I thought I’d come to see Dutch Interior. Convinced that their concert was at the Théâtre Rialto, I nevertheless found myself at a Luna show without even realizing it. Since I’d decided to let the opening acts be a surprise when I got there, the confusion wasn’t immediately obvious. From the very first song, however, a familiar feeling set in. That distinctive voice, those guitar riffs with hints of New York indie pop… I wondered if I wasn’t simply watching Luna. I was right.
Led by Dean Wareham, a key figure in the American indie scene, the band delivered a performance that gradually built in intensity. The Velvet Underground-inspired guitars grew in volume and bite, while Britta Phillips’ bass playing provided a more imposing foundation for the songs. Rather than faithfully reproducing their recordings, Luna willingly lets the songs breathe and stretch out. “23 Minutes in Brussels” thus becomes a long, hypnotic journey, carried by guitar improvisations that seem to unfold naturally.
The stage, however, remains surprisingly understated. Wareham, laid-back on vocals and guitar, shares an obvious rapport with guitarist Sean Eden. Between songs, their deadpan banter—sometimes deliberately left unfinished—draws laughter from the audience and lends the concert a touch of whimsy.
After 1 hour and 15 minutes of music, two encores brought the evening to a powerful close. I left feeling particularly moved by the music of this New York quartet and by the energy that filled the venue. There was something especially beautiful about watching the faces of audience members who were clearly moved to see their favorite musicians perform their classics on stage, with the same confidence more than thirty years after the band’s debut. Seeing Luna bring these songs to life in front of an audience that has carried them in their hearts for decades was not only a feat in itself, but also a deeply moving moment.
