The PureVolume House certainly had the most elaborate stage of the downtown venues, with computerized banks of lights, a killer smoke machine, etc. (basically, like, lasers and shit). The sound set up was apparently not flawless, and This Will Destroy You’s bassist made a pronounced two-handed jerking off gesture as the venue struggled with feedback in the monitors (he had the offending monitor unplugged during the set). That being said, if there was any show that excessive stage lighting and smoke would enhance the most, it was this one...
TWDY's performance, like their brooding instrumental music, was mesmerizing. Spaced apart on the stage, each member delved into his own performance, seemingly oblivious to the presence of anyone else. When a band travels off into their own world when performing, their music better bring you with them, and TWDY's force and passion accomplished that. This is music that is meant to be heard live, with or without elaborate lighting and effects; it demands that you be drawn in completely. I apparently was. I left the venue in a daze, and the Austin sunshine hit me like a bucket of cold water as I walked out.
www.myspace.com/thiswilldestroyyou / TWDY.tumblr.com
