Kristen's Band Picks: Active Favorites Edition

Wondering what bands you've just got to catch in action this year?  Who's still rocking' stages around town and where can you find them? Here at Echoreyn of Athens, we decided to do something a little different this time around.  Presenting our local active band favorites!

Band: The Athens Band
Status: Active
Usually plays at: various venues
Description: These guys started out as some of the youngest rockers around town, but they've long since come into their own with a sound that hearkens back to classic hard rock and sets full of quality original tunes!

Band: Bambara
Status: Active
Usually plays at: the Caledonia Lounge
Description: They may live in New York now, but these melodic noise rockers always stop by Athens once or twice a year to blast our ears with their intense, eardrum exploding sound!

Band: Chris McKay
Status: Varies
Usually plays at: various venues
Description: Chris McKay's band the Critical Darlings inspired me to create this blog years ago with their energetic show and classic soft rock sound.  Since then, Chris has been a part of many local bands, including popular Beatles cover band Abbey Road Live.  No matter the venture, Chris McKay always creates quality music!

Band: Doctor Squid
Status: Plays at Squidmas
Usually plays at: various venues
Description: With a sound chock full of happiness and shows that are fantastically fun, Doctor Squid has remained a longtime favorite.  Best known for their festive Squidmas shows, their pop rock sound is positively infectious!

Band: Dangfly!
Status: Active
Usually plays at: various venues
Description: Dangfly! rocks every show with their dance-inducing folk style, infused with a gleeful mix of trumpet and fiddle.

Band: Efren
Status: Active
Usually plays at: various venues
Description: Gritty folk at its best, Efren's sound holds within in it the strength and sorrow of a full life lived.

Band: Emily Hearn
Status: Active
Usually plays at: various venues
Description: If you haven't heard her sing yet, you'll fall in love with Emily Hearn's unbelievably sweet voice the moment you hear her first note. Her sound will blow you away!

Band: Feather Trade
Status: Active
Usually plays at: Go Bar
Description: Bright lights intermix with Feather Trade's dark alt-rock style tunes to create a fully immersive rock experience!

Band: Kenosha Kid
Status: Active
Usually plays at: Hendershots
Description: If jazz is your thing, Kenosha Kid is the band for you!  Voted best jazz band in town year after year, these guys infuse their sound with style and a sense of fun.

Band:  Lera Lynn
Status: Active
Usually plays at: various venues
Description: Lera Lynn's strong, quality melodies and her band's twangy style always make for an awesome show!

Band: Sam Sniper
Status: Active
Usually plays at: various venues
Description: Unique southern rock with a touch of folk and a sense of humor, Sam Sniper's got it all.  Don't miss your chance to dance along with the crowd and rock out to their tunes!

Band: Seven Handle Circus
Status: Active
Usually plays at: various venues
Description: Every Seven Handle Circus show is a fun, one-of-a-kind experience.  Be sure to check out their bouncy, upbeat folk tunes!

Band: The Skipperdees
Status: Active
Usually plays at: various venues
Description: These talented twin folk singers serve up some of the best folk tunes around. You'll just love their soft, tangy sound!

Band:  Thayer Sarrano
Status: Active
Usually plays at: various venues
Description: Nothing can match up to Thayer Sarrano's sweet spoken word style melodies!

Band: The Warm Fuzzies

Status: Active

Usually plays at: various venues

Description: Take a step outside of the norm with the fun, indie style of the Warm Fuzzies! 

Band: Yip Deceiver
Status: Active
Usually plays at: the Georgia Theatre
Description: Nobody throws a party like Yip Deceiver.  Get ready to go wild and have fun!

Be sure to click the links above to visit each band's Facebook page and to find out about all of their upcoming shows!  Looking forward to a particular local show happening soon?  Share the details with the world in the comments below.   See ya around town, my friends!

Kristen's Concert Picks: October's tunes will haunt your ears!

October creeps in with a terrifyingly delicious batch of rockin' bands.  Fear not, tons of wild tunes await your ears!

Tue, Oct 1: The Skipperdees @ 10 PM @ Go Bar
Kick off the month with the spooktacularly talented sisters, the Skipperdees.  Their twangy folk sound will blow you away!

Thu, Oct 3: Adron @ 8 PM @ Hendershots
Adron's jazzy, breezy sound makes any day feel like a vacation!

Fri, Oct 4: Kishi Bashi @ 9 PM @ 40 Watt
You've never seen a violin played like this!  Kishi Bashi's sound and style is like no other.

