FLIGHT OF THE CONCHORDS W/ Arj Barker Live
July 26, 2016 ~ The Greek Theatre, Los Angeles
Seagulls playing pianos, half eaten bananas, and guest appearances by Kristen Schaal and Rhys Darby… This show was about as rock n’ roll as it gets... at least in terms of live comedy folk music from New Zealand.
Flight of the Conchords, Photo by: Leslie Perry
Mr. Magicfingers:
Before we begin talking about the dynamic duo, we must give a shout out to Arj Barker who opened the show up. His jokes were witty, and he also made an appearance during the main show to spit a mean verse on “Hiphopopotamus vs. Rhymenoceros,” declaring himself MC Anemone and making some delightful ocean themed rhymes.
Also worth mentioning is the beauty of The Greek Theatre within Griffith Park in Los Angeles. The place was packed to the brim and it was awesome to see so many people come out to see Flight of the Conchords. It all went down in a big outdoor theater on the rolling hills of Hollywood, our seats located on one of the upper terraces and we greatly enjoyed the view.
Now… on to Jemaine Clement and Bret McKenzie, otherwise know as Flight of the Conchords. These two guys are truly the kings of onstage banter. Their chemistry as a duo is undeniable and a treat to watch and listen to. They began the show by explaining the origins of the band, and how they are the first band from New Zealand to have more than one member. According to them, they both started out playing in one-man bands called “Jemaine” and “Bret” respectively. When they came together the other bands of New Zealand such as “John” and “Jessie” were very unhappy with them and how they had changed the face of music in their country.
Photo by: Leslie Perry
The two also politely asked the crowd to refrain from filming any of the show stating they would be trying out some new material, which they didn’t know how to play very well yet. And they would also be playing a lot of old material, which they didn’t remember very well…
Personal highlights of the show in my opinion were: a story about Jemaine being such a badass rock n’ roll star that he once only ate half a banana and left the other half back stage, classic songs like “Business Time,” and “Hiphopopotamus vs. Rhymenoceros.” Also, Jemaine and Bret telling a particular audience member to “go fuck himself” in a very resonable way, and then rewarding him with a free t-shirt. And lastly, the double/triple booking by their on screen manager Rhys Darby, that landed Flight of the Conchords in multiple band meetings in the middle of the show.
9.3/10
(Andrew Shults)
Photo by: Ian McCarthy
MC Melody Maker Marino:
When I heard Flight of the goddamn Conchords were going to play at the goddamn Greek Theatre I thought there was absolutely no way this could be bad. I turned out to be right.
Arj Barker opened up for Bret and Jemaine beforehand. Anyone familiar with the Flight of the Conchords TV show might know Barker better as the character Dave on that show. Arj dropped some solid, witty, and insightful comedy all over the audience. Barker’s material was a very good warm up for the audience to get ready for the main act. If you are a person and you like laughing at things, check out Arj and see if he’s performing near you. He will not disappoint.
As far as Flight of the Conchords go, you will not get a more rock n’ roll two-piece folk-comedy group from New Zealand anywhere else in the world. Bret and Jemaine will be the first to tell you that. And they will do so in their characteristically dry, sharp, and witty way.
Photo by: Monik Markus
One thing that surprised me was how their dialogue in between songs seemed to be both tight and loose simultaneously. Everything Bret and Jermaine were saying in between songs seemed to be (and probably were) improvised. Yet, both of their timing was absolutely impeccable, and they were able to keep adding hilarious depth to their stories with ease.
Another thing surprisingly well done was how Flight of the Conchords added to already beloved songs like “Most Beautiful Girl in the Room,” “Business Time,” and “Hiphopopotamus vs. Rhymenoceros.” Bret and Jermaine added much more musical depth to these songs by playing different instruments, adding different effects, and making slight changes in the composition of the songs. This shows that Bret and Jemaine are not only great comedians, but they are also great musicians as well.
If you go see Arj Barker and/or Flight of the Concords and don’t come out with a busted gut from laughing, you are a cold hearted person with no soul. Take any measure to see these men. Steal some money, rob a car, do what you gotta do to see them. You might even get lucky and have Kristen Schaal or Rhys Darby come out as Mel and Murray like Magic Fingers and I had the pleasure of seeing.
9.5/10
(Jake Marino)
Here's a look at a very old video of one of their most classic jams:
For all thing Flight of the Conchords, go check out their website! Find a way to see them live, buy all their music and awesome t-shirts.
And Arj Barker's site here:
Header Photo by: Thoth God of Knowledge
Our team is comprised of some semi-normal, occasionally funny people who love to listen to and talk about music. And like many of you, we constantly find ourselves hungry to discover new music.