Anyone who’d just seen Elefant play at the Great American Music Hall would have a hard time believing lead singer Diego Garcia only has three years of experience performing.
While the band worked well as a close-knit unit, Garcia was the star performer. Garcia’s personality carried the show and drew the audience into his dream world of new age romance on Jan. 22.
Most endearing about Garcia’s act was that it was downright mellow compared to most frontmen; rather than demand our attention, Garcia invited it.
Like any good frontman, Garcia made each individual in the audience feel as if the show was for his or her eyes only.
He playfully motioned to enthusiastic fans as if he was reading the energy levels they were giving off. If they registered high enough on the scale, Garcia even reached into the crowd to embrace them.
Fortunately, Garcia didn’t fall into the trap of taking himself too seriously — every romantic pose is done with a wink.
Not only is Garcia blessed with a physical resemblance to "21 Jump Street"-era Johnny Depp, his gallant gestures and cool mannerisms resemble Depp’s "Pirates of the Carribbean" character Jack Sparrow.
Thankfully, his half drunken poet, half dashing, denim-clad gentleman act is charming enough to impress the guys as well as woo the ladies.
While Garcia is the visual centerpiece of Elefant’s live show, the rest of the band concentrates on launching a pulverizing musical attack, maniacally churning out sheets of hazy, dreamy music that melds perfectly with Garcia’s yearning vocals.
Mod’s textured, twinkling guitars recall U2 while incorporating the cleaner New York sound popularized in recent years by the Strokes.
Bassist Jeff Berrall’s low, melodic hooks keep the music grounded while Kevin McAdams’ drums pushed it forward into a cascade.
At the Great American Music Hall, they blasted through songs mostly off their new album, "Sunlight Makes Me Paranoid," including highlights such as the title track, "Make Up" and "Misfit," (which sounded unpolished compared to the album but redeemed themselves with raucous energy and Garcia’s half-sincere antics).
The band also played several songs that have yet to be released. One of these songs (so new that they hadn’t named it) was the most exciting of their set. With the band at the peak of their intensity, Garcia crooned along to their sonic soundscapes and drunkenly falling over himself.
In a time when mainstream music stars appear frighteningly pre-packaged by the day. Bands like Elefant are pleasant reminder that rock music can still produce interesting break-out stars of its own.
Elefant’s sound is both pained and sexual, both dark and romantic.
For listeners who want to experience a different side of pop music, Elefant is a captivating act, both recorded and live. Visit their Web site at http://Elefantweb.com.