Himalayan Bear Attacks the Air ... Frog Eyes Goes After the Valedictorian

After watching the Sens suffer another frustrating loss against the dreaded Ducks (how can anyone cheer for a team named after a kids movie, and that promises to bring the cup down to Disneyland?), I headed over to the Collective to witness the onslaught of yet another Frog Eyes show.

In case you didn't already know this, I LOVE Frog Eyes. There's something about Carey Mercer that's so intriguing, but I can never really figure out what that exactly is. I had also heard good things about opening act Himalayan Bear, so needless to say I was somewhat pumped for the show.

It started with Winnipeg's All of Your Friends, who played an underwhelming set. They're a band full of promise, but they just aren't quite there yet (not to harp on a local at, but that's just my opinion). However, Himalayan Bear followed, and absolutely destroyed the place, with his quiet, swooning songs. He was absolutely awesome. His guitar, his vocals, his lyrics were all stunning. A wonderfull mix of fragile sounds that rest gently on the strength of the songwriters words. I can't remember the last time I was this shocked by a new act. I picked up the album, and have only listened to it once, so I can't really say much yet, but on first listen I am EXTREMELY impressed. It's kind of likeDevendra Banhart but more interesting and less 'look at me I'm a hippy! You should be impressed.'

Then came Frog Eyes, with Himalayan Bear adding some guitar to fill in for the absent Spencer Krug. The songs on Valedictorian are the most intricate songs they've put together thus far in their career, which translated well into the live setting. As much as I enjoy their records, there's something about seeing this band live that just adds to their music. Carey Mercer sings as though these lyrics have been living stagnant in his body for 26 years just waiting for this one opportunity to burst out in a fury. It's really something to witness. He's one of Canada's most exciting artists, and last nights show illustrated this yet again.

Basically, it was all that I had wanted and more. Himalayan Bear lulled us to a pleasant sleep, and then Frog Eyes rudely woke us up. They really worked well together, and I hope they come back again.