In the process of setting up and sound checking their huge collection of instruments, Anathallo sacrificed a song from their set. Perhaps that’s the perpetual burden of having seven extremely talented multi-instrumentalist members. They apologized for the delay, but not for their convictions: “We’d rather get it right.” After Anathallo’s set at the Anticon/Ghostly International showcase, I have to say: “apology accepted.”
As promised, Anathallo got it right in a big way. The horns were bright and clear, and Matt Joynt and Erica Froman’s harmonies and alternating lead vocals were charged and earnest. One of the show’s highlight came when Joynt switched over to the keyboard for “The River,” off the band’s most recent album, “Canopy Glow.” Lyrically tied to natural themes, as the name suggests, the song starts with choppy piano and layered harmonies, gathers into ringing percussion, and rises into an ecstatic and crashing chorus of drums.
Anathallo’s sound is immediately accessible, but incredibly mutilayered. The comparisons to Sufjan Stevens are immediate, but the crazy energy onstage—coupled with the warm horn arrangements and frantic percussion—are reminiscent of The Arcade Fire. In any case, Anathallo stunned a packed showcase at Mohawk and left me wishing that they had time for just one more.
DOWNLOAD: Anathallo - The River (MP3) or Follow us for more Anathallo MP3s (Twitter)
Two songs go in, one comes out. Pick a side.
Also, I have yet to pay this venue a visit, is it good spot? good people, good vibe, good atmosphere?
... man, i hope i win some tickets…
by Jaz Bonnin-Aldatz on Thu May 17, 2012 at 12.27 am from the entry: It's all good, see Fishbone for free at Fête
Looking forward to the show. Would love to win some tix for my pals.
by MC Breath on Wed May 16, 2012 at 07.40 pm from the entry: It's all good, see Fishbone for free at Fête
I’m dying to see him no better place than FETE!!
by Telly on Tue May 15, 2012 at 02.57 pm from the entry: we'll see you (and Talib Kweli) at Fête!
Sound does matter. Viva Le Fete!
by Auquanetta on Tue May 15, 2012 at 01.13 pm from the entry: we'll see you (and Talib Kweli) at Fête!
YES! i MUST go to this show! i was just strollin down the street the other day and saw the poster! SO stoked they’ll be in town.
by Jaz on Mon May 14, 2012 at 05.30 pm from the entry: It's all good, see Fishbone for free at Fête
Fete Forever!!
by Tabitha on Mon May 14, 2012 at 05.08 pm from the entry: we'll see you (and Talib Kweli) at Fête!
Congratulations and thank you to Fete for bringing talent to Providence! We needed this venue and vibe. Bless.
oh and I’d love to win tickets; its my boyfriends bday:D
by Ellen on Mon May 14, 2012 at 07.23 am from the entry: we'll see you (and Talib Kweli) at Fête!
so jealous i wasn’t there! no matter how many times i see these guys they always just amaze me.