Live Review: The Phenomenal Handclap Band open for Gossip and Rye Rye @ Terminal 5, 4-30-10

By M. Morales

Two tambourines shake. Keyboard kicks in. Then guitar, bass, and drums. The built-up intro from The Phenomenal Handclap Band was a nice way to start off the early 8pm evening at NYC's Terminal 5. At eight minutes into the set the first vocals from their second or third song were finally heard. The 8-piece New York based band, who was probably new to the Gossip crowd, got some people moving with their brand of soulful, rockin', disco tunes, and that set the mood for the night. As expected they got the crowd clapping their hands during the set. The band was dressed sharply and sounded cool without being pretentious, even though they call themselves phenomenal. This was something I appreciated. The big band could have easily put on an exaggerated, extravagant show, but didn't. With minimal between song banter or even vocals during the songs, it was obvious that this band was all about the music and bringing a soulful throwback '80's sound with some rock grooves added in here and there for good measure. 

The band played a 32 minute, 6 song set that included "Baby" and the upbeat, ass shaking "15 to 20." Terminal 5 would seem to be an intimidating venue for an opening, local act unfamiliar with the venue's three levels, long floors, and big sound system; however, The Phenomenal Handclap Band adapted well and sounded great in the large room. Their sound is made for large venues and festivals. If only the room was at least halfway packed as it was by the time Gossip got on stage to a sold out crowd. But personally I think they'd be perfect for a place like Bowery Ballroom. Wait a second. The band will perform their on June 12 with These Are Powers. Tickets are on sale this Friday at noon. More information is available here.

Afterward was Rye Rye holding it down with her rap style from Baltimore. She insisted the ladies in the crowd holla during "Hardcore Girls." During her set she noted that there were weed smokers in the crowd. Typical for this type of show? I'm not sure. I was a bit surprised, though. Included in her performance was some hip-hop styled dancing that got the crowd pumped and dancing along, just not exactly the same way her and her two tight dancers on stage were - there really wasn't that much room to dance crazy anyway.

Finally Gossip hit the stage to the excitement of a supposedly "5,000" capacity crowd according to Murray Hill, who introduced the band and called them back on stage for an encore. The band played a steady dose of danceable tunes that got the crowd moving. Most of the songs were from the band's latest album Music for Men including "Pop Goes The World," "Dimestore Diamond," "Men in Love," and "Heavy Cross," plus older songs "Your Mangled Heart," "Listen Up," and "Yesterday's News." The encore was a cover of Grace Jones "Pull Up to the Bumper" performed with the Phenomenal Handclap Band.

Overall, Gossip had an upbeat sound but somewhat boring overall for lack of variation. The songs itself are fun and dancey, but it didn't intrigue me much outside of a few songs. The drums sounded repetitive and I kept feeling distracted, one moment drawn into the music and performance and the next out of it. Beth Ditto's vocals were strong, she looked comfortable on stage, and gave low fives to those in the front row that had their hands out, something that is to be commended. The night included musical stylings from a disco/soul band, a rapper with dancers, and a dance-punk band with super vocals.

The Phenomenal Handclap Band:

6/12 @ Music Hall of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY (w/ These Are Powers)