A warmer than warm evening greeted The Avett Brothers for their gig at the Gallivan Centre, SLC. A first time visit to this venue for me and Mr. T., the laid back atmosphere was a welcome relief from the frenetic pace offered of many Melbourne venues. Maybe it was just the 35 degree heat that gave the crowd a relaxed feel, regardless, the vibe was pleasant with a mixture of the old and the new coming along to enjoy the evening.
While you’re never quite sure what you’re going to get with a support band, I must say ‘City and Colour’ didn’t disappoint. A blend of southern country rock, pedal steel and soft strokes of the snare, the alias ‘City and Colour’ provides Dallas Green with a vehicle for delivering some of his exceptional solo work. With elegant keys throughout and good crowd interaction with loads of singing, Green paints a diverse and pleasing scape through song drifting seamlessly from soft ballads to upbeat motions complete with ‘train rollin’ down the tracks’ drums and elemental harmonies. Delivering a swift forty minute set, ‘City and Colour’ were a pleasure that was sadly over too soon. I’ll definitely keep an eye out for them again should they once again stray into town.
Much anticipated, The Avett Brothers opened with ‘Die Die Die’, which was welcomed by an appreciative crowd that swelled forward to greet them. Given the temperature, we opted to keep our park bench position above the grassed area, which afforded us a slightly raised view of the stage. For an open air venue the sound and acoustics were surprisingly clear from our spot which was pleasing and ensured we didn’t have to become part of the throng to enjoy the set.
As someone a bit partial to any band that includes a banjo, cello and stand up bass, this gig was highly anticipated and did not disappoint with song after song delivered beautifully. From ‘I would be sad’, to ‘Go to sleep’ (clearly a crowd favourite) through to ‘January Wedding’, which evoked a welcoming cheer from the crowd as the first few strokes rang out, each song was as distinct as it was worthy of inclusion in the set.
‘Head full of Doubt’ was as much awaited as it was perfectly played out. Another favourite, it clearly resonated with the crowd, especially the with the line ‘ and your life doesn’t change with the man who’s elected” – which ensured a massive eruption of cheering. A perfect interlude, the mid-song transition into ‘Road full of promise’ bought the cool breeze, just as if on cue.
A highlight for the evening was just how beautiful ‘I and Love and You’ sounded live. With keys and harmonies full of emotion, it bought a tear to the eye, none more so than with the final few bars which the brothers allowed the crowd to sing – and which was harmonised to perfection. A powerful and simply amazing moment I’ll remember for years to come.
Not to dwell, the Brothers then moved into ‘Kick Drum Heart’, evidence further of a well thought out set list. The change in pace lifted the crowd’s spirit yet again which enabled the move into the final song for the night in ‘Laundry Room’.
A true Avett Brothers fan, for me, this gig was a definite treat. Lasting over two hours, the boys were animated and interactive throughout, providing a musical experienced which was wonderful to be a part of. As far as gigs go, this will go down in my memory as simply ‘lovely’ – something which may sound strange to most, however to fans, I’m sure it will sound just ‘perfect’.
If you ever get the chance to see them live, I can thoroughly recommend The Avett Brothers. For fans or new comers alike, you will not be disappointed. Delivering a combination of country and alternate folk mixed up with pop melodies, The Avett Brothers sound is as unique and compellingly heart wrenching as it is refreshingly energetic. In short, these guys are simply wonderful. 8 perfected sibling harmonies out of 10.
http://www.theavettbrothers.com/us/splash
crazy cat music 