Liars Midnight Show Jefferson Theater, Charlottesville, VA May 19, 2006

On May 19th, 2006, the 1/2 Los Angeles, 1/2 Berlin based Liars mightily unleashed their trademark trio rock at a special midnight show in Charlottesville, Virginia. With The Apes opening, Liars took the stage at the historic Jefferson Theater sometime after 1AM, showcasing their groundbreaking new album, "Drum's Not Dead" (Mute), as well as performing a selection of older material. The new album, which features on the CD version 12 song tracks as well as 36 short films by the band and filmmaker Markus Wambsganss, details everything from "backstage travelogues to surreal animation and mini sci-fi epics" in addition to "documenting the process of recording and touring", finally leading them to "visually reinventing each track". The album is not a concept album, rather seen as metaphors for positivity, loss, change, challenge, stress, self-doubt, confidence, and immediacy, among other possible interpretations. Liars are comprised of Angus Andrew (electric guitar and vocals), Aaron Hemphill (electric guitar, drums, and vocals), and Julian Gross (drums). The option of multiple drumming, either on record or live, creates a unique rhythmic approach. Often, Liars have drawn comparisons to late 70's British punk bands that brought danceable and often funk and/or reggae textures to a primarily post-77 sound. These comparisons have included Gang Of Four, A Certain Ratio, and The Slits (you KNOW it!), among others.

Interview

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

"Drum's Not Dead" is Liars tenth release to date, including a variety of 7" singles and LP's , one of which, "Atheists, Reconsider", is a split with New York's Oneida. The performance at the Jefferson Theater on the night of May19th would have to be described as a landmark performance at that venue. The crowd was entirely amped for this special event. Musically righteous and pummelling, the set was accompanied by films shown behind the band on the big silver screen. This was a very dynamic presentation, topped off by an encore that included a great version of "Broken Witch" and a stellar version of Nirvana's "Territorial Pissings". Maybe the only thing as cool to ever grace the stage at the Jefferson Theater might have been Harry Houdini in 1924 or the John Jackson/Ralph Stanley (blues and bluegrass) double bill in the late 1990's. Liars have to be one of the more interesting bands of today.

Check out the Liars website at www.liarsliarsliars.com

View Images»

Share

Save