Sun, Oct 6: Kyshona Armstrong @ 7 PM @ Melting Point
Kyshona Armstrong's voice is all power and soul.  Don't miss this show!

Mondays in October: Kenosha Kid @ 8 PM @ The World Famous
If you haven't caught jazz band Kenosha Kid in action yet, you're definitely missing out!

Mon, Oct 7: Jimmy Eat World @ 8 PM @ Georgia Theatre
Jimmy Eat World?  Man, that brings me back.  All I can really say about this is "Everything, everything will be just fine. Everything, everything will be alright. Alright!"

Thu, Oct 10: Abbey Road Live! @ 8 PM @ Georgia Theatre
If you're a Beatles fan, you've just got to check out Abbey Road Live!

Thu, Oct 17: They Might Be Giants @ 8 PM @ Georgia Theatre
This just might be one of the biggest shows of the month... Actually, there's no doubt about it.  This show will be huge!  Be sure to get your tickets for They Might Be Giants soon.

Fri, Oct 18: Brothers @ TBA @ Flicker Theatre
Brothers' indie rock take on a classic sound is one of a kind!

Fri, Oct 18: Of Montreal @ 9 PM @ 40 Watt
Colors, costumes, and madness... Of Montreal is a most excellent embodiment of the month of October!

Thu, Oct 24: Emily Hearn @ 8 PM @ Melting Point
One of my top favorite voices in the city, Emily Hearn's sweet sound will leave you speechless!

Fri, Oct 25: Marie Davon @ TBA @ Flicker Theatre
Singer. Violinist. Fashion plate. Is there anything Marie Davon can't do?

Fri, Oct 25: Death On Two Wheels @ 8 PM @ Georgia Theatre
Hard and heavy rock is the Death On Two Wheels way!

Sat, Oct 26: Young Benjamin @ TBA @ Flicker Theatre
Young Benjamin's melodies will send you on a journey through the ethereal and the mysterious!

Sat, Oct 26: Wild Rumpus Party @ 8 PM @ 40 Watt
Let the annual Wild Rumpus start!  Don't miss Athens' own Halloween parade followed by a performance featuring the incredibly awesome Ghost Owl and the always crazy Kite to the Moon.

Sat, Oct 26: Yip Deceiver @ 11 PM @ Green Room
Get your dance on and go nuts with Yip Deceiver!

Mon, Oct 28: Thayer Sarrano @ 8 PM @ The World Famous
Just in time for Halloween, Thayer Sarrano's unique sound and Kenosha Kid's jazzy style combine for a night of Twin Peaks covers!

Thu, Oct 31: Nightmare on Hull Street @ 10 PM @ The World Famous
Mwahahaha!  Usher in the true Halloween with a dance party featuring all of your favorite creepy tunes courtesy of Dj Quincy (John Swint).

Thu, Oct 31: Sam Sniper @ 10:30 PM @ Green Room
You can never attend too many Halloween parties!  Finish out this mad spooky month with the groove-inducing southern rock sound of Sam Sniper.

What an October!  Looking forward to any other local shows not listed here?  Be sure to share all the details in the comments below.  See you among the ghouls and ghosts!

Kristen's Concert Picks: September brings the tunes!

September has arrived, full to the brim with incredible shows.  Take a break from school and work to rock out to these awesome bands!

Wed, Sep 4: Kyshona Armstrong @ 8 PM @ The World Famous
Kyshona's powerful voice and soulful sound will blow you away!

Wed, Sep 4: Jubee and the Morning After @ 9 PM @ Georgia Theatre
Hip hop meets soul when these talented musicians hit the stage. Check them out at the Georgia Theatre!

Fri, Sep 6: The Gold Party @ 10 PM @ Caledonia Lounge
The Gold Party's got an electronic indie pop sound like no other.

Sat, Sep 7: Efren & Dangfly! @ 8 PM @ Georgia Theatre
Between Dangfly!'s trumpeting folk rock and Efren's gritty sound, this show features some of Athens' very best!

Sat, Sep 7: John French and the Bastilles @ 8 PM @ 40 Watt
John French and the Bastilles will serve up some quality southern rock over at the 40 Watt.

Sun, Sep 8: Viking Progress @ 7:30 PM @ The World Famous
Sweet distortion is Viking Progress's style.  You won't want to miss this show!

