Real Estate brings warmth back to the Bay

Last weekend, Real Estate visited Fox Theatre to play their first show in Oakland, CA. The concert was part of the Noise Pop Music & Arts Festival, the Bay’s annual indie arts week, and it was only fitting that one of the most quintessential indie bands should be part of Noise Pop’s line-up. The five-piece band took to the stage in support of their fourth album, In Mind, which they released in early 2017. In Mind lives up to expectations with its classic Real Estate sound, but it’s also apparent that In Mind is different from what they have produced before, with Atlas (2014) and Days (2011). What makes their new album different is the sense of freedom felt throughout it. While sticking true to their wistful, nostalgic feel, they managed to explore new instruments and set themselves free from Atlas’s forlorn and isolating world. The lyrics on the new album seem to accept life’s hardships and passing of time, which was a central struggle in their last album. It’s refreshing to see the band’s progression across the two albums, and now, there’s a Real Estate song to match any mood you’re in.

Saturday night at the Fox Theatre was full of new beginnings. Bedouine, an emerging folk and country artist, opened for Real Estate. Her mesmerizing voice and melodic performance stood out in contrast to Real Estate’s surfy lo-fi pop. At the end of her set, the five members of Real Estate surprised everybody, including Bedouine, and walked out on stage to help her play “One of These Days.”

When it was time for Real Estate, everybody was itching to hear exactly which unmistakable intro they would play. Real Estate is probably best known for their catchy guitar riffs nobody could ever get sick of. These riffs are repetitive – in a good way. They don’t drone on endlessly and motionless. It’s more like they hypnotize and comfort you with their rhythm to the point where you’d be content listening to their jangly, swoony notes forever. The crowd was relieved of their impatience when Real Estate started strong with the distinct piano build-up of “Saturday.” They then played crowd favorites, “Had To Hear” and “Stained Glass.” The newer song, “Stained Glass,” threw in a harpsichord, an instrument outside Real Estate’s typical arsenal. It was one of the new explorations of In Mind, and its brightness along with the uplifting tune reminded me of the Beatles. They made sure to play their summery latest hit, “Darling,” and along with the new stuff, they played classics like “Crime” and “Talking Backwards.” With each song, they added epic guitar solos and personal touches not featured on the studio versions.

Not only was their performance personalized and thoughtful, the very nature of their music made the concert feel connected to the fans. Every Real Estate song has its own distinct intro, and the best part of the live concert was the excitement and anticipation of the next song. As soon as they would play three notes of a song, the entire audience immediately recognized it and would start humming and scatting along to the guitars. The effect of their songs on the crowd was truly heartwarming. Real Estate’s music is one of those types of music that you could find yourself walking forever to. It feels like it belongs in every indie movie soundtrack and feels fitting as background music for your own personal life montage. The energy from the crowd, hypnotizing live guitar riffs, and Martin Courtney’s ultra warm voice made the night memorable and left me in awe for days after.