valentine's day White Hinterland @ Mercury Lounge - 9 April 2008 (pics, live video)

valentine's day White Hinterland played Mercury Lounge last night and the chatty talkers were out in full force. During each intimate song there was a certain portion of the back of the room that was full of people talking over the music. It was frustrating, not only as an audience member who'd been looking forward to hearing songs from Phylactery Factory played live, but also very clearly to the band. And why not? When there's a separate bar area in a venue, why stay where the live music is to tell your harrowing tale of dinner at Katz's "that place from the movies"? Oh I get it, it's your world; it's all about you.

In fact, regardless of the rudeness of a few garrulous people in the crowd, it was Casey and crew's "world" last night as they delivered an excellent, if too brief, performance focusing on songs from White Hinterland's 2008 release Phylactery Factory. Perhaps because of the extra noise in the room, White Hinterland's most successful songs were the more rousing songs from the record, "Dreaming of the Plum Trees" and "Napoleon At Waterloo". Which makes sense, but is a real shame. Because the mood set by the candle lanterns and white Christmas lights in lieu of stage lighting could have delivered something extraordinary if the entire audience was intent on listening. Next time I'm thinking The Living Room, Rockwood Music Hall, or Joe's Pub... someplace where there are people who appreciate the lovely balance of dark/light, loud/quiet, catchy/thoughtful, that is White Hinterland.

If you'd like to experience the loquacious losers at this show for yourself, or would like to see more pictures, there's lots waiting for you after the jump...

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Listen:
"Dreaming of the Plum Trees" (from Phylactery Factory)
"I Miss You" (originally by Björk, from Stereogum's tribute to Post)

Watch:
"A Beast Washed Ashore" (live from this show) on YouTube | download QT

See also:
Band of the Week: White Hinterland (Exclusive EF Interview)

See more pictures of White Hinterland (from this show) HERE.

Visit White Hinterland on MySpace.