Tuesdays in September: Kenosha Kid @ 8 PM @ Hendershots
Without a doubt one of the best jazz bands in town, Kenosha Kid will be filling our ears with their awesome tunes every Tuesday of the month!

Thu, Sep 12: Yo Soybean @ 8 PM @ Georgia Theatre
Craving some badass southern rock?  Look no further than Yo Soybean!

Fri, Sep 13: Yip Deceiver @ 9 PM @ The World Famous
Yip Deceiver has arrived... Get ready to party!

Sat, Sep 21: Easter Island Vinyl Release @ 9 PM @ Georgia Theatre
What a night this will be!  Not only will soft rockers Easter Island be releasing their latest record, but they're also teaming up with Brothers and John French and the Bastilles to give us what is sure to be an unbelievable show!

Sat, Sep 21: Lullwater @ 10 PM @ Caledonia Lounge
Hard rock spiced up with a touch of folk, Lullwater is definitely one to see!

Mon, Sep 23: Little Tybee @ 9 PM @ The World Famous
People have been buzzing about these guys for a long time.  Check out the soft rock and indie style of Little Tybee!

Tue, Sep 24: The Skipperdees @ 7 PM @ The Melting Point
The twangy folk sound of the Skipperdees will rock the Melting Point's last Terrapin Tuesday of the month!

Fri, Sep 27: Powerkompany @ 9 PM @ The World Famous
Powerkompany will serenade you with their  ethereal electronic melodies as September approaches its end.

Wow, what a lineup of amazing shows!  Excited for another band playing locally that's not on this list? Go ahead and share the details with all of us in the comments below.  Hope you have a spectacular September on the scene, my friends!

Kristen's Concert Picks: April rocks its way in!

As the weather gets warmer, the shows get even more insane.  End your semester with these rockin' lineups!

Thu, April 4: Efren @ 7:00 PM @ The World Famous

Gritty Americana at its best, you'll want to start off your month with Efren!

Thu, April 4: Lazer/Wulf @ 9:30 PM @ Caledonia Lounge
Lazer/Wulf's melodic noise will drive you wild!

Fri, April 5: Modern Skirts @ 8:00 PM @ 40 Watt

An era in Athens music is coming to an end.  Don't miss the Modern Skirts' final 40 Watt show!

Sat, April 6: Brothers & Thayer Sarrano @ 9:30 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

With Brothers' indie take on a classic rock sound and Thayer Sarrano's one-of-a-kind singing style, this is a lineup you'll definitely want to catch!

Sun, April 7: Kyshona Armstrong @ 8:00 PM @ Hendershots

A weekly staple at Hendershots, Kyshona Armstrong's soulful sound will blow you away!

Wed, April 10: Adron @ 8:00 PM @ The World Famous

Adron's incredible voice dances delightfully through her band's fresh indie rock sound. Be sure to check them out at the World Famous!

Thu, April 11: The Peaks @ 8:00 PM @ The World Famous

One of my longtime favorites on the scene, The Peaks (formerly Tigerbird) will be taking the stage to share their jazzy folk sound with us.  Opening for Kite to the Moon, you've just got to see this show!

Thu, April 11: Betsy Kingston and the Crowns @ 8:00 PM @ 40 Watt

I still remember Betsy Kingston's powerful voice from last Athfest.  Catch Betsy and the rockin' Crowns at the 40 Watt!

Fri, April 12: Sam Sniper @ 11:00 PM @ Green Room

Another one of my Athens favorites, Sam Sniper's unique take on southern rock is one to hear!

Tue, April 16: Yip Deceiver @ 9:00 PM @ New Earth Music Hall

I can't see a Yip Deceiver show without dancing.  It's just not possible.  Get your groove on with them in the middle of the month!

Thu, April 18: Groove Tangent @ 9:00 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

I've been following this band's sound since the beginning.  Their time-travelling style will have you rocking through history!

Fri, April 19: Kishi Bashi @ 8:00 PM @ The World Famous

If you think that violin-playing can't be exciting, you've clearly never seen Kishi Bashi in action!  His amazing talent will leave you breathless.

Sat, April 20: Dead Confederate @ 9:00 PM @ 40 Watt

Gritty southern rock tinged with darkness, Dead Confederate always puts on a great show!

Sat, April 27: Lera Lynn @ 10:00 PM @ Georgia Theatre

Part of our town's Twilight Americana festival, Lera Lynn will headline Georgia Theatre's Saturday show with her strong and undeniably awesome rock sound!

