The Power of Short Sets

A few months ago, I overheard a ditzy girl outside of a bar say “I am really into short sets these days”. I thought she sounded out of step and confused. Until last night when I found myself saying those same words.

I went to see Iceage, Dirty Beaches, and Give at the Black Cat last night. The show took place in the backstage area, that has poor ventilation and was pretty packed for a show taking place in that room.

Each set had, a moment when things were just great but each did not go much further than that. The sets were short and had blunt endings. Iceage played their last note, and no one was sure if they were done, they had no warning, no we have 2 more left, they just ended with no fancy encore.

There was a sort of beauty in the fact the sets each were pretty awesome and knew when to stop. I also enjoyed the fact that  I was still able to get home by 11:30 and get up on time for work.

While, there have been times I don’t want bands to stop playing there is a time for a short set and last night. I sometimes wish more bands will know when the right time to stop is and when to play just a few songs less.