Williamsburg got down last night. New York City-based electronic, disco funk duo The Knocks brought their live show to Music Hall of Williamsburg for a very special performance with a mind-boggling number of special guests. The pair released their So Classic EP in April, which included the instant classic, "Classic," in a mixture of funky rhythms and throwback disco riffs.
JPatt and B-Roc brought the positive, carefree attitude found in their music to Brooklyn last night, asking, no demanding, that everyone have a good time by asking everyone to make sure their neighbor was dancing and having fun.
The pair are noted DJs, playing gigs on their own and together at clubs and venues around the United States, but they can also bring a live component to their show as well as a two man crew. The pair brought the live show to Music Hall of Williamsburg last night with a myriad of different instruments and electronics including a bass guitar, keyboard, synthesizer, drum pads and machines and microphones for each member to sing into.
The pair kicked off their set at 10:30 and jumped right into their Classic EP tune "Time" with live vocals - the first of what was to be many live vocal appearances.
B-Roc and JPatt primarily stuck to their recent material like "Comfortable," and were even able to bring out members of the X Ambassadors, despite the bands' soaring stock, "Collect My Love" with Alex Newell coming out to powerfully belt out her vocals and "Dancing With Myself," which was dedicated by Jpatt to his mother who was in attendance. However they did dig deep into their discography to perform "Brightside," "Dancing with the DJ" and an encore of "Magic," for those fans who have been "rocking with us since the beginning."
Even with the throwbacks, the duo kept their gaze squarely on the future with a sold-out crowd in front of them and brought out opener Phoebe Ryan to premiere a brand new collaboration between them. Watch a clip of it below. This was followed by nearly a half hour of a revolving door of live guests that included St. Lucia, Sneaky Sound System, Alex Newell, Powers, X Ambassadrorsd Phoebe Ryan. JPatt also took the opportunity to sing on all of the songs that he provides the vocals for in the studio.
Looking down the list of recent guests on The Knocks records, The duo were able to get every guest from their latest two EPs to show up, as well as St. Lucia from the 2013 single "Modern Hearts." It was pretty remarkable to have only an hour-long set and almost half of it was filled with special guests. The use of special guests can be a gimmick used by some acts to try and elevate a mediocre show on the back of other great performers, but these only helped make the concert live up to its "live" billing even more. Instead of playing a recording of the vocals, they had the singer actually come out and show off their mettle each time.
When it comes to bringing the funk, The Knocks are quickly ascending to the New York City throne.
