Concert Review/Photos: The Dream Syndicate @ Rough Trade (Brooklyn)
Please note: This article is published as an archive copy from Philadelphia City Paper. My City Paper is not affiliated with Philadelphia City Paper. Philadelphia City Paper was an alternative weekly newspaper in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The last edition was published on October 8, 2015.
Sometimes rock dreams do come true.
Sometimes rock dreams do come true. A few Saturdays ago in Brooklyn, Rough Trade played host to a waking spectacle not thought possible a few years ago: a show by 1980s indie rockers The Dream Syndicate. Fronted by guitar wizard Steve Wynn — who has been known to play a few tunes from his old band solo and with The Baseball Project — the newest incarnation is four strong. Beyond Wynn, original drummer Dennis Duck and bassist Mark Walton (who joined the band in 1984) are back and longtime Wynn collaborator Jason Victor was on guitar. This line-up provided a searing set of rock.
From the gorgeous guitar chords of “Tell Me When It’s Over” to the haunting “When You Smile” and the brilliant beat of “The Days of Wine and Roses,” their first album (The Days of Wine and Roses) was represented in fine fashion. Wynn, Duck and Walton brought their 20th century selves into the new millennium in fine fashion, while Victor unleashed the fury of his guitar throughout.
It seemed as if the whole night cried out for the encore conclusion of “John Coltrane Blues,” and when it arrived it was as unique and soul-shaking as one could want. I hope they decide to play a few more gigs and make it to Philly so more people could experience what rock could have been — a more unpredictable mesh of raw jangle and bluesy passion.
Brooklyn-based EZTV opened.
See Also: More photos by Chris Sikich @ countfeed.
