CLOUD CULT, SAY HI, ICE PALACE
PLUSH
Saturday, May 16
Desert dwellers, we owe Minneapolis a huge debt of gratitude for
sharing two incredible bands with us.
It’s a shame Ice Palace had to open to such a minimal crowd. An
eclectic five-piece band that utilizes guitars, bass, drums, keyboards
and a trumpet, they had an endearing indie-rock pseudo-sloppiness (much
like Beirut) that gave them an accessible, down-to-earth quality.
Harmonies were abundant in two, three and four parts, and their songs
were laced with surprising progressive riffs and catchy melodies. The
few people who showed up early were treated to a solid performance.
Say Hi, the odd band out from Seattle, confirmed something that I
wasn’t ready to concede at their performance here in March: Their live
show is sorely lacking when compared to their recorded material. The
drums tend to overpower all other elements that would otherwise
steal—or at the very least round out—the show. The strain
of having to make up all parts of their sound proved too much for the
two members—a vocalist/guitarist/bassist and a drummer. If they
don’t want extra bandmates, then it would behoove them to start looping
some of the elements from their recorded material and using technology
to their advantage. They received a flat response from the crowd for
good reason.
If there were an intergalactic save-the-universe benefit concert,
and one band had to be chosen to represent the best of what the human
race has to offer, my vote would go to Cloud Cult. Fog, video displays
and delicate lights set the tone. Two large canvases flanked the stage,
and when the music kicked in, Connie Minowa and Scott West began to
paint. As if the beautiful visuals weren’t enough, the intense beauty
of the music could have inspired tears. Many of the songs the band
performed were penned while lead vocalist/guitarist/songwriter Craig
Minowa dealt with the tragic loss of his son in 2002, and touched on
the universal themes of love and loss. The band’s sound included
breathtaking cello and violin work, a keyboard, a trumpet and gorgeous
harmonies, sometimes involving up to six people.
At the end of the show, the paintings were auctioned off to support
Cloud Cult’s efforts to save the planet. There’s no doubt those in
attendance were in the presence of greatness.
This article appears in May 21-27, 2009.
