(Note: This is a review of their late show at Mercury Lounge last night.)
The last time I caught The Rural Alberta Advantage live was almost three years ago, also at the Mercury Lounge. The band returned there last night (for two shows: one early, one late) to test out some of their new material, as well as play us all of those familiar cuts that were really good to hear live once again.
Their last release was 2011’s Departing, and it’s amazing to think that it was three years ago. With that said, it was good to hear so much new material from the band – and even better that the new songs were all great.
I nearly forgot how insane of a drummer that Paul Banwatt is. He’s lightning fast, steamrolling through the drum kit as if it’s nothing. All eyes were locked on him throughout the set, as he’s just a joy to watch going to town on his drumkit. Let’s not forget the unique vocals of lead-singer Nils Edenloff whose husky vocals are unmistakeably distinct and moving as ever. Amy Cole can be seen running across the stage, doing so much on stage, it’s hard to keep up.
It was light-years ago in 2008 when I discovered their fantastic album Hometowns, and instantly fell in love. It’s always great to hear tracks like “The Ballad Of The RAA”, “The Dethbridge In Lethbridge,” “Drain The Blood” and “Don’t Haunt This Place” live. As a group, they aren’t the flashiest, but they create such a human and real sound, that it keeps everyone in the crowd, left in awe as they sing every word back as if it’s their own.
The show finished with the band coming into the crowd and playing an acoustic version of “Good Night,” while perched on the couches on the side of the wall. The hushed performance was beautiful and sincire and sent everyone back home into the bitter cold feeling as warm as could be.
Enjoy some photos from their performance below.
Setlist:
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