I’m in London right now on vacation…my first-ever trip to the UK. It’s also the first time in London for five of the six members of Raleigh, North Carolina band Annuals. Since arriving overseas, they reached a career milestone by opening for influence/heroes the Flaming Lips two nights in Dublin, Ireland. I caught up with the indie world newcomers on their third of four London performances.

Last night’s show took place at Barfly in Camden Town. Annuals were the only American band on a promotion dubbed Stylish Riots, and were sandwiched between two local bands, The Bakery Girls and Illustrated Youth. The straightforward and familiar danceable pop/rock tunes of the hometown acts was fun and certainly got the crowd moving, but Annuals were far more original.

With all six members crammed onto the tiny stage, there was barely enough room for their bodies, much less two full drum kits, two synths, extra percussion and guitars. But in the limited space they spiritedly romped through six of the songs on their debut album Be He Me (read my album review), plus two others.

The instrumental musical chairs and multi-tasking gave each song a new look and sound. Frontman Adam Baker frequently switched synths with Anna Spence and kept a drumstick handy at all times to hit his tom or share on one of the full kits. Zack Oden jumped between drums and guitar and occasionally played both simultaneously. And 2-4 part harmonies and percussion ran rampantly through their swelling, communal anthems.

The reserved-but-respectful behavior of the crowd (particularly compared to their freewheeling reactions to the other acts on the bill) suggested they were a bit stunned and trying to take it all in (it’s a lot to digest if it’s your first time). But Annuals did whip some into a frenzy and succeeded in introducing their unique sound to a new audience.

The Set List for Annuals at Barfly in London, England (Friday, November 25, 2006)

1. Ida, My
2. Bleary-Eyed
3. River Run
4. Complete, Or Completing
5. Dry Clothes
6. Carry Around
7. Brother
8. Do You Like It?