Geographer – Bowery Ballroom, New York, NY 08/24/2013

In a sold-out performance filled with electronic effects, soaring vocals, and soothing cello fills, San Francisco-based trio Geographer dazzled the Bowery Ballroom during their first New York City headlining show last Saturday night. Currently touring in support of their 2012 release Myth, the band took the stage to a roaring applause and played a set prominently featuring the best songs from their small but sturdy repertoire. In addition to the infectious music that set the adoring audience dancing and singing along, Geographer’s on-stage chemistry and powerful stage presence highlighted the great potential this young band possesses.

The band opened by launching into “Life Of Crime,” a refreshing and rhythmic song that takes a page from the trendy genre of chill wave. The song’s trippy intro, complete with electronic effects and a heavy beat, immediately drew the audience in before lead man Michael Deni’s angelic vocals stole the ears and heart of every last person in the room. Halfway through the set opener, Deni told the audience, “If you’re feeling something out there tonight, I want you to show us what it is.” The audience responded enthusiastically, cheering and singing loudly throughout the entirety of the show, and showing their dedication to this talented group. Geographer followed up with Animal Shapes’ “Paris,” a song that showcased all of the band’s best musical facets. Deni’s silky vocals intertwined beautifully with a complex mixture of Brian Ostreicher’s beats, Nathan Blaz’s chilling cello fills, and an array of synthesizer lines. Those who didn’t dance stood, smiling and stupefied by the band’s spotless live rendition of the song.

As the set progressed, the band’s impressive chemistry and closeness became increasingly apparent. While it’s often too easy for band members to hide behind their instruments, throughout Geographer’s set Deni frequently ventured over to his band mates, singing or playing alongside them, and addressed the audience between nearly every song break. “Dance with me, New York!” he ordered during “Kaleidoscope” before repeatedly shooting Blaz’s ray-gun synthesizer and banging on Ostreicher’s drums. Despite the fact that this was Geographer’s first headlining performance in New York City, the band played with the stage presence of a seasoned group. While the band’s cohesion electrified the audience, it kept the performance tight and incredibly professional, and demonstrated the great potential Geographer has to become a top indie rock act for years to come.

While Geographer’s performance only seemed to improve as the night went on, the climax of the show came during the final four songs before the encore break. This stretch began with “Kites,” one of the band’s most popular songs (it appears on both their Animal Shapes EP and on Myth). Building anticipation, Deni played the synthesized opening notes slowly before picking up the pace for the remainder of the performance. During the chorus, his Thom Yorke à la-1995 falsetto was nearly drowned out by the passionate, hopelessly off-key voices of the audience. Following the largest ovation of the night, Geographer briefly brought down the energy for a soulful rendition of “The Boulder” and a smooth, mesmerizing performance of “Shell Beach.” The band closed the main set with an interactive “Verona,” with Deni telling the audience, “I already know you can sing, New York, so I want you to sing along with me.” Then, in one of the most moving moments of the night, the sold-out room sang the background vocals as Deni and his band mates finished the song and closed out the set.

If nothing else, Geographer’s headlining show at the Bowery Ballroom stands as a sign of things to come. The humble trio took the room by storm with their enthralling brand of electronic indie rock, and strengthened the already close connection they have to each other and to their fans. Every song throughout Geographer’s set was played with purpose and meaning, and the band repeatedly drew smiles of amazement and cheers from the audience during their solid performance. Make a resolution to see them in a live setting soon, because before long Geographer will undoubtedly be selling out venues of all sizes for years to come.

Setlist

Life Of Crime
Paris
Blinders
Myth
Kaleidoscope
Lover’s Game
Night Winds
Kites
The Boulder
Shell Beach
Verona

Can’t You Wait
This Is How We Walk on the Moon (Arthur Russell Cover)
Original Sin

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