Weakerthans

Amazing live band with an unparalleled dynamic range. I forgot just how loud and rocking this band could be in a live setting. With three guitars, the loud stuff was really loud, a wall of distorted (yet melodic) intensity, awash in feedback - a boisterous reminder of Samson's punk rock roots. I've seen them play "Aside" numerous times, but never quite like this; they literally tore up the stage.

And yet those exquisite little finger-picked ballads were as gorgeous as ever. Samson isn't afraid of his own meek, plainspoken delivery. He isn't stretching or yearning, just providing an unequivocally human voice for his remarkable lyrical acuity. I've made it clear before that I'm not necessarily a lyrics guy, but this band is the complete package. Great, great show.

As was the case three years ago, the first encore was "One Great City"...but it didn't depress me this time.