The Crazy Donkey. The venue is a local club/bar where rarely a band of my interest would come through. Usually pop punk acts march through selling out to 13 year old girls. But every year around Christmas time, As Tall As Lions comes home for their holiday show. The Massapequa natives brought Steel Train and Leah Siegel this time.
The chilly night started off with the doors having three different opening times. Different sites said different times. Doors opened at 6:30. With the cold air blowing on my neck, I couldn’t wait to get into the donkey.
Opening act Leah Siegel took the stage at around 7:30. I wasn’t very familiar with any of her music, but I knew she was from Brooklyn; which usually means someone has talent. She impressed me enough, but I couldn’t find her to purchase her album. She played a set around five songs. At times, she reminded me of Regina Spektor and a Stacy Clark. She also had a stand up bassist performing with her which gave her set a fuller sound. She apologized for not having the full band saying how some of the songs sound empty because of no drums. What I disapproved was how people talked during her set. She drives down to play a special show and people talk and text on their phones. Your at a show, not a school assembly. She left the stage roughly around 8:15.
Steel Train marched onto the stage after Leah. I was very familiar with this band seeing them two weeks early. Their set mostly consisted of their latest record Trampoline. From the first beat, singer Jack Antonoff reminded me of a similar performance. That At The Drive In performance on Conon O’ Brian. They defiantly had the crowd in a positive attitude. Jack was insane. Throwing his guitar and just full out dancing. But again, not many people were there to see them. They played one of my favorites "Firecracker" which was pretty awesome. The set was again pretty short, it ended around 9:30, but if you want to see a band that brings back the Beatles to a modern day Honorary Title, see Steel Train. They won’t upset.
Set List (Not In order):
I feel weird
black eye
kill monsters in the rain
alone on the sea
firecracker
school is for losers
After waiting 30 minutes for Steel Train to take their equipment off the stage, my legs became very tired. Then finally, the lights became dim and the band everyone has been waiting for came on. The band I’ve been wanting to see again for over a year, As Tall As Lions takes the stage. The crowd went pretty insane, being it was a hometown show. They opened up with a little intro into the hidden mysterious track “A Soft Hum.” ATAL set the pace for the night. Then came "A Song For Luna," the self titled track. With Dan Nigro’s beautiful Spanish hymns he says before the chorus, it brought chills right through my body. The band totally turned the stage with bringing an old hit back, "96 Heartbeats." The floor was moving with people swaying back and the crowd chanting “Ohohohohoh,” the venue became a choir. A short break as Dan was switching guitars, they then came out with Breakers, off their new EP “Into The Flood.” Every show I’ve seen them, bassist Julio Tavarez never disappoints. His stage presence is one of the best in the business.
Most of the fans there were mature fans. People in their late teens/early twenties. Even the bands family was there. The show was one of those show where you could get along with everyone there. As Tall As Lions then performed “The Carousel,” where the fans continued to sing the band’s “break through” song on Lafcadio. Dan Nigro’s haunting vocals could put lyrically passage in your mind for days to come. ATAL then played the pounding intro to “Be Here Now” that came through Saen Fitzgerald Orange amp. Then, their debut track from the EP “Into the Flood.” The song tells it self as a relationship is going stale. The lyrics “the steps between us is starting to show, the space between us is starting to grow” could put a tear in any eye. Again, As Tall As Lions didn’t show any weakness to their performance, bring up the dancy track “Ghost of York.” Dan introduced a joke before the song then calling the song “Roast of Pork,” which had the crowd going. Overall, the show was the Christmas present you wished you got, but couldn’t afford.
Dan came out alone, with his friends on trumpet, trombone, and saxophone. He dedicated this next song to his friends and family saying how every Christmas becomes better and better. He performed the Christmas hit “Oh Holy Night.” The brass section really made the song being ATAL usually only has Keyboardist Rob Parr on Trumpet. But they had the recording band on Self Titled, which led into the next song “Stab City.” A crowd favorite for most who I talked to after the show. Most said it was the strongest song of the night.
The brass section was then introduced by Julio and everyone applauded them for their beautiful contributes to the show. The band then performed the soft, quiet “Maybe I’m Just Tired.” The whole floor was quiet when Dan opened his mouth to speak “If love come’s your way, don’t be afraid. Unlock the box you heart’s incased.” The band then proceeded to walk off the stage when everyone started to chant an encore.
After a minute or two, As Tall As Lions returned to the stage with the crowd chanting song titles out. Every member picked up a different instrument and proceeded in playing “505.” Julio sang his passage while Dan contributed harmonies. One of the deepest songs I’ve heard in a long time, and one of my favorites.
I've lost my head to a girl The only one in my world Shining bright in my sky Making sure I ain't cryin' Or layin' down and dying (Now I don't wanna be alone)
As Tall As Lions is known for their “love” in their songs. The band performed their single “Love, Love, Love (Love, Love)” next. The band’s most known/liked song, the crowd was a love fest. The kids with their girl friends were cuddling, and friends were just smiling. This was what many thought they were going to close on. After the piece came to a close, myself and many were chanting out song titles. I chanted Break Blossom, and Dan said “this is our last song.” The band broke out into playing “Break Blossom.” The haunting song brings the tale of ATAL’s friend who committed suicide a few years back. The song is my personal favorite and one of the saddest songs written to date.
The band then again proceeded off the stage. When yet again, the fans chanted “Encore.” As Tall As Lions came out again asking for requests. People chanting older song titles. Dan first teased the crowd with playing the intro to “Dancing In The Rearview.” The final song to the set was “ACROBAT.” It ended the night off very peacefully and you can feel the energy that no one was disappointed.
Throughout the show, I witnessed many new faces. From seeing this band play at local bowling alleys, to now playing in Australia; all it does is put a smile on my face. By far the best show I attended in 2007 and the best band live in the business. As Tall As Lions is not to be overlooked. Get the chance to spare some money for a band that deserves it. Happy Holidays.
As Tall As Lions Set List:
A Soft Hum
A Song For Luna
96 Heartbeats
Breakers
The Carousel
Be Here Now (Extended Intro)
Into The Flood
Ghost of York
Oh Holy Night (Dan Acoustic also accompanied by trombone, sax and trumpet)
Stab City (Also featuring trombone, sax and trumpet)
Maybe I'm Just Tired (Also featuring trombone, sax and trumpet)
------------------------ENCORE 1--------------------------------------------
505 (all members switched instruments - Dan on Bass and Vocals, Saen on Drums, Cliff on Piano,
Rob on Lead Guitar and Julio on Rhythm Guitar and Vocals)
Love, Love, Love (Love, Love)
Break Blossom
------------------------ENCORE 2--------------------------------------------
ACROBAT
Notes:
I talked to Rob Parr and he told me that the new EP "Into The Flood" comes out on cd/vinyl March 18, 2008.
