Back in the early days of music blogging (when I only read them obsessively) I came across a song called “Hold Hands and Fight” by a band known as The Rosebuds. The song became an immediate favorite of mine, full of rich authenticity. I later dove into the rest of their 2005 album Birds Make Good Neighbors, and was amazed at what these guys were doing. They weren’t trying too hard, they were just being themselves, delivering delightful gem after gem. Since then, they’ve been one of those bands who you don’t worry about their next release. You know it’s coming, and you know it will be solid. It’s a rare thing, and something that you most definitely take for granted.
My only experience seeing them live came in 2011 when Bon Iver brought them along as the opener for his show at Prospect Park. Last night I finally got to take in a full show from the band, something that was definitely long overdue. They stopped by Rough Trade NYC for a show in support of their recently released new album Sand + Silence (which Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon produced).
The show featured stops from all across the decade-plus discography of The Rosebuds. Live they’re full of that same joyous vibe that is found on their albums, only with a slight pop edge to give them a bit more shine, such as the stunning “Blue Eyes,” taken from their new album. They room was filled with eager fans of the group, who were dancing and singing along to every word. Whenever vocalist Ivan Howard asked the crowd to help out for some help on vocals, such as on encore track “Nice Fox,” the crowd did their best to carry the weight. Audience participation didn’t end there, as their friend came on stage to help them out on the triumphant night cap “Drunkards Worst Nightmare”, where he added vocals and even rocked out on guitar to send us home.
The whole set was a joy from start to finish. But for me, the highlight of the night was hearing Birds Make Good Neighbors offerings “Leaves Do Fall,” and “Boxcar.” Although “Hold Hands and Cry” was missed, it was great to see these guys playing these songs on stage, bringing back those memories of discovering The Rosebuds way back when. It was awesome to see them still doing there thing, and so well, here in 2014, a proof that they’re in it for the long haul.
Photos and setlist posted below.
Setlist:
1. Life Like
2. Cape Fear
3. In My Teeth
4. Sand + Silence
5. Back to Boston
6. Leaves Do Fall
7. Come Visit Me
8. Tiny Bones
9. Give Me A Reason
10. Boxcar
11. Blue Eyes
12. Wait A Minute
13. Get Up Get Out
14. Esse Quam Videri
15. You Better Get Ready
Encore:
16. Nice Fox
17. Woods
18. Drunkards Worst Nightmare
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