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)
The Black Crowes + Truth & Salvage Co. - 11/20
Roseland Theater
Deastro + Max Tundra - 11/27
Doug Fir
Morrissey + Doll and the Kicks - 11/30
Roseland Theater
Portland Cello Project - 12/4
Aladdin Theater
Passion Pit - 12/7
The Crystal Ballroom
Ben Sollee + Daniel Martin Moore - 11/17
Tractor Tavern
The Fiery Furnaces + Cryptacize + Dent May - 11/18
Chop Suey
Mr. Lif + Dnaebeats - 11/19
Neumos
Built to Spill + Disco Doom + Finn Riggins 11/19
Showbox at the Market
Blind Pilot + Laura Veirs & the Hall of Flames 12/2
Neumos
Brett Dennen + Grace Potter and the Nocturnals - 12/6
Moore Theatre
Arlene, yours is probably the most entertaining comment I’ve read here. Thanks! Nice review too.
by Dan on Mon Nov 16, 2009 at 01.09 pm from the entry: Ghostland Observatory - Crystal Ballroom (Portland, OR; Nov. 8, 2009)
I am waiting for this mobile I am very fond of new phones I loved to use this multimedia and high definition phone these are the My favorite gadgets.They give you very nice performance with sound as well as picture quality and other multimedia
by dsi r4 on Mon Nov 16, 2009 at 02.31 am from the entry: Springsteen plays 'The Wild, The Innocent & The E Street Shuffle' live (download)
i do believe RJ is god!
thank you for all your amazing music
by david on Mon Nov 16, 2009 at 12.27 am from the entry: RJD2 - "Tin Foil Hat EP" - Borrow It
Colin! I met you last night with my buddy Dan whom was asking you about your camera.
Your shots rock, your review is fantastic, and you’re ‘terribly’ cute.
Will you move to southern Italy with me and have a family?
I’m not set on Italy or the family! We can totally talk locations and drop the kids.
Love,
Your biggest fan
PS can I smell your hair?
Looking forward to the Pixies post.
by Andrew on Mon Nov 16, 2009 at 12.02 am from the entry: Arctic Monkeys + The Like - Wonder Ballroom (MFNW 2009; Sept. 18)
I was very impressed with your objective review. But one thing all reviewers (and yes, I have read them all) have missed is the ages of the fans at GLO shows. Not only are there teens, frat boys and college cuties, there is also those of us who are quite a bit older. I am well into my 50’s and a member of a group who have followed these guys for almost 2 years. We have logged many miles to watch a show like no other. These guys transcend age and gender. Do we feel awkward at these shows, HELL NO! Do we rock out as much as these younger fans, HELL YES. And appreciate it much, much more. When we are recognized by Thomas and Aaron at these shows we are asked if we are their mothers. LOL I told Aaron that once and he said did you tell them HELL NO. While we stand in line waiting for a show, someone will always say to us “Do you know who is playing Tonight?” “Yes!” “You know it is Ghostland Observatory?” “YES!” (Oh no, we thought it was Tom Jones) “Well you know it gets pretty rowdy in there.” “Yes!” “You may have beer spilled on you” By now we are asking how many GLO shows they have attended. 3 or 4 or an occasional, “this is my first” is the usual answer. Well, This is our 10th show and we just flew 1500 miles to see them and will fly back home right after the show. To this the response it always “No Way”. And after the show it is always “You guys rock” and we gets many hugs from all these kids. Now that is respect. So, not all fans are young, we somewhat olders love them also. And we will continue to follow them (as long as we can).
by Arline on Sun Nov 15, 2009 at 09.52 pm from the entry: Ghostland Observatory - Crystal Ballroom (Portland, OR; Nov. 8, 2009)
Yep, excellent documentary.
by Matt on Sun Nov 15, 2009 at 02.19 pm from the entry: Fantastic version of Tom Petty's "Nightwatchmen," from new super big live set
I’m sure that Friend the Devil cover will be great. I remember when I got the DVD doc. of his band’s career (Runnin’ Down A Dream) it came with this bonus cd of songs. And one of the songs was a cover of Hank Williams’ classic “Lost Highway.” Stellar. I’m sure his abilities will find their way into this song as well.
by Colin on Sun Nov 15, 2009 at 01.26 pm from the entry: Fantastic version of Tom Petty's "Nightwatchmen," from new super big live set
so jealous i wasn’t there! no matter how many times i see these guys they always just amaze me.