Philadelphia - Johnny Brenda’s - March 23 2008

We arrived at the venue, which was conveniently located above a bar, approximately one hour before doors. A few drinks later, we ascended to another bar area attached to a small room with a stage and a balcony. A few drinks later, we ascended to the balcony, and were greeted by a bar. I liked this place already.

I noticed the decor and lighting immediately. Very subtle, but wicked powerful. A constant disco ball spinning in the heavens bombarded us with oatmeal-shaped orange floodlights. From the edge of the balcony, you could almost reach down and drum yourself. Such an intimate venue, I’m excited to return some day.

A few drinks later, the opening band came onto the stage. A Scottish quartet called Frightened Rabbit, they seemingly used their set to take the audience, place us gently in a black duffel, and take us home. A masterful set, with songs from what later research told us to be from one older album and one yet unreleased, rocked that little bar-ridden building. Their drummer may have been the most passionate I’ve ever experienced. He won my heart. I believe he still has it.

A few drinks later, the second performer came to light. Another quartet (this one much more in tune with the barbershop variety), called Bodies Of Water. Very vocal, very loud, and a whole lot of fun. This is where my perception of the night moved from bar-driven to dance-driven. They composed a wonderful set, got me moving, and had some people on the floor level looking like Charles Shultz animated personalities dancing at a holiday party. I don’t think they were received as warmly as they should have been, but not many could be while following Frightened Rabbit.

Once my heart rate calmed a bit, the reason for the existence of that night emerged to a flood of applause and screaming. Sons and Daughters, each and every band member as beautiful as they had been in my dreams, came onto the stage and took their places, then took a moment to soak in the love the room was throwing at them. Once they broke into their single, “Gilt Complex”, it was a non-stop fury of aggressive dance and brilliant music. A mindnumblingly fantastic set, it was like they were making love to the room. Such passion. For anyone who has not experienced Sons and Daughters, live or recorded, I must insist that you get on that. To better your life.