Misterwives @ Hare and Hounds, 10 April 2018
It is hard to fully contain Misterwives’ energy; in a cartoon like fashion each member seems to bounce off the walls, electrifying energy spurting from their ears and out of their mouths. Like a contained bomb there is an inhuman force, yet a force that delivers an exhilaratingly spontaneous and rowdy show. The NYC based band may be newer to these shores, but their fan base in undeniable. At the Hare and the Hounds Misterwives overwhelmed, their unique blend of sound mixing with their bombastic energy, giving a standout show on an otherwise mundane Tuesday night.
Misterwives kicked off the night with electronic tinged big band pop ‘Machine’ and ‘Chasing This.’ The songs show the sonic normality of Misterwives; mixing big band brass with rock style drums and a slew of electronically stimulate guitars, the band creates a wildly different sound. With seven members on the stage, each instrument seamlessly fits into each other, a solid sound that pumps energy and euphoria through every note. The wild ride continues, the band elevating the energetic levels with each new song. In fact, this energy doesn’t seem to stop: the band continues with fan favourites like ‘Only Human” and ‘Never Give Up on Me.’
As the energy escalates fans reciprocate, dancing like frenzied animals. It is clear that while Misterwives pumps out an insane amount of energy, that fans respond in kind cheering more and more loudly as each note streams through the pulsating speakers. A mid set break dips the heat, as some calmness comes from tunes like ‘Dream’ and ‘Reflections,’ but the energy stall does not last long and the band launches back into hysteria. After a sweaty outro the band creeps back in, ending the night with ‘Imagination Infatuation’ and ‘Our Own House.’
There is a certain type of hysteria, in the best way possible, that comes with a Misterwives gig. The group creates uplifting tunes, an amalgamation of sound that layers instruments on top of one other. Lyrically their songs are reflections of life, a complementing poetic take combining with their sonic genius. Their attentiveness to their fans is evident, creating a package experience that is overwhelmingly lovely. At the Hare and the Hounds, Misterwives delivered a knock out show, leaving us wanting more.
Set List:
Machine
Chasing This
Drummer Boy
Only Human
Out of Tune Piano
Vagabond/Same Drugs
Never Give Up On Me
Coloring Outside the Lines
Dreams
Reflections
Oh Love
Let the Light In
Imagination Infatuation
Our Own House
Reviewer and Photographer: Kylie McCormick