White Rabbits - Photo by Jon Behm

The White Rabbits didn’t take the stage until around 10:30, hours after the clubs’ opening. The late start gave everyone a chance to have a few too many drinks and get relaxed before the Brooklyn rockers jolted the crowd into life. With seven members, two full drum sets, a keyboard, guitars and various percussive detritus, the Rabbits were a sight to behold. Billing themselves as “honky-tonk calypso,” the WR have a very distinct sound. While I wouldn’t go as far as calling it Calypso, they definitely lean towards the burlesque side of things, much like The Decemberists do from time to time. Though there was an eerie carnival feel to some of their songs, the indie-pop aspect was definitely the stronger influence. This fast-paced, hook-friendly aesthetic lent itself to a dancing mood, considerably lightening the room’s still somber atmosphere. They played the majority of songs from their highly successful LP, Fort Nightly, though they also did a rocking cover of “Maggie’s Farm,” perhaps as a nod to Dylan’s Minnesota roots. At the time, I felt like the White Rabbits were going to steal the show out from under The Cribs without even giving them a chance to play. 

I was soon corrected. When the Cribs came onstage to play, the still somewhat reserved crowd instantly sprang to life. Cooler-than-thou hipsters instantly transformed into wildly flailing groupies without a single ironic remark. Blank-eyed drunks emerged from the basement like moles, blinked a few times in the light and then leapt into a mad dervish dance. Hunched-over barflies jerked up like marionettes and started a Rockettes line on top of the bar. Okay, I am exaggerating quite a bit here, but just to make a point.  The energy level in the bar was noticeably heightened when The Cribs launched into “MTV,” and remained high throughout the set. 

The Cribs - Photo by Jon Behm

A punk influenced indie-rock band out of Wakefield, England, The Cribs are comprised of the three brothers Jarman, two of which happen to be identical twins. Before your mind turns to thoughts of Bachman Turner Overdrive let me set you straight. These guys are a good sibling band.  Their song “Hey Scenesters!” has been named one of NME’s top 50 indie-rock songs of all time. They are also constantly touted by critics around the globe as a hugely under-appreciated band.  While I seriously doubt that any of their songs would make my personal top 50 list, I did enjoy the show a good deal, and definitely felt the band’s enthusiasm. Sweating, wailing and strutting through their set, The Cribs pounded the boards with their hard-edged indie anthems. They had a guy standing next to the stage whose job, it seemed, was specifically to pick the mic stands up every time one of the Cribs knocked them down, which was quite often. 

As The Cribs brought down the house, I think that all thoughts of the looming disaster in the audience were relieved, if only temporarily, as everyone danced and let loose. It was a good feeling. A crueler sort of reality hit as we filed out through the door, picking at clingy wet t-shirts and purchasing hot dogs at the Food Time Express. I’m sure that I was not the only one to take the Central Avenue bridge on my way home, looking over at the nearby empty space where the 35W bridge used to stand. It was an odd feeling, that juxtaposition of fun and tragedy, one I’m sure felt by all, and one I’m sure we will become more used to in the coming days. 

The Cribs Setlist:

MTV
Hey Scenesters!
Our Bovine Public
You’re Gonna Lose Us
Girls Like Mystery
I'm a Realist
Moving Pictures
I'm All Right Me
I’ve Tried Everything
Women’s Needs
Martell
Men’s Needs
Mirror Kissers
Another Number
Ancient History
Wrong Way to Be