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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, bathing in the shade, as he sang tracks off the recently released Tyranny.

While Casablanca’s distinctive Strokes’ voice is present, it did’t dominate; you didn’t think you were listening to The Strokes but there was definitely a hint of them. Solo Julian Casablancas exudes a more experimental, noise-rock sound. It’s essence is rowdy and all over the spectrum, but also a damn good break from the usual clean cut alt-rock shows.





The band (who 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 — authentic and dirty, also well performed. And even if they looked a little creepy, The Voidz were fun, aggressive and rocked well with Casablancas.

If you’re expecting 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 with Mr. Casablancas and the gang. But leave your young kids at home.