VHS Or Beta, Walter Meego live!

VHS Or Beta, Walter Meego
Subterranean, Chicago
Tuesday, September 4, 2007

There are certain shows where it’s obvious why one act is performing as the opener. There’s an apparent schism between skill level, stage presence, and/or notoriety, to name a few differentiating factors. And then there are shows where two or more acts share a stage, and while one might clearly be past opener material, both could, under the right set of circumstances, be the event’s headliner.

It was a case of the latter last Tuesday night at Subterranean, where local up-and-comers Walter Meego opened for not-quite-indie, not-quite-mainstream VHS Or Beta. While neither act could be accused of slacking, Walter Meego’s unmistakable hunger in their set and infectious passion for their material created a palpable energy that only added to an already electric set.

Bouncing between material available on different self-released EPs, the Chicago trio presented synth-heavy electro-pop with a healthy and unabashed rock edge. Loose and experimental, material like the playful, effects-laden “Girls” and slightly dark, flourish-tinged show closer “Romantic” were highlights of the night. “Forever” even unashamedly recalled an ’80s mall-pop aesthetic, remixed and updated for the hipster-laden WIcker Park crowd. All of which helped demonstrate the belief Walter Meego are headed towards bigger things.

Headliners VHS Or Beta also delivered, albeit in an entirely different capacity. It was difficult not to notice a comparably more structured approach to the outfit’s material (which is hardly a drawback, but nevertheless a sharp contrast following the show’s openers). Offering a tight band dynamic, the group dove right into crowd pleasers like the sing-songy “Love In My Pocket” and the layered, weaving “Burn It All Down.” Looking back to material off 2004’s Night On Fire, the group pulled out the bombastic “You Got Me,” while the more current “Fall Down Lightly” demonstrated how a breezier approach can connect with a room just as effectively. The highlight of the VHS set, however, would have to have been the climactic and ultra-celebratory “Can’t Believe A Single Word,” as blinding white lights flooded the crowd while the song built.

The VHS show may have lacked some of the youthful exuberance Walter Meego delivered in spades, they proved that there’s something to be said for well-oiled construct that knows how it work.

— Jaime de’Medici

Category: Live Reviews, Weekly