Caribou Played Webster Hall: Pictures, Review, Video

In all the times that we've seen Caribou over the past few years, they've yet to disappoint. Last week at Webster Hall was no exception. The Canadian band are without question one of the most tightly integrated units in rock and roll, and seeing their material in a live setting is almost like getting to hear a completely new and invigorated version of the album tracks.

The room at Webster Hall was unquestionably the largest we've ever seen them in, and it's clear that the band's popularity is rapidly expanding. Tracks from Swim were met with massive approval, and also seemed far more prone to the band's more extended jams. In particular, "Sun" and "Odessa" both garnered some serious crowd reaction.

Interestingly, some of the tracks from Andorra were conspicuously disregarded (at least with regard to applause levels), despite being in the best shape that we've ever heard them in. There was an astoundingly massive version of "Melody Day", and a take on "After Hours" that completely blew our minds. Swim may be bringing the crowds, but we're glad the band hasn't forgotten their roots.

As has become the norm with Caribou, the show also included an epic light show reminiscent of the finest 60's psychedelica. Projections were combined with strategically timed strobes to offer up an environment that was intricately tied to the music. Lulls would be accented with drifting colors, followed by explosive bursts of onstage light at the most percussive moments.

Putting a Caribou show into words is almost moot, because the experience is a far more visceral than it is intellectual. The band manages to take intricate melodies and rhythms and combine them in such a way that the listener is left not only completely in love with the show, but also wishing you could bottle the experience and take it home.

More photos in the HAD Archive

Caribou Coming To Webster Hall

Caribou at Bowery Ballroom, from the HAD Archive

If last week's free show on Governor's Island didn't fill your Caribou quota (and really, how could it?), then you're in luck. The band will be returning to New York for the third time this year when they visit Webster Hall on September 22nd. While we'd typically be a little skeptical of so many stops in the big apple in a 6 month span, we're gonna hold our tongues this time. Caribou deliver such a monster live show, we'd probably go see them every week for a year if we had the chance.

Tickets go on sale Friday at noon.

mp3: Caribou - Odessa

Caribou and Toro Y Moi Played Bowery Ballroom - Pictures and Review

Caribou hasn't truly been on tour in about three years, and this weekend it was clear that New York has been eagerly awaiting their return. Saturday night we caught up with Dan Snaith & Co. at Bowery Ballroom as they played to a (long) sold out crowd. Suffice it to say that those who had been eagerly awaiting the show were not disappointed. The Canadian band delivered a blazing set that called upon both their latest record Swim, as well as their earlier catalog.

The show opened with South Carolina trio Toro Y Moi. A friend had told us to make sure and get there early to catch their set, and we were truly glad we did. They delivered a set that sonically tipped its hat to a wide variety of references, from early 80's hip hop, to Animal Collective, to synth pop, to Caribou themselves. Despite all these references, the band unquestionably managed a sound that was distinctly their own.

The crowd was unquestionably appreciative of the tunage, and Toro Y Moi received not only a vigorous response, but also managed to get a large portion of the crowd jumping and dancing. Moreover, the band delivered an encore - almost unheard of for an opener. The set was dynamic, musically interesting, and yet completely accessible: in other words, exactly what you want out of a band. We dug the set, and picked up the record after the show - we recommend you do the same.

Caribou followed soon thereafter, hitting the stage at eleven o'clock. The stage setup was similar to what we've seen in the past, with Dan Snaith behind a console of drums, keyboards, and guitar, and the other three members providing a solid base of guitar, bass, and drums. The band is back in their original configuration, with drummer Brad Weber apparently all recovered from his broken wrist of a few years back.

The crowd was unquestionably stoked for the show, and in particular demonstrated a real appetite for the band's new record, which featured heavily in the set. Weber's drumming was in top form, as was the band as a whole: It's incredible to us that they somehow manage to deliver the intricacies of Snaith's records in a live set, but the technical aptitude is so high, you simply let it fly right by you.

The material from Swim fared particularly well in the live environment, with it's dancey beats enhanced by the frenetic experience of both the crowd's presence and the band's live dynamics. In particular, a simply massive version of "Sun" was the highlight of the show. The music was complemented (but not overshadowed) by a flurry of psychedelic effects, many of which drew upon Swim's cover art for inspiration.

We've said it before, and we'll say it again: Caribou is simply a band that you must see live. Without a doubt, they make some fantastic and beautiful records, but in a live environment, those records make a leap that simply must be heard to be believed. Dan Snaith has assembled a team of musicians who flawlessly deliver his sonic vision, and if this weekend's show was any indication, the people are more than ready for it.

Many more pictures in the HAD Archive

Caribou Streams Album, Announces Remix Contest

Caribou at Slim's in 2007, from the HAD Archive

News just came over the wire that the new Caribou album Swim (which is obscenely fantastic, btw), is now streaming in full over at Soundcloud. We've had our hands on the record for a month or two, and are truly loving it. We highly recommend you head over and check it out as soon as you get a chance.

