The Bravery, Depeche Mode

If you squint really, really, really hard you might be able to make out The Bravery at Madison Square Garden (above) opening up for Depeche Mode. These boys definitely haven't perfected their big venue sound (or their big venue stage presence), but always nice to see a local band get some attention.

Depeche Mode (below) are, of course, real pros at the big sound. All the hits "I Feel You," "Personal Jesus," "Walking in My Shoes," "Everything Counts," etc sounded  impressive, and despite my dislike of the huge concert experience, I felt like I experienced the band, even from my bird's eye perspective. Dave  Gahan's voice really does fill a room, even one as big as MSG.  (Oh, and people over 30 dance really funny, don't they?) I would explicate more, but I'm a little slow on account of The Bravery afterparty at Luke and Leroy. That little bar sure has grown up--to think they used to do karaoke. Note to L&L: Please stock some bottled beer that doesn't suck.

OMG, almost forgot the best part: Upon departing from the DM show, we get handed a CD for a band called "Action Action" and what is emblazoned on the front of the CD but this gem:
"The disturbing melodies of Depeche Mode meets the pop sensibility of Bloc Party"