You almost wished that the band, led by brothers Chris and Rich Robinson, played with the youthful vigor of their opening act, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals.
The openers, from Vermont, performed a short set of soulful rock songs inspired by the 60s and early 70s.
Potter’s jean skirt and brown boots garnered whistles on more than one occasion. Audience members yelled “I love you Grace!” as she danced her way between her guitar and keyboards.
She slipped the ballad Apologies between a few harder numbers, showing her versatility. This is the kind of artist – who shrieks like a hell-vixen one minute and then coos like a gentle bird the next – that appeals to both Top-40-listening parents and their rebellious teenagers.
Drummer Matthew Burr, whose hat and mustache made him look like a character from a western, kept heads bobbing throughout the set. The other band members borrowed pieces of his drum set for a thundering finale.
Grace Potter and the Nocturnals
three cups full of bottled lightning
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
Lauren 07.13.08 at 10:17 am
What the hell? This is the best site EVER, and I didn’t even know about it till today. I guess I haven’t been keeping up to date with my GPN ish recently. No more excuses!
Seriously, dude. Awesome.
Todd 07.13.08 at 10:20 am
Now That’s a good review! Sorry to miss the show/chat … But thanks for all you do Mojo!
toofarnorth 07.13.08 at 11:03 am
“shrieks like a hell-vixen one minute and then coos like a gentle bird the next ”
How Perfect !
Kired 07.13.08 at 11:47 am
That about sums up the show I went to, as well. GPN kicked ass, Crowes not so much. Glad to know my biases weren’t the only thing in play.
Bill 07.13.08 at 2:53 pm
I’m only going to that show for the first act anyway. I’m a fan of The Black Crowes but anything they do that night is just a bonus.
Stephy 07.13.08 at 4:47 pm
Grace and her band are absolutely amazing!! I was one of those people yelling “I love you!” I wish they could have played longer..and for me, they made the whole night!
owllover 07.14.08 at 5:42 am
hey those of you new to this site and new to the band, we’d love to have you aboard the street team!! click to the right on Potterville Posse Street Team and join others crazy about the NOCS!!
titaniumstarship 07.14.08 at 8:20 pm
Scott drives this band musically. Reporters seem often miss that in the face of Grace and Matt’s showmanship.
Vtshome 07.15.08 at 4:20 am
Yeah it’s hard for reporters and sometimers to get buy Grace but us music and GPN lovers appreciate and love all the Noc’s….even Bryan and his bass lines. Need more bass solo’s
owllover 07.15.08 at 7:24 am
Bryan is THE BOMB!!
Steph 07.15.08 at 4:26 pm
Right on re: Scott. I admire his musical talent and song writing ability more than anyone else in the group. Unfortunately though, more and more articles and reviews seem to be focusing on the flash and less substantive topics (like short skirts or what I refer to as “oh crap, I got on stage without my pants†outfits). Alas…we are a shallow culture… Despite his prowess, apparently the Frenchman needs to slap on a mini to get noticed by some in the media. He’d WOULD be dead sexy in one…
Steph 07.15.08 at 4:28 pm
One of these days I’ll post a comment w/out a typo. Damn-it!