Show Review: Kurt Vile @ Mohawk (8/20)

The crowd filled into Mohawk on a warm August evening, selling out for one of the most popular names in the indie realm, Kurt Vile. He came into town behind praise for Wakin’ on a Pretty Daze, his latest album; he was supported by Sonny and the Sunsets. 

I probably had different feelings than most leaving the night, so you can read those thoughts, or just check out the great photo work of our boy Brian Gray.

Reflecting on the evening, I think that Sonny Smith and his band definitely stole the show, at least as far as I’m concerned. For me, the prolific Smith embodies what I like to think of as a true American sound. Yes, I realize that jazz is possibly the only true American music, but Smith stylistically covers every other aspect of the musical landscape of the United States.  His songs are influenced by folk, punk, psych and even some classic R&B rhythms. If one were to place American music in a time capsule, I reckon that the music of Sonny Smith would be perfectly fitting.

On this particular evening, he spent a great deal of time going through Antenna to the Afterworld, his most recent record for Polyvinyl. He played tracks like “Mutilator,” “Primitive” and “Void;” he even went out into the crowd for a brief shimmy with fans towards the end of the set, dancing with a few ladies to the applause of the audience. I really appreciated the rhythm section on the night, as I think it’s often overlooked on Sonny’s records. And, while he admittedly was battling over-consumption of some ribs, his quirky ways and American music definitely made his set the most enjoyable of the evening.

Now, with Kurt Vile, I think I finally realized that he’s extremely underrated, though he’s actually well-regarded.  He writes music that’s so good that I often forget just how great it really is.  It’s like the Walkmen; he’s so consistent with his recordings that you overlook just how good he really is.  But, while the sound of those songs was spot on during his set at the Mohawk, the performance was a bit lacking.  Yes, for musicians, watching his guitar playing probably is enough for winning over the audience, but a little movement wouldn’t have hurt…especially with all that hair on stage.  That being said, working through tracks, recent and old, won most of those in attendance.  Such is the music of Mr. Vile; it’s hard to ignore both his musicianship and his consistency.  That being said, I’m just asking for a little bit more of a show next time around. I love your hits, but even Sonny Smith gave us a chance to boogie; you have to pander to the crowd a bit, or me, as I’m the one writing this review Kurt.

There are a few more pics at the photo site…