The prolific recording artist Phil Elverum brought a full band with him from the great Northwest and played the first of two NYC gigs Wednesday night at (Le) Poisson Rouge in the Village.
Just off an airplane, Elverum and four bandmates (including Allyson Foster on bass/backing vocals) performed under the name Mount Eerie. The 90-minute set covered material from Elverum’s two 2012 releases Ocean Roar and Clear Moon. Both records are inspired by observations about natural and rugged beauty in and around Elverum’s hometown of Anacortes, Washington.
Do a little web research on Anacortes and you’ll get a feel for how and why Elverum sets a songwriting agenda topped by terrain, weather and what he sees outside his window. Many writers seek out such sites as backdrops for exercising their creativity. Elverum lives and breathes it. He slips in a little darkness and cynicism along the way.
The live performance of Mount Eerie material is executed with the same lushness and proficiency as heard on the records. There’s buildup and breakdown. Some meandering.
Elverum was a bit shy when the adoring NYC audience expressed appreciation after songs ended. Elverum bowed his head repeatedly and cracked a small smile. The crowd was pin-drop silent during pauses between songs and not a single camera flash was seen the entire set. It was the most respectful rock and roll crowd I’ve seen in a long while.
The venue is great. It was fifteen bucks to get in. The lower level main space has room for about 700. The lighting and sound is professional grade. Fake smoke was pumped in during Mount Eerie’s set with favorable results. The bar is long and was staffed by three tenders. During the hour prior to the start of Mount Eerie’s set, hard stuff (well) was five bucks and beers were three. A young woman with a serving tray moved about the audience and handed out free shots of Bushmills before the band went on.
Most unusual was the start time. Doors opened at 6:30 PM and Mount Eerie went on at 7:30 PM. There was no opening act. I was home by 9:30 PM. (Le) Poisson Rouge slotted the early gig to make way for a 10 PM Corey Glover (Living Colour, Galactic) performance in the same space.
I’d imagine the overhead at Rouge is astronomical given its prime location on Bleeker between Sullivan and Thompson. It’s apparent lots of money has been sunk into the place. Operating expenses must be high. But LPR’s been open since June 2008 so it’s stuck around awhile now. Indie rock acts will be attracted to the sound and setup. The venue streams shows live online. Matt Mondanile celebrates release of the new Ducktails record there in January. I like the place.
When I walked out, Elverum sat alone at a card table in the corridor outside the performance space. Stacks of Mount Eerie vinyl was available for purchase. The band plays another early gig Thursday night on the campus of New York University before returning to fog of Fidalgo Island.