“We’re Titus Andronicus and we’re from Glenrock, New Jersey.” Wow, I am thinking to myseldf why the heck is this dude wearing a full-length winter jacket with his hood on? It must really be cold in Jersey. I’m from Minnesota and this LA December isn’t that cold.
Patrick, the parka toting lead singer, has his hood up and is singing the opening song in the confines of his shielded cranium. The tune, “Upon Viewing Brueghel’s, ‘Landscape with the Fall of Icarus”, is as energetically performed as it is titled and the parka is not making a bit of a difference in the bands flow. Halfway into the set the Sherpa-clad ware finally comes off but by then, the audience at the Troubadour is too into the music to notice.
“We just got back from the UK three days ago, boy are we happy to be around some Americans. This next song is about American history.” With even more passion and zeal than the first, Titus kicks into the next song, ironically called “Joset of Nazareth’s Blues.” Andrew, Eric, Ian, and Ian (yes two members of the band are both named Ian) along with Parka Patrick -all still dawning a look of bi-coastal time-zone adjustment- are attracting a diverse blend of hipster, business, and music appreciates, a nod to the distinctive style and taste in their music. Titus carries a big sound that is fueled by three guitars, bass, drums, keyboard, and a few well placed harmonicas. Not to mention some tambourine head bashing, hit-hat cymbal crashing, and of course kick- drum standing. The Jersey based five-piece are promoting their latest project The Airing of Grievances packed with an even more eclectic line-up of cellos, violins, saxophones, baby noises, French literature, and of course Shakespeare excerpts.
“This next song is eight minutes long, if you were thinking about having a smoke, now would be a good time.” At least he gave us a heads up. Though from the looks of the audience, nobody seems to budge at the lead singer’s disclaimer, instead, fans are already nodding their head to the well executed composition that seems both Dylan inspired and Jet produced, all while being recorded in an Irish pub. During the song, the “other” Ian grabs a harmonica and belts into a solo. Later on, Andrew, Patrick, and Ian all throw a splash of harmonic vocals while strumming away, a kudos to the bands musicianship. It’s obvious that regardless of the climate, these guys are going to offer a solid show and give it there all. Later, Patrick gets back on the mic to offer some humble shout-outs.
“Thank you to the people letting us crash at their house, thank you to my brother for being here, and thank you to No Age for letting us use their guitars. Ours were stolen in the UK.” So that’s where the hostile British resentment came from. By set’s end I’ve learned a few things about Titus Andronicus. One, they’re not too fond of the British right now, despite having played a string of well-received shows over seas. Two, they love American history and Shakespeare. And Third, despite their well strong and versed sound and soon to be fame, these Jersey kids are humble, and play their music out of pure passion, fervor, and love. It’s all translated exceptionally well on the legendary Troubadour stage tonight.
A. Landon
www.loudvine.com
