Does a live recording, even one that captures a band at their peak playing the gig of their lives, ever capture the true essence of experiencing a show? In the case of Car Seat Headrest, for example, their third live album couldn’t possibly depict the custom-made gas mask and fursuit that frontman Will Toledo wore for three sold-out nights at New York’s Brooklyn Steel venue in March 2022.
Despite that quibble, the Seattle-based band are clearly a live force to be reckoned with, striking a balance between strident jangle pop, moody indie rock and the undertow of electronica that embellished their last studio album, 2020s’ Making a Door Less Open. It’s not often you’ll hear a crowd singing lines like “I woke up and I was trying to kill you” with passion and gusto, while Toledo’s impressive guitar playing is given glorious free rein on Fill in the Blank (still a delightful modern indie classic), the noodly Hymn and the jittery but full-bodied 1937 State Park.
Like many gigs, you can pick out the moments in the set list that undoubtedly signalled an exodus to the bar or the toilet (Bodys and Something Soon are comparatively underwhelming), but this is an enjoyable display of an exceedingly tight band playing memorable indie tunes. As for the fursuit and gas mask with the LED eyes? You’ll just have to use your imagination for that part.
