SFist Reviews: Vetiver @ Great American Music Hall
by Moses Namkung
While Vetiveris a perennial grass of the Poaceae family, native to India, and is also a magical hedge against erosion, in these here parts Vetiver is better known as that Bay Area folk-y band that, well, needs no introduction. Like, they're currently the third most popular SF band on the Deli!
As for the openers, we missed most of Adam Stephens' set, though if you want to hear a great live performance at Bumbershoot of his band, Two Gallants, check out this podcast from Seattle radio station KEXP 90.3. And we couldn't help but think that Richard Swift, who followed, looked like Bob Ross resurrected in his youth, though with more fat. He got deliciously funky with the last song of his set, "Lady Luck."
And Vetiver? Their anticipated homecoming at Great American Music Hall, an official CD release party sponsored by local indie music blog, The Bay Bridged, was packed with the hometown faithful. The hour and a half set leaned heavily on songs from Tight Knit, the band's fourth full-length, many of which are doused with layered mellowness and fit for a classic makeout session playlist. The crowd did start swaying and grooving when Vetiver mixed it up with some of their faster tempoed tracks, such as "Everyday,"which we've been listening to on nauseous repeat.
If you missed them this time, they'll be back in a week on April 15th @ Palace of the Fine Arts with Fleet Foxes. Check the gig out here.