Live Review: Julian Casablancas + The Voidz at Chicago's The Vic (11/18) — consequenceofsound.net

Yep, Julian Casablancas + The Voidz remain just as abrasive on stage as they do on record. Late Tuesday night, following agreeable sets by Cerebral Ballzy and Shabazz Palaces, the Strokes frontman’s scruffy, rag-tag team of no-names* shuffled on stage at Chicago’s The Vic to roll out Tyranny track, “Xerox”. It’s slotted ninth on the album, and for a good reason, as the hypnotic melody acts as a moment of respite between the lo-fi guitar wizardry of “Business Dog” and the conga rhythms of “Dare I Care”. As an opener, though, it’s a curious decision, but then again, this whole band, the entire album, and essentially everything about Casablancas this year is curious — even down to his demeanor. These days, the guy looks less like a boyish Lou Reed and more like a strung out Todd Ianuzzi, whose denim vest and tattered baggy jeans scream of better days in 1986. The thing is, he’s smiling.

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