Wow.

Went to see Howlin Rain and Okkervil River tonight (with a bonus concert from Kentucky Nightmare). I'd never heard of Howlin Rain. They rocked out in a huge way. Their lead man is one of the most frenetic guitar players I've seen, and he was all over the place with tons of energy and power. They were a great surprise when I really hadn't expected much.

Okkervil was equally amazing. I've enjoyed the melodic tunes on The Stage Names, but they really had a great intensity and impact on stage. Listening to the recording now, they really are a band that shines in concert (the myspace tunes for Howlin Rain lack some of the raw edge of the live show, but are really great anyway).

If you happen to be on a tour stop of Okkervil River, by all means catch them. This was the last show with Howlin Rain, but then they start up with the New Pornographers. NP has some of the best music I've heard in the last couple of years, so I'm sad that I missed out on them, but I can hardly imagine a concert I'd rather see right now.

-Andy