HOLD STEADY concert in Rochester = amazing as usual! After seeing them at the Music Hall of Williamsburg and at their own festival, the “Positive Jam” in Ithaca, I still didn’t know what to expect given the recent departure of their prominent pianist, Franz Nicolay. In addition to replacing Franz with a spiritless pianist now placed in the back, they have a third guitarist- Steve Selvidge from the band Lucero. The new guitarist made sense, since Craig primarily uses his guitar as a prop and Steve freed him up to be ever more of a stage presence. The new line-up does not diminish their sound even if the new pianist sucks compared to Franz. In fact, the rawer sound definitely helped propel some of the new songs from their upcoming 5/4 album, “Heaven Is Whenever.” The concert interestingly especially featured songs off of The Hold Steady’s first two CDs, Almost Killed Me and Separation Sunday, as they surprisingly did not play fan favorites “Stay Positive,” “Southtown Girls” or “Party Pit.” As a bigger fan of their last two releases, it was a little frustrating when Craig stared at me to know the words and I wasn’t singing along to the deep cuts off Separation Sunday I forgot existed. They still managed to squeeze in about four new songs, of which “Hurricane J” and “Rock Problems” stood out. As well, they played a few sing-alongs that the entire audience knew, such as “Sequestered in Memphis,” “Chips Ahoy,” “Constructive Summer” and “Hot Soft Light.” And, for the second time I’ve seen them, they ended with the anthemic “Slapped Actress.” No matter what they decide to play, these guys are always a treat and I recommend seeing them if you are provided the chance.
Check out the video I’ve posted above of “How A Resurrection Really Feels,” which ended their main set. Sorry for the cellphone quality. I would’ve recorded the whole thing but I was caught up in the moment and didn’t want to annoy Craig who kept on staring at me! (Maybe it was the Dinosaur Jr. t-shirt?)
-Henry
