Milagres and Low at the Bowery Ballroom 4/27/11
So last Wednesday (April 27th) I had the pleasure of catching both Milagres and Low at the Bowery Ballroom and on this blog it’s rare that I’d use much in the way of superlative phrases unless the song, album or situation deserves but what I can say about both bands was this — they were fantastic live. Shall I say gorgeous? Beautiful? Stunning? Awe-inspiring? That would all be most appropriate.
Both bands at this point had a similar sound — beautiful music, based around stunning harmony, sincere and earnest lyrics and catchy melodies. However, Milagres’ material seemed to balance a muscular insistence while Low’s latest material struck me as aiming heavenward. And with that in mind, it should not be surprising that the album was recorded in an abandoned church in Duluth, Minnesota. At least one song had sounded as peaceful as a lullaby. When they did rock, they rocked hard but for the most part the material was frankly gorgeous.
At one point, during a particularly haunting Low ballad, the audience was hushed and enraptured. Now I’ve gone to tons of shows both professionally and as a music fan, and it was the first time in quite some time that I’ve seen that at a show. Also, it was the first time that I saw a band in some time willingly play two encores before politely saying, “It’s tough to do this but now we must go. Goodnight everyone. Goodnight!” What can I say? A truly memorable night, and one of the best shows I’ve seen this year.
And I must admit that Milagres won me over — big time. I’m going to make it a mission to catch them at some point.
Photos are below.
Milagros:
Low:
For these photos and the rest from this show, check out the Flickr set here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/yankee32879/sets/72157626619482308/
