When Harlem opened for The Dead Weather two weeks ago at Congress Theater the band could not have been more clueless or careless. Whether it was the terrible acoustics, the late night start, or the fact that almost everyone was just waiting for The Dead Weather, Harlem played a completely uninspired set. Known for short songs, pop melodies with a hint of punk, entertaining onstage patter, and unplanned sets whose spontaneity showcases the best of the band, this Tucson trio did nothing to engage the crowd -- and the audience responded in kind. To Harlem's credit, I suppose, they seemed to realize early on they weren't connecting. Unfortunately instead of trying to fight their way through their ineffectiveness they just figured "Let's play it out and watch the Dead Weather too."
Fast forward to Saturday on the Sony bloggie stage, one of the smaller Lolla stages nestled in a grove of trees. With a hot sun beating down on the SRO crowd and hundreds more onlookers in the shade, Harlem displayed what got them to Lolla (and what got them the shot as DW openers). Guitarist Michael Coomers and drummer Curtis O'Mara sang and played quick, sharp melodic pop, anchored by Jose Boyer on bass. Pounding over-amped drums and Coomers slashing guitar (including a broken string on the first song) kept the band rooted in the punk stylings, and the 45-minute set was so much more effective and enjoyable than their opening set you just had to wonder. Maybe they're just not night people.
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