by eliza czander
Herman Dune might be my new favorite band. I got to The Highline Ballroom a little late last night, but was just in time to see the second half of their opening set. They’ve been on the road with Jolie Holland for about a month now, and as far as I know, last night’s show was the final show of their US tour. Not a bad way to go out.
I WISH THAT I COULD SEE YOU SOON BY HERMAN DUNE:
The Highline was packed. I’d never been to an acoustic show there – they set it up with tables covering most of the floor and the balcony. The quiet racket of people having dinner and clinking glassware was actually a nice background to the band’s performance. Herman Dune played some amazing songs off their most recent album, Next Year in Zion. “My Baby is Afraid of Sharks” is one of the coolest, most bad-ass songs I’ve heard in a long time. Granting a request from a shout from the audience, Dune played the beautiful “I Wish That I Could See You Soon,” to massive applause.
Outfitted with a bassist, guitarist, two guys on horns, a chick on the bongos, 2 gals singing backup, lead singer David’s brother on drums, and even a toddler at one point…yeah, it’s a mystery how they sounded so good. Great, actually. I loved how they all lined the front of the stage, I’ve never seen a drum kit placed right next to the lead vocalist. It was like they all had equal spotlight opportunity. Pretty cool.
Jolie Holland came up to sing an acoustic song with David, and I swear to god “Blue Moon” has never sounded so sweet. Check out this band now, they’re versatile and positive, and somehow not so famous yet. Get in before they go big.
Next up, Miss Jolie Holland. I became familiar with Holland’s music when our editor, Alex, turned me on to her. The two of them did an interview a while back, and from reading it, girl sounded mad cool. Her music is weighty, filled with profundities and thoughtful compositions. It took me a while to really get into it, to really feel it. Much in the same way you have to listen to a good Radiohead song a ton of times before truly understanding it. Her voice is absolutely incredible, and save for a few mic problems and technical difficulties, last night she sounded amazing as ever.
SWEET LOVING MAN BY JOLIE HOLLAND:
Playing a bunch of her latest album, The Living and the Dead, she also brought some of Herman Dune back on stage (toddler included) to rock out to a couple of tunes. My only criticism, and I’m not even sure this is fair, but there wasn’t a whole lot going on up on stage. Holland’s not exactly a talker, which can at times add to her sultry mystery, but closing your eyes and keeping to yourself can sometimes draw a disconnect with the crowd. I wanted to feel like she was in it with us, and there were moments when I wasn’t so sure. Nevertheless, Holland played a wonderful set, looked amazing, and made me want to throw her record on the second I got home. Both bands are off to Europe to finish off their tour together. If you happen to be overseas, make sure to check ‘em out. You’ll thank me later.
