Jump Into The Fire: LCD Soundsystem’s Roaring NYC Residency Return
The whole band of LCD Soundsystem during a performance of their 2022 single "new body rhumba." Photo via Andrew Breen '25
On the cold November night of Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighborhood, sheltered near auto repair shops and metal recycling plants, lies an assuming brick building the same size as the rest. A white spray tag indicates this building is Brooklyn Steel, and if it’s the end of the year, LCD Soundsystem will be there.
Formed by James Murphy in 2002, LCD Soundsystem began in the 2000s post-punk NYC scene along with other bands such as the Strokes, Interpol, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and TV on the Radio. LCD Soundsystem has a complex history. Murphy felt multiple failures throughout his 20s, ranging from dropping out of college to passing on an offer to write for “Seinfeld.”
After finding success DJing at parties, he found that others were playing the same records as him. Murphy felt angry, bitter, and embarrassed because he believed that playing these records was “his,” this experience helped him make the band’s cult hit “Losing My Edge.” LCD Soundsystem still has mostly the same members as it had in its beginnings, with the current lineup consisting of Nancy Whang, Pat Mahoney, Al Doyle, Tyler Pope, and Korey Richie.
LCD Soundsystem instantly had a distinct creative voice. It is truly a music lover’s band pulling influences from hundreds of artists ranging from David Bowie, Suicide, Joy Division, Daft Punk, Yes, Talking Heads, and the B-52s. However, LCD is not a copy of its influences; they have a unique sound, an elaborate mixture of electronic and punk rock juxtaposed with Murphy’s eccentric vocals.
From this, LCD went on to create a self-titled album in 2005. Then, two of the most critically acclaimed albums of the 21st century, 2007's “Sound of Silver” and 2010’s “This is Happening,” helped them sell out Madison Square Garden before disbanding in 2011. However, LCD reunited in 2016 and released their latest album, 2017’s “American Dream.”
Now in 2023, they are playing across NYC after a residency at Brooklyn Steel for the past two years. for 12 shows between Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens dubbed the Tri-Boro Tour. The Tri-Boro Tour will feature shows in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens ending on Dec. 10.
The Tri-Boro Tour was not promised to be a drastically different show from previous years, as the show's motto is “The same thing but better!” Still, it lives up to the previous NYC residencies. The Tri-Boro Tour is another knockout from the band, capturing the same atmosphere of intensity and passion as years before.
Before LCD starts on this tour, you're treated to an underground selection of electronic tracks by a DJ, ranging from the beginning of the genre dating back to the 80s that even Shazam has difficulty finding. When the band hits the stage, the neon lights and smoke create a hazy, entrancing ambiance. Once the first note is played, you will discover LCD Soundsystem is a very, very loud band. As described by Murphy, “Our band on stage is typically illegally loud in a lot of countries. Like in France, I think you can't be above 97 dB, and where I stand on stage can be about 120 decibels.”
The weight of LCD’s drums and synthesizers hits you like a truck. When combined with the technical elements of their performance, it's a truly unique music experience. The show began with “You Wanted a Hit,” which started in darkness as the band performed on stage. Bleeding directly into this were the songs “Tribulations” and “Movement.” The former is one of LCD’s most energetic dance tracks that explodes into the complete mania of “Movement” as various lights burst through the band’s instruments and Murphy hits increasingly higher notes.
LCD also packs a punch on the lyrics side with songs ranging from tales of quickly wasting your life in “Tonite” to understanding loss and remembrance in “Someone Great.” When stripping back all the glowing lights, the dozens of instruments, and Murphy’s rousing vocals, there is still such a distinct and meaningful voice behind the band that makes it special.
The grand highlight of this new tour is the band’s returning cover of Harry Nilsson’s “Jump into the Fire.” An explosive song bursting at the seams with energy is a perfect match for the high-octane endings of LCD shows. The final three songs of an LCD show are always guaranteed with “Dance Yrself Clean,” “New York, I Love You but You’re Bringing Me Down” and “All My Friends,” which is the best final encore a show could have and a necessary experience for anyone who loves live music.
Whether it is this year or the next, LCD Soundsystem’s NYC shows are a must. When LCD Soundsystem steps on stage, they play like the best band in the world, and New York is lucky to have them.