Sun, April 28: John French and the Bastilles @ 7:00 PM @ Melting Point

Celebrate the final night of the Twilight Americana festival with the dark southern rock style of John French and the Bastilles!

Looks like this April's going to be a wild one.  Heard of any other awesome local shows happening this month?  Comment below, and tell the world about 'em.  See you around, my friends!

Kristen's Concert Picks: March's shows will blow you away!

March breezes its way in, bearing gifts in the form of some absolutely incredible lineups and shows.  

Fri, March 1: Abbey Road Live! @ 8:00 PM @ Georgia Theatre
Are you a fan of the Beatles?  Well, then, kick off your month with the best Beatles cover band in town, Abbey Road Live!  This show will feature the always awesome Chris McKay as well, so be sure not to miss it!

Fri, March 1: Of Montreal, Yip Deceiver @ 9:00 PM @ 40 Watt
If you're in the mood for fun, this is the show for you.  With both Of Montreal and Yip Deceiver on the bill, you're guaranteed an insane, dance-filled celebration!

Sat, March 2: Efren @10:00 PM @ Green Room
Efren's gritty southern sound speaks volumes.  Catch his show at the newly redone Green Room!

Mon, March 4: The Skipperdees @ 10:00 PM @ Flicker Theatre
These girls have such talent!  Their brand of twangy folk is certain to put a smile on your face.

Wed, March 6: Ruby the Rabbitfoot @ 8:00 PM @ Georgia Theatre
Some of Athens' best, including the sweet Ruby the Rabbitfoot, will be taking the stage on the sixth to play one last big show before they all make their way to Texas for SXSW!

Wed, March 6: Little Tybee, Adron @ 8:00 PM @ Melting Point
Don't miss Little Tybee's CD release party at the Melting Point featuring the unique, indie rock of singer Adron!

Thu, March 7: Brothers @ 8:00 PM @ WUOG
From classic sounds to indie style tunes, this band's got it all!  Hear them on the radio at WUOG 90.5 FM or see 'em live at UGA's Tate Center in the WUOG station headquarters.

Thu, March 7: Sam Sniper @ 11:00 PM @ Farm255
Southern rock with a side of fun, Sam Sniper show is one to see!  Get yourself to Farm255 on the 7th.

Fri, March 8: Lera Lynn @ 8:00 PM @ The World Famous
Powerful rock and an incredible voice make every Lera Lynn show an amazing experience!  And be sure to check out her new PledeMusic campaign as well.  Let's make sure we keep the great tunes coming our way!

Fri, March 8: Feather Trade @ 9:00 PM @ Flicker Theatre
Misfortune500's newest incarnation, Feather Trade's got a deliciously dark, alt rock sound you're sure to love!

Fri, March 15: Madeline @ 8:00 PM @ The World Famous
A touch of darkness makes Madeline's melodies a great listen every time!

Fri, March 15: Viking Progress @ 11:30 PM @ Farm255
Check out Viking Progress's unique distorted sound over at Farm255 in the middle of the month!

Wed, March 20: Dangerous Ponies @ 11:00 PM @ Farm255
What are Philadelphia's Dangerous Ponies like?  Indie pop goes old-school with tunes that are sure to make you dance.  Pure beauty!

Fri, March 22: Bambara, Manray, Powder Room @ 9:30 PM @ Caledonia Lounge
Our favorite New York imports from our own town join some of the best wild local rockers on the scene. Bambara's noise rock will leave your ears screaming in ecstasy while Manray and the Powder Room will blast you into nonbeing with their sound.  What a lineup this is! 

Sat, March 30: Meat Puppets @ 9:00 PM @ 40 Watt
The nineties rock legends, Meat Puppets, return to the 40 Watt again to drive everyone nuts.  I saw them take the stage a few years ago, and I've never forgotten it!

Wow, what a month we've got in store for us!  There's no doubt about it... March is going to be awesome!  Know of any other rockin' local shows happening this month?  Comment below, and let the world know about them.  See ya downtown, my friends!

Kristen's Concert Picks: December ends the year with a bang!

Get pumped for the end of the year (or the end of the world if that's the way you kick it) with these awesome December shows.  Let's rock our way into 2013!

Sat, December 1: The Peaks @ 9 PM @ The Nest (170 Riverdale Dr.)

Hands down, one of my favorite bands right now, you've got to get yourself to The Peaks' music and arts show this month.  Throw yourself into some of the best tunes and works of art this town has to offer at December's incarnation of their monthly celebration!

