There was a magic in the Bowery Ballroom on Monday night, like there often is when I attend shows there that I'm hard pressed to find elsewhere, except for probably Music Hall of Williamsburg. Maybe it's the beauty of the crowd who love music, or the top notch, diverse set of bands that are booked at the venue, or the quality sound, which gives me energy from all three. The night featured Wind-Up Records artists Civil Twilight and Company of Thieves and fellow Chicagoan's and friends of the latter, AM Taxi.
Civil Twilight is a rock band originally from South Africa, but is now based in the U.S. The band is touring with labelmates Company of Thieves for a short 7-date tour with the band. The night was the kickoff show. It's always great seeing the first show because the band's not worn out at that point, they just started tour. The trio played an impressive 7-song set that drifted from intense and moody to sharp and beautiful. It was great seeing singer Steven move from bass to piano. The band performed songs from their self-titled debut album. The second song was the hit single “Soldier.” They also played the sweet and vulnerable "Next to Me." They closed with their lead single “Letters from the sky,” which was beautifully delivered. The lush piano and guitar coupled with just the right amount of drumming made the song sonically pleasingly. The repetition in “You're coming back for me,” is passionate and driving.
Civil Twilight is Steven Mckellar on vocals, bass guitar, and keyboards, Richard Wouters on drums and percussion, and Andrew Mckellar on guitar. During the set singer Steve said that he's not good at talking but proceeded to introduce his band. Guitarist Andrew is his brother. The band's alt-rock sensibilities is relaxing and compelling. Last November the band opened for Evanescence at Grand Ballroom in NYC for a one-off show. Now the band is touring the U.S. and gearing up for their new release. The band's album is out April 6 and features 14 songs.
Newly signed Capitol Records act AM Taxi opened the night at 8pm with a pop/rock, pop/punk feel that had a few fans up front singing and dancing along. The set was highlighted when Genevieve from Company of Thieves joined the band for a song. Her energy with the band made me smile and excited for when she would perform with her band. You could easily tell that she really enjoys performing and loves playing tambourine. The singer announced that they had to play a cover and went into Rolling Stones “Paint it Black.” The band managed to bust out a bunch of songs, both new and old.
Company of Thieves were splendid with their brand of indie-rock music with Latin, blues, soul, and rock influences that were performed passionately and honestly. Lead singer Genevieve Schatz often paused between songs, not just to take a sip of water, but to explain the meaning of the song that followed. Before "The Fire Song," a song about her house burning down when she was 13, she said that she realized that "Your home is with you everywhere you go." Before "Pressure" she thanked RXP for playing the single. After Genevieve looked like she was about to cry after the crowd had just sung along, "I am waiting at the bus stop for you" with her to. The band performed songs from their debut releases, Ordinary Riches, releases last year and new songs they are working on, plus had a nice acoustic set that started with "Even in the Dark." Her voice is one of the best I've heard in a while with that combination of strong soulful singing, sweet melody, and a hint of blues. The 17 song set closed with "Under the Umbrella." They also confirmed they would be on this year's Lollapalooza.
Last night Gen and Marc of Company of Thieves performed an acoustic set at Rockwood Music Hall at 9pm. Earlier in the day the band perform at RXP session around lunchtime. Were you there? How was it?
Company of Thieves Tour Dates:
w/ Civil Twilight & AM Taxi
Mar 10 @ Theatre of the Living Arts, Philadelphia, PA
Mar 13 @ Headliners Music Hall, Louisville, KT
Mar 14 @ Third and Lindsley, Nashville, TN
Mar 16 @ Cicero’s, St. Louis, Missouri
Mar 18 @ Lincoln Hall Chicago, IL (Company of Thieves only w/ John Henry & the Engine, and HOLLUS)
Mar 19 @ ES Jungle, Indianapolis, IN
Dead Street
Charissa
Paper
Reckless
Fed Up
Tanner
Shake
Maydays
Paint It Black
Mistake
Anybody Out There
Soldier
Something She Said
Stranger
Next to Me
Teardrop
Letters from the Sky
Pig
In Passing
Karen
Old Letters
Pressure
Queen of Hearts (new)
Modern Waste (new)
The Fire Song
Past the Sleep
Gorgeous/ Grotesque (new)
Oscar Wilde
Nothing's in the Flowers
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Even in the Dark (acoustic)
Won't Go Quietly (acoustic)
Running From A Gamble
Storm (new)
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Encore: Under the Umbrella
teardrop is a cover by massive attack btw
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