09/07/2011 Ghostland Observatory @ The Jefferson Theater

Ghostland Observatory SET LIST

The evening started with a dismal showing of 15 – 20 people meandering around the bar in the back of the venue. A few clung to the center stage claiming an early spot on the edge of excitement with their neon bracelets and batons cracked for optimum glow. DJ Devine tinkered with his gear above them until 9:15pm at which point he unleashed the sounds of Hendrix, Daft Punk, and The Killers to name a few. The floor crowd of about 25 warmed and dancing ensued. DJ Devine mixed and dropped beats that kept the antsy feet moving but his flow from one song to the next often lost the rhythm necessary to keep the crowd in motion. The mic distorted his attempts at conversation with the crowd and his questions about readiness and having fun were answered with a few uncollected woohoos. DJ Devine ended his 30 minute set with a few friends on stage and a thorough enjoyment of his own tunes.

By now the crowd covered the majority of the floor with plenty of room left to dance. The lights dimmed and Thomas Turner took the stage with the flag of his home state of Texas flowing behind him and encapsulated himself with the buttons, switches and wires sure shake some booties. Aaron Behrens stood with his back to the crowd while a low hum of music wafted over them. And … go!

First tune out of the gate was Glitter which had the crowd swaying and jumping with rhythmic twists. Lasers flashed over head and bounced off the back wall with furious devotion to all that is electronic. Aaron walked up and down the edge of the stage clapping outstretched hands and swinging a thick mane of black hair. White light boxes kept the hard beats in check while every color of the rainbow flashed overhead rising from thin lines to multidimensional spasms of color. Arms flailed, hips swung and knees rolled down and up again.. and that was just Aaron. Five songs in with Vibrate, he channeled his inner pole dancer and rolled his body in shapes for which there are no names. Codename: Rondo stood out for the deep drop in his otherwise high vocals. The lyrics tell a story interspersed with a command to “listen” and listen we did. Sad Sad City easily scored as the crowd favorite. They jumped, swayed and gyrated with their friends and strangers while singing the chorus loud enough to be heard over the mad synth and bass beats.

After a 15 song set which also included Piano Man, Midnight Voyage, and Heavy Heart, the duo left the stage for a short break during which the crowd tossed glowing items on the stage like roses after a play. Ghostland returned for a 5 song encore and Aaron introduced Thomas as the “Electric Octopus.” They closed the night with Silver City, Rich Man, Dancing on My Grave, and Kick Clap Speaker.

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More pics from this show (warning: a photographer I am not!)