I Go" get everyone in the crowd singing and jumping.

Even if you did not know many songs, this trio was still thrilling to see live. Boyd not only sang, but went into the crowd and displayed some impressive acrobatics with his breakdancing and hand-stand abilities. The group also added in some familiarity with a cover of Beastie Boy's "Sabotage," as well a snippets of other covers including Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit."

The rowdiest section of the show came at the end, as New Politics ended with debut single "Yeah Yeah Yeah." They then encored with personal favorite "Fall Into These Arms," and appropriately titled - "Harlem" to close out the NYC show.

 Overall, this was a classic punk rock show that absolutely killed it. I found myself jumping and singing along more than I ever expected going into the concert. It was a pleasant surprise and I'll absolutely be looking to see these guys on their next headlining tour. I love concert surprises like this. Great job New Politics!

CONCERT RATING: 3.5 Stars




SETLIST: 

1. Tonight You're Perfect
2. Berlin
3. Die for You
4. Give Me Hope
5. My Love
6. Loyalties Among Thieves
7. Die Together
8. Sabotage (Beastie Boys Cover) 
9. Dignity
10. Overcome 
11. Goodnight Copenhagen 
12. Just Like Me
13. Stuck On You
14. Everywhere I Go (Kings and Queens)
15. Yeah Yeah Yeah

Encore: 
16. Fall Into These Arms
17. Harlem

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