ok-go-independent

Review and Photos: David Yousling

To say Ok Go is the most creative band ever would certainly be superfluous but not without a grain of truth. Last night, the sold out show at The Independent was packed early on with the crowd dancing easily to the beats of DJ Myles Hendrik.

True to form OK Go took the stage with a deftness and mystique reserved for seasoned veterans. With a translucent soft screen in front of the stage a projector played a video of each of the band members heads singing the opening song. Keeping the energy up with a play from The Flaming Lips the confetti blasted hard with the kickoff of the second song.
While early on there were some issues with mic levels, the crowd didn’t seem to notice and the band carried on without frustration. By the third song, “I won’t let you down”, from the forthcoming album Hungry Ghosts the sound was dialed, demonstrating the full on danceability of their alt rock power pop. Playing most of the recently released EP Upside Out which features singles from the upcoming LP Hungry Ghost, the song “Obsession” specifically summoned comparisons to 80’s pop rock Huey Lewis and the News.
With statements like “you know this can’t be a normal show because we’re running it” often sounding cliche in the case of OK Go it’s no exaggeration. From the first song to the last song OK Go demonstrated a level of engagement with the crowd that few ever approach. Some of the highlights included Q&A, acapella Les Miserables, singing a ballad in the crowd, sequence looping with crowd sounds and so much confetti and smoke. With a perfected form of pop rock these guys demonstrate a high level of connection with their fans that is only rivaled by their dedication to the progressive musical experience.
Have you seen OK Go perform before? What was your favorite part of their show?
Check out the pictures and listen to this playlist to hear more from OK Go.

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