Gig review: MGMT in Auckland

MGMT in Auckland

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JASON OXENHAM/Fairfax Media Zoom

LOST IN THE MUSIC: Andrew VanWyngarden performs with MGMT at the first of three sold out shows in Auckland.

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A prime opportunity for MGMT to prove they're winning the battle between hype and substance went begging at the band's first Auckland show. Reviewer Chris Schulz was there.

Okay, so you're in one of the world's most hyped bands that - thanks to three all-conquering hit singles - has sparked a revolution in psychedelic indie-pop.

Bands are copying your style. You're awarded the title of Band of the Year and Album of the Year in 2008 by NME magazine. You've singlehandedly made Brooklyn the coolest musical hub since Seattle in the '90s. 

And with just one album behind you, you're selling out concerts and headlining festivals the world over.

That doesn't mean you can get away without playing your own songs properly.

MGMT ended the first of three sold out shows at Auckland venue The Powerstation with a sloppy one-track encore comprised of their signature hit Kids, performed karaoke style as frontmen Ben Goldwasser and Andrew VanWyngarden lazily sang along to a backing track.

It was a less than impressive end to an underwhelming show that proved when it comes to MGMT, hype is still winning out over substance. Anyone forced to pay scalpers fees - tickets were going for three times the price on TradeMe - must surely be disappointed.

With fluffed song intros, a bored stage presence and a running time of just over an hour, it had all the hallmarks of a band not quite comfortable in the glare of the spotlight, and one that is still finding their feet as a live act.

It took half an hour of meandering shoegazing, pointless noodling and a couple of questionable new songs - with only Oracular Spectacular ballad Pieces of What standing out - before the five-piece band connected with Time To Pretend.

The crowd jumped like it was New Year's Eve. Joints were lit. Glowsticks were thrown in the air. Girls were hoisted onto shoulders. Even a guy on crutches got off of his seat for a dance. Fans finally had a reason for being there - not that Goldwasser and VanWyngarden looked that thrilled about it.

The same celebratory atmosphere appeared for the bass-driven Prince boogie of Electric Feel, and the night's highlight - a set-closing extended version of The Handshake with an awesome electronic freak out ending.

But for a band that's supposed to be leading the way for trippy, experimental pop, there wasn't much psychedelia on offer. Perhaps they were missing the light shows, costumes and props that have graced their recent European festival performances.

When their show is stripped back, it feels - along with some of their songs - a little threadbare.

And those nameless newbies - tracks that explored a twee indie-pop direction from a rumoured album called Congratulations, due early next year - only proved just how far ahead of the pack their three massive hits are.

Perhaps the band's guitarist was making a statement when, during Kids, he danced around with a toy gorilla, pretending to play bongo drums and a sampler.

They may feel a little like performing monkeys at the moment, but that's no reason to treat your fans like apes.

* What did you think of the show? Post your comments below.

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Tom   #60   01:04 pm Sep 06 2009

Well done Chris Schulz very honest review.

Rory   #59   12:14 pm Aug 13 2009

don't comment if you don't know who they are

La aura   #58   12:47 pm Aug 11 2009

Totally agree with the article. Couldn't have been put better. I went on the Wednesday - flew up from Wellington to go. I was really dissapointed!! It was like they just didn't care - probably totally blazed, but really! All they did was stand there on the spot, sing and play their instruments. The back up musicians had more energy than them. I expected something out of control, ragging, and psychodelic! Now don't get my wrong, i am a massive MGMT fan, but I just felt ripped off. I have never been to a gig before when I actully wanted it to finish.. that 7 minute song at the end was just painful. Now i cant listen to them without feeling slightly bitter. BUT they are bloody hot!

Dan   #57   12:20 am Jul 27 2009

What is this interviewer on?!

i went to their 3rd show and it was AMAZING!! an hour? it was well over and hour and a half at least? teh crowd really got into it, the new songs were impressive and everyone seemed to be having lots of fun, including the band...

if anything the songs came alive and sounded even better than on teh record, a rockier live mix and sound..i was a little concerned they woulndt be able to replicate the sound of the album live, but they sure proved me wrong..

shame on you for writing such a crappy review.. bet you didnt even pay for your ticket. ive long learned to distrust 'reviewers', they go along to gigs and throw a few words together and call it 'work' or their 'job'...no sir..MGMT fans saw things quite differently..

dani   #56   06:45 pm Jul 26 2009

i was bit disappointed ..they didnt interact with the audience at all...did they come back for an encore for the thursday show???

Tim   #55   10:19 am Jul 26 2009

they were ok, i thought - a solid 6/10 I'd give them... i think the sound engineers could've improved the volume of the vocals a bit... can anyone tell me what the opening band are called? i was at the thursday night gig...

Katie Pie   #54   11:39 am Jul 25 2009

Gutted to read this review, I dont agree at all - it sounds like they obviously did a better show on Tuesday night. I went along Tuesday & thought they sounded fantastic - personally i think its not always all about how many lasers you can flash or what props you can use on stage - its about passion for the music! (they certainly have that!) Anyway I had a wicked time & would definitely pay to go again :-)

harwi394   #53   05:06 pm Jul 24 2009

disagree. loved it.

Kali   #52   11:38 am Jul 24 2009

i saw MGMT Live at their last sell out concert thursday night, they're were awesome LIVE they really get the crowd pumping.i loved every min of it,im out to buy their cd!

Sarah   #51   09:16 am Jul 24 2009

We were bored and left early! What waste of money. The album was much better.

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