Car Seat Headrest

Will Toledo and his (now full) band Car Seat Headrest have gone from being a bedroom-project, internet sensation to a fully fledged live Indie rock act; and judging by the new record and the extended jams that take place during live shows, Will is loving the new set of dynamics having a full band provides. Because make no mistake, in spite of these changes to the bands status, Will Toledo is still very much the focus of the project as the primary songwriter.

Before the show starts the band came out to little fanfare, setting up their instruments and plugging in, it was only when Will took to the stage that the crowd burst into applause and in spite of such an unassuming appearance; his presence is palpable. The band displayed chemistry, charisma and real power with Will having the audience in the palm of his hands as he slipped effortlessly between melancholy, expansive ballads and post-punk-tinged rock-outs (with Guided by Voices being an obvious influence on the more energetic efforts)

Most of the material played was from the new record but the recently re-recorded 'Something Soon' was played for the encore and the show was opened with 'The Ending of Dramamine' and closed with 'Stop Smoking'. Quite endearingly Will himself seemed shocked and honoured to be greeted by such a responsive and energetic crowd that drunkenly screamed lyrics and applauded songs new and old. This humility permeated the whole show and Toledo's vulnerability during the performance was mesmerising. A great intimate setting to watch a potential star before his (maybe) inevitable blow up, I think all would agree it was a humbling and highly enjoyable experience.

Show was great! My friends and I showed up early to get a place right in front of the stage, and we got to see the whole band. Car Seat Headrest is my favorite band, so getting to see them at all is worth the admission, but they really went above and beyond. Songs like “The Ending of Dramamine”, “Vincent”, and “Bodys” were all so much fun to see live. The whole crowd sang along with Will and everyone seemed to be having fun. The banter inbetween songs was fun, with Andrew Katz being especially willing to mess with the crowd. Despite being sick, Will, Ethan, Seth and Andrew gave one hell of a show, even returning for an encore in which they played the 13 minute “Beach Life-In-Death” before leaving the stage. By the end of the night I got a poster, half a set list from Andrew and shredded vocal cords. I can’t wait for Car Seat Headrest to come back to Iowa City. 10/10

Sickness happens, and this concert was definitely sick. The lead singer, Will, appeared onstage alongside his fantastic opener naked giants, and told the audience his voice was really hurting due to getting sickness. But he performed the whole show true to his music and honest to his fans making sure everyone had a good time.

Car seat headrest sounded really great live, having a six person band perform classics like "fill in the blank" "drunk drivers/killer whales" and "Sober to death", made songs they prob only play on the daily, fresh and personal.

Speaking of fresh, the opener Naked Giants really played a legit garage thrash show that was homemade and authentic. With zero time the whole audience jumped onboard and let the train take them away.

This was an unforgettable show that anyone who has any interest in youth culture, art, and car seat head rest must see.

Fantastic show. Naked Giants and Car Seat Headrest both played strong energetic sets. My only problem with the show was the sound. The vocals for both bands were way too low in the mix. These are both very loud bands, but it is still possible to do a better job with the levels so that vocals can be more discernible. Car Seat Headrest also brought a young fan up out of the crowd. It was an extremely nice thing to do. The young girl, who I happen to know, was still having heart palpitations after the show, clutching a drum stick and the band's set list from that evening's show. All and all a great experience. This was my 3rd time seeing Car Seat Headrest and I would highly recommended their music and shows to anyone who is interested in hard driving, emotional indie rock.

On June 1, 2017, a friend and I went to 9:30 Club to see Car Seat Headrest, a 4-piece band made up of barely post-pubescent young men. Their recorded music is exceptional, and the lead singer's voice is rather deep and mesmerizing. I was REALLY looking forward to the show, but unfortunately, they were HORRIBLE as showmen. They just stood there. The drummer or guitarist tried to say something once in a while, but everything they tried fell flat. The sound mixing had every setting at the max, so even with earplugs, it was too loud and chaotic sounding. And there were strobes aimed at the audience, blinding us. I started looking at my watch 2 songs in and left after about 4 songs. It was a major disappointment.

really, really excellent show! my first time seeing car seat, and i'm so glad it was during this tour while they formed a seven-piece band with naked giants. both bands kicked absolute ass the entire time. the crowd is much more participatory than one would expect from some standard-looking indie kids; i got to mosh for about fifteen minutes at a couple points. will has never been very energetic live, and i think i'd tell him to smile more ahaha, but it didn't kill the show in the least. all in all, great show, really happy i got to be there!

Great show with a seriously over the top light show. Maybe it is me, but I could have enjoyed the show more if it was toned down a little. (The lights that is)

The end of every song was like the end of a show...no build up. But they were seriously rocking it out...so good for them. The fans loved the show too. I saw parents with their kids I saw young and old all rocking it out.

Thank you Car Seat Headrest...can’t wait to see what you come up with next for material.

Cheers

Car Seat Headrest... 03/25/22 MassMoca. One of the best concerts I have ever been to. While I can tell this band doesn't have much stage presences haha, all but Andrew were pretty awkward on stage. The crowd would talk to them and they just kind of ignored lol. Andrew was pretty funny though he talked back with us. Still, their music is just insane. I love them to death and while the crowd was full of 16yr olds who have never been pushed at a concert, I still had so much fun.

I drove three hours there thinking I was about to have the time of my life and it was sold out. It was suppose to be my first concert. I don't think I have ever been more heartbroken or frustrated in my life. Definitely a night I want to forget. Guess it was my stupid fault for not buying tickets in advance. Still one of my favorite bands even though I'm now sad. Always buy tickets in advance!!!

Saw them at the Primavera Sound 2018. My expectations were unattainable. They managed to scratch it. They played songs from two of my favorite albums, not only of them, but also of the decade (teens of denial, twin fantasy) the energy was enormous. I had never jumped or shouted the lyrics of the songs in a concert like this one. The only negative thing was that the gig lasted less than 45 min...