The Airborne Toxic Event 2011 went to the gym, grew up and stuck to the music.

Tonight’s concert was a stark contrast to what I saw last year at Webster Hall where they sprayed Corona and sweat out alcohol. Tonight they were noticeably svelt and dedicated to the pure performance. The small crowd at Mercury Lounge was tiny even by their standards as Mikel Jollett pointed out from stage, yet the crowd was enthusiastic and sang every word along with him.

I love New York and nights like tonight — standing on stools in a crowd of 100 to see my favorite band up close and feel their sweat — help make my rent worth it. I would have even been OK with sprayed Corona … tonight at least.