Photos By Vicky Zeamer
(vicky@rockscope.com)

TPC

“This is the first time we’ve played in a room of this immaculate size” remarked Tokyo Police Club front man Dave Monks. With fans still filtering into the arena, the room looked empty, but felt full. It is clear from the apprehension in Monks’ voice and the looks on the rest of the bands faces that it is odd to be playing in a hockey rink.

It seems that on this big of a tour, it is destine for a large percentage of the crowd to not be familiar with the opening band. Looking around, it was a hard task to spot any lips moving to the tune of the song.

This comes puzzling to followers of indie rock due largely to the success TPC has been receiving. A guest appearance on the prime time show like F’N MTV, a video and music premiere show slotted on Friday nights with guests like The Ting Tings, The Jonas Brothers, and Panic at the Disco, is not a small feat. Other acclaim has come from MTV, including the coveted ‘Band of the Week.’

No judgement from this concert, but the fact is that TPC is, and will blow up in our faces one day. If it isn’t clear from landing a spot on a national big press tour with Weezer is just the first step. Despite familiarity with the group, the crowd was taking notice of TPC’s live energy come out.

Saturated red and blue tones were painted over their faces, as the big budget lights were still under wraps on the stage. Even through the strong colored lights, it is still easy to see the joy and the full band’s faces light up.

Keyboard and vocalist Graham Wright did not stop moving his entire body the entire set. Constantly clapping, kicking his feet, changing facial expressions every word, and banging on the keyboard, Wright pumped out a good deal of energy.

Their sheer joy translated to the audience, warming up the crowd by the end of the set. All preconceived notions of this band putting on a stale show, playing with their hair covering their eyes and cardigans slouching still on their shoulders, were blown away.

Just the opposite happened. Everyone was rocking their guitars back and forth, walking about the stage and just enjoying themselves with wide smiles on their faces. The quality of the music they were making was near perfect to CD quality. There is no doubt that Weezer made a good decision when choosing an opening band.

Citizens of tomorrow take notice, this is Tokyo Police Club.