quick brown fox

Art Brut
Soundfix
May 22nd, 2006

Let me just preface this recap with the following important points: 1. I missed Art Brut at the Knitting Factory this week, and 2. What the hell was I thinking? These guys put on a ridiculously good show tonight at Soundfix, and everything but the size of the crowd far exceeded my expectiations.

Not only did they play a full hour-long set, but they didn’t even use the fact that it was a free show in a coffee shop as an excuse to deviate from the AB program. When lead singer Eddie Argos found his mic wasn’t working at the start of the first song, he tossed it aside and shouted all the lyrics to “Formed a Band” without skipping a beat. He walked through the crowd to lecture the cheap seats on “Modern Art”, and with no stage to dive from, lept to and from chairs, booths…even the bar (and at great peril, I might add). Say what you will about Art Brut, but this cannot be denied: Eddie Argos is the very definition of charisma. And yes, those are his striped socks.

My only regret is that I didn’t stop by Mug’s when I saw the band head in there beforehand. This is the third time I’ve failed to buy Eddie Argos a drink when I had the opportunity, and I assure you I won’t let it pass me by again. The only thing better than securing a spot front and center at the show would have to be sitting down for a shot of Absolut with Art Brut. Or maybe just a pint of Stella.

Hey check it out: You can hear the whole show over at Ryspace. Thanks Ryan!