The best thing about SXSW was getting to check a couple bands off my “I’ll probably never get to see them live” list. I don’t know if this is a big secret, but not a lot of Canadian or European bands make it a point to stop in Kentucky.
That’s why I was so thrilled when we added Frog Eyes to our lineup. I’ve been loving their new album, Tears of the Valedictorian, and had heard they put on a rousing live show.
I hate to admit another bout of lead-singer-fixation, but looking back on the show, it’s hard to remember anyone but Carey Mercer. Not to slight them, of course; it’s just that he’s so out there. Watching him, I was ready for his vocal chords to give way and snap, just like his guitar string did during the second song.
They focused mostly on songs from their upcoming album (did they play anything not off it? I don’t remember), but that was fine by me. In a town flooded with hipster performers, Mercer’s passion was a welcome reprieve from aloofness.
