Biodegradable confetti, order a multi-screen video display, tadalafil a question and answer session, a song performed entirely using an audience-generated background beat, cameras on mic stands…
Was it a circus? A One Direction show at Gillette Stadium? A press conference introducing Jon Bon Jovi as part owner of a local convenience store chain?
Actually, it was none of the above. As you probably gathered from the title of this review, all of those absurdities played a role in Ok Go’s Wednesday night visit to a very sold out Paradise Rock Club.
The LA-via-Chicago four-piece have developed a reputation as one of the most innovative (aka gimmicky) bands around, having mastered the art of internet to continuously grow a fan base that has only been treated to three full length records over the past 12 years.
The band is preparing to release LP #4 in October, and they had more than a few new tricks up their sleeves on Wednesday, helping to liven up a show that could best be described as “unfamiliar” thanks to the sheer number of new tracks crammed into the hour and fifteen minute set.
Spliced in between the new songs were some old favorites, along with enough snarky quips from lead singer Damian Kulash to make you think he was auditioning for his own standup gig. Kulash basically responded to every single thing someone in the audience shouted at him, at one point answering a fan’s query of “what’s it feel like to be a rock star?” with a quick “I don’t know yet.”
Joking aside, the band kept the crowd entertained with what was probably the most elaborate stage set-up the Paradise has ever seen. It came complete with semi-transparent video screens positioned not only behind, but often in front of the band. Add to that the dueling confetti cannons and neon graphics dancing across the screens, and you had what was the live show equivalent of sensory overload.
The band burned through most of their tricks early on, and then stripped things down (slightly) during the later half of the set. It was here that it became apparent that Ok Go is a very good, if not great live band. Standing shoulder to shoulder on the crowded Paradise stage, they seemed perfectly in sync, trading vocals, sharing instruments, swaying in unison, and grinning as if they found the whole spectacle to be quite absurd (which it was).
When it was over, the band had not only proven they can throw a killer party of a live show, they had also given fans plenty to be excited about. I would tell you to check out Hungry Ghosts when it is released next month, but I know the videos will make their way into your youtube queue anyway – and you’ll probably be pleasantly surprised when they do.
