The Antlers / Dry the River – Live Review

Trendy London pub The Lexington was packed last Friday, with scores of music lovers queuing out the door. This was the third Spotify Live event of the year, and boy did they treat us to something special. Fresh from selling out KOKO only a couple of weeks ago, critically acclaimed Brooklyn indie band The Antlers headlined, with more than capable support from London’s mighty Dry the River.

There aren’t many bands around that try to fuse pastoral folk, post-rock and multi-layered vocal harmonies, but Dry the River are happy to have a crack at it, and the result was pretty impressive. The eager audience was fixed on the band as they swooped and swayed their way though a brilliantly loud, yet atmospheric set that proved this band has got the balance just right. The cheeky banter between songs provided some smiles and their chemistry on stage was warming to watch. With a debut album due in the New Year, you can expect to see a lot more from these guys in 2012.

The room was suitably hot and sweaty by the time The Antlers’ came on, with no sign that the temperature on the dance floor would be going down. Having released one of this years top albums, The Antlers have been gaining a lot of attention. Wandering on stage to a roaring applause they wasted no time in getting down to business. The band’s creativity is sensational. They manage to blend wonderfully written guitar-based indie with dynamic electronic undertones. ‘French Exit’ was played with perfect precision as singer Peter Silberman’s voice echoed around the room.

The crowd was quick to respond, nodding their heads in approval to the tracks’ glossy liveliness. The spacious ‘Rolled Together’ sounded massive and the falsetto vocals that accompany it are glorious. Silberman’s blissful body movements follow the track as it builds to a dramatic finale. Everything about the bands performance was superb, and it’s clear to see why they are one of this years best bands.

By Rob Bramhill