I'm torn on the idea of on-stage theatrics or gimmicks in rock concerts. On the one hand, when done right, they're highly entertaining and add to the overall performance. On the other hand, they can distract me from the music, which is my main reason for going to see a band. Ah, but sometimes that's the point - they can be used to hide an otherwise dull performance.
In this context comes Office, who played Friday night at the Hideout. Right away I knew I was in for a good time when the band brought two antique typewriters onto the stage. I was hoping they'd be used as percussion in the songs - wouldn't that be a fresh take? (always with the caveat, if done right.) Well, there was no such luck, but the typewriters were accompanied by some rather sexy secretaries administrative assisstants dressed not-quite-appropriately for work. Throughout the set they took memos, filed their nails, did shots and flirted with the band. Yes, it was a lot of fun to watch. Of course, I'm such a nerd, I was drooling more over the vintage typewriters than the girls, but it was a great time no matter where your eyes were.

Oh, but how was the music, you ask? See, this is what I was talking about above. I was so um, distracted by the um, ahem, secretaries administrative assistants okay okay, typewriters, I uh, kind of forgot to uh, form an opinion. Ahem. Yes. Fear not, dear reader, for they have more than enough of their music right there on the front page of their website for you to form your own opinion, which is really for the best, isn't it? I don't want to tell you what to think, anyway. Be warned, the music comes on right away, so put some headphones on if you're - wait for it - in the office. Then you can tell me what you think of them in the comments: would the visuals add to great music, or do they distract from a lackluster band?

I still think they should have put a mic on those typewriters.

[Addendum]: I've been listening to the songs on their website the whole time I've been writing this. Now that I'm done, I don't want to close that window, because I want to keep listening to the same five songs. There, how's that for an opinion?

More pictures are here.