With all of it's members working on solo projects, The Internet has set out to prove that they are just as strong as individual artists as they are as a collective.
The band performed back-to-back sold-out shows at Center Stage Theater this week as a part of their "The Internet Presents The Internet Tour." The tour is promoted as a "deconstructed" set, featuring each of the five members taking center stage to promote their solo material, in addition to performing songs from the band's Grammy-nominated album "Ego Death."
The crowd sang along to every word of songs from the 2015 album, which were sprinkled between the individual sets. When singer Syd invited the crowd to yell the angry refrain ("You [expletive] up") during "Just Sayin'," they happily obliged. When she delivered the sweeter "Girl" and "Curse" they hung on to her every word as if she'd written the love songs just for them.
Even during the group moments, one thing was clear clear: Syd is the star of this group. Known for her soft, airy vocal delivery (and, her work with Odd Future under the moniker Syd the Kid), the singer recently released her debut solo project "Fin," an ambitious project that showcases her versatility. When Syd sang the Aaliyah-inspired "Know" the crowd was just as engaged as they were when she launched into the braggadocios "All About Me."
The audience liked the other band member's sets. They loved Syd's.
After opening the show with the the band's song "Special Affair," the band's youngest member, Steve Lacy performed a few songs from his recently released debut album "Steve Lacy's Demo." The 18-year-old had to restart "Ryd" five times before he and the band got it right, but once he got started it was clear he posses a musicality and stage presence that warrants attention.
Elsewhere in the show, bassist Patrick Paige II previewed new material and drummer Christopher Smith delivered an invigorating solo, the intensity of his performance only heightened by his swinging dreads and the flickering lights.
For Internet member Matt Martians, the Atlanta shows served as a homecoming. The songwriter/producer, and East Point native, dedicated "Southern Isolation," a cut from his recent solo project "The Drum Chord," to the southside during the concert. Martians enlisted help from Syd to deliver the song's easygoing hook over a warbly bass line and rowdy beat.
One of the highlights of the concert came later in the set when Syd and Martians tag teamed the vocals on a dreamy cover of Outkast's "Prototype," equipped with a guitar solo from Lacy.
The cover served as a subtle reminder that the members of The Internet are a talented bunch with real solo potential, but they shine brightest together.
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