Pomegranates
This past Saturday at the Metro Gallery here in Baltimore was one of those shows I really didn’t know what to expect…so I decided to expect the unexpected. The first unexpected thing was discovering that Cakes of Light and Ari and the Shanks had been added to the bill. So the already solid line up of Wye Oak and Pomegranates just got a little more interesting. Why you ask? Because both of the newly added bands turned out to be pretty great. Ari and the Shanks went on first and played a strong set of heavy folk/punk/bluegrass/bluesish rock that just sounded good all around. Hear more from them on their myspace. Next up was North Carolina’s Cakes Of Light. I had the pleasure of meeting and hearing Cakes of Light a little over a year ago, but that line up way back then was just lead singer guitarist Jay Dunbar and a drummer. This time ’round Jay came with a full crew and his soulfully twisted rough around the edges country folk experimental songs really came to life.
Cakes Of Light
On to the main event. Cincinnati’s Pomegranates already have me hooked on their new album Everybody Come Outside! so I was very interested to see how it would all play out in their live show. This 5 piece were tight, lively, and definitely rocking! I was sitting there bobbing my head as they played and thought to myself, “Wow these guys are really baring their soul with their performance is full of so much energ—HOLY CRAP THE GUITARIST JUST CLIMBED ONTO THE SIDE WALL AND LEAPT ABOUT 8 FEET INTO THE AIR!” After that I was pretty much sold on these guys. Pomegranates have a soaring psychedelic live sound that starts and stops on a dime – worth every penny – go see them live if you can. If not I strongly recommend picking up their album.
Jenn Wasner of Wye Oak
The final act, Wye Oak, were happy to be home after what seems like a long tour. Andy and Jenn seemed in awe at times that people were clapping and hollering so loud after each song. Well they deserve it. Their live show is nothing short of amazing and Wye Oak proved it again with this performance. Jenn Wasner has such a profound and moving presence when she performs. She sucks you in with the voice and sleepy eyes then blasts you away with a rip of her guitar. Andy Stack sits a few feet away from her working his own world of magic with organs and drums. Watching him perform – you can see the complex arrangements passing through his eyes meeting you in the face full force. They ended their set with a two encores. You could tell they just were not used to playing encores that often, but they didn’t want to stop playing and the crowd didn’t want them to stop playing…so they kept playing…at least for tow more songs. When it was all said and done I was still greedy…I wanted more. I guess I’ll have to wait until summertime when they go out in support of their new album in July. If you get a chance definitely check them out. I promise you you won’t be disappointed.
A blurry photo of Andy Stack from Wye Oak
Another blurry photo of Jenn Wasner from Wye Oak
Our pal Greg from Aural States took a slew of awesome photos of the show that put these photos I have here to shame. Go check them out here. Also check their review of the show here.
mp3: Pomegranates – Corriander
mp3: Wye Oak – I Don’t Feel Young
love the poms. glad you enjoyed the show. i went to see them last week and the show was running late due to the fact that ten [that's right, 10] people showed up. i decided to just leave. guess i shouldnt have