Live Review: The Pains of Being Pure at Heart

Last Friday was the show I'd been waiting for since the start of 2009: The Pains of Being Pure at Heart at the Summit (in Columbus, yo). The event lived up to all expectations, save for all of the rain that was coming down outside. Inside, local band Tin Armor started things off with some good energy and a decent crowd, considering they were the first of three bands to play. This was my second time seeing Tin Armor, the first being at the Columbus Alive Bands to Watch in 2009 show back in January. Really nice fellows, and they're nice looking, too.

Then Zaza took over the stage with lots of downtown New York black clothing style going on and super bright white spotlights on the floor of the stage pointing out at the crowd. It was a surreal experience, catering directly to those who like to watch music totally spaced out, either naturally or drug-induced style. The music seems to be highly influenced by Radiohead, circa Kid A, Hail to the Chief (esp. "There, There") and Amnesiac. I highly enjoyed it and recommend it to anyone currently into the shoegazing movement (think: m83+Radiohead).

Whilst all of this was going on onstage, I noticed that Kip from the Pains was just hanging out at the merch table with another dude helping him sell the merch, who interestingly had a copy of Moby Dick on the table that he "just started reading while on the road, because it's good reading for starting and stopping." I was a liiiitle shy at this point of the show, so I just talked to Johnny from Tin Armor and then squeezed my way up to the front for the rest of the Zaza set and to get a good spot for The Pains.

It paid off, and I was in the front, allowing these fun photos to be taken:



The show was at first kind of what I'm deeming the stereotypical Columbus hipster show- everyone is all excited for the show, but then you could hardly tell this is the case judging from how everyone just politely bobs their heads to the beat and applauds when appropriate. The music was great and I could feel the energy building to the point where if someone started dancing, the rest of the room would, too. Luckily, Danny J did just that, and dancing ensued for the last 3-4 songs, to the delight of the band. Peggy announced that if anyone knew of any good "keggers" that they should let them know. Cute.

Generals: Kip has a very, very firm handshake. Peggy and her bangs are SUPER cute. Some of the people who are playing/touring with Zaza are also playing with The Pains while on the road. LPs and T-shirts are only $10!

Looking forward to seeing them next at Pitchfork Music Fest in July. Check out the rest of their tour stops here.