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The kinds of slacker rock have returned! Reuniting after ten years, Pavement played for the Atlanta faithful for two weekend nights, Oct. 8th and 9th. Consistent with their other stops, the band played a generous set that covered their albums, EPs and even a soundtrack cut. Whatever frictions drove the band apart were not apparent for their Sunday show. There was a lot of positive energy from the crowd as their high hopes were fulfilled.
Pavement included their core five members as well as a touring keyboardist Rebecca Cole, whose keys added flavor (notably “Type Slowly) and seemed to be having a good time. As is the case for many bands, their stage presence was largely static, with members tied to their instruments or their pedals. But fans can count on percussionsit Bob Nastanovich to break things open, and that he did after ten songs of waiting for his moment. At “Half a Canyon,” the Master of Ceremonies took control (or was permitted to), parading around the stage with vocal “Yeahs!” to the audience and bandmates alike.
“Unfair,” a few songs later, found the MC doing his think while leader/writer/guitarist Stephen Malkmus struck a (or another) god guitar pose by playing his guitar behind his head. Funny thing that. Malkmus works through the motions, but there’s no facial contortions, no bragging, no chutzpah contact with the audience. It’s like he thinks there is an audience expectation, and he can do the poses.
This was further evidenced by his placement at the front left of the stage, leaving the audience to watch the band as they might. But the truth is that Pavement is Stephen Malkmus. Sure, vocals might be shared or the MC can fire up the crowd, but the songs are his. And for material that he at some point remarked to be behind him, he seemed thoroughly entertained playing them again, playing them for an appreciative crowd, and/or with his former band.
Speaking of that guitar, highlights included “Half a Canyon,” “Pueblo,” and “Unfair” where Malkmus and the band extended the songs well beyond their typical 3 minute-plus (a little) recorded versions. “Range Life” and “Cut Your Head” were probably the two biggest crowd sing-alongs.
The Eastern, Atlanta’s newest venue, is splendid venue for concerts, the sound, lighting and general “room.” There’s nothing about the venue that would even suggest someone not want to return there.
Overall, it was a great performance and a happy occasion to revisit quite a list of favorites by a band that appeared very pleased to deliver just that.
Oct. 9th Setlist:
Encore:
