American Analog Set
Joe's Pub
August 30, 2005
Reviewed and photographed by Evan Sung

The Austin, TX boys of American Analog Set took to the hushed stage of Joe's Pub to kick off their nation-wide tour for their sixth album of, what I would call, glacial-rock. Set Free (Arts & Crafts) is an evolution of AmAnSet's sound in the same way that the polar ice-caps are said to be shrinking – the change is there, but we're talking barely perceptible micromovements here. This is, and always has been, music for Sunday mornings, when your hangover and the brilliant sun are a bit too much to deal with, and all you need is something to ease you into consciousness and out of bed.

The show was surprisingly packed for an early 7:30 set. Andrew Kenny picked up his guitar and approached the mic right on time, and the low, droning buzz that is the foundation of AmAnSet's music blanketed the crowd. There is something fetus-like and enveloping about the music, that was emphasized by the lush, velveted environment of Joe's Pub. What was immediately remarkable was the layering on of sounds, from that fundamental buzz to Mark Smith's regulated drum beat and Craig McCaffery's syncopated organ work. The result is a sound at once soothing and bracing, in the way those deep tones resonate through the body.

Playing a fine mix of tunes from the past and the present, “Cool Kids Keep” seems like the winner off the new album. Propulsive and more ‘hooky' than some of AmAnSet's more meandering melodies, Andrew Kenny whispers in his hushed tones “The cool kids'll keep together/the cool kids will live forever” and the song takes on an elegiac quality that seems like a eulogy and remembrance of youth.

AmAnSet also managed to have a bit of fun on stage. When Kenny put down his guitar and took his turn at the vibraphone, the crowd applauded, and Kenny grinned with self-consciousness. Afterwards, he declared “I guess I'm the only one who thought I was going to fuck that up,” with smiles and laughter. It sounded pretty good to us.

American Analog Set are on tour, and will be returning to New York City in November with dates at Mercury Lounge and Southpaw. Visit them at www.amanset.com .