Each member clad in a blazer, Bad Books looked like that fresh band attempting to create a style when they walked onto the Bowery Ballroom stage on October 20^th. The truth is that’s exactly what they were trying to do. The best thing about this band is that you’ve got two talented, currently successful frontmen starting over under nomenclature with much less resonance. Live, this means that they have the confidence of seasoned musicians but the honesty and humbleness that comes with the first night playing to a New York City crowd.

The unity that Bad Books lacks is precisely what materialized onstage and made the October 20th show a success. Andy Hull and Kevin Devine’s mannerisms mirrored each other’s so closely that they had several near-misses on stage. “Baby Shoes” opened the show with a powerful cascade of 10 instruments, including all three voices. It’s a shame that this kind of immense sound capability doesn’t permeate their record, because it enchants the audience.

“Holding Down The Laughter,” which sounds like Kevin’s work on Bad Books, was a band effort live. Robert McDowell’s supporting vocals enrich Devine’s, and Hull’s guitar guides the song. “I Begged You Everything,” seems like Hull’s gem but included an ascending closing explosion of electric guitars and tangible supporting vocals. 

Bad Books were just having a fantastic time. Without the expectations of being Manchester Orchestra or Kevin Devine, Hull and Devine alike relaxed and mocked everything in sight. “Just do it and we’ll do it,” Hull said before “I Begged You Everything,” the start of which was delayed by Devine and Hull repeating the line in a chorus of various voices and keys. Even McDowell, who seldom chimes in at Manchester Orchestra shows, shared a dry tale of elevator small talk and asked if we get Star 94, a Georgia radio station.”That’s a great question!” Hull scoffed. And Devine jumped behind the drum kit for “Texas” while Hull’s raw vocals mesmerized.

“You Wouldn’t Have to Ask” had the crowd pulsing, but what stole the show was the 15-minute encore. Out of Bad Books material, Manchester Orchestra chose the Kevine Devine songs they’d play, and vice versa. “Just Stay” and “Cotton Crush” erupted with a Manchester Orchestra sustain and, as the room caught its breath, “Now That You’re Home” took over. Devine shouting “I’ve been trying very hard to be good” three steps away from the microphone sent chills through everybody’s veins.

Did you know Hull does the whistling for “You’re a Mirror I Cannot Avoid”? He does. He and Devine bid New York goodnight with that song, sharing the vocals live unlike on the record. Go catch Bad Books live. If you don’t, you don’t really know them, and that’d be a shame, because they’re cool enough to know and want to know you too.

Setlist:
1. Baby Shoes
2. Holding Down With Laugher
3. How This All Ends
4. You Wouldn’t Have To Ask
5. The Plan (Built To Spill Cover)
6. Please Move
7. Mesa, AZ
8. I Begged You Everything
9. Texas
10. Just Stay
11. Now That You’re Home
12. Cotton Crush
13. You’re A Mirror I Cannot Avoid

*This review was composed by Emily Coch