It Might As Well Be Spring

Spring was sprung loose at The Echo on Monday night as Seasons pulled out the songs from the first of their four EPs, released in April, 2009. What with the birds hanging over head and chirping coming out of the speakers (I knew there'd be birds) the lily festooned stage set reeked a bit of Easter, but that would be appropriate. Thanks to Vince Wong for the great photo.

This was another killer line up for this already extraordinary residency, with four of the city's best bands all in one place. I made extra sure not to be late for this one, and within minutes of arriving, George Glass took over the stage. It's been too long since I've seen this band and that was made clear when I was bowled over by how good they were. They sounded tighter than ever and the new songs were a treat to hear. I especially love "AM Radio" which has super-hit appeal written all over it. Some super aggressive playing on the post-punkier numbers had the crowd cheering. This set alone would have made the night a success.

I was surprised at the number of people who told me they hadn't seen The Lonely Wild, and as they began, I stood back and watched them seduce an entire audience in minutes. With "Right Side of the Road" they open their set with every band member braying loudly, mouths wide open in an assault of full-throated harmony. Just as quickly the song narrows down to simple boy/girl harmonies and Andrew and Jessi gently toss vocal duties back and forth. I always enjoy hearing their standard set, but tonight they threw in a few new songs that were excellent and as I looked around I could see the audience was sitting firmly in the palm of their hand.

Things were getting pretty festive by the time Seasons climbed on stage. After two amazing sets by two excellent bands, the audience was already as pliant as could be and ready to embrace the headliner as the twitter and chirp of Spring birds led into "India". As this EP is almost three years old and the instrumental make up of Seasons has evolved, new arrangements were required to embrace their new sound and the transfusion made all the songs sound new again.

As they advanced through the set, playing "Empty Spaceships", "Song That You Know" and the others, the crowd became more and more enthused, until a Seasons mosh pit opened up on the floor in front of the stage. Guest musicians took turns on stage and the party atmosphere was in high gear with random acts of dancing breaking out.

Lastly, Death To Anders came on to try to level off the evening, but the crowd was still reeling as Rob Danson weaved his way through his dark tales of misfits and malcontents. Kind of like this crowd. His vocals were as gnarled and expressive as always and I realized I had heard an amazing array of voices over the course of the night. All different, all unique, and so characteristic of the rich profusion of talented singers all around us in this city. It makes me feel really lucky to be here to appreciate it. Go, Seasons, go! Can't wait for next week, presented by The 704. The photo of Rob, above, by Vanessa Lynn beautifully sums up the feel of the evening.

whrabbit