Built to Spill

Article: Kristin Chambers  |  Photo: Dan Florez

October 2012 Issue

Doug Martsch, photo by Dan Florez.

As one of the 90’s most quintessential indie bands, Built to Spill is not one to disappoint. Carrying a varied set list from their 1992 conception to their most recent 2009 album, There is No Enemy, the band recently rocked an intimate Orlando show at The Social.

With eyes closed tightly during intricate instrumental sessions, frontman Doug Martsch led his five-piece crew with his soft, higher pitched croons as a fairly mild-mannered crowd nodded their heads along. In songs such as “Going Against Your Mind” (You in Reverse, 2006), the array of 20-something old-school hipsters incorporated some pogo action as heavy drums intensified and sweaty fingers demanded energy from their instruments. Many longtime fans made the show a sing-a-long, leading to a slight smile from the typically modest Martsch as songs were billowed out in a half-sneeze toward the stage.

The only show blunder was some debatable lighting tactics that were blatantly called out as Martsch glared toward the light booth, offering the audience 20 bucks to whoever could take over. Exasperated halfway through the set, he finally said, “When it gets really rocking just blink really fast.” 

The lights somewhat improved after that.  

“Wherever You Go” (You in Reverse, 2006), had the band in jam mode, progressively building up intensity and feeling it in every sweat drenched sense. After humbling the crowd with “Sidewalk” (Keep it Like a Secret, 1999) and “Life’s a Dream” (There is No Enemy, 2009), Martsch wiped the top of his head with a towel, leaving the remnants of hair on his head sticking up with sweat.  

A well-received encore of “Conventional Wisdom” (You in Reverse, 2006) ended the set, leaving the crowd cheering and satisfied. Following the show, band members gathered instruments from the small stage as fans approached to congratulate them on a show well played. 

As one of their last performances, this year’s tour came to a close in September after playing along with Helvetia and Sister Crayon. 

“We’re having a blast,” Martsch said. “We plan on putting out a new album in about a year and a half.”   

Taking their sweet time with putting out new music is part of what keeps their albums fresh through the years though, remaining indie old school with memories of making out in a dimly light high school bedroom and turning up the stereo a little more.  

Doug Martsch shredding in front of the crowd at The Social in Orlando Florida