At Manhattan’s intimate Mercury Lounge Saturday night, the crowd was worried. Word had gotten out that the night’s headlining act, Austin, TX’s, Windsor for the Derby, were running late due to a holdup at the Canadian border and might not be able to make it to New York in time for the show. Not even a lovely set of static-swathed folk from opening act Black Branches could calm the somewhat anticipatory mood.
Luckily, the band made it (and only a half hour late), and after a quick apology by guitarist/vocalist Dan Matz, followed by what had to be the quickest stage setup involving two drummers we have ever seen, Windsor for the Derby launched into a stellar forty-five minute set that showcased the band’s ability to mix the subtle with the sonically overt.
Matz’s voice nicely complemented his Yo La Tengo-esque guitar blasts, while drummers Greg Anderson and Charlie Hall played in perfect lock-step without threatening to rhythmically overshadow the rest of the band.By the set’s conclusion, which featured guitarist Jason McNeely perching himself on top of an amp, it was clear that even for a band that titled their recent full-length How We Lost, Windsor for the Derby know how to triumph in the most stressful circumstances.
Check out pictures from last night on page 2.
Windsor for the Derby / Photo by Simon Biswas
Windsor for the Derby / Photo by Simon Biswas
Windsor for the Derby / Photo by Simon Biswas
Windsor for the Derby / Photo by Simon Biswas
Black Branches / Photo by Simon Biswas
