Although on the surface it appears as though Texas-based instrumental rockers This Will Destroy You has a fan base that doesn’t extend far past New Jersey or Germany, the room Thursday night at Bowery Ballroom was packed. With no definite front man, no vocals, and an all-encompassing wall of sound, it was a mystery as to how this would marry into their live performance.
This Will Destroy You are categorically post-rock, defining the genre at its most fundamental core with the use of nontraditional rock melodies, chord progressions, and soundscape textures. As soon as the gents take the stage, clad only in modest shirts, they command attention. Synthesized sonic clouds and blue lights create a false sense of chilled air in the crowded hall. The keyboard player, one of the most definitive aspects of their music, back faces the audience, setting forth some kind of psychological build-up before turning around, grabbing a bass and jamming violently at the audience. Sans frontman, all members’ movements rhythmically align, forcing the crowd to sway along – in a more perfect unison than I have seen in years.
With the average song coming in at about five to six minutes (or more) in length, the set felt a little short (they were also the second openers of three bands playing that evening.) The majority of the tracks played were newer material, but that doesn’t mean fan favorites off their Young Mountain EP were ignored, most notably the powerful performance of “Quiet” and “Happiness: We’re in This Together.”
Every song had an immense build up, and it goes without saying that This Will Destroy You know exactly how to command attention. Although it will prove to be an arduous challenge to surpass the recorded band over a live performance outfit stigma, the show seemed to resonate well with all attendees, regardless if they were there to see TWDY or not.
