The spit, the bittersweet and a light show at Big Night Out 2013
It was a cool night at Fort Canning, where 6,000 people were gathered to watch see three massive bands for the 2013 Big Night Out in Singapore.
The triple lineup was opened by Seattle-based Band of Horses who warmed up the crowd with the first song “For Annabelle,” followed, ironically, by their single, “First Song.”
There was still a hint of sun during Band of Horses’ set and their backdrop of a forest blended well with the venue, giving the crowd a feeling of oneness with the band: not playing for the audience but with the audience.
Bittersweet
The group played some crowd favorites like “The Great Salt Lake,” “Knock Knock,” “Ode to LRC” and “No One’s Gonna Love You.” Their last song, “The Funeral,” left a bittersweet twinge in the heart as the band played just as the sun was setting.
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With the darkness came Vampire Weekend, who played upbeat songs that the crowd danced to, coupled with the awesome light show.
The set began with the energetic hit, “Cousins” followed by a much steadier single, “White Sky.” Their set would not be complete without playing their more famous pieces, “Horchata,” “Holiday” and “California English.”
Their last song, “Walcott,” left the crowd craving and screaming for them to play more.
Spitting water twice
However, the highlight of the night was the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, who had promised to play a two-hour set. And they did. Vocalist Karen O sustained her high energy for the duration of their set.
As she often does in concert, she spit water twice and showered the audience with confetti while she pranced around on stage.
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Known too as a fashion maven, Karen O made sure her clothes evolved as the evening wore on, even wearing a mask that had the word “Yeah” on it.
She was the epitome of fun, making the crowd feel like they were partying with her and not because of her.
Magical
The Yeah Yeah Yeahs began with “Cheated Hearts” and the line, “I think I’m bigger than the sound,” made it an anthemic set opening. They also performed a new song, “Mosquito,” which has been much awaited, as images of their latest album cover were unveiled a few weeks prior to the show.
The combination of the three bands was magical, each act's music building up to a musical climax with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.
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It was, indeed, in the words of their song, “Something Like a Phenomenon.”
At this year’s Big Night Out in Singapore, there couldn’t have been a better lineup of bands –making this year its best one yet.
PHOTO GALLERY: Big Night Out 2013, Singapore, by Niña Sandejas
Niña Sandejas is an award-winning music photographer whose work has appeared here and abroad. She was included in Preview magazine's 2011 Creative It List and was named in early 2012 as one of 14 Women Who Rock by Rogue magazine . Visit her blog, like her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter, Tumblr and Instagram @rosarioko.
