By Marc Fong //

Julian Casablancas+The Voidz with Connan Mockasin //
The Regency Ballroom – San Francisco
November 9th, 2014 //

Julian Casablancas+The Voidz stormed The Regency Ballroom on Sunday with an 80’s look and a refreshingly sweaty, fun sound. Casablancas, best known as the frontman for The Strokes, stayed mostly hidden in the shadows, but that didn’t keep him from putting on a great show. He slithered around in the dark and bathed in the shade as he sang tracks off the recently released Tyranny.

While Casablancas’ distinctive voice is present like it is for The Strokes, it didn’t dominate the project’s overall sound. You knew you weren’t listening to The Strokes, but there was definitely a hint of them in there somewhere. There’s no question Casablancas exudes a more experimental, noise-rock sound for his solo performances that’s rowdy and all over the spectrum, yet still remains a damn good break from the polished alt-rock vibes of The Strokes.

The band — which you would certainly call the cops on if they were hanging out at your kids’ park — were brassy and grimy, invoking a sweltering New York summer afternoon that was not only authentic and dirty, but also well-executed. And even if they looked a little creepy, The Voidz were fun and paired well with Casablancas.

If you’re expecting to hear The Strokes, I don’t recommend a Julian Casablancas+The Voidz show. But if you want something with more punch and dirt, you will find it here with Mr. Casablancas and the gang.

Just make sure to leave your kids at home.