Le Poisson Rouge
New York City
Words by Nik Mercer
Photos & Video by Abbey Braden
To say the least, Holy Ghost! is one of the most unique and unusual pop groups around today. Nicholas Millhiser (drums) and Alex Frankel’s (vocals, keyboard) brainchild wasn’t built in a traditional manner: instead of practicing in a dingy basement and booking any gig they could find until someone, somewhere discovered their awesome talent and offered them a less-than-flattering record deal, the duo built their brand around one single (2007′s “Hold On”) and countless international DJ gigs. Why? Because both Millhiser and Frankel knew they had neither the means nor the resources to achieve their rock star aspirations without properly fostering and growing a reputation for themselves.
Patiently, DFA Records supported H.G.! as they finished composing, recording, and producing their first EP (this year’s Static On the Wire) and the debut full-length, which will come out later this year or in early 2011. The commencing of the worldwide LCD Soundsystem tour came at an especially opportune time: Millhiser and Frankel had just finished Static, finally assembled a four-piece live band, and rehearsed all their material enough to confidently hit the road for a slew of gigs as LCD’s opener.
The only problem with being an opening act is that you don’t get much of a chance to wow your audience―the crowd is busy buying drinks, checking their names off at the door, or meeting up with friends before the headliner shows up. Holy Ghost!’s set at Le Poisson Rouge on June 24, then, was a very special one as it was the first time they got the headlining slot. To make the night even more memorable, the core quartet was joined by four other members (backing vocals, a bassist, and a horn section), each of whom brought plenty of disco punch to the already incredibly catchy and dancey sure-shot hit tunes. DFA’s own Justin Miller, Runaway/On The Prowl’s Jacques Renault, Neon Indian, and Stretch Armstrong all hopped on the 1s and 2s throughout the night to keep the exuberant, totally packed venue popping into the wee hours of the morning.
Read on for visual proof of the mayhem the night consisted of!
