Lejeune - 12.3.07 Smith’s Olde Bar - Atlanta

Your Serene Saturday Night - Lejeune

Lejeune jumped out at me while I was looking on podsafeaudio.com for a theme to Have You Heard. After thirty minutes of listening to lo-fi U2 knock offs, it was a splash of cold water to find a band that writes retro surf inspired indie pop about futuristic robots taking over their family members Invation of the Body Snatchers style. Obviously I had to have them for the show.Upon further research I found that they were coming to Atlanta a mere three days from when I looked them up. They weren’t touring to Atlanta. They were just coming from DC to Athens and then to Atlanta’s Smiths Olde Bar.

The night at Smiths started off with Shaun Hoppers from the local Atlanta band Wilson Empire. His set consisted of stunningly adept acoustic guitar numbers, mostly covers. The highlight of his set was when he recreated the Vince Guaraldi Trio’s classic Linus and Lucy from a Charlie Brown Christmas in three distinct parts. Shaun never sung, and as it was obvious he was showcasing hours upon hours of practice the smokey not quite dive bar atmosphere of Smiths didn’t seem to suit his style. Espresso makers around the world would shoot their steam puff if Hoppers would take his rightful place as king of the coffee house open mic night.

Maybe it was appropriate that Hoppers didn’t fit the Smiths atmosphere. By the time Lejeune was preparing to play Bradley and I had amassed a sizable following at our table, but it was nothing compared to the cadre of middle aged conservatives dressed in skirts and ties. If you’ve heard them you would agree that Lejeune is nowhere near dad rock. As they began their set with our theme song Replaced by Robots I realized both why the crowd dynamic was strictly Neiman Marcus and why Lejeune was coming only to Georgia from DC without an official tour. We were surrounded by the friends and family of the prodigal sons Lejeune.

From this context the show was something special I’ve only seen from the performer’s perspective. The first third of the set the band slipped back and forth from a “here mom, look what I’ve done” shyness to the obvious professional musician they are accustom to being. As they regained their footing in this overly supportive environment and members of the crowd began to shout “You guys are amazing!” instead of “We love you Sam!” the players relaxed and a truly great set of songs emerged.

The absolute highlight of the evening was the final four songs. All the players worked together from Matthew Richardson’s understated but emotionally full surf lead, J. Forté backing harmonies, the foundation of Ody Leonard bass, to Greg Gendron accentuated rhythms. I couldn’t have been happier with my choice, and for a moment while we were all half drunk and cuddled with family I felt that I had gained something, gained more than a night out listening to well honed music. Lejeune is part of my world now and to be welcome among their loved ones was an privilege. I’m sure you’re welcome anytime too.