FFM 2007 - Part 4

After gathering for dinner in the cafeteria, we all headed back over to the Fine Arts Centre for the Anathallo / Sufjan Stevens set. By the time we arrived, the entire main floor was packed, so we trekked up to the balcony seating. It still provided an excellent view of the stage, and would prove useful for spotting Superman later during the show. He may have been removed from the Illinoise album art, but he's still flying with Sufjan. Anathallo took the stage with an entire (20 person) brass section accompanying them. With the indie pop sensibilities of Sufjan, and an at times joyful, at times dark, percussive and rhythmic energy, Anathallo's set set wave after wave of energy over the crowd. Somewhat hometown favourites (originally from Mt Pleasant, Michigan) now relocated to Chicago - the only town all eight members could agree on, the band received an incredible welcome from the crowd. They've played Calvin numerous times before, and have received great support from the community in Grand Rapids. As they should. They're a diverse and innovative band on their way to world domination, in a band geek sorta way. Other reviews have cited melodic sensibilities similar to Sufjan, with the instrumental expansiveness of The Arcade Fire and Broken Social Scene. In many ways, these comparisons aren't too far off - the size of the band permits a dancing assault of sound, alternating movements of horns, keys, guitars, and scads of percussion. Anathallo's set gained momentum after a shaky start in front of this 1200 person strong crowd, and by the end had the theatre rising in standing ovation. While vocalist/guitarist Matt Joynt operated as the front for the group, it was hard to distinguish at points who (if anyone) was leading the band. It very well could have been Erica Froman, second vocalist who was the go-between, ensuring that the signals weren't crossed between the 28-piece ensemble spread across the 40foot FAC stage. While from my vantage point in the balcony, vocals weren't excedingly clear, the energy conveyed was enough to sell me on this band - tho I'd prefer to see them in a smaller venue. Maybe the Horseshoe or Hugh's Room, if they can be convinced to cross the border. If nothing else, it would be a fun adventure for them. Sufjan's set followed and totally rocked, but before I do that, Liz will get angry if I don't write about her, so that will necessarily be the next installment...