It was a gorgeous night of music with Phosphorescent, a first for me. Lead singer Matthew Houck began the show with a solo set, followed by one with his band. From the first notes of "C'est La Vie No. 2" it was apparent why the people near me kept returning to this artist. He wraps so much emotion into each song, combined with deeply personal and compelling lyrics and beautiful indie folk-rock stylings.
The Space Ballroom has become one of my favorite rooms to see a band up close. I walked to the front next to the stage a half hour before the show and never left. The solo set was so quiet that I felt self-conscious about taking a sip of water when the plastic bottle creaked. "It's all bummers from here on in" he said jokingly after the second song, but that's not the right word. I was mesmerized by the intricate verses of "My Dove, My Lamb" a song of incredible power and spirituality.
Though my sight be near and though my way by long
Though the light I chase be disappeared by dawn
I have seen her standing on the roofs at night
I have seen her silver figure bathed and bright
And I have seen her sleeping in the cold white sand
My dove, my dove, my lamb.
The second set, backed by drums, pedal steel guitar, bass, and piano opened with the title track of the band's latest album "Revelator" out last April. If you haven't heard the album, it's worth a listen.
Other highlights included a ferocious jam to end "Impossible House", a rocking "New Birth in New England", a beautiful cover of Willie's "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain", and an absolutely transcendent version of "Song for Zula".
I walked in alone, feeling a bit down. With all respect to legend Neil Young at the Cap the same night, and Mk.Gee at Toad's just down the road, THIS show was exactly what I needed. I left feeling elated, and so thankful for this experience.
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