I just realized last night that it’s quite possible that I see a lot more shows at Mercury Lounge than anywhere else. I travelled up to see Vetiver with Luke Rathborne, and the bouncer informed that he didn’t need to see my ID anymore for the reason that he knows who I am by now. The woman inside just who runs the guest list is a harder shell so that you can crack, but I’ll give it time. And I guess I ought to give props to the Mercury Lounge bookers for continually booking bands I want to see. Good job, guys. Checkout our new song : Something Beautiful – New Song
Luke Rathborne was a prime example of why it’s sometimes good to catch the opening act. For me, he was the standout surprise of the night and I wouldn’t have minded if perhaps he played longer. He started off with no frills or simply introductory talk, dressed like a little like Andrew W/. K. in white jeans and a white tee, except for they looked washed and clean. His show appeared to be high energy, with him pounding away on the guitar though singing/screaming melancholic lyrics. “This guy can sing, in someone in the audience said loudly. I have to agree. Your dog also worked the stage more than any other act I can also remember seeing at Mercury Lounge. He was all over the place. His particular recorded music is much more down tempo and folksy, nonetheless live he’s more wild. In fact , I’m not sure your dog even played any songs off his Dog Ages EP. No matter – I hope he rocks out any live show, because that is something to see.
Rathborne stopped working at lightening speed, and Vetiver was next. Vetiver encompasses that feeling of the Pacific Northwest for me. I’ve under no circumstances been there, but Vetiver makes me think of it. These types of based in San Francisco, which I don’t think even qualifies as “pacific northwest, ” but frontman Andy Cabic has without doubt seemed to channel a northern woods folk vibe in earlier times.
They got to the new material off their just produced (that day) The Errant Charm right away. As this project was literally released yesterday, most of their set We were completely unfamiliar with. I actually found myself wishing they competed more older tunes, and from the crowd responses, I don’t believe I was alone. Don’t get me wrong, they played an incredible show, but it’s always a better experience when you are more experienced with the material. They played a couple tunes off Tight Knit, but I didn’t recognize anything else.
Vetiver also appear to be going in a different direction with the new album. They have that western sound incorporated into the songs, but the innovative songs seem to be leaning more towards a 60s bossanova feel with psychedelic jam elements. I felt for instance I should have been holding a cocktail instead of a beer plus thickened my eyeliner more. They did play a cover in the Go-Betweens’ “Streets of Your Town, ” right after a songs that Cabic announced was partially inspired by these folks. For the most part, the band rolled along from song in order to song without much ado in between. The drummer was smiling widely and looking like he was having a good time, despite the fact that it was “steamy in place here” on stage. It was pretty steamy down on the ground, too. Maybe it was for that reason that their set did actually go on much longer than usual. Regardless, the band didn’t make it possible for their energy drag, feeding off each other to keep up. Towards the end I was certainly feeling the drag on the heat and contemplating getting out for air. A couple far more songs. Ok, a couple more songs. I kept expecting one of the songs I wished they would play, and my favorite patience paid off. The very last song was “More about this. ” Yes! Many others in the crowd shared my determination at this, as this song probably got the most crowd kind of reaction. We all found it within ourselves to end on an full of energy high note. I want more of that, please.
Vetiver works for their Berliner fans tonight, the first show of the Euro leg of their tour. Their first date back in the states shall be at Brooklyn’s Bell House on July 1oth, then it they head back west. In the meantime, grab yourself a copy of your Errant Charm here, and familiarize yourself with the new songs. Henry Rathborne has no further dates as of yet, but his particular double EP is available here, along with a book of verses.
Deeify 