Last Friday marked the first time that Gigantic Music’s Human Television has played in almost a year. Needless to say, the Mercury Lounge was packed. I must admit that I was pretty excited since I had not seen the band in so long and also because the new album, Look At Who You’re Talking To, is pretty awesome. It still has some of that classic Smiths-ish jangle pop that their EP possessed, but it also has a darker, almost atmospheric quality to it as well. Some of the new tracks even feature strings!
The band took the stage right on time after a comedy troupe. I still am scratching my head as to what the deal was with the comedy sketches. I don’t know what their group name was, but it wasn’t good…at all. Anyway, Human Television wasted no time and immediately began with tunes from their new album. The five-piece started with “I’m Moving On”, whose lush, big guitar riffs and building drum beat set the tone for the night. This song was actually the first one they ever wrote and recorded together as a band. Next, they quickly moved into the pop-tastic “10 Minutes”. A highlight of the show was when their friend, Estelle Baruch, went up on stage and sung along with the rest of the band for several songs including the first single, “In Front Of The House”. The night ended with front man Billy D. by himself quietly strumming “Look At Who You’re Talking To” on a toy guitar.
If you want a chance to preview the new material, you still have a chance to see them on April 7 at Northsix in Brooklyn and April 14 at R&R in New York. Also, the band has a few tracks from their upcoming release streaming on Myspace. If you don’t do either of those options, you will have to wait for the album release on May 2 for your turn to listen.
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