If I could wake up tomorrow and be in any band I would want to be in Vetiver. Tonight’s show at the Bowery Ballroom was the most satisfying musical experience I’ve had in a long, long time. At one point the band remarked how quiet the audience was between applause, and indeed, the room was filled with very good listeners. We were transfixed. We were also learning by example – what really stood out for me was how well the band members listened to each other. The guitars weren’t drowning the rich vocal harmonies or other contributing textures. The music was lush and full, yet there was plenty of space and breath, even when building jams. Everyone seemed very relaxed and present, a presence that rippled over the audience within the first moments of “Rolling Sea,” the set opener and a favorite of mine. In fact the entire new album is filled with refreshing songs that make TIght Knit my favorite album of 2009. And tonight’s show blew the album out of the water. As a guitarist I was and still am in awe of Andy Cabic and Sanders Trippe’s playing. Words do not suffice, so I’ll let the music speak for itself. If I had the money I would buy you each a copy, but for now here’s the link to iTunes.
Now I need to go to bed – here’s to hoping I’m in Vetiver when I wake up!
P.S. Brooklyn’s The Antlers and San Francisco’s Papercuts supported.
The Antlers did a great job and they will tour with Au Revoir Simone in a few weeks.
Papercuts hooked me with the first note. They are on tour with Vetiver and both will be back in NYC on Thursday to play Brooklyn’s Bell House. If I were you I’d go. I am me and I’m going.
Have a great week! Did you know Prefuse 73 is performing at the MoMA tomorrow night?! Another one of my favorite live shows – hope to see you there!
