Last night I attended my first concert in Mershon Auditorium, and also my first Feist experience. I love going into a show, having no expectations, and walking out pleasantly surprised. Feist is so much more than that “1,2, 3, 4” song.
I caught a bit of The Low Anthem and after a quick set change, Feist began to play without introduction. The band included a drummer, three whimsical, flowy-ambience inducing back-up singers, and two renaissance men, who switched from instrument to instrument with ease.
My only complaint was our tight audience. I can’t remember the last time I sat down for a concert. Maybe high school, during an assembly? Only after Feist acknowledged the boring audience would they clap along with her. Finally, when people started to stand up, the rest of the audience did so as well, but it seems only because they were not able to see. Everyone stood still, heads cocked to one side, in a trance by the melodic voice of Feist, utterly enamored by the charm of her sound that was so subtle, yet so powerful. Some danced in the aisles, but I only noticed those with high ponytails and moccasin sandals fully letting themselves go. But this has nothing to do with Feist. Her and her band were energetic and eager to get the crowd involved.
Harmonies were tight. So tight, that it sounded like the sounds bellowing out from Feist and the three swaying back-up singers were produced by a MAC computer. Her voice was that of a songbird in love or even in despair on a spring day. To say Feist is underrated is an understatement. There was a projection of abstract art in the beginning of the set and later transitioned to a layering of close-ups of Feist and her guitar or her band, while the shadows of the swaying dancers layered on top. It was a little off-putting and reminded me of an old episode of Soul Train.
“Mushaboom” by Feist will always be my favorite:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FN3yn1bafA
Dearest Feist, you have honestly gained my respect as well as a new fan. If you haven’t checked her out, do it. You might be surprised.