The Annuals aren't bad at all

The Annuals are a hot item right now. They're predictably on the Elbo.ws Top Ten Where're My Bitches At?, along with all the usual suspects. [My GOD! won't people ever stop mentioning 5ufjan.]

But even the Annuals seem a bit inflated based on the mp3s floating around. Sure they're decent, but are they worth a gozillian mentions? What's the big deal? I wasn't sure until I saw them play Sin-e last night.

The Annuals - Brother (mp3)

They began their set with "Brother" like gangbusters, it also being the only song at the time I knew well and liked. They are tight, have a full sound, and play with infectious passion. The lead guitarist has mad chops, and the lady on keys could very well be a contender for #1 Miss Indie Rock 2006. Photographic evidence courtesy of Rachael.

But most notable about the band [from my perspective] were the drums. I love a lot of floor tom and they gave me a lot of floor tom. Three musicians banging on the toms at once. Pounding away like a chase scene through the woods. For half the the show they dedicate two people to playing two drum kits; nothing new, but while other bands redundantly do this, with the Annuals I could feel the difference. Buddooombuddombuddomdbudoom... The way the drums would play off the guitar and bass, it was genius. They sounded like they practiced it, as in, actually rehearsed. The syncronization was a breath of fresh air.

Not to be overpraising them, but I had fun. Go see them tonight at Northsix. They are listed as #3 of 5 bands, so I have no clue when they go on. They also make that Voxtrot November 6th show more appealing.