I’m well aware that some venues enforce a strict No Cameras Policy—even sometimes with a band or label’s permission it can be impossible to get a camera in the house from time to time. While I had never checked a show at Chicago’s House of Blues prior to last evening, I had a hunch that this would be one of those venues, and I wisely left the digicam back home. What I didn’t realize is that I should have left any writing utensils behind as well. Apparently, HOB has a strict No Pens, No Sharpies policy strongly enforced—at least according to the large scary security woman who patted me down last night, not the confused and helpful box office ticket manager. I barely got into the show last evening, let alone through the doors with my devilish writing sticks to jot any notes for my experience; next time I guess I’ll just smuggle my pens in my underwear. The whole debacle turned out to be one indeed worth fighting for, however. Once I finally made my way to the top of HOB’s staircase, I was ushered into a decent standing area to check one of my personal most highly anticipated shows of the summer—Wolf Parade.

The Canadian foursome (plus one) took to the stage around the 8 o’clock mark and wasted no time with small banter or introductions. Standing in front of a velvety curtain backdrop, illuminated by neon blue and gold lighting, these Sub-Pop heroes opened up with the lively “Language City.” The acoustics and sound quality of the various keys, guitar and percussion were one of the few benefits of the event being hosted at HOB; however the vocals appeared to be a bit buried under all the multiple layers. The whole time I was standing at HOB, despite having one of the better views and general crowd ambiance I’ve experienced at a venue in a long time, I still couldn’t help thinking The Vic or Metro would have been a better location for this show—but regardless, the crowd seemed pretty into it.

I can’t account for a full chronological order set list of the show as my Sharpie was ultimately confiscated and my allowed pen’s ink died halfway through the set; but I did manage to notate the majority of numbers that rocked the set. (If you caught the set, please feel free to correct and/or fill in the missing gaps on my list from memory below) Wolf Parade brought their dedication and solid live presence to their Chicago crowd strong—while the dudes appeared to be banging to the beat of their own internal drums, moving around only the slightest—they definitely overcompensated with their collision of overall sound. I found it incredibly hard to believe that amongst the four members, they manage to successfully balance their time and talent amongst something like 10 additional bands and music projects. I would have guessed rehearsals and months of preparation would have preceded the uniformed and formulaic jam session I witnessed last night, but I’m pretty sure they just kicked off their tour after last month’s record release. The Surf Rock/Victorian Rock/Kinda Arcade Fire, Not Really Modest Mouse vibes were excellently propelled and there’s no question after last night why Pitchfork gave these guys an unheard of 9.2 for their debut record and a not too shabby 7.7 for At Mount Zoomer.

Along with all nine of At Mount Zoomer’s tracks, most of 2005’s Apologies to Queen Mary were accounted for as well—although I was pretty disappointed to not hear “You are a Runner, I am My Father’s Son” or “Modern World.” Crowd surfing and plenty of fist pumping carried the 90 minute set through such stand out numbers as “California Dreamer,” “Grounds for Divorce,” “This Heart’s on Fire” and the insanely awesome (and long) “Kissing the Beehive.” Excellent group of musicians, incredible new album, and an enjoyable live show—I will definitely check Wolf Parade next time they hit the Windy City—but hopefully that will be at a more relaxed and Sharpie accommodating venue.

Set List:

1. Language City
2. Call it a Ritual
3. The Grey Estates
4. Dear Sons and Daughters of Hungry Ghosts
5. Soldier’s Grin
6. . . .
7. An Animal in Your Care
8. Fine Young Cannibals
9. Grounds for Divorce
10. Bang Your Drum
11. Shine a Light
12. California Dreamer
13. This Heart’s On Fire
14. Kissing the Beehive

Encore:

15. . . .
16. I’ll Believe in Anything
17. Fancy Claps

Myspace: Wolf Parade
MP3: Wolf Parade - “Language City”
MP3: Wolf Parade - “Call It A Ritual”