Concert Review: Blitzen Trapper

Went to the Blitzen Trapper show at the Showbox at the Market in Seattle last Friday. If you’re unfamiliar with Blitzen Trapper, just listen to old Guess Who and Grateful Dead albums — Blitzen Trapper is the modern reincarnation of those classic rock bands. Their style is southern rock mixed with a little psychedelica and a little straight up hard rock. Their songs are catchy and their concert vibe is a ton of fun.

First, a little gripe — what’s with concert start times? Doors open at 7pm but the headline act doesn’t go on until 10:45pm? That’s a long long time, my friends. Three opening acts; I missed the first but got the second two, Seabear and the Fruit Bats. I’d never heard Seabear before and was pretty skeptical at first — looked six or seven people up there, a horn section, a violin, keyboard (and the keyboardist had some weird electronic voice distorter). The lead singer looked like he was not doing really great, and generally the hairstyles looked… bad. I figured they were from Portland, but then noticed a funny accent in the songs, and I couldn’t really understand their onstage banter. Turns out they’re from Iceland. Should have guessed that. Anyways, it also turns out they’re FANTASTIC. Best new find I’ve had in years and years. Sufjan Stevens meets Arcade Fire… and no I’m not making that up. Here’s a couple of videos:

Anyways, really like em.

Fruit bats were up next, and while I like their musical style I tend to get a little tired of them after a while. The lead singer’s voice is a little quirky, a little Joanna Newsom, and after a set you sort of exhausted. I do like them musically and enjoy the positive uplift. They are a cheery band and reflect some super-positive energy. And then….

Blitzen Trapper took the stage, and they really took it. It’s natural that a headliner act would have a more commanding stage presence, better equipment, etc., but the contrast here was really striking. They just walked on and nailed song after song, transitioning right into each song and not letting up. The performance was incredibly energetic and technically amazing. Their style is lo-fi, Americana and Southern rock, but they played like masters and had a series of tremendous guitar solos. A solid band with music that translates really nicely to live performance. Some video:

I read another review of the show with some excellent pictures and I have to agree — the evening was like a time warp, going between very different musical zones but each with a level of skill and passion that was palpable.