September 15, 2007
Standing Room Only
Stand performs two packed nights at Joe's Pub
By Stephen Bailey

Stand and Joe’s Pub (425 Lafayette St, NYC) is a match made in heaven. The sound and atmosphere of the space gives a splendid home to the stylish rock of the band. Their songs flow effortlessly thru the multi-lighted, odd-shaped venue. Thanks to its split level layout and massively high ceilings, the space has a roomy feel even when it's fully loaded with scattered patrons. There are also very few bad seats in the house, except for those stuck sitting behind that one gigantic, awkwardly placed column.

Named after Public Theater founder Joe Papp, Joe's Pub really is overall a great spot to see a show. The drinks and food are on the pricey side however and getting to the bathrooms can be like a video game adventure come to life. First there’s maneuvering your way thru the crowded darkness and then you have to walk thru the narrow serving corridor avoiding waitresses with full drink and food trays. You're then backstage where the women's room is a not so well marked open door just past the servers and the men's room is up a flight of stairs.

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The sound here tonight was impeccable as usual and the colors, shapes and shadows created by the lights well complimented the music. One critical note; there was this tendency for turning the lights up in between songs and down to virtual darkness during the songs. While pleasing to the naked eye, it made my novice picture taking very challenging. Even more so when you factor in the club’s ‘No Flash Photography’ policy. They are very proud and protective of their visuals here and don’t want any foreign light source mucking it up.

I get introduced to a lot of new music. From time to time a band will come along that will end up in heavy rotation on my MP3 player because they grabbed me in some way. I’m so grateful for having found Stand back in March thanks to a connection started by MurphGuide’s Sean Murphy and the band’s US management Circle Perfect. I was truly thrilled when Gina of Circle Perfect asked me to come to this show tonight. Stand is at its heart a rock band. At its soul there is so much more.

Subtle refinement is the key here. The way the vocals, guitars and keyboards play off of each other over a solid pulse and memorable songs makes Stand both unique and accessible. How accessible? Well, this was their second packed house in a row at Joe’s Pub. People singing along and calling out songs was the norm tonight as well. Hopping regularly from new world to old and back, they’ve built quite a loyal following both here and in Ireland. Hopefully future schedules will permit me to spend some time with the band after a show. Until then, I am happy listening and watching.

Links:
Stand
Joe's Pub
Public Theater
Photo Gallery
Stephen Bailey