I Just Read About That…

[ATTENDED: October 19, 2018] Overcoats

Overcoats were the first concert I went to this year.  They had opened for a band I’d never heard of, but I was there for them.  I got there early, had a great spot up front and really enjoyed the show.

Now here it is ten months later and they were opening for someone I really wanted to see.  I knew they didn’t have a new album out so I wasn’t sure what they’d be playing.  It turns out that they had taken a bit of a touring break and this was their first gig in a little bit (we’re so out of shape, JJ said).

Well, I arrived later than I wanted to and wound up with a not great but not terrible spot.  I walked in during their first song (boo).

The crowd was (like last time) very responsive, which is always fun.  And it felt like Overcoats were more relaxed than last time (but that’s probably not true).

As I settled in they began “Hold Me Close.”  I marveled at how great their voices sound together and how much fun they were still having.

After a few songs, Hana picked up a guitar and played a melody (her guitar was really quiet).  JJ also played a synth thing.  This was all kind of unusual because much of their music is prerecorded.  I don’t know if the drummer was triggering the music or if somehow the song started and just played until the end.  They had a new drummer for this tour Kate (I think) and she was excellent.

I really like “Nighttime Hunger” with the “when the darkness comes” chorus.  It’s really catchy and fun to dance to, despite being a rather dark song.

Then they told us they were going to play a new song.  It was synthy, and felt bigger than their other songs.  It also featured their great harmonies (so that meant it was great).  Lets call the song “Bending Over Backwards.”

They went back to their album with “Kai’s Song” and then played a newish song.  It was “I Don’t Believe in Us” which they played back in January although it does not appear on Young.

Then Hana asked if it was okay if they played another new song.  Hana grabbed her guitar, we’ll call this one “If I was Something Beautiful.”  It was a great song and really bodes well for the new album.

They ended the night by asking “Are you ready to dance?”  “Leave the Light On” was as joyful and fun as the last time.

The lighting in Union Transfer is pretty bad so these are some unflattering photos.  But like last time, they ended their show with a warm embrace–if everyone had a friendship like they do, the world would be a better place.

When Mitski was done, I went out to the lobby and Overcoats were there.  I chatted with JJ for a bit (she was super nice)   I wanted them to sign something but I already had the CD, and there was nothing else to get.  When I told them I saw them back in January, JJ got very excited and realized that they hadn’t handed out their new Loyalty Cards.

I got the first one!

SETLIST

Speaking of merch, I still love this shirt and am only sad that in the last ten months we’ve only needed it more.