Dan Boeckner and Alexei Perry are married. They’re also in a band together. These two things are directly related, and luckily not in a sappy Mates of State kind of way. Rather the duo—who go by the name The Handsome Furs—uses their passion, love, and uh, tension to create something dynamic and alive.
“My friend saw these guys in Brooklyn last night and he said it was like seeing two people have sex on stage!” says the guy next to me eagerly as the band sets up Thursday night at Johnny Brenda’s.
“Tonight at midnight is actually our 2-year wedding anniversary,” admits Boeckner to the crowd sheepishly, about 10 minutes later.
Perry smiles. “What he doesn’t know is I’m going to make out with him at midnight!” she exclaims. The audience applauds enthusiastically.
The duo’s 45 minute set seems to pass in the blink of an eye, with Boeckner and Perry going absolutely crazy, bouncing around, flinging sweat into the crowd, and energizing the audience with thumping beats and effervescent melodies. Boeckner—who also plays in Wolf Parade—wails on his guitar and punches out lyrics while Perry—lipstick-ed and barefoot—works two synths and some pedals in between emphatic cheerleader jumps.
