Returning from a tour that included Passion Pit and Michael Cera, along with larger venues, Pepper Rabbit appears cramped on the tiny Hawthorne Theatre stage. They are curved downward toward their instruments and bathed in unflattering green stage lights that add a sickly pallor to the members’ faces. Following a bass-heavy introductory jam, the band’s performance becomes much more cohesive during the second song, "Older Brother." The singer grins throughout the set. Perhaps it’s impossible not to smile while strumming a ukulele. The mostly younger crowd dances at the foot of the stage, and the strength of Pepper Rabbit's performance grows as it draws to a hasty end. They complete the set with a big finish that makes the room pulse.
Lafayette, Louisiana’s Givers are up next. In the interest of full disclosure, I know the band’s newest member – touring saxophonist and keyboardist, Nick Stephan. He’s my best friend’s brother, but is in no way immune to my critical scrutiny. With all my cards on the table, though, Givers are astonishingly good. They come out strong, backed by blasts of percussion from the band’s dual drummers. Each member plays with monumental force that does not waver. As they gleefully pound at their instruments during “Up Up Up” and “Meantime,” we audience members have no choice but to move our bodies to the complex afro-pop-inspired beat. Their third song is infused with the sound of Acadiana, and vocalist Tif Lamson is attacking her tambourine so ferociously with her drumsticks that she shatters the ill-fated instrument and throws it to the screaming crowd. Her voice has an arresting quality to it, and she and her band mates are immensely talented, engaging, and expressive. They have such command of the stage – jumping along with each note – that the floor threatens to collapse beneath them. Givers’ final song incorporates more of an electronic sound, as well as a saxophone playing perfectly in tune with Taylor Guarisco’s guitar. Lamson hops down into the crowd to finish the song among us, and is warmly welcomed.
After a long break, the members of Ra Ra Riot have assembled in a line at the edge of the stage. They stay still for a moment before claiming their respective stations. The diverse array of instruments this evening is increased by a violin, as well as a rather curious-looking cello composed of little more than a molded piece of sheet metal fashioned into a familiar shape and supporting the fret board. Many elements are at work here, and their legions of young fans immediately spring into action as the first note rings out through the space. The excitement builds during the second song, but there is a temporary setback when Alexandra Lawn’s elaborate cello breaks and must be repaired. Stalling for time, the band plays a quick cello-less song until the instrument is operational again. There is a noticeable difference in their performance once all technical issues are resolved, and the members begin moving more freely on the stage as if breathing a collective sigh of relief.
"Each Year" commands a rousing audience sing-along, and the instruments blend together seamlessly, taking up all remaining space in the room. The crowd’s enthusiasm is infectious, and singer Wes Miles frequently reaches toward us to give as many high-fives as he can. "There are great humans in Portland," he says, placing a tambourine atop his head like a clanging crown. He throws one of his shoes into the air, and this show suddenly sticks its sock-clad toes into eccentric territory. In an apt transition, these actions usher in the set's final song, "Too Dramatic," which incites a raucous dance-hoedown. Miles hurls his remaining shoe to the back of the room and the band exits the stage. Chants of "Hounds of Love" ring out, referencing the band's tendency to cover the Kate Bush song when playing live. The re-shod singer and his band mates return, and, refusing the crowd's pleas, close out the night with two of their own songs. The last number concludes with Miles jumping down to floor-level, where he is greeted with hugs and attempted kisses, and then running back up the steps to clang out a final note on the keyboard. Ra Ra Riot, your songs aren’t quite my speed, but you put on a damn fine show.
Ra Ra Riot setlist:
Massachusetts
Run My Mouth
Too Too Too Fast
Shadowcasting
Each Year
Can You Tell
Do You Remember
Oh, La
You and I Know
St. Peter’s Day Festival
Kansai
Boy
Too Dramatic
Encore:
Ghost Under Rocks
Dying is Fine
