Rooney w/ SWIMM
Neumos, Seattle, WA
12.11.16

With their new album, Washed Away, released this year and a new lineup, fans swarmed to Seattle’s Neumos to see Rooney, one of the flag-bearers of the early 2000s indie rock movement. Between those reliving their youth to a new generation of retro rock fans, the set was a trip through time.

Opening the night was synth-pop quintet SWIMM. Hailing from all over the world, their set began with lead singer Chris Hess opening up to the crowd about his recent trip to Portland and the trauma he experienced by bearing witness to one of its many famous strip clubs. Accompanied by his keyboardist, he then proceeded to sing the first song by doing many (what I believe were yoga poses) around the stage.

After bearing his soul about our sister city to the south, the rest of the band came on stage to continue their set. While their set was choppy at times, you can’t deny the catchiness of their hooks and sound. Hess is a serviceable guitar player, and the rest of his band supported him very well. The highlight of their set was a very provocative version of the 90’s R&B hit (itself a cover of Ready For The World’s ’86 version) “Love Me Down” by INOJ. It came out of nowhere and Hess wasn’t afraid to give a sultry eye to the front row of the crowd. Overall, solid opener.

The crowd was definitely split between those who were reliving the music of their teenage to early adulthood hears and a new generation of Rooney fans. With their name adorning their signature California state flag, the men of Rooney made their way to the stage and immediately went into their signature hit “Blueside,” a retro throwback that has the teeth of classic rock with a chorus a la the Beach Boys.

The beginning of Rooney’s set focused on their early years with songs such as “Blueside,” “I’m A Terrible Person,” and the funky “Daisy Duke.” As the night went on, they began to focus on their latest release with notable songs “Why,” “I Miss You When You’re Gone,” and their latest single, “My Heart Beats 4 U.”

Front man Robert Schwartzman showed the charisma of a family of performers. Best known for his role opposite Anne Hathaway in the Princess Diaries, he took every opportunity to engage the adoring fans. The difference between early Rooney and present day can be summed up in one word: edge. Their early songs were airy and free, just like a young adult on a sunny California day. However, with age and experience comes a bit more tangible emotion, which came across on some songs as a heavier sound. Nevertheless, they still had a hell of a time and it seemed as though they’ve retained the same spirit that has endeared them to many.

Review and photos by Phillip Johnson

Rooney

SWIMM