October 2, 2008
The Bird and The Bee get bizzy
Michael Wood READ TIME: 2 MIN.
Maybe it was the trimmed down, bare bones set-up, maybe it was the band's infectious arrangements of dance infused indie-pop - heck, that cover of Hall & Oates classic "I Can't Go for That (No Can Do)" didn't hurt either - but ultimately, what The Bird and The Bee showed to the small crowd inside Great Scott on Sept. 28, making music can be a shitload of fun.
Continuing their almost endless touring for the band's first full length self-titled record, Greg Kurstin (producer/keyboardist) and Inara George (vocals/bassist) left behind their carnival of backing singers and live band for a set that felt like a return to the band's early days, when they deployed just a keyboard, drum machine, bass and an endless appreciation for great pop music.
The evening began with little to no introduction, as George and Kurstin quietly traversed the audience and onto the stage, and without a word cut straight into the single F**king Boyfriend, one of last year's big club remix favorites.
The set up might have seen small time, but the energy and charisma George gave the audience revealed a woman oozing confidence and control. Leaving her bass behind for a handful of tracks, George danced around the stage in a hoop-skirted dress straight from the '50s that cloaked her near-constant gyrations. "You guys really have no idea what's going on down here," George cheekily proclaimed.
Live staples "Polite Dance Song", "La La La" and "Birthday" filled out the set, alongside a slew of new tracks from the band's soon to be released new record Ray Guns Are Not Just The Future. "You guys know ray guns are real, right? Anyone else see that 60 Minutes II?" George mused to the crowd, grinning. The new material showcased a heavy emphasis on the polished dance productions that have made Kurstin one of the most sought after producers in pop music today.
At just a little over an hour, The Bird and The Bee did everything to revive the idea that it's okay for indie music to sometimes be a little tongue and cheek and, god forbid, fun.
Michael Wood is a contributor and Editorial Assistant for EDGE Publications.