Wolf Parade wasted no time surging to the forefront of the indie rock scene. After a hasty formation in 2003, a hotshot debut opening for Arcade Fire and the release of just one full-length album, they quickly elicited drools from both fans and critics who hailed the band as the next big thing. The Montreal quintet, still at work on a forthcoming record rumored for an early 2008 release, offered a preview of new material at a sold-out show Sept. 12 at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco .
While some crowds cringe at a band’s live straying from beloved favorites, Wolf Parade fans welcomed the new songs, which were alternated among cuts from “Apologies to the Queen Mary.” Musically, whatever Wolf Parade lacked in technically perfect re-creations of their songs they compensated for with spirit, with the band freely slowing down or speeding up tracks as they saw fit. The sluggishly carnal vibe of “You Are a Runner and I Am My Father’s Son” not only sparked the audience to back up the band with floor-rocking stomps, but its slackened pace created a powerful dynamic contrast amid a segue into the punk frenzied “Fancy Claps.”
Cryptic lyrics hinting at relationships dominate new tunes and build upon the band’s established tracks with dark themes that belie the pop sensibility of melodies. Compositions blend typical rock sound layers — straightforward guitar riffs and simple drum beats — with harmonic keyboard embellishments and whimsical effects that oftentimes simulate a hectic emergency situation in a spaceship control room. Wolf Parade could provide the soundtrack to a fairy tale — but only if the story takes place in another galaxy.
The unique range of the two singers shined brightly onstage despite competing with instruments played with such strong individual personalities that they commanded attention on their own. While the almost alien-sounding originality of keyboardist Spencer Krug’s voice is what makes the band revered among most fans, guitarist Dan Boeckner’s throaty, virile growl offers a charming and grounded counterpoint to Krug’s ethereality.
Audience enthusiasm seemed to intensify throughout the set. Not only did Wolf Parade inspire mass sing-alongs, unabashed dancing and spontaneous cheers, but during climactic show-closer “I’ll Believe in Anything” one blonde showed her excitement by giving the band a full-on two-minute breast parade sitting topless on the shoulders of an accomplice. It’s notable that a flamboyant spectacle typically witnessed at butt rock concerts and music festivals occurred at an indie show in such an intimate venue; not to mention the refreshing sight of Wolf Parade inciting a crowd known more for playing the role of the cool hipster spectator into unbridled hip-shakers and flashers.
Time will tell if Wolf Parade can keep up with the restless pace they set for themselves. But judging by the ADD nature driving band member side projects — including Krug’s Sunset Rubdown and Boeckner’s Handsome Furs, both touring this fall — they aren’t going just anywhere. They’re going everywhere.
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