It has to feel absolutely fantastic to be playing to sold out shows every single night like Bon Iver and opening band The Rosebuds have been doing. The attendance of the show at Sound Academy in Toronto Monday night was overwhelming.... and personally could have done with less people in the venue. That said, the over crowdedness is my only single complaint of the entire evening. Musically, the show was exactly what seeing live music should be.
The Rosebuds had me hooked years ago with their song "Silja Line" off their 2007 release Night of the Furies. They didn't perform this song on Monday but they did play a ton of new songs of their latest release that were equally has good. The highlight of the performance was the track "Woods" that is easily my new favorite song by them. I recently read an article about the friendship between Justin Vernon of Bon Iver and The Rosebuds and how he has helped produce several of their albums. The influence they have on each others music is obvious and I'm sure this won't be the last time they tour together.
Bon Iver was everything I expected and more. In the studio, Justin Vernon creates delicate, soft beautiful songs that when performed live with his 9 piece band that transform into these powerful ballads that hit you harder than you could imagine. The setlist was a perfect balance between songs off his newest album, Bon Iver and his first For Emma, Forever Ago. Vernon's backing band that used to only be 3 members has grown to an impressive 9 people, including strings, horns and two drum sets. You would think this many musicians would be too overwhelming for the softness of Vernon's singing but they accompanied him perfectly. During one of his most beautiful songs "Flume", they were able to bring it down so quietly, it silenced the entire room, enabling Vernon to bring it back in to the chorus truly giving you chills. Even the bands rhythmic stomping and clapping during "Skinny Love" was impressive. I was well aware of the high level of musicianship Justin Vernon possessed and it was really wonderful to see him perform with an accompanying band on the same level.
I have been in love with the album For Emma, Forever Ago since it was released in 2008, so hearing songs like "Creature Fear", "Re: Stacks", "Wolves" and "Skinny Love" live was emotional satisfying to say the least. As far as the newer songs "Wash" and "Calgary" have been my favorites off the album which he performed both excellently... but they paled in comparison to "Holocene" which was absolutely stunning live. It was truly a night of outstanding music. Justin Vernon writes songs that everyone, regardless of their taste, could love.... which is why that place was sold out beyond maximum.
If you have the lucky opportunity to see Bon Iver or The Rosebuds live... take it. You will not be sorry. In the meantime you can check out this youtube user's HD videos from a recent show in Atlanta and enjoy the photos from Toronto's show below.
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