Mar

10

Bon Iver Live @ Southgate House

Posted by Administrator

March 10, 2008 |

boniver1.jpg
(photo credit)
This weekend in Cincinnati was different for a few reasons, the most obvious of which was the massive snow dump we received here, in March no less. Most areas around the tri-state got at least a foot of snow, with some getting much more. Needless to say, this kept many people at bay all day Saturday, and by days end, most of us, myself included, were itching to get out of the house.

And what a better way to break up the monotony than to check out some live music, and luckily, not only was there a good show on the calendar in Bon Iver and Black Mountain at the Southgate House, but the stars had aligned so that the snow was over, most of the streets manageable and both bands were already at the venue and prepping for the show. Yeah, it would have been hard NOT to attend. And so I did just that, making the trek down to Newport with no big expectations and no camera either, which I have not done in awhile.

I arrived to catch the tail end of the openers set, Nordic Nomadic, who seemed genuine enough, but I could not shake the Neil Young vibe from this first two songs I heard, and the last one, which sounded nearly identical. I was pleased that Bon Iver was up next, as I can’t count myself as a big fan of Black Mountain, but did want to see some of their set as well. Bon Iver came onstage, and instead of only Justin Vernon, the lead singer who’s album, For Emma, Forever Ago has been getting consistent spins for me for months now, came out with two other band members.

Not only did the other two guys, one on drums and the other on guitar, add to the sound, but they made things more interesting than I could have imagined. The combination of thier instrumentation and backing vocals complimented each and every song Justin churned out, which turned out to be 7 of the 9 songs from his debut disc. But what might have been the biggest surprise was Justin’s guitar work. Not only did he play at least 5 different guitars, though I admit to losing count, but he really wailed on them, I mean incredibly so. Without getting too silly here, his guitar solo on Blindsided shocked the hell outta me, I mean, for a minute there, the man seemed to morph into Santana or something, really a jawdropper.

Overall, a very impressive set, you should do you best to check Bon Iver out live if you get the chance, well worth your time. I caught some of the Black Mountain set as well, but giving any sort of review probably would’nt be fair, thier psychedelic brand of rock reminds me of classic rock a bit too much, but I certainly see the appeal nonetheless.

Bon Iver - Skinny Love

Related Posts:
Coming To Cincinnati - Bon Iver & Black MountainComing To Cincinnati - Bowerbirds2007 Concert DatesCincinnati Concert Updates Feb-AprilRecommended Cincinnati Concerts This Fall

Comments

3 Comments so far

  1. Lauren on March 10, 2008 11:07 am

    I was blown away by the talent of all three of them. I had no idea that he’d been a one-man act because the musical chemistry between them on stage was amazing.

  2. matt on March 10, 2008 1:02 pm

    I am in the process of posting the show on you tube.

    http://www.youtube.com/user/mattwalker20

  3. Administrator on March 10, 2008 1:32 pm

    very cool Matt, I’m anxious for Blindsided

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