The best way to kick off a long weekend? Seeing Chairlift in concert. Hot off the release of the New York duo’s latest release, Moth, the duo rolled into town for a packed gig at The Biltmore Cabaret on Thursday evening.
Getting things started was Toronto native Lydia Ainsworth, a pop experimentalist with a knack for layered vocals and lush melodies in minor keys. After playing a set padded with tracks from her debut Right from Real, she closed her set with her hit cover of the Chris Isaak classic “Wicked Game.”
Not long after the clock hit 10:45 pm, Chairlift took to the stage alongside saxophonist Danny Meyer and guitarist/percussionist Joey Postiglione. As a nod to the band’s new album, they opened with the album’s opening track, “Look Up,” and then moved right into “Polymorphing.”
Dressed in a translucent top over a black bandeau, red trousers and patent leather boots, lead vocalist Caroline Polachek danced around on stage, showing off her lithe frame. Throughout their set, Caroline often expressed her gratitude to those in attendance. “I can feel how hard everyone is listening tonight,” she told the crowd. “It feels so special.”
Although packed with tracks from Moth, Chairlift’s set was interspersed with some of their biggest hits from their previous records, naturally. Songs like “Bruises” and “I Belong in Your Arms” garnered many a cheer from the audience who gladly sang along loudly.
It wasn’t long into “Unfinished Business” that Caroline told the band to stop the song because people were talking too much. “It’s serious shit, guys,” she stated. Once things quieted down, they started up again without any interruptions.
After a brief encore, the band returned to the stage for a two-song encore and began with “Get Real,” an unreleased track that (in my opinion) should have been another track on Moth. Because, really, can Chairlift do any wrong? The night ended with a clear audience favourite, “Ch-Ching,” that had everyone dancing along to the massive tune.
Chairlift’s tour doesn’t end until next month in Brooklyn so be sure to check them out in a city near you.
