The Rapture & Tanlines played House of Vans (pics, review)

The Rapture/the scene House of Vans 6/20/2012

Let the games begin. House of Vans is officially open to the public after last night’s scorching show featuring The Rapture, Tanlines and DJ Dave P. The line, which headed all the way to N12th along Kent, started moving at 8PM and though some left out of frustration, it seemed easier to enter as the night progressed.

House of Vans hasn’t changed much (read: at all) since last year’s shows. Sectioned off drinking areas from the show (police-style barricades). Plenty of free liquids of the alcoholic/non-alcoholic type to refresh the crowd. Music fans intermingling with those out for the free booze. Aside from the zillion degree temperature, last night’s show was what you’ve come to expect from the House of Vans space.

Following a few tracks from Dave P (who entertained the crowd intermittently all night), Tanlines opened the big stage, playing their dancey-indie to a hot and sweaty room. While the band may have solid melodies laid to tape, they are far from a live force. I’ve seen my share of bands play to backing tracks and with an electronic presence, but the key thing missing was the understanding of the differences between performance and a live show. Limited crowd interaction and not the most interesting band to watch by any stretch of the imagination.

It has been many years since I last caught The Rapture (opening for Daft Punk out on Coney Island) and I remembered them to have a bit more Contortions mixed in with their Chic (live anyway). This was not the case but no matter, The Rapture ripped a solid and energetic set for the packed crowd. The sound in House of Vans is far from forgiving but it the crowd went wild to their steady danceable funk groove despite the extreme humidity and only a single helicopter-sized fan to cool them off. Booties did shake.

The next House of Vans event goes down on July 12th and will feature H2O, 7 Seconds with more TBA. RSVP info is forthcoming. Lots more pictures from House of Vans, including The Rapture’s set list, are below.

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