Do Make Say Think live review

Genres tend to exist only as a method of grouping similar musicians, which can end up limiting them as a result. However, there is a point in the musical spectrum where genres simply don’t function. What does one call a group of musicians that, while normally associated with indie rock, play music that is as calculated as any classical compositions but bears the same liveliness and syncopation of improvisational jazz? You could identify Do Make Say Think with any of those previous genres, but it doesn’t stop the band from lying at the stylistic Four Corners of music.

Do Make Say Think isn’t the first band to take contemporary indie rock and switch around so many elements as to make it nearly incomparable to it’s original form. Bands such as The Cocteau Twins and My Bloody Valentine have been experimenting with dynamic balance far outside rock’s normal boundaries for years and contemporary bands such as Mogwai and Explosions in the Sky have taken the concept even further. Do Make Say Think, however, mark their significance with a sense of poise and restraint unseen in most of their stylistic neighbors.

Call it minimalism or call it precision, Do Make Say Think aren’t in any competition to cram the most notes possible into their songs. Rather, they refine their songs down to only the essential elements. Combined with some jazzy rhythmic tendencies and some interesting jams, their songs end up as elaborate masterpieces. With a tendency to vary from loud to soft, Do Make Say Think tend to tease; although, during their vivacious crescendos, they hold nothing back.

Like their recordings, their live show is alternately hushed and blisteringly loud, but never lacking control. As musicians they blend very well together and are on the same wavelength at all times. At this particular show, Do Make Say Think was comprised of a saxophonist, trumpet player, violist, bassist, two drummers and two guitarists. The violinist and brass tended to provide mostly nuance and emphasis and the guitars added a substantial level of dynamic control; However, the bassist and drummers stole the show with their rhythmic interweaving, which in turn resulted in most of the show’s best moments. The arguably best moment during Do Make Say Think’s arguably best song, ‘Frederecia,’ occurs during the song’s climax when a the band comes unexpectedly to a halt only to start up again with toms and bass drums full force, blowing away the audience.

The band impressed on more levels than just drastic shifts in volume. Partially acoustic pieces such as ‘A Tender History in Rust’ are subtly virtuosic, which brings up another one of the band’s strengths. Especially with their live shows, Do Make Say Think completely lack pretentiousness. No particular instrument takes the spotlight for too long, even though it’s obvious every member is capable of half hour solos.

All in all, the band overwhelmed with its ability to underwhelm at some points, only to come crashing down with a brilliant climax at others. The band uses nuance and dynamics like no other, and are without a doubt some of the most skilled musicians within their league of music.

Cameron