More Concerts (Frightened Rabbit, Hop Along, and Chelsea Wolfe included)

Back at the beginning of this month (May), I went to see M. Ward for the 3rd time. I was a little hesitant this time around, because the past shows were rather mellow and I didn't know if I'd be feeling the music if I wasn't in the mood. The last time I went was with my ex-girlfriend about 2 years ago, and it wasn't the best, most pleasurable experience, so I wanted to go and enjoy it, if I was to go this time around. Then, I got word that the opening act was a new band called NAF (Nice as Fuck) which is Jenny Lewis' (Rilo Kiley) side/new project. I immediately bought a ticket. And, I was not disappointed. First of all, NAF set up on the floor of the small venue and packed the crowd in tightly around them (three ladies including Jenny Lewis). She was amazing and I swear we made eye contact at least 3x because I was right there in the front, not wanting to miss any moment of this show. And then, M. Ward came out and put on an incredible set that was not mellow at all.

NAF song:


M. Ward setlist:

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  6. (Chuck Berry cover)
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  13. (Sonny West cover)
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  16. (John Fahey cover)
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  19. Encore:
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My sister and I also went to see Hop Along, a great indie band from PA (whom I'd seen open for Modest Mouse here in Portland), when they played at the Sinclair, opening for Boston natives and local music heroes, Speedy Ortiz. The female singer from Hop Along has perhaps one of the best, refreshingly original-sounding voices complete with rasp and growl that I've heard from a female singer in awhile. Hop Along stole this show, complete with a rocking, spot-on cover of Nirvana's b-side fan-favorite song "Sappy" (during which the majority of the young crowd had no idea what song they were playing... posers!! but my sister and I looked at each other and smiled, happily).



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  7. Sappy (Nirvana cover)
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And Speedy Ortiz setlist:


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Then, I went to see Frightened Rabbit with my friend Courtney (who actually introduced me to this Scottish dudes and their awesome music a few years back when she copied their first two albums for me. along with Matt Pond PA). Frightened Rabbit played at the House of Blues, which seemed like a big venue for them, but since it was my first time seeing them, I really enjoyed their set. They certainly did not disappoint me. Oh, and my sister went with to this show as well, since she's obsessed with all music from Scotland and loves Frightened Rabbit. Also, on a side note, it was just announced that Frightened Rabbit will be playing in Portland as well and I bought us all tickets to that show, in order to relive the magic and hopefully see a different set!



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  17. Encore:
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The next night, I traveled solo back to Boston to see the goth-indie rock woman Chelsea Wolfe at the Royale. I'd listened to her newest album, "Abyss," a few times on Spotify and thought it would be a great show and sound to hear live. She was great, played straight through without talking to the crowd. Her sound is almost reminiscent of old school Nine Inch Nails, but a bit heavier and chunkier in regards to the guitars.


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  14. Encore:
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