I missed the first song of Real Estate’s show – and it was awkward. I gauged time badly and arrived approximately ten minutes into the band's set and quickly made my way to the front to appreciate the second half of “Municipality.” When I yelled out “Suburban Beverage” after what I now know was the second song, bassist Alex Bleeker replied, “We opened with that, what did you do – show up late?” Light chuckles reverberated through the crowd; indeed I had shown up late. “Suburban Beverage” is my favorite Real Estate song and, so far, has only been played at the Toronto tour stop. That said, to everyone else in the audience that night, you’re lucky and I’m not – I'm sure it was great.
Real Estate looked like they were dressed for school picture day circa 1989 when they played at Lee's Palace too. Frontman Martin Courtney was adorned in a long-sleeve, green patterned shirt and glasses, guitarist Mathew Mondanile wore a smart long-sleeve shirt, jean jacket and glasses and, with his chin length blond hair and tie dyed t-shirt, drummer Jackson Pollis looked more like a guy you split a tab of acid with back in 1995. With a set list packed full of songs from new sophomore charmer, Days, and few words to the crowd, Real Estate’s music floated through the air that night and was truly a delight. A stronger bass presence added to the live show was a welcome bonus which is usually lost behind the driving, bright guitars on the albums. Fans were treated to a new song played third, followed by “Younger Than Yesterday” and the heart-warming harmonics of “Easy.” Breaking from new album material only to play “Fake Blues” off of their debut, Real Estate then switched back to new songs, “Three Blocks” and Days stand-out “It’s Real.”
After a fake show end and the band returning for their mandatory encore, Bleeker led the crowd in a fake happy birthday song for Courtney, closing the show with fan favorites "Suburban Dogs" and "Beach Combers." While the crowd was justifiably still, they were enthusiastic and people gushed as they exited the venue; seemingly entranced and overjoyed by gleaming charm of Real Estate’s ballads.
Photos:
Real Estate – Lee's Palace – Toronto, Canada – 01/20/12 – [Live]
Artist:
www.realestateband.blogspot.com/
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Tour:
Real Estate's next tour will be through Australia in March, 2012. Click here for an updated list of forthcoming shows.
Album:
Days is out now. Buy it here on Amazon .
