Are they or are they not? That was the question on hand at the Music Hall of Williamsburg in Brooklyn, NY this past Sunday evening. Thankfully John Linnell and John Flansburgh were quick to answer such a heavy, loaded question; They Might Be Giants are running on all of their quirky cylinders and are, in fact, very much “they are. “
The setting couldn’t have been more appropriate: a Brooklyn-based band playing in the adjoining neighborhood Williamsburg. The night’s air in the NYC borough was chill and clean, ready to provide a familiar, hometown insurgence of unconventional, off-the-wall indie/experimental/children’s music/electronic/alternative rock and roll. The venue, fitting and absolute, gave the band the space and vibe they needed to conduct their business. Concert halls are usually always a hit or miss when it comes to furnishing the proper acoustics and atmosphere. Delightfully, the Music Hall of Williamsburg catered to the two-time Grammy winning group, They Might Be Giants (from here on out They Might Be Giants will be abbreviated as TMBG for the sake of keeping my fingers carpal tunnel-proof) with grace and impressive feats.
Established back in the age of dinosaurs’ aka 1982, TMBG were assembled by childhood friends John Linnell and John Flansburgh. Over the years the duo created a music group that would go on to receive Grammys, massive chart-topping hits, a cult following, and over four million records sold. Yet, to this day the group still remains true to their roots and cordial with their fans. “You know, this venue was suppose to be sold out, maxed out yet thanks to the construction on the L-line… [a NYC subway route notorious for being under repairs] most of our fans won’t be arriving until the end of the show. Such a shame. Please make sure there is room for them on the floor at the end of the show,” stated Flansburgh.
Unlike most bands with multiple instruments (aside from the common three) TMBG performed flawlessly, almost like they’ve been playing for several decades (I mean, come on… 1982). The crowd Sunday night was warm, receptive, and almost downright addicted. Fans not only sported TMBG shirts but also exhibited socks, scarfs, and tattoos. “Rock on” fists littered the house floor, as nearly every concertgoer was singing and moving to the band’s tracks.
Without a shadow of doubt it’s been confirmed that TMBG performed to the highest quality and musicianship. Whether you’re a nerd rocking out to the whacky, goofball lyrics or looking to find an old-new treasure, “they” just might be the catch for you.
Words & Photography: Timmy Farmer
WANT MORE PHOTOS OF THEY MIGHT BE GIANTS? CHECK OUT THE PHOTOS GALLERY BELOW!
They Might Be Giants Set List:
Intro
- (No Cops)
- Damn Good Times
- Number Three
- Letterbox
- Erase
- The Mesopotamians
- Older
- We’re the Replacements
- Hate the Villanelle
- Spiraling Shape
- Music Jail, Pt. 1 & 2
- Fingertips
- Madam, I Challenge You To A Duel
- Istanbul (Not Constantinople)
- (The Four Lads cover)
- Turn Around
- Man, It’s So Loud In Here
- Cloisonné
- Doctor Worm
- Museum of Idiots
- Nanobots
- Call You Mom
- Authenticity Trip
- Birdhouse in Your Soul
- Mr. Me
Encore:
- With the Dark
- Hey, Mr. DJ, I Thought You Said We Had a Deal
- When Will You Die
Encore 2:
- How Can I Sing Like a Girl?
- Cyclops Rock
- Ana Ng
RELATED CONTENT:
Lotus treat Los Angeles to a spectacular electronic jam experience at House of Blues Sunset
PAPA deliver loud and intimate Valentine’s show at The Roxy
Warpaint turns cozy Roxy gig into a vibrant jam session