Show Review: Band of Horses w. Chad VanGaalen - 9/6/06

It was Alchemize's grand RE-opening and I was late! When I finally arrived some two hours after doors, the first opener was gone and Chad VanGaalen was already about to start. It seemed that the first band had run off in a hurry because they left all their equipment on stage! Guitars, keyboards, drums! They had left it all!...or so I thought...

As in turns out, it was all Chad VanGaalen's stuff. He's this one-man band performer that uses every appendage he's got (get that mind of the gutter!) to make music. He's Canadian, so you know it's going to be some great pop music. Sadly, I didn't have my camera out for the best songs, but come to think of it, there really wasn't a bad one either.


Earlier songs had less twang and more electronic bleeps and bloops, but like I said, it was all enjoyable. I'm told the first act was Simon Dawes but I never found out if that was a band or just a guy. The headliner, of course, is clearly labeled. I missed Band of Horses the first time they played Alchemize, so I was glad they came back. Before they started, Nick Spencer jumped up on-stage to welcome everyone to the new space. It was nice.


With that out of the way, it was on with the show. I have to admit, I was really only there to hear one song. After sneaking a peak at their setlist, it was clear I'd have to wait awhile. They were playing it last! But when they finally did, it was glorious.


What a GREAT song! And then my favorite part, when it sort of re-climaxes with the instrumental breakdown at the end!
(Edit: Pay close attention! He hits the light overhead when he pumps his fist in the air!)


I mean, really...that one song did it for me. Band of Horses may not have made the album of the year, but "The Funeral" is definitely in contention for best track.It was Alchemize's grand RE-opening and I was late! When I finally arrived some two hours after doors, the first opener was gone and Chad VanGaalen was already about to start. It seemed that the first band had run off in a hurry because they left all their equipment on stage! Guitars, keyboards, drums! They had left it all!...or so I thought...

As in turns out, it was all Chad VanGaalen's stuff. He's this one-man band performer that uses every appendage he's got (get that mind of the gutter!) to make music. He's Canadian, so you know it's going to be some great pop music. Sadly, I didn't have my camera out for the best songs, but come to think of it, there really wasn't a bad one either.

Earlier songs had less twang and more electronic bleeps and bloops, but like I said, it was all enjoyable. I'm told the first act was Simon Dawes but I never found out if that was a band or just a guy. The headliner, of course, is clearly labeled. I missed Band of Horses the first time they played Alchemize, so I was glad they came back. Before they started, Nick Spencer jumped up on-stage to welcome everyone to the new space. It was nice.

With that out of the way, it was on with the show. I have to admit, I was really only there to hear one song. After sneaking a peak at their setlist, it was clear I'd have to wait awhile. They were playing it last! But when they finally did, it was glorious.

What a GREAT song! And then my favorite part, when it sort of re-climaxes with the instrumental breakdown at the end!
(Edit: Pay close attention! He hits the light overhead when he pumps his fist in the air!)

I mean, really...that one song did it for me. Band of Horses may not have made the album of the year, but "The Funeral" is definitely in contention for best track.