Additionally, the band has announced a remix contest centered around a track from the record, "Sun". All the multi-track parts are downloadable here, and once complete, remixes are to be uploaded here. While we haven't heard it yet, we're sure the Record Store Day "Odessa" remixes 12" will certainly serve as a source for inspiration.

Finally, as previously noted, the band are out on an extensive tour of Europe and North America. Take our word for it when we say that this is a band you definitely want to see live. Check out the dates below.

mp3: Caribou - Odessa

stream: Caribou - Swim

Caribou Spring 2010 Dates

Apr 17 Freebutt Brighton
Apr 19 Deaf Institute Manchester
Apr 20 Corsica Studios London London
Apr 21 Paradiso (Upstairs) Amsterdam
Apr 22 Beursschouwburg Brussels
Apr 23 Le Point Ephemere Paris
Apr 24 Le Romandie Lausanne, Waadt
Apr 25 Palace St. Gallen, St-Gall
Apr 26 Magnolia Milano
Apr 27 Feierwerk Muchen
Apr 28 Berghain Berlin, Berlin
Apr 29 Prinzenbar Hamburg
Apr 30 Pop Revo Festival Århus
May 1 Hornstull Strand Stockholm
May 3 Phoenix Concert Theatre (AA) Toronto, Ontario
May 4 Babylon (AA) Ottawa, Ontario
May 5 La Tulipe (AA) Montreal, Quebec
May 6 Middle East Downstairs (18+) Cambridge, Massachusetts
May 7 Music Hall Of Williamsburg (18+) Brooklyn, New York
May 8 Bowery Ballroom (18+) New York, New York
May 9 First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia (AA) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
May 10 Rock And Roll Hotel (AA) Washington, Washington DC
May 11 Jefferson Theater Charlottesville, Virginia
May 12 Cat’s Cradle (AA) Carrboro, North Carolina
May 13 Earl East Atlanta, Georgia
May 14 Spanish Moon Baton Rouge, Louisiana
May 15 Warehouse Live Studio Houston, Texas
May 16 Emo’s (AA) Austin, Texas
May 18 Clubhouse Music Venue (AA) Tempe, Arizona
May 19 El Rey Theatre (AA) Los Angeles, California
May 20 asbah San Diego, California
May 21 Teatro Fru Fru Mexico City
May 24 The Independent San Francisco, California
May 26 Hawthorne Theatre (AA) Portland, Oregon
May 28 Sugar Nightclub Victoria, British Columbia
May 29 Rickshaw Theatre (AA) Vancouver, British Columbia
May 30 Sasquatch Festival George, Washington
May 31 Republik Calgary, Alberta
Jun 1 tarlite Room Edmonton, Alberta
Jun 2 Amigos Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Jun 3 oyal Albert Hotel Winnipeg, Manitoba
Jun 4 7th Street Entry At First Avenue Minneapolis, Minnesota
Jun 5 Rock Island Brewing Co. Rock Island, Illinois
Jun 6 Granada Theatre Lawrence, Kansas
Jun 7 The Firebird (AA) St. Louis, Missouri
Jun 8 Zanzabar Louisville, Kentucky
Jun 9 The Grog Shop Cleveland Heights, Ohio
Jun 10 The Casbah Hamilton, Ontario
Jun 11 Paragon Halifax, Nova Scotia
Jun 16 Heaven London
Jul 31 Victoria Park London, London and South East

Caribou Plots North American Tour

Caribou at Slim's, from the HAD Archive

We were already pretty damned psyched about the prospect of a new Caribou record on the horizon. As such, we were even more stoked to learn that the band has gotten around to plotting a tour in support of the forthcoming Swim, and it's a doozy. Over the course of May and June, the band will cover the better part of the US and Canada, and even make a stop in Mexico! More importantly, they've lined up a one two punch at the Bowery Ballroom and Music Hall of Williamsburg in New York, and a stop at the Independent in San Francisco. It's been a while since we've seen them out on tour, but we can assure you that it's well worth it!

Tickets for New York go on sale Friday at noon. (1 and 2)

