The Harlem Shakes are a band to watch. Their 2009 album, Technicolor Health, received copious praises from the blog-o-sphere—not to mention an obscene number of plays in my iTunes (proof that it’s good for sure!)
So who are the Shakes? A poppy, sunshine-y, Brooklyn 6-piece who write effervescent pop songs impossible to dislike (even Pitchfork, who criticizes the album for being TOO sunny and optimistic calls the band “charming”), the Shakes have been making music since 2006, winning fans through relentless touring and high-energy performances.
“Tonight is our last stop on tour,” says vocalist Lexy Benaim Friday night at Kung Fu Necktie. “It feels like we’ve been on the road for 7 years!”
The show was actually a make-up show for a performance cancelled by the band last April, and a sizeable crowd turned up to watch the band in action. Live, they seemed…well, tired (7 years of touring I imagine would wear on anyone!) but still managed to throw a pretty kick-y show, which the audience hungrily devoured.
The Shakes kicked things with “TFO,” the New Order-y dance number that chants “We got time to waste some time, we got time to waste some time” again and again over syncopated rhythms. From there, it was “Nothing but change, Part II”, a horn-laced Afro-pop number reminiscent of fellow New Yorkers Vampire Weekend, and “Strictly game,” a cheery folk number with funky drums and unison singing.
