Strokes guitarist Albert Hammond Jr. proved himself a fine solo artist Saturday at the Marquis Theater, although he has an uphill climb if he wants to command attention the way Strokes singer Julian Casablancas does. Playing songs from his new record “Yours to Keep,” Hammond took the stage after a lengthy soundcheck (who needs 10 guitars for a small club show?) to appreciative cheers and few screams.
The crowd seemed curiously small for how heavily the show had been promoted in the local media. Then again, most people’s reaction to the name Albert Hammond Jr. is a quizzical one. That won’t remain the case if he keeps playing raucous, Buddy Holly-indebted indie scorchers like “101,” or the rousing encore cover of Guided by Voices’ “Postal Blowfish.” The vibe of an artist on the verge palpably filled the room. |John Wenzel