mp3: Caribou - Odessa

Caribou 2010 North American Dates

5-03 Toronto, Ontario - Phoenix
05-04 Ottawa, Ontario - Babylon*
05-05 Montreal, Quebec - Tulipe
05-06 Boston, MA - Middle East Downstairs
05-07 Brooklyn, NY - Music Hall of Williamsburg ^
05-08 New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom ^
05-09 Philadelphia, PA - First Unitarian Church
05-10 Washington, DC - Rock N Roll Hotel
05-11 Charlottesville, VA - Jefferson*
05-12 Chapel, Hill, NC - Cat's Cradle
05-13 Atlanta, GA - Earl
05-14 Baton Rouge, LA - Spanish Moon*
05-15 Houston, TX - Warehouse Live Studio*
05-16 Austin, TX - Emo's
05-18 Phoenix, AZ - Clubhouse
05-19 Los Angeles, CA - El Rey
05-20 San Diego, CA - Casbah
05-21 Mexico City, Mexico - Teatro Fru Fru*
05-24 San Francisco, CA - Independent
05-26 Portland, OR - Hawthorne
05-28 Victoria, British Columbia - Sugar
05-29 Vancouver, British Columbia - Rickshaw
05-30 George, WA - Sasquatch
05-31 Calgary, Alberta - Republik*
06-01 Edmonton, Alberta - Starlite*
06-02 Saskatoon, Saskatchewan - Amigo's*
06-03 Winnipeg, Manitoba - Royal Albert Arms*
06-04 Minneapolis, MN - 7th St. Entry
06-05 Davenport, IA - Rock Island Brewing Co.*
06-07 St. Louis, MO - Firebird*
06-08 Louisville, KY - Zanzabar*
06-09 Cleveland, OH - Grog Shop*
06-10 Hamilton, Ontario - Casbah $
06-11 Halifax, Nova Scotia - Paragon

^ with Hounds of Hate
$ with Vowls
* with Toro y Moi

New Caribou Record On Tap For April

In case you don't have anything else cooked up for 4/20, we have some good news for you: the new Caribou record Swim drops on that very day. It's been a while since we heard anything from the Canadian rhythmic masters, so this has us quite excited. What's more, Caribou front man Dan Snaith has indicated that the record will be far more of a dance record than Andorra ever was.

There's already a track available from the record (bel0w) entitled "Odessa", and if it's any indication, the man is very true to his word. It has all of Caribou's trademark calculated intention, but takes the beats to a place that is simultaneously more canned, but also slightly more human and organic. We like it very much. Now we just need news of a tour.

mp3: Caribou - Odessa

Last Night @ The Independent: Fuck Buttons and Caribou

Last night at the Independent, Fuck Buttons and Caribou played a noisy set of analog goodness that will not soon be forgotten here at H.A.D. Both bands held up their end of the deal, and delivered to a sold out crowd.

Fuck Buttons started out the night with a genuinely enjoyable set of their own brand of analog electronica. It was really nice to see an electronic band actively generating all their sounds live on stage, whether it be via vintage keyboards, live drums, or a Fish Price tape recorder.

The set started off with more droney noise tracks, and gradually made its way into a realm of more danceable straight ahead beats. Both sounds were enjoyable, but perhaps the droney parts sounded a tad more original to our ears.

Soon after, Caribou hit the stage and blew the crowd away. You may recall that last time we were somewhat disappointed with the band's performance, and felt it didn't really live up to the record. Well, this time around that's all changed, and the big reason seems to be because of one Ahmed Gallab.

Gallab was recently brought on board after Brad Weber broke his wrist. What's unfortunate for Mr. Weber is that Gallab completely transforms the band into a live powerhouse. His drumming is spectacular, and drove the entire show from start to finish.

Even better about Gallab's performance was that it seemed to bring the other band members up a level in terms of showmanship and technique. The entire set glowed with excitement and enthusiasm for the performances being put forth. Given that Gallab is the "fill in" drummer, we're not sure what will come of all this. But, with apologies to Mr. Weber, we hope Gallab is here to stay. And if he's not, well, see Caribou now.

Many more pictures over at the H.A.D. flickr feed.

Caribou Coming To The Independent In April

Caribou will be back in town in April, presumably continuing to tour on the wings of their awesome album Andorra. Despite our somewhat-lukewarm feelings last time they were in town, we love this damn record so much that we're going to give them a second chance. We figure we know what we're getting into, and it's at the Independent, so that's a plus right there. Plus, the opener's called Fuck Buttons - you can't lose with a name like that!

The band will be at the Independent April 23rd - tickets on-sale now.

mp3: Caribou - Melody Day (MP3 Removed Due To Grumpy Web Site Owner)

About Last Night: Caribou @ Slim's

Having spent the better part of the last month listening to Caribou's new disc Andorra, I was quite pumped for last night's show at Slim's. It seemed like a great combo: fantastic band with a great new album, intimate venue, and a live act that had been quite hyped on its cross country travels. A lot of that did wind up to be true: the band's live act is incredibly solid and well orchestrated, and the crowd at Slim's was psyched to be seeing the band in such an intimate setting. To my ears, unfortunately, the band just wasn't hitting the sonic heights achieved on record.

Specifically, one of the biggest pieces of Andorra that has really grabbed me is all the synth and vocal layers. They contribute to make the record have its distinctively eerie combination of 60's pop and experimental rock. They lend a lot of the character that makes the record stand out from the crowd. Last night both were conspicuously low in the mix. Moreover, much of the synth work that was present was driven by a laptop, rather than played live. While I realize that it's a necessary evil at times, it's still always a disappointment to realize you're not getting something completely "live".

Ultimately, the band did deliver an inspired, energetic, drums/bass/guitar combo, with a kickass light show to boot. It's just that something about the performance left me feeling a bit empty, and like I'd rather go home and flip on the record. Maybe I'll do just that.

More photos at the H.A.D. flickr feed.