Photos and Words By: Jessica Cassino
I went to see Digitalism the other night at Terminal 5. They were headlining the Hard Summer Tour. Prior to their arrival I was subjected to a few opening acts: Destructo, Designer Drugs, and Switch. All three were pretty redundant. If I heard Designer Drugs yell, “MAKE SOME F***ING NOISE!” one more time, I was going to throw myself off the balcony.
It must have been 21 and under at Terminal 5. There were a ton of kids there. There were plenty of glowsticks to go around. I haven’t seen those bright accessories since 2002, when I was dating that techno-loving guido from Carroll Gardens. But that is another story for another day.
At the stroke of midnight, the dynamic duo that is Digiitalism, emerged. Jens Moelle and İsmail Tüfekçi had all of the 21 and unders going nuts. If you have ever heard “Idealistic” you’d understand why. Terminal 5’s edge of the earth location just added to the multi-dimensional atmosphere. Digitalism has done quite a few mixes of rock and 80s songs.
Their take on Depeche Mode’s “Never Let Me Down Again” is timeless and otherworldly. Their version of “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes is one of the Top 25 Most Played in iTunes. The fact Digitalism collaborated with one of my favorite artists on their new album, “I Love You, Dude” makes me love them. Julian Casablancas of The Strokes co wrote “Forrest Gump”.
This is not fist pumping Jersey Shore techno. Digitalism had a traveling drummer with them. He was quite an enigma, but most of them are. He came in handy during songs like “Two Hearts” and “Circles”. Digitalism’s ability to mix musical genres has transcended modern rock, pop, and dance music.
A lack of rhythm guitars and bass was not detrimental to this duo. They made up for it with synth beats and strong stage presence. Those who are not used to electro-punk music found some songs a little redundant. During their set, someone yelled out, “Where are the words?” That person must listen to103.5 WKTU, where they play cheesy house music and 90 different remixes of Justin Timberlake songs.
Digitalism’s songs have the catchiness of The Sounds and the New Wave style of The Killers early stuff. Digitalism’s music obviously has a cult following. After their performance at Terminal 5, I am sure many of them are getting a tattoo of the heart from the “I Love You, Dude” album. I have to say, that album cover is painfully chic.
Digitalism entered and exited, leaving the audience transfixed and wondering what the hell they just saw. It was like seeing a unicorn or the birth of a baby giraffe. It just fell out in front of you. That is just one way of describing their show at Terminal 5. This coming from a chick that grew up listening to classic rock, Goth, punk, industrial, and alternative.
So where does Digitalism come in? Out of left field and rightfully so.