Sat, December 1: Tumbleweed Stampede @ 11:30 PM @ Farm255

Craving another serving of fun at the start of the month?  Be sure to catch the groove-worthy sounds of Tumbleweed Stampede over at Farm255.

Mon, December 3: Emily Hearn @ 7:30 PM @ Melting Point 
Without a doubt, Emily Hearn was one of my absolute favorite acts at this year's Athfest.  Her incredible, sweet voice will blow you away!

Tue, December 4: Stokeswood @ 8 PM @ Georgia Theatre

Ready to rock your way through UGA's Reading Day?  Then don't miss Stokeswood, another one of the most awesome acts from this year's Athfest, as they take the stage at the Georgia Theatre.  It's time to party!

Fri, December 7: Hope For Agoldensummer @ 8 PM @ 40 Watt
Longtime staples in the Athens scene, Hope for Agoldensummer will be sharing their soft yet soulful folk melodies with the crowd at 40 Watt for Flagpole's Poverty Is Real benefit!

Sat, December 8: Tealvox @ 9:30 PM @ Caledonia Lounge
A favorite of mine since I first saw them four years ago, Tealvox has always had some of the most solid and awesome rock in this town's scene!

Sun, December 9: Beat Cancer Bash @ 6 PM @ Melting Point 

Good causes always make me want to dance.  Help fight cancer with an incredible lineup of some of Athens' most talented bands and musicians including Young Benjamin, The Skipperdees, and Kyshona Armstrong!

Thu, December 13: The Breaks @ 8 PM @ Georgia Theatre

Love yourself some southern rock and powerful female vocals?  Well, then, the Breaks is your band.

Fri, December 14: The Shut-Ups @ 10 PM @ Caledonia

Indie pop with an electronic vibe, the Shut-Ups know how to have fun!

Mon, December 31: Yip Deceiver, Kishi Bashi, Modern Skirts @ 8 PM @ Georgia Theatre

Wow, what a jaw-dropping lineup the Georgia Theatre has in store for us this New Year's Eve!  Local darlings Modern Skirts join the breath-taking violinist Kishi Bashi and wild party boys Yip Deceiver for what is guaranteed to be an unforgettable show to ring in 2013.  Don't miss this one!

This is the Athens scene at its very best, my friends! It looks like some of the most talented and amazing local acts will be taking the stage this December, and this list includes more than just a few of my favorites.  Eagerly awaiting another show this month?  Share the details with everyone in the comments.  Let's make this the most memorable December yet!

Athfest 2012: Yip Deceiver gets us groovin'

Friday, June 22nd, 2012 

Yip Deceiver 

Before the Yip Deceiver show, I grabbed a bite to eat in the press tent and ended up chatting with Ryan, the bassist of Reptar.  Man, those guys are just so nice and down-to-earth, no matter how much touring they get up to.  Gotta love 'em!

Then it was time to head over to the Hull Street stage for Yip Deceiver.  I've seen this band several times before, but I always forget just how incredibly fun every one of their shows are.  This one was just plain awesome!  Their bouncy, hyper electronic sound spawned an impromptu block party as nearly every member of the audience got up to move their feet to the joy-inducing tunes. I spotted members of several different bands in the crowd, all bobbing along with the rest and undoubtably enjoying themselves.  Much too soon, the end of their set came, and I know I wasn't the only one wishing for more.  I definitely can't wait to catch them in action again!
 
As I turned to leave, I noticed the most beautiful arrangement of clouds dancing across the heavens above me, imbued with shades of pink and orange.  According to Matt Daniel (@AthensGAweather on Twitter), these were the rare Mammatus clouds, and I took them as an omen of all of the exciting spectacles and unique experiences that still awaited me during Athfest 2012.

  For all of our massive coverage of Athfest 2012, from preparation guides to articles on some of the best featured bands and shows, click here! More entries on all the bands and madness of the festival will be posted daily, so be sure to check back often. Plus, get ready for show footage and Athfest vlogs coming soon to the Echoreyn of Athens YouTube channel as well! 

Of Montreal: the most deliciously insane dream I've ever had

Thursday night was, without a doubt, a night of remarkable experiences. Not only did I get to see Of Montreal again for the first time in a year and a half, but I also had the chance to step across the threshold of the Georgia Theatre for the first time... ever. Shocking, I know, but it was utterly and completely worth the wait. What a truly unbelievable night!

