Bombay Bicycle Club | Royal Canoe @ Webster Hall (May 9, 2014)

On Friday night English gents Bombay Bicycle Club were in New York City to play the second night of a sold out 2-night run at Webster Hall. Royal Canoe opened up the show, just as they did the night before.

Hailing from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Royal Canoe got the show started for us in grand fashion. The band sports an impressive 6 members, two of which are drummers. It’s not fair, or easy, to place a title on their unique brand of music; but for comparisons sake, think if Yeasayer and Alt-J got in bed with old school Animal Collective. Lots of vocal effects, whirling synths, and of course, percussion. Lead singer Matt Peters would sing into two microphones on songs such as “Nightcrawlin'” which gave it a haunting distinctive tone. They got the party started for sure, with one of the most interesting live sets that you will see all year. Their debut album Today We’re Believers is out now via Roll Call Records.

Since this was my first time seeing Bombay Bicycle Club live, I didn’t know quite what to expect. I was impressed that they sold out two consecutive nights at Webster Hall, but even so, that wasn’t enough of a heads up for how passionate of a fanbase that they have steadily developed over the years. It’s a very young fanbase, but one that is not afraid to leave it all on the floor and sing every word back. Earlier this year the young English group released their new album So Long, See You Tomorrow, which is their 4th album in 5 years, an impressive feat for sure. The setlist spanned their whole discography, with a heavy chunk coming from the new album, naturally. To be honest, I’m more familiar with their earlier stuff, so it was great to hear early cuts such as “Lamplight” and “Evening/Morning.” British artist Liz Lawrence is on tour with the band for backing vocals, having a heavy influence on the new album’s material. She was a heavy presence whose impact was hugely positive. The band had a great deal of enthusiastic energy and delivered. At one point members of Royal Canoe came out to help on vocals.

Between both Royal Canoe and Bombay Bicycle Club, it was a great Friday night of music that left everyone pleased.