Photo: Kylie Keene

I’ve heard a lot of hype about openers I Heart Hiroshima, but until tonight, I’ve never witnessed them live. And boy, am I impressed. The songs are unique without alienating new listeners; Susie Patten’s wonderful drumming propelling the songs at me like a torpedo. Whether it is delivering jagged rock songs (Captain To Captain) or creating lovely melodic pop (Throw That Metal), I Heart Hiroshima leave me genuinely entertained. I kind of wish I had some Panadol though – guitarist Matt Somers looks like he has a headache that will bring on the apocalypse.

After delivering the much-lauded Cassadaga album last year under his regular moniker Bright Eyes, Conor Oberst and his touring troupe, The Mystic Valley Band, appear to a welcoming roar from the punters. With much of the material coming off Conor’s recent self titled album, their set is full of wonderful lighting and musicianship, but hardly any performing. Except that part where Conor stands on the foldback and holds his guitar like it’s choking him. The crowd love that. But in all honesty, when you have songs such as Milk Thistle, NYC and encore closer Hospital in your traveling bag, you don’t really need to. Honest, humble and entertaining, the elfin like songsmith delivers the goods with a cherry on top. My appetite has been satisfied.

LINDSEY CUTHBERTSON
 

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