Music
Lisa Hannigan's Debut
Lisa Hannigan left her mark on Toronto Sunday night at the Mod Club. A friend of mine had introduced me to Lisa's music when her album was still only available overseas, and I instantly loved it. I think everyone left the venue that night with their jaws a little dropped.
I got to the Mod Club at around 7:50PM and doors were at 8PM. I assumed there wouldn't be a big line because the chill outside was unbearable, but as I walked up to Crawford Street I realized I should have been their about a half hour earlier. It was packed.
Low Anthem was up first. I wasn't looking forward for an opening act, but by their second song, I was already a fan. They were so interesting to watch. Since I'd never heard these guys before, I was surprised to see all the instruments lined up on stage. They had a singing bowl, a pump organ, and an upright bass (along with guitars and drums). These guys are real musicians; each of them played almost every instrument throughout their set. It was also really cool to hear a range in style within their set. They'd play a really melodic song without percussion, and follow it up with a heavy blues song.
The highlight of their set, for me was when front man Ben Knox Miller used two cell phones to create a haunting reverb of his whistling. Nobody in the crowd knew why he was calling someone in the middle of their set, but when the unreal echo amplified through the speakers, all was understood. I was a little annoyed at one point near the end of their set when a group of people at the bar were talking and laughing aloud. Aside from the drunks, I think they won everyone over by the end of their set.
Then, the stage was cleared. The upright electric bass was ready to go, and the infamous harmonium was placed center stage. That's when I knew the wait was over. A group of guys in suits stepped up the stairs, and a very charming Lisa Hannigan followed behind. Her soothing voice entered the mic, and thus began her set.
She played all the favourite's off her album Sea Sew . It was such an enjoyment to be able to see a real show, show among a mature crowd of music lovers. Her voice sounded better than on record which I couldn't have imagined. Highlight songs for me were Sea Song, I Don't Know, and Ocean and a Rock. I also liked that she ended the night with her heaviest tune - Free Until They Cut Me Down (which isn't featured on the album). I wouldn't be surprised if Lisa is selling out stadiums the next time I get to see her, so I'm really glad I caught her for an intimate show. She's up there as one of the best artists I've ever seen live.
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It was a great show. And Lisa is as sweet as she appears on stage. :)
Thanks so much for the fantastic review + photos.
I was way too sick to attend, but definitely hope to the next time she's in town.
Her appearance on Leno recently was wonderful and this review just confirmed me as a fan!
Isn't 'Free until they cut me down' and Iron & Wine song? Was it a cover or same name coincidence??
The show was AMAZING (it didn't hurt being front and centre either)! Great review for a great show! And yes, Free Until They Cut Me Down was a cover of the Iron and Wine song.
I had the chance to do an interview with Lisa a couple of days before the show. You can read it here:
http://www.snobsmusic.net/2009/02/q-with-lisa-hannigan.html
Great review! And I completely agree, she's going to go on to sell out much bigger venues so it was fantastic to see her in such a small space - as mentioned earlier, being front row center didn't hurt either ;)
I've got some pics from the gig up here: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2506073&id=28102385&l=67204
A singing bowl, so that's what that was!
Lisa put on such a beautiful & intimate show. Her choice of covers was brilliant, especially Playground Love. Thanks for the review :)
Free til They Cut Me Down is her passionate cover of the Iron and Wine song which she has been covering for quite a while.