It was the second band that I had come to see - The Comas. I recently fell in love with their current release Spells and somehow missed their last trip through Denver with The Veils back in June. The comparatively mild Spells belies The Comas live show as this band builds a magnificent wall of sound via dual lead vox/electric guitars, thumping bass, keyboards, and a drummer who pounds the hell out of his kit. Andy breaking his guitar strap rockin' out on the first song was the perfect indication of what we had to look forward to. Most, if not all, the songs were culled from Spells and Conductor. My only gripe with the set was that the vocals were mixed too low and were buried under the powerful music.
Headlining the whole affair was Los Angeles' Great Northern. As I watched them set up I couldn't help but wonder whether this young band's live show would be as impressive as their light display: drums and keyboards adorned with Christmas lights and red-lit lamps placed strategically about the Hi-Dive's small stage.
Great Northern took no time at all to charm the mid-sized crowd with their dreamy, not quite shoegazey, pop. I have a particular fondness for percussion, a fact that I don't exactly keep hidden. Great Northern, with their tambourines, jingle bells, shakers, and stand alone drum fit that bill to a T. The ease and comfort with which these ladies and gentlemen play together is astounding considering the band is just two years old. Co-lead vocalists Solon and Rachel were especially engaging with the perfect amount of crowd banter.
With only one album to draw from, the set was a bit on the short side (around 50 minutes); nearly all the songs on Trading Twilight For Daylight were played. The stunning show came to a head with three of The Comas joining in, banging on tambourines for the last number - a bring-the-house-down rendition of Into The Sun. Great Northern is headed for spectacular heights, keep an eye out.
All photos courtesy of Cause=Time.
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