Typhoon @ Ecotrust
Joined by AU
Residents of Portland refer to July 5th as the first day of summer, and I can see why. The sun was out, people were smiling, and you couldn’t help 2000 but feel hot for the first time in months. The sweet summer aroma of grilled local foods was creeping closer while walking down ninth street over to the Ecotrust’s Sundown Concert Series, and I knew that tonight was going to be a fun time.
First up was the indie rock band, AU, hailing from Portland. Pronounced as “Ay-you,” these guys were almost more excited to be there then their fans were. Luke Wyland, on vocalist and keyboard, and Dana Valatka, on drums, were outstandingly energetic. Their performance practically put the crowd on their toes with excitement. AU brings a very experimental sound to the set. Several other vocalists were backing up AU. The Chanting and singing of the large gathering of vocalists amped up the crowd. This band’s performance was a great already made the evening for me and brought the crowd’s energy to an all time high.
As Typhoon was prepping their set and making final checks to sound, several sponsors took the opportunity to spread their word of their local, green companies. From clothing companies like Patagonia to a lovely sing-along bank representative from PacificCoast Bank, the delay was not in vain, and the crowd pleasantly entertained for the intermission.
Typhoon is a LARGE band. From ukuleles and trumpets to xylophones and violins. Typhoon has it all. This American indie rock band from Salem, Oregon, brought of 11 of its 13 artists on stage. Having that many artists on stage makes for a very interesting sound. When I usually hear a band for the first time, I try to compare it an artist that I know. Typhoon was different. The overwhelming yet unison resonance of the vocalists, instruments, percussionists, hand clapping, and more made a very incomparable sound. The soothing yet boisterous, the main vocalist, Kyle Morton, gave it all with passion. After the end of their set, the crowd was screaming and chanting for an encore, and, of course, all the members hopped right back on stage performing several more songs to finish off the night. With free music, great food, and local beer, nothing could really beat the Sundown Concert Series’ summer evening in Portland.
Comments