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.
