Freelance Whales / Arkells @ El Rey Theatre

August 16, 2010 - Los Angeles, CA

Liz Caruso

Freelance Whales @ El Rey Theatre - Los Angeles, CA - August 12, 2010 - Photos by Liz Caruso

Last Thursday night at the El Rey, Tokyo Police Club had not one, but two excellent supporting acts play before their own set.

First, Arkells, a five-piece band from Canada, set the mood for the night with a blazingly energetic performance comprise of their punchy, hook-filled indie rock tunes. The band joked half-way through the performance their share of the profits that night depended on how well they got the party started, and I think that goal was achieved. All smiles are on lead singer/guitarist Max Kerman's face as the rest of the band happily jams away, with abundant hair flips and all. The highlight of the night was quite possibly when they broke into a sing-along chorus with the audience of The Beatles' "Eleanor Rigby" in the middle of their song "John Lennon". What more could you ask for?

Next were Freelance Whales. I've regrettably missed their previous shows in Los Angeles, but I wasn't going to pass up the opportunity to see them last Thursday no matter what. I wasn't disappointed.

These Queens natives make stunning, texturally layered pop music that mixes the acoustic sensibility of banjos, glockenspiel and harmonium with synthesizers and other electric instruments. One of the things I noticed instantly (besides the surprisingly pleasant scent of incense the band burns at each show) was the constant shifting of the band members at each post - by the end of the set, everyone but the drummer had taken a turn on a different instrument. It's when the entire collective knows how to play each instrument that you know you must be witnessing something impressive. After all, it's not like it's done very often, and though it may sound gimmicky, it flows wonderfully on stage and adds a fresh, mixed-up touch to each song.

The crowd was very receptive, and there were more than a few I spoke to who admitted that Freelance Whales on the bill made the show all the more attractive to them. I can see why. It was such a satisfying performance, that by the time they finished their last song, "Generator ^ Second Floor", I would have been perfectly happy even if another great band hadn't been up next.

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Arkells:






























Freelance Whales: