Dazzling Folk Rock with The Acorn at the Horseshoe Tavern

Date of show: April 28, 2011

There is something about The Acorn that just induces bliss. Perhaps it’s frontman Rolf Klausener’s comforting vocals and moving lyricism. Or perhaps it’s the intricate guitar work, courtesy of Klausener and Jordan Howard. Or perhaps it’s the loud, boisterous percussion from Patrick Johnson and Jeffrey Malecki. Combined, their sound is shimmering folk rock that has the capacity to silence a crowd or have them singing along. The stage setup adds to the blissful atmosphere, with timed lamp lights and Christmas lights draped over the microphone stands.

As an added bonus, Klausener’s stage banter is top notch, full of humour with dashes of sarcasm. Using the crowd to dictate some of his banter, he was able to engage the crowd. And hey, the drunk girls next to me, one of whom was celebrating a birthday, absolutely loved it. It was special treat that Jeff DeButte, long-time former guitarist and founding member, joined the band for several songs on backup vocals, but noted to the crowd how weird it felt to not have a guitar on stage.

The Acorn played a set heavily focused on most recent work, Glory Hope Mountain and No Ghost. Not neglecting old fans, the band managed to squeeze in a song from their Tin Fist EP, “Dents.” A good hour later, having played 13 songs, The Acorn walked off stage after “Bobcat Goldwraith.” It didn’t take long for the band to reappear for an encore. After playing “Crooked Legs,” Evening Hymns joined the band on stage for a rousing 2-song Tom Petty encore. The party on stage was a fine end to such a lovely evening of music.

Here’s the setlist:

Kindling To Cremation
Hold Your Breath
Flood
Restoration
Misplaced
Glory
Dents
Cobbled From Dust
I Made The Law
Antenna
No Ghost
Low Gravity
Bobcat Goldwraith

Encore:
Crooked Legs
I Won’t Back Down (cover)
You Wreck Me (cover)

Evening Hymns

Evening Hymns is the project of Jonas Bonnetta. He started off the night on stage alone before being joined by the rest of the band. Joining him was Sylvie Smith (bass) and Gavin Gardiner (guitar), who provided harmonies alongside Bonnetta’s stirring vocals, Tim Bruton on keys and James Bunton on drums. Dashing in late during the third song of the night, “Cedars,” was Shaun Brodie on trumpet.

Evening Hymns played 7 songs, playing most 2009’s Spirit Guides. The band also treated the audience to new songs from Evening Hymns’ forthcoming record, Spectral Dusk, which was recorded earlier this year in a cabin with the help of The Wooden Sky. Evening Hymn’s folk is so moving, as there’s just something in Bonnetta’s voice that translates a feeling of singing from the heart and gut. For the final song of the night, “Mtn. Song,” Bonnetta indicated the song was Acorn– inspired. With the use of effects and loops, Bonnetta was captivating as he manned the stage alone before being joined by the rest of the band.

This set was a fitting introduction to The Acorn’s set, as the music that night flowed together so well. I’m looking forward to Spectral Dusk and you should all feel the same way.