Low – November 13th – Larimer Lounge

Estimated read time 3 min read

06-TYH_4285Photos by Ty Hyten

The Scene: Mid-90’s shoegazers, now in their late thirties filled the dark Larimer Lounge this past Friday the 13th. Duluth, Minnesota, Sub Pop artist Low is still successfully creating outstanding albums some twenty years into their career and selling out venues, though perhaps smaller ones on this run.

Andy Shauf: Saskatchewan singer Andy Shauf opened Friday’s show with an acoustic guitar. Seated in a folding chair, Shauf sang dark narratives through a thick Canadian accent. His voice has a very unique and familiar melancholy, not unlike Elliot Smith (who shared his same label (Anti-), though posthumously). The back of the room grew restless at points, but Shauf’s music was ever-so-sweet and heartbreaking. Definitely worth another listen.

Low: When I was first introduced to Low via All Songs Considered a few years ago, their song “Especially Me” was introduced as the type of music that you’d listen to at home, underneath your covers. Being the type that is magnetically drawn to such musical gloom, I was hooked. Their slow moving evenly-keeled songs are accented by brief rises in intensity through dynamic and sonic boosts that pique emotion. This emotion is the hallmark of good music, at least for me, and a recipe for a good show. Friday night was an expert vehicle for delivering emotion and bringing their new album to their fans.

One thing setting Low apart from most other blogworthy indie artists is that they’ve been doing this for a long time. Twenty years long. That drew out a demographic that likely latched onto them during college around the year 2000. The crowd was dead silent as the three band members steadily worked through a gripping set, which added to the power of the show.

They began with “Gentle,” one of three straight songs from this year’s Ones and Sixes. The guitar cut in and out haphazardly, fighting through a glitchy fuzz effects pedal. Much like on the album, the entrance of Mimi Parker’s smooth vocal was arresting.

An early highlight came with the the ending breakdown on “No Comprehende.” Bassist Steve Garrington’s guitar distorted loudly like a buzzsaw, while Parker’s voice so effortlessly floated along, in stark contrast to the loud thunder of her kickdrum. It was a powerful musical moment, achieved through suddenly dropping the tempo, contrasting beauty and a certain gloom, all in a small, silent room. Most of the power through the night came from moments just like that – gorgeous, nonchalant harmonies surrounded by the dark drama of sparse, electronically dismembered guitar chords, the slow heartbeat of the drum, and the constant breath of the synthesizer. This well balanced mix lead to flawless sound in a venue not always known for it.

Other highlights of the set included catchy “The Innocents” and  “On My Own” which ventured from the gentle roll of special guest Dave Caroll’s (Trampled By Turtles) banjo to a Phishy sounding refrain, carelessly sung over jarring bass carnage. The absolute peak of the evening was another from Ones and Sixes – The delicate and beautiful “Into You.”

Low effortlessly hit hard in the best and most nonchalant way possible, bringing powerful moments that have renewed my love for this band.

Energy: A
Musicianship: A
Sound: A+
Stage Presence: B-
Set/Light Show: N/A

Overall: A

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