Blogpost: From Indian Lakes @ Studio at Webster Hall

Written by Eli Zeger
Photos by Hadar Sagi

 

 

From Indian Lakes is a group of five pretty boys who make poppy emo music, but with post-rock riffs and melodies; they’re a weird bridge between Do Make Say Think and One Direction. As part of their Able Bodies headlining tour, the California quintet stopped by the Studio at Webster Hall this past Friday (3/21). They were eagerly greeted by an audience full of beanie-wearing, tightly-jeaned, Alternative Press-worshipping teens.

Brooklynites Dutch Bats opened the show. They really embodied that generic indie vibe: simple chord progressions, timid stage presence, and a guitarist who looks like he’s from Vampire Weekend. Total bummer. I don’t see a future for these bland wankers.

SoCal quartet Naive Thieves followed. Their sound was upbeat and jumpy (they tag it as “tropical” on their Bandcamp). What really stood out about them was vocalist Cameron Thorne’s uncanny similarity to the singing style of Arctic Monkeys’ Alex Turner. They weren’t jaw-dropping, but the show was definitely getting better.

 

 

Next was The American Scene. They were pretty awesome. With a strong, heavy sound and consummate guitar playing, this Berkeley, California four-piece undoubtedly ruled over the two preceding acts; their bassist and drummer are even twins who dress like Ian MacKaye!

 

At around 9:30, From Indian Lakes took the stage, making the almost-full house go crazy. Everyone sang along to hits like “Breaking My Bones” and “Till I Can Walk.” The band even knew how to tone down the mood with their jolly acoustic track “I Don’t Know You.” Lead singer Joey Vannucchi sang with great range and not a single note was out of key. Following a brief encore, From Indian Lakes wrapped up the show at a little after 10:30.

Although they led an occasional synchronized clapping sequence that the crowd enjoyed, From Indian Lakes wasn’t the most charismatic live act. There was some stage movement, but they seemed only a little more lively and energetic than the icky Dutch Bats. Although it wasn’t one of my favorite shows, my night at the Studio at Webster Hall beat sulking at home - and I got to discover the awesome American Scene.