OK I always really have doubts about starting threads on just one band, but I went to see Low last night and wanted to discuss my experience and them here.
A band named The Helio Sequence opened, and only having heard bits and pieces on their myspace etc, I wasn't sure what to expect. What I got was highly reverbed guitar/drum pop with dreamy synth backing up from a laptop. They played with enthusiasm and simplicity, and although it was hard to take my eyes from the almost deranged drummer (I'm not sure why he spasms like he does when he plays, but it's both entertaining and distracting), I had no trouble making it through their set without being bored or looking at my watch.
Then came the real treat. Having only heard Drums and Guns, I knew there would be tracks I hadn't yet heard. But as soon as they took the stage, Alan Sparhawk leant over his guitar and played that single, ghostly note that signifies my favourite track from said album, Murderer. I was happy that I hadn't been thrust into the unfamiliar right away. But when I was, the gorgeous harmonies of Over The Ocean had me smiling like the father to a new born baby. It was at that moment I knew I was in love with Low. Throughout the rest of the set they played songs I have and havent heard, but there wasn't a single one I didnt like. And between every few songs, the band (especially Alan) made friendly and humorous chat with the crowd, most notably 'Its getting late in the set...anybody getting nervous' to which Mimi eeked out 'Besides me?'.
The vibe of the whole gig was incredibly intimate and relaxed, and after the gig my friend Penny and I were able to approach the stage as the band worked on their equipment and have a chat with Alan, who was incredibly warm and friendly to us, even asking our names and how far we had to come, and shaking our hands (I couldn't help but gayly notice how soft his hands were) and introducing himself.
Anyone else here had a good experience seeing this band? What do you think of them? And, although I'm scared of turning this into a list thread, does anyone know any bands in a similar vein?