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)
Oh I see. I was wondering if you were talking about the picture. Really glad you liked it. Have you checked her out yet?
by Colin on Sun Mar 14, 2010 at 02.29 pm from the entry: Interview - Kelli Schaefer (Portland, OR; Winter, 2010)
yes! The interview is great, and the photo shows off the glow
by Ian on Sun Mar 14, 2010 at 01.29 pm from the entry: Interview - Kelli Schaefer (Portland, OR; Winter, 2010)
Great post! Really digging the new record a lot. The Rainwater LP has some gorgeous moments - definitely recommend checking it out. There are 3 of the new songs up on the myspace page: myspace.com/citizencope
by MattKlomp on Sun Mar 14, 2010 at 03.16 am from the entry: Citizen Cope - Paradise Theater (Boston, MA; Feb. 27, 2010 )
haha is that a compliment?
by colin on Sat Mar 13, 2010 at 06.49 pm from the entry: Interview - Kelli Schaefer (Portland, OR; Winter, 2010)
love that melophobe has more “couples” reviewers, and more “Ian/Ion/Ian/Iain” than the average site…
by Ian on Sat Mar 13, 2010 at 06.48 pm from the entry: sevendust + drowning pool + digital summer + the flood - showbox market (seattle, WA; Mar 07, 2010
you’re positively glowing in this interview, Colin
by Ian on Sat Mar 13, 2010 at 06.46 pm from the entry: Interview - Kelli Schaefer (Portland, OR; Winter, 2010)
Hey Merseilles did a live web show at sonicbirds office gig on Friday that was pretty spectacular. Can anyone find a copy of that?
by Smallweed on Sat Mar 13, 2010 at 11.40 am from the entry: SXSW Send Off Show - Visqueen + Hey Marseilles - Neumos (Seattle, WA; Mar. 5, 2010)
so jealous i wasn’t there! no matter how many times i see these guys they always just amaze me.