Sandwiched in a night of hard rock at the Rolling Stone showcase, The Low Anthem provided a multi-instrumental change of pace that was subdued and absolutely wonderful. Stocking the stage with instruments from organ and upright bass to saw and crotales (!) the folkies played a set that highlighted their instrumental abilities. This is not a group that is going to blow you away - instead they are going to slowly lure you in with seductive harmonies that sound like little you've heard before. It's a beautiful subtlety that they have managed to polish into a fine sheen - bright enough to catch your attention but not bright enough to blind you.
The coolest moment of the set came courtesy of lead singer Ben Knox Miller and the wonders of modern technology. Holding two cell phones in his hands, he used one to call the other; after picking up, he placed both on speaker-phone and held them, speakers up, in his hands around the microphone. Whistling softly into the two phones cradled in front of him, Miller created a beautiful feedback loop, clean whistle tone distorting to a buzzing drone riddled with harmonics and nascent chords. It was just one moment from a show filled with sonic experimentation, but it was one that stuck with me.