Now, I'll save my description of the amazing Georgia Theatre for another time as the events of the night were so awe-inspiring, I can hardly do justice to everything in just one post. Suffice it to say, my ridiculous habit of getting to shows much too early finally paid off with this one. Minutes before the masses were let in, a few determined fans and I were lucky enough to find ourselves already at the foot of the stage, fully prepared for the night's festivities. To conserve our energy, we sat under the convenient stage overhang, not budging from our highly coveted (and as past experience has taught us, likely dangerous) positions. To my great surprise and joy, I soon discovered that my particular chosen space was one of the best in the house.

When a cheer arose from the standing crowd, we, the understagelings, emerged from beneath the overhang to claim our spots as the music began. The Gold Party, a band I've seen and enjoyed at many an Athfest, kicked off the show with with their electronic and unique indie tunes. Straight away, they had the crowd bobbing and clapping their hands in time as the band played. About halfway through, guest musicians Karolyn (sporting yet another gorgeous dress - I swear, I am obsessed with her wardrobe) and Andrew of Powerkompany added a lovely taste of the strings to Gold Party's biggest hits. What a great hint of the fun that was to come!

Moments later, the eager, glitter-covered masses greeted the soft, funk-tinged, electro-indie sound of Yip Deceiver. A side project featuring Of Montreal's Davey Pierce, Nicolas Dobbratz, and Clayton Rychlik with Paul Nunn, they knew just how to keep the crowd enthused. Between their hilariously ridiculous banter, their high energy, mood-boosting tunes, and their penchant for rocking the extreme edge of the stage right in front of their fans, the crowd was wild for their style, leaping about with great zeal. Then, to top off all the madness, the lead singer instructed the fans to imagine what he would look like naked before jumping off the stage to sing in the middle of the dance floor packed with people. Utterly awesome, indeed.

After Yip Deceiver finished their set, the sea of fans arrayed in feathers, sequins, and hats in every style awaited the grand finale of the night, the surreal dessert to complete the unbelievable feast of tunes, Of Montreal. Changing it up from the last time I saw them, the band launched immediately into their first tune the moment they stepped onstage, forgoing any sort of fanfare... for a second, at least. Then bright displays of red, white, and blue exploded onto the screen behind them as flag-garbed players danced, leapt, and fought their way onstage. They followed this with their iconic hit, "Wraith Pinned to the Mist [etc]" before tossing ribbons of long balloons and handfuls of glitter into the crowd. As winged birds and angels fluttered through the air, the band members began playing at the very edge of the stages, touching our hands as they wove their unique tunes and lyrics into sustenance for our desiring ears.

Hands down, one of my favorite parts of the show was the defeat of the dragon-like monster. Monster, you ask? I kid you not. During one of the songs, lead singer Kevin Barnes killed a long, many-footed giant of a monster with a bit of fancy swordwork before being subsequently knighted by a man sporting a long white wig. Wow, how's that for unexpected? But that certainly wasn't the last of the surprises. Stripping seemed to be an unofficial theme of the night, with a few glittery caped creatures revealing massive fake boobs beneath their cloaks, bushels of fake money being thrown to the fans, and two girls in tiny little outfits dancing suggestively over the faces of those at the very front of the crowd during a song about a crazy girl. In fact, that particular performance was dripping with lust as Mr. Barnes and the girls simulated a delightfully shocking threesome as he sang. Even better of a moment though, was when, a short while later, he took the hand of a girl three people down from me in the audience and sang just to her as she mouthed the words right back to him. It was quite touching (and for someone who attends as many shows as I do, that's saying something)! Then, after a few pigs showed up, some idol worshipping went down, a wrestling match happened, and a burst of streamers flew threw the air, the show was over... Right? No, of course it wasn't! You can't forget the encore.

Ushered back onstage by what could only be described as skeletal aliens in pajamas, the band began their three song encore set with "For Our Elegant Caste," one of my very favorites. Hey, don't judge me. As the band approached the end of their spectacular musical adventure, fire worshippers pranced around and a raft holding several members of the band floated across the crowd before returning to the stage. Finally, the whole band transferred their powers to their violinist K Ishibashi, who was to play an after-show set, as the members kneeled in awe of his skills.

Wow, I honestly cannot believe that they succeeded in creating an even more surreal and unbelievable show than the one I saw so long ago, but indeed, they surpassed themselves magnificently. Theirs is a live show and an experience and a memory that every band should aspire to create. I'm already dying to see them again!