Wow. I’ve been to a lot of shows, but for many reasons this show was one of the best I’ve seen. First off we should talk about the venue. Mesa Arts Center is absolutely beautiful and the room sounds incredible…no I mean it, incredible! Not to mention the fact that we were right in front, as in our seats, then the stage, then Bon Iver. The room had all wood floors, wood paneling on the walls, it was just a musician’s dream of a venue. Both bands were extremely grateful for the chance to play there which was cool to hear as they mentioned it several times throughout their respective sets.

I had never heard of Megafaun previous to the show but as soon as they hit the first line of the verse on song 1 I knew I was gonna dig em. 3 piece band which usually stuck to a lineup of drums/percussion, guitar and banjo, but each member played multiple instruments so you had a mix of bass, electric, synths, piano and other goodies. Their 3 part harmonies were rich, on point and almost as majestic as their beards. Their sound is very eclectic, always containing a strong front porch folk element reminiscent of The Avett Brothers, their harmonies would remind you of the Fleet Foxes but then there’s also a subtle rock/experimental element that comes across very Wilco‘ish at times. I don’t think they are confused as much as excited about music and they seem to follow their inspiration no matter what musical alley it leads them. Kudos for that, it was thoroughly enjoyable listening to them take those journeys. Their latest record is “Gather, Form & Fly” and I’m giving it a spin now and loving it.

Then out comes Bon Iver and opens up with Flume, one of my favorites. The band is killing the harmonies, and I mean killing as in nailing them. The textures they create with the keys, guitars and percussion are really incredible. I was afraid they’d come off disorganized and lazy in a live environment but the arrangements are complex and the instrumentation and vocals are layered so richly. I can’t say enough about the quality of the vocals, especially Justin Vernon’s voice. I didn’t know how his falsetto would hold up for an entire show, but wow, I was blown away. He was singing his guts out and sounded incredible all night.

Now for my favorite moments of the night, first was his electrified version of Blood Bank. They rocked that song out and I really hope they consider releasing a live album cause that arrangement was incredible. Second was the insane epic ending, again with an electrified version of The Wolves. Justin had the entire crowd singing “what might have been lost” at the top of their lungs and then all hell broke loose as then entire place just started yelling as they washed out the ending in a giant indie, feedback filled rock fest. Certainly a concert memory I won’t soon forget.

Then as a sweet nightcap, Megafaun came out and joined Bon Iver for an acoustic, gather around the campfire(or a small condenser mic), family song. It was a great way to end the show.

Thank you Bon Iver and Megafaun for one of the best shows I’ve ever been to, you guys were amazing.

Excerpt from the press release at American Songwriter:

“The Volcano Choir, a collaboration between Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon and Milwaukee band Collections of Colonies of Bees, are offering up the first track from their upcoming album as a free download.  It’s called “Island, IS.” Check it out(download) here. The track is featured on the Volcano Choir’s debut Unmap, due September 22 via Jagjaguwar records.”

I love everything about this track, the slick Radiohead’ish loops, to the guitar work, to Justin’s vocals. I think I’m going to love this album, can’t wait for it to come out.

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