Veteran alt-rockers They Might Be Giants delighted a packed house at The Depot Saturday night. Led by charismatic founding duo John Flansburgh and John Linnell, TMBG displayed the versatile skill set and relentless energy that has made them an indie rock staple since the 1980s. The two frontmen carried the show, trading witty banter and vocal duties while playing a rotating cast of instruments. Linnell was particularly impressive, seamlessly moving from keyboard to bass clarinet to accordion on a given song.
Although Flansburgh and Linell starred, they weren't selfish with the limelight. Lead guitarist Dan Miller and drummer Marty Beller both got some alone time on stage, and bassist Danny Weinkauf was acknowledged several times for his strong performance. By the end of the show, everyone from the stage crew to the woman working the merchandise table received a shout-out. Even Donny the TMBG bus driver got an appreciative chant from the crowd.
It was a true group effort, and one that catered to wide array of musical interests. Fans of TMBG's quirky brand of indie rock certainly got their fill, while the band mixed in elements of funk and blues throughout the set. They also dipped deep into their arsenal of songs, playing everything from their early 80s hits to material off the newly released “Nanobots.” It was a great performance overall, and an emphatic reminder that TMBG has only gotten better with age.