Brand New’s performance this past Friday night at the Xfinity Center in Mansfield had all the makings of an unforgettable evening–especially by their blistery standards. The Long Island facet, who are co-headlining this tour with Modest Mouse that started earlier this summer, has made a career out of navigating stark, atmospheric territory and making it their own. And for an hour and a half, we were privy to their trademark near violent intensity that conjured up countless memories for all those in attendance. Opening with “Sink” from 2009’s Daisy, Brand New were on their way to spinning their way into a night punctuated by dramatic, epic dread.
Despite delving deep into their signature throwback sounds, there was nothing familiar about them. Frontman Jesse Lacey’s voice grated over standout Deja Entendu tracks like “Sic Transit Gloria…Glory Fades,” “I Will Play My Game Beneath the Spin Light,” and “Okay I Believe You, But My Tommy Gun Don’t.” Although Lacey doubled down on hooks and harmonies, his boisterous, intoxicating screams only made Brand New’s arsenal of darker-tinted jams that much more sinister. Even though they drifted toward industrial noise rock with other songs like “Gasoline” and “Sowing Season,” the boys played up their bracing urgency in the most visceral way possible.
Despite the drama with other bands over the years, their refusal to participate in interviews or any other sort of media promotion, their reclusive approach to almost all types of social media, Brand New has managed to stand the test of time because they know how to make timeless music. From their debut album Your Favorite Weapon to their latest project that is due out later this year, the band has not only conceptually matured but have also excavated every emotion possible as exemplified through both brilliant lyricism and harrowing, extravagant melodies. Even though this tour is over at the end of the month, for Brand New this is just another fresh start.