Constantines Entertainment Art Grant Park at Lollapalooza Chicago, IL August 8, 2009

For long-time album enthusiasts (myself included), answers to burning questions were finally delivered with the best of news: yes, Bryan Webb’s vocals are just as viscous on stage, the guitars crank out the power and the drums keep an unwavering pulse. All of these elements came together here, and the quintet proved that they can re-create their recordings’ intensity.

Though Constantines have calmed down a bit on their latest, Kensington Heights, crooning about growing up and being content, it’s hard not to feel that this is just another step in the group’s maturation process. Their 2001 self-titled debut kept close to a grimy rock foundation, and they added an artsy kick on Shine a Light and Tournament of Hearts, so an album showing their reflective side was a logical progression.

The set kicked off with a wall of guttural guitar and toned down into the start of “I Will Not Sing a Hateful Song” off Kensington, showing that rock music can be raw and muscular without being offensive. This, along with “Young Offenders” from their debut, created a two-way bridge across their discography. Webb barked out the lyrics in a steady half-talking-half-singing mode on the latter: “These legs were made to run.” and “Time is on your side.” The song then cranked into a slow sludge-metal tempo, with yells of, “Can I get a witness?!”

Webb then traded vocal duties with guitarist Steve Lambke on “Shower of Stones”, a western spaghetti guitar strummer which fit well with dry, dusty vocals. A return to their serious selves was marked by “Draw Us Lines” and “Hard Feelings”. “Young Lions” was the highlight of the set, striking a perfect balance of angst and art. Webb growled: “Oooh young lions. This is your kingdom. Every beast has its poison. Every lion has its victim.”

The 10 minutes spent on sound issues at the start of the set would likely leave room for a few more heart-pounding numbers, so Constantines left with the audience wanting more. Giving these guys a full hour of playing time at a festival such as Lollapalooza would show organizers’ acknowledgement of indie acts that are in it for more than hipster cred, because as much as they stick to a specific sound, it’s hard to get bored listening to them. Each song has a unique twist that chops up conventional power-pop structure while sparing any pretentious fancy streaks. And sometimes, this straight-faced combo is all you need. Oh yea, they also give good credit to their name.

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