Now, Now: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

Nov. 15, 2017 | Daoud Tyler-Ameen -- Now, Now's breakout album, Threads, was not as much about breaking up as holding on. Its songs carried in them a weary recognition of how desire and nostalgia linger in the body and mind, and zoomed in on the brittle filaments that bind together people who have long since declared themselves better off apart. "I can sleep, I can sleep, I can sleep — soon," went one characteristically fraught line, teasing relief and then snatching it away as guitars cracked and rumbled like fireworks.

There's not much material evidence of how the band's next move might be different, but what little we have to go on is striking. Now, Now took the Tiny Desk stage with a minimal setup (dig the sampler as drum kit) that laid the vocals bare, but still lent the songs a room-filling pulse. Among those songs were "SGL" and "Yours," the two singles that heralded the band's return this summer (a full five years after Threads, with a pared-down lineup and no album yet announced, though the rumors say next year). As their performance here makes clear, KC Dalager and Bradley Hale have added a few new tools to their arsenal — synth-forward arrangements, that triplet swagger you loved from "The Wire" and "Run Away With Me," the word "baby" — but their focus on tiny moments between people just outside of love is as sharp as ever. If there's more where this came from, 2018 can't come soon enough.

Set List

"Yours"
"SGL"
"Separate Rooms"

MUSICIANS

KC Dalager; Bradley Hale; Jeffrey Sundquist; Daniel O'Brien

CREDITS

Producers: Daoud Tyler-Ameen, Morgan Noelle Smith; Creative Director: Bob Boilen; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Morgan Noelle Smith, CJ Riculan, Alyse Young; Editor: Niki Walker; Production Assistant: Salvatore Maicki; Photo: Christina Ascani/NPR

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[carpeimodiem]

Every Now, Now comments section gets dominated by ppl talking about their older material. But this is such beautiful/perfect escapism. Everyone contemplate the best days behind you. Do this Now,

[danejurus]

I think this is KC's best live vocal performance and I've been a fan since 2007 so I've heard a lot. This band deserves to be wayyyy more popular. Good god, this is so good.

[henry_brown]

I love that it almost looks like NPR doesn't read the comments at all, and just continues to bring great artists I've never heard of to the Tiny Desk! Hugely appreciated! Love you guys

[toxjorge]

She sings wonderfully and is beautiful, reminds me of an old love from my youth

[Vehshya]

If you are on the fence on the band, check out their recorded stuff. Especially the song "Prehistoric", one of my all time favorites.

[nickhudson]

I am so happy that I found this. Now, Now blows me away! Great songs and the music compliments the lyrics perfectly.

[CoralineMoth]

I LOVE this band so much it's ridiculous.

[mikemerrill]

She seems a sweet soul. So cool. Great sounds.

[orbixmusic]

They tied his arm up... So much symbolism

[esmth]

This is one of my favorite tiny desks. I love it.

[DenEz_TV]

Now, Now's music speaks to me. Such a great band, cool sound, cool message! I want more concerts in that format from them! Awesome.

[rezas]

There are a few comments here comparing this performance to stuff on their album or to a previous grouping (with a former member), but I've never heard or seen Now, Now and I think this was incredible! I love their sound and aesthetic.

[joelbarnard]

Best live version I’ve found of “yours” on YouTube so far. This new record is beautiful, it has kept me dreamy and happy for weeks now, be encouraged and keep making amazing music now now :) <3

[mikeg]

They completely messed with one of my fav songs, and I still love it. Digging the 'Stranger Things' vibe.

[HappiestSadGuy]

The dude on the beat is just chillin lol

[jessebyerly]

u ever hear music that you've pictured or heard in your head but hasn't existed in real world? this. wow. amazing.

[maragraziano]

wooow, this version of separate rooms gave me chills!!!

[jonwarren]

I like their song Wolf. These were great too.

[Specticwoods]

Ive never heard anything of this band and i love everything about it!! Im totally a new fan thank you for making incredible music and thanks to NPR to keep bringin such amazing artists! Lots of love from Argentina.

[krostout]

love this band! stripped down or not, still rockin'! these arrangements are different, but in a cool introspective way, like suddenly being hit by a familiar realization. these versions also allowed me to really listen to their lyrics, which take on whole new meanings and emotions now. thanks npr!