Upcoming Shows
Roadside Graves
w/Bart Budwig
FRIDAY, Aug. 6, 9PM
@ Mikey's GyrosStereopathic on Hypem
Nov
9
When I found out that Mount Eerie’s performance would only consist of songs from their latest album Wind’s Poem, I was bummed. Although I enjoyed the new record, there were songs on their earlier albums I definitely wanted to hear live. I figured the performance would be well done, but lacking in that I wouldn’t know the songs well enough to get into them. But my fears were for naught. Early in the evening the live show overwhelmingly convinced me of the new songs.
The band’s show at the First Unitarian Church in Philadelphia was one of the best I’ve seen all year, in a year that included shows from Grizzly Bear, Fleet Foxes, the Dirty Projectors, and St. Vincent. Oftentimes I find myself becoming impatient during shows, wishing the show would end so I could get back home and tell all my friends how awesome it was. However, I became too involved with the music at this show to let any impatient pretense interrupt me. Part of this was the fact that the performance is so loud at points it’s hard to think of anything else. If it sounds like that would be irritating, it’s not. Instead, it’s consuming and sometimes frightening. Their first song, “Wind’s Dark Poem” started off like a jump scene from a horror film. Then they moved into the mellow “Through the Trees.” The switch between cluttered noise that surrounded me like a tornado and soft drones that washed over me like a warm breeze provided a contrast in performance I’ve rarely seen or heard. I don’t think I’ve ever been more scared at a show. At the same time, I don’t think I’ve ever been more relaxed or soothed at a show. The hair-raising parts leave you wishing for some comfort and the slower softer songs provide it.
Those of you who listened to the album and were taken aback at its departure from the band’s previous recordings should see their live performance before making a final judgment. The “noise” sections of the songs are very impressive live. Seeing the order behind the chaos gave me a visual to connect the music to, giving me a way in and helping me appreciate the recorded versions of those songs later.
Although it’s nothing new for a band to perform an album straight through, the members of Mount Eerie pull it off especially well. The group stayed tight and hit every cue. The pauses between songs allowed me to collect my thoughts and gave frontman Phil Elverum space for his casual and entertaining stage presence. I don’t want to spoil it for anyone, but there is a surprise during the show. I don’t mean a new song or anything to do with music. You’ll just have to see them for yourself to find out.
[Ed. note: Mount Eerie will appear with No Kids November 13th at the BellTower. Show starts at 8:00 pm. Tickets are $6 in advance and $8 at the door.]
When it comes to free time Caleb Stevenson lives by the combination of Tetris and music. When his time is held prisoner he is usually digging in the dirt or mowing lawns.
Comments
Leave a Reply
