The Antlers and Built To Spill in Brooklyn [7/7/07]

Caught part of two shows out in Brooklyn tonight. First up was The Antlers. This was the first time I've had the chance to actually see them live, despite the fact that I've been listening to their incredible new disc, In The Attic of the Universe, for nearly five months now. (Seriously, it may still be my favorite disc that I've heard this year.)

While it's clear they're a young band [read: they still need time to gel as a live unit], their set got stronger as it went on. By the time we left (admittedly, two songs short of the end), I thought they sounded pretty damn good. Looking forward to seeing a lot more of these guys down the road.



The reason we cut out of The Antlers early was to run over to Built to Spill at McCarren Pool. Luckily, my friend Matt had driven into Brooklyn, and we jumped in the car and presto chango supermagico we found a spot literally across the street from the entrance to McCarren. We missed about 2 songs at the start of Built to Spill's set (and all of Bob Mould and Cat Power), and ended up with only a so-so spot about 20 feet in front of the soundboard.

I didn't notice it as much at the Superchunk show a few weeks back, but McCarren's sound system is really, terribly weak. Built to Spill is a band that needs to be heard LOUD, and tonight's show was anything but. Doug is one of the best rock guitarists on Earth, and you could barely hear him most of the time. Too bad. Next time, let's hope they play Irving. (Or, in light of recent business developments on my end, let's hope they play the 9:30 Club.)



Next show: Spoon, unless I skip it like I skipped New Pornographers and Shearwater.