Saturday, July 21, 2007

A Great Northern Journey...


I was listening to Great Northern's debut release, Trading Twilight For Daylight, as I headed up to The Blind Pig in Ann Arbor. Their current tour brought through on July 19th...and I didn't want to miss them. It was dusk, the sun was going down, work day over...it was the time of the day where you can feel the possibilities. Listen to Great Northern while driving and just let your mind go with the journey. Their music is introspective, but not in a way that puts your mind to sleep.

So, the stage was set...white amps and all. Going into their performance, I felt like I had committed most of their album to memory. But as they plugged in, there were some unexpected surprises. They started by laying down a sonic call to the wild...that electronic drone that signals an imminent launch. I was immediately struck by the thunder of the percussion...Davey's big thumping drums and Ashley's steady bass groove. They are the heartbeat for this band...make no mistake...the words are thoughtful, but the beat is fierce. Rachel (vocals & keys) and Solon (vocals & guitar) take you on their journey. This band rocks wildly while still maintaining a sense of control...rich layered sound, screaming guitars and kick drums woven with keyboard and xylophone melodies.

Great Northern are so many sounds. They are acoustic & electric, gentle but powerful, black & white, happy & sad, peaceful & chaotic, a lullaby & a jam...or how about just twilight & daylight. There are hints of The Beatles, Flaming Lips, Imogen Heap...and more. Check 'em out, you will find something to smile about and sway to. I loved Low is a Height which featured Rachel banging a Kettle Drum in one hand while swinging some jingle bells in the other...fun stuff. Home was a tight song that rocked live. Pack your bags and climb on board with this band...a great trip.

Setlist:
Just a Dream
Telling Lies
A Sun a Sound
Low is a Height
City of Sleep
Home
The Middle
Into the Sun


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