Having seen Blind Pilot support Counting Crows a couple of years previously, I knew that the show this band can put on is unforgettable. Last time, I was blown away by the pitch-perfect, compelling, and yet melancholy voice of lead singer Israel. I saw their incredible talent for spine-tingling harmonies, and their tight-knit, faultless unity as a band.
On this hour-long gig (their first headlining show in the UK), everything I remembered was back, but this time with more complexity, more raw power, more beauty, and more conviction. The band seem to have matured, and grown in confidence since the release of their first album. With their new, instantly likeable and equally intelligent songs mixed with songs such as "Oviedo", "Go On Say It", and "Paint Or Pollen", the audience seemed to enjoy every minute, leaving the always humble band in apparent genuine shock, as we cheered every song, and called for an encore.
The somewhat eccentric, but altogether appealing members of the band were not only very watchable, but also very talkative, as they spoke to almost every member of the audience after the show.
The night was a truly unique experience, and all the more special for the relative intimacy of the venue. No other band can play so faultlessly, and still evoke so much affection as Blind Pilot.
The Hoxton Square Bar and Kitchen @
- London @
- Tue 5 Jul 2011 @
Favourite moment: When, fearful of noise complaints, the band came down into the audience to play their final track "3 Rounds and a Sound" right in front of us. @
Opening act(s): Hannah